July | 2017 | stephensopinions

A proper sequel or follow-up game should improve upon the original, but at the same time maintain the aspects which made the original successful. Metal Slug 2 does a great job at keeping all of the great aspects of Metal Slug, but adding a few things here and there to improve the experience. Metal Slug 2 plays exactly the same as the original, fast-paced run-and-gun action. There is a new weapon, some new enemy types, new vehicles, and more varied and environments, all of which make this sequel distinct from the original.

The other distinction from the original is the humor and absurdity that was added. Outlandish enemies like aliens and mummies certainly add a unique feeling to Metal Slug 2. The original was a much more traditional war title, but I appreciate the goofiness of Metal Slug 2. Humorous moments like a killer whale leaping out of the water and swallowing enemies whole make Metal Slug 2 more memorable than the first.

Overall, Metal Slug 2 is more varied and unique than the original, but at the same time the game plays the same. It is still tough to minimize your deaths, but deaths are not punished so you can limp your way through the game even if you are struggling. I am not a huge fan of the forgiving nature of the game, but if you really want a challenge you can still just play the game and try to die as few times as possible. I quite like the absurdity of Metal Slug 2, and I think that it was an improvement on the original game’s ordinary war scenario. All in all, Metal Slug 2 is a quick and fun game to play that keeps in the chaotic spirit of the original. If you have an hour to kill and you want some old-school run-and-gun action, definitely check out Metal Slug 2.

If you are a fan of run-and-guns, arcade games, or just looking for some quick fun, Metal Slug should be a top priority on your play list. This Rambo-esque arcade game is constant, fast-paced, hectic, action and intensity. Beautifully hand-drawn sprites and backgrounds only add to the charm of this game. Rapidly sprinting through the 2D environments, dodging enemy fire, and blasting through enemies with the various weapons at your disposal is just a ton of fun. Metal Slug is very challenging, but also extremely forgiving. It is challenging in the sense that getting through every level while dying as little as possible is can be a daunting task as bullets, missiles, and grenades fly at you from every direction. But at the same time anytime you die or run out of lives, you just get put back exactly where you were, so there is no punishment for screwing up.

My only real issue with the game was the fact that you respawn exactly where you die. I would have liked to see frequent checkpoints, and if you die a few times and run out of credits, you get sent back to that checkpoint. That way, the player would be challenged to make it through small sections without dying an excessive amount of times.

Since Metal Slug is only 45-60 minutes long, there can be a real addictive quality to going back and beating the levels again, but trying to die less and get a higher score. Metal Slug also supports multiplayer, so you can have fun with a friend as you shoot your way through this game. As one of the legendary run-and-gun titles, Metal Slug is definitely worth a play through.

stephensopinions

Month: July 2017

Metal Slug 2 (1998)

Metal Slug (1996)