Of all the titles released during the Neo Geo's surprisingly long lifespan, Metal Slug arguably stands out as one of the most famous and beloved. Released in 1996 - a time when the traditional run-and-gun arcade shooter was on the wane - this debut release dazzled with its superb visuals, excellent animation and tight controls. Since then, we've seen six mainline sequels and a series of spin-offs, as well as anthology collections and Virtual Console releases on the Wii. It was almost inevitable that Metal Slug would make an appearance on the Switch the moment that Hamster Corp. confirmed it was bringing its ACA Neo Geo range to the console, and the good news is that this seminal title has lost none of its ability to entertain.
The setting surely requires no explanation; you're tasked with taking down an entire army of enemies using a series of guns - many of which can be collected in the field by saving POWs and have limited ammo - grenades and (of course) the titular Metal Slug tank. This "Super Vehicle" pops up at predetermined points in each of the game's levels, and is capable of taking a fair amount of punishment before it explodes and your character is forcibly ejected. Later Slug games introduced a wide range of alternative vehicles - some of which felt a little on the gimmicky side - but by sticking to a single option here there's a certain purity to the experience.
This simplicity may be viewed as a shortcoming, but in all honesty Metal Slug is such a refined and enjoyable romp that it actually feels tighter and more enjoyable than some of its gung-ho sequels, many of which piled on the sprites (and the absurdity) to the point where some scenes looked downright silly and slowdown was a real issue. In this opening game, the theme is kept strictly military, avoiding the rather outlandish and largely nonsensical plots introduced in later entries. You won't find any gigantic mechanised crabs but you will find an impressive selection of screen-filling military ordinance, all of which you're expected to take down.
The visuals really are stunning, even after 20 years; this is 2D artwork at its finest, boasting detailed characters, rich backgrounds and plenty of offbeat humour. Enemy soldiers display a wide range of emotions; explosions send them flying into the air with blood-curdling screams, while at other points - unaware of your presence - they indulge in bonefire chats or a spot of sunbathing. As you can imagine, these memorable moments are what makes Metal Slug stand out from other run-and-gun titles, which tend to take a humourless view on the art of destruction.
Metal Slug is also a tough cookie to crack, calling for quick reflexes and dogged perseverance. Having unlimited continues does dampen the challenge somewhat, but thankfully the ACA Neo Geo range comes with Caravan and Hi-Score modes which are ideal for showing off your skills. Caravan gives you a set period of time in which to rack up as many points as possible, while Hi-Score has the same objective but grants a single continue. Both have online leaderboards so you can compare your talents to those of other Switch players.
Conclusion
You might assume that Metal Slug's numerous sequels would be far superior to the original but that isn't the case; while the other outings in this series add their fair share of neat features, the 1996 original has a simple purity to it which makes it feel more focused and less preoccupied with pushing the hardware (and the imagination of the developers) to the limit. It's arguably one of the finest 2D titles ever made, and while the gameplay might be seem rather shallow to modern players, if you're a fan of old-school arcade blasters which task you with scoring as many points as possible, then this is a must-have.
Comments 26
ROCKET LAWNCHAIR!
Yeah, I know the game from start to finish and could probably finish it with my eyes closed, but it remains such a pure, frantic blast without the sequels sometimes distracting extras. What a scorcher!
Great game I enjoyed on Wii VC. And then again as part of the Wii Metal Slug Anthology. I won't triple dip on switch, but this would be great fun for impromptu table-top co-op when out and about!
I bought and enjoyed the third. Amazing series, can't wait to co op it with my brother. Doesn't seem really worth getting the first now though? Great to see it started out good.
Definitely my second favorite installment in the Metal Slug franchise after the third one (which is already out on the eshop). I might pick this up if this goes on sale.
Great game 10/10
I can't seem to get any farther than the beginning of the third mission with one credit, not even on easy with 5 lives. :/
But (for now) I refuse to use continues (using easy difficulty feels enough like cheating already), and hope I get better with perseverence and repeating the first levels. One day I swear I will see level four! Not frustrated yet.
The one big flaw in these games imo is not being able to shot diagonally with regular guns, and it's a weird kind of rotation with other guns too. With that one tweak I think they'd be amazing game, but without it they're fun but a bit clunky feeling at times.
@XenoShaun - The first one is arguably the best. The amount of detail and little touches make it a joy to play through again and again.
Others may be bigger and badder, but the original really got it right.
Is this the most anticipated Neo Geo title of all? I'm definitely buying. I've played a couple of Metal Slug games, but never the original.
I thought this review would never come...
This is definitely better than the 3rd. I actually found that one quite annoying and unappealing, but this one is just about right.
This is where I'd like to see a demo. I can't recall if I like this kind of game but given the love it's getting here I'd like to find out if I like it before purchase.
I live near a barcade called Tappers. They have a Neo Geo Multicade with Metal Slug 1-4 on it. The games are all on freeplay. You just buy beers and go ham. I've played Metal Slug so many times and it somehow, never gets old.
I take it the emulation is good? That's not the case with the Steam version, which I already own.
'You might assume that Metal Slug's numerous sequels would be far superior to the original but that isn't the case'.
You should have said it in the King of Fighters '94 review. ^^
Anyone else feel the the turbo fire setting is not responsive? Some strange delay?
@NinChocolate - Yes, that doesn't work at all for me.
The lack of diagonal shooting allows for better, more flexible level design. The first Metal Slug is a very good game with, what I believe to be, a better flow and difficulty curve than part three. I think it's among the best entries, with my favorites being 1, X, and 5. It's one of my favorite series of games.
Metal Slug X will always be might favorite in the series, but the 1st game is still fun.
I'd be all over this if I didn't already own Metal Slug Anthology. I might double dip though for on the go gaming.
This sounds great for playing on the go. If ever there is a lull in eshop releases soon I might try this or 3.
10-10 for me. It's only topped by Metal Slug 3 (because the zombies and music in level 2 is so awesome).
Magnificent, now that I haw this game I can finally boast to my friends that I fought in WWII and even fought against Adolf Hitler himself. For some reason he is called General Morden in the game. Oh come on, most people bought this to feel like they fought in the war.
@JunkRabbit I know this post is three years old, but I have been enjoying a renaissance of playing the first game, and you're right — I'd like to see the wizard who can beat the game with only one credit — I finally got past the second level last night, but that midboss on the third level? Forget about it
@Andee How do you even stumble across the comments to this review, three years on... Yeah, I know, read the review probably, to see what NL had to say about it and then stuck with the comments.
Anyway, it's a strangely nice sensation getting a reply to such an old post, feels a bit like a time capsule. Interesting...
It also triggers me to try again. Haven't gotten any farther since then, with so many other games to play (the pile of shame is getting bigger and bigger), but due to your nice reply might just try again tonight... Thanks!
@JunkRabbit hee! That's exactly what I did — I only discovered NL/PS a few months ago so I've been sifting through their old reviews and seeing what people have been saying! 🙃
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