Game - Metal Slug 4 & 5
 Stephen Mercado  rates it:    Community rates it:
   186 of 381 readers found this review helpful.

Metal Slug 4 & 5
System(s): PS2
Released: 05/25/05
Designed By: SNK Playmore/Brezzasoft

The Metal Slug series started in the arcades, way back when the arcades were cool. It was a cliché side-scroller, even back then. Despite being an obvious rip-off (or homage) of earlier games like Contra, it still garnered a cult-like fan base, even here in the states. SNK Playmore, in an effort to cash-in of this cult, err, fan base, released a compilation of the two last Metal Slug games.

Before I continue my review I will note that even though Metal Slug 4 & 5 actually make up 2 separate entries, both games are so similar that my review will reflect both games. I suppose you can’t fault SNK for not messing with a good thing.

Gameplay:

The gameplay can be summed up with one word: classic. Think back to old-school shooters such as Contra and you’ll have a very good idea of what to expect. Pick one of four characters (none of the four actually differ from one another) and run left to right shooting everything in sight. Along the way you can collect power-ups, giving you a variety of firepower and free POWs, which in turn usually give you power-ups. Occasionally you’ll get to man a variety of different vehicles. They don’t really offer anything new to the gameplay, but they are cool to pilot and are a welcome change of pace.

While single player is pretty cool, 2-player mode is where it’s at. Going through the game with a buddy is just more fun than going alone. Taking on the enemies together while trying to hog the power-ups, or best one another’s score is most certainly fun.

Unfortunately the only real flaw with MS4&5 is it’s difficulty, or rather, it’s total lack of. The game itself is difficult, every moment is packed full of action and death is all but guaranteed, however with an infinite supply of continues, which lead to an infinite amount of lives, means you really can’t lose. You’ll never have to face the dreaded game over screen unless you actually want to.
Score: 3/5

Graphics and sound:

Despite MS4&5’s original release in 2002, the graphics are most certainly old school. Featuring well-drawn 2-d sprites and tons of on-screen enemies with almost no slowdown, it certainly looks crisp. It just has every dated look that’ll most certainly turn-off the graphic whores.

The Tunes are also old school and feature atypical rock and roll. It’s pretty decent, but ultimately forgettable (as are the SFX).
Score: 2 ½/5

Control:
No complaints here, everything seems to be near perfect, although the jumping seems to be a tad stilted.

Score: 4 ½/5

Lasting Appeal:

MS4&5’s biggest drawback is it’s length, a total playtime of about 45 minutes per Metal Slug game! Even though repeat play-throughs are encouraged with multiple paths, you can literally do everything the game has to offer in as little as 3 or 4 hours (even less if you’re skilled at these types of games). Sadly there’s no real replay value outside beating each game over and over again. After a while even the most rabid of fan will get bored.
Score 1/5
Overall:

MS4&5 are a great duo of games held back by a severe lack of length and replay value. Even diehard fans may want to look into just a rental.
Final Score 2 ½/5

Added:  Saturday, July 02, 2005

Related Link:  Official Site
Language: eng[ Did you find this review helpful?  Yes  No ]
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