Metal Slug Anthology released

Despite all of the advancements in graphics and game play that has evolved for video games over the past ten years, there is still something to be said for games that are simple and addictive.

Released almost ten years ago for SNK's Neo-Geo console, Metal Slug is one of the best examples of a franchise that never seems to get stale.

The two-dimensional side-scrolling, run-and-gun action has collected a modest fan base.

Now SNK Playmore has released a massive compilation of all seven games in the series for the Nintendo Wii.

At its core, Metal Slug is a familiar and easy to play game.

One or two players can take control of a series of soldiers from the Peregrine Falcons specialized forces unit and fight against the masses of the Rebellion Army.

While hopelessly outnumbered, the Pelegrine Falcons forces have a wide arsenal of weaponry at their disposal that they obtained by freeing captured prisoners.

Everything from heavy machine guns to laser cannons is available, but the true equalizer is the powerful land tank, Metal Slug.

While the soldiers can only take one hit each before buying the farm, the Metal Slug can take multiple hits before exploding.

The Metal Slug dishes out a powerful Vulcan cannon and cannon shells with a kamikaze attack for especially tight situations.

Variations of the Slug are also introduced to best fit wherever the war zone is heading.

All of the games in this collection have been previously released in the U.S. at one point or another except for the most recent game, Metal Slug 6.

This game offers a number of new features, such as new Slug types and the ability to store two types of weaponry.

The characters are further differentiated as well.

One might have a stronger gun than the others, while another may get more out of the Slugs.

Two new characters, Ralf and Clark from the classic Ikari Warriors games, also bring their moves into this game from the King of Fighters series in which they also appear. Ralf can even take two hits before dying.

Also, The game play is as engaging as ever.

Each game consists of five levels, and the difficulty increases appropriately as progression is made though each level.

Fortunately, unlimited continues are granted, although this may hurt the replay value somewhat, since a game can usually be finished in the space of 30 minutes.

This game also takes advantages of the Wii's unique controller and offers alternate control schemes, even being able to use the remote in a fashion similar to a joystick.

The graphics may seem dated, but the sprite animations are very detailed, and there is usually a lot of action.

Bullets flashing bright colors may not be incredibly realistic, but they make incoming fire so much easier to see. Several of the boss fights are also quite exciting.

The music does its job as well, providing an appropriate musical backdrop for the myriad of explosions and yells.

Overall, however, this game is best played in short sessions; just enough to be able experience each game.

Metal Slug Anthology is a great example of taking an old formula and tweaking it just enough to excite new generations while still staying loyal to its original fans.

Anyone who is interested in old-school gaming should definitely check out this blast from the past.