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Developer: SNK
Publisher: Agetec Inc.
Genre: Shooter
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 25 Apr 01
User Rating
8.7 (7 votes) -
More Screens (5 total)
Overview
IMHO, for a 2D side-scrolling arcade shooter, the storyline is either non-existant or not interesting. In Metal Slug X, you still have to prevent the evil General Morden and his minions who're hell-bent on total world domination. But this time around, he has some help from, let's just say, friends from high places.
Gameplay
This time around, Metal Slug X features 2 more playable characters, besides the already well loved duo. Gameplay is kept simple, true to its arcade roots. You just pick one of the four heroes, and blast your way to the various levels. This this update, you're given additional transports. Aside from the MetalSlug, there's also the Slugnoid (armored bodysuit with twin blasters), the SlugFlyer which looks accidently like a Harrier, and - wait for it - a camel armed with machine guns called CamelSlug!.
There's also a multitude of weaponary to choose from. The latest introduction are the deadly 'Laser', 'Iron Lizard' (where you fire lizards that explodes when it hits the enemies), 'Enemy Chaser' (kinda like a homing missile) and the 'Drop Charge', which are bouncy bombs that can be thrown over obstacles like sandbags and low walls. You'll have to use a bit of strategy when disposing enemies, as some of them can be somewhat smarter than others. I don't want to spoil things for you, but the some of the enemies are funny and totally unexpected.
In this game, you get to run amok in 6 diverse and huge levels, rescuing hostages and finishing up level bosses. Although 6 level doesn't sound much, at the end of the game you've unlocked the 'Another Mission' mode and the Artwork Gallery. The Another Mission is basically a survial mode, where you continue until you die. Once you die, you have to start the level again, which adds challenge and fun to the whole game.
The Artwork Gallery features various images form the game, and also character sketches and comical views of the game. Not much here, but it's certainly a good idea for those who want to get a general idea of the development process for the characters and bosses.
Graphics
Graphically, the game oozes quality. The 2D character sprites are well detailed, and the animation is smooth and comical at times. This sure brings back the memory of playing the original in the arcades, only that this time you can do so without having to constanty drop coins/tokens to continue the game. The background are also well rendered, with appropriate lighting effects applied to the right places. No slowdown was detected even when the screen is full of enemies and movement, which means that SNK has improved the frame rate for the game.
Fun Factor
This is definitely a fun game to play. You'll never get bored with it. The customisable difficulty levels ensure that you get a thougher game every time, and the 'Another Level' feature will keep your interest fresh and continuous.
Overall
Overall this has all the tell-tale signs of a timeless classic. Metal Slug X will guarantee hours of fun with slick graphics, challenging gameplay and a huge replay value. Highly recommended.
- Gameplay
10.0 - Graphics
9.0 - Fun Factor
10.0 - Overall
9.0
