Metal Slug 7 [DS]

25 Feb 2009 at 11:21:47 by
Systems used to review this title: (DS)

Metal Slug has long been the darling of run ‘n gun fans. It was first released in the mid 90s and flew the flag for what had made coin-op arcades great through previous decade. Brash, ambitious graphics combined with frantic action and twitch gameplay created an experience that was easy to get into. Moreover, as players progressed they discovered both a depth of tactics and a rhythm to the action as engaging as any first person shooter or modern adventure game.



Metal Slug 7 is the first game in the series to be built for Nintendo's diminutive handheld platform. But, and let's get this out of way at the beginning, this is the same classic Metal Slug game play - graphically, functionally and hectically. It's no bad thing that the DS's touch screen, microphone and multiple outputs haven't been shoe-horned into the honed Slug formula. What you do get is seven levels of sideways shooting joy. And on the DS's super bright screens the action is as crisp and pixel rich as ever.

The only concession to modern interaction is the map displayed on the lower screen that can be scrolled with the stylus. Apart from this it's shooting all the way. Some may see this as a weakness – a sign of the series' stagnation. But for me, in light of the classic experience on the DS, this is a perfect case of 'if it 'aint broke don't fix it'.



Players of different abilities are catered for with three difficulty settings. And in addition to the campaign levels the game also (re)introduces the Prisoner List and Combat School mode from Metal Slug X. Prisoner List mode enables you to keep track of how many prisoners you have found whereas the Combat school sets you targets for a particular level. Both serve to extend the experience and give you more reason to replay levels.



The usual troop of characters returns again. Everyone has got to know them over the years and any serious 'Metal Slugger' has their favourites. Whether it's Marco and his super strong standard weapon, Tarma's durability and enhanced power-ups, Fio who begins each mission with the Heavy Machine Gun,  Eri with her double pack of grenades, Ralf and his super fast attack or Clark and his 'Argentina Backbreaker' move there really is someone here for everyone.



These old favourites are fleshed out some with some new vehicular action. The Slug Truck is a train-like machine that can have a cannon connected. You can have up to four cannons and they have unlimited ammo, but are destroyed with a single shot. The Slug Gigant is a giant robot that is capable of massive firepower. Its Wave cannon can neutralise enemy fire with its melee attack. Finally, the Heavy Armour has both Vulcan and cannon and can slide at high speed.

The first few levels offer up a few incentives to progress as you encounter new enemies and impressive bosses. But it wasn't until I was a few hours in that things really clicked for me. Almost imperceptibly the game changed from chaotic charging around to something much more strategic. As wave upon wave of enemies came my way I got into the rhythm of dispatching them. Whereas initially I simply charged in hoping for the best, I soon resorted to strategy to minimise my risk – deciding when to advance or retreat, managing my weapons and selecting different characters to suit the terrain and challenge ahead.



Metal Slug 7 is what it should be - a solid new game in the series for the DS. It would be easy to gloss over the achievement because of the developer's restraint with the hardware. But it is here we see just how well they understand their own game. It is tweaked on the DS for sure - the sprite size and sound output need to suit the mobile platform - but where it counts Metal Slug 7 sticks to its guns - massive pixilated guns they are too.

What's more, the DS version means that a whole new audience can enjoy the genre. Gamers who haven't sampled the delights of Metal Slug before are given a comprehensive history lesson. Those that have can revel in the first proper chance to play on the go.



Some will deride the lack of innovation and deride another iteration of the same game. But for me, this is exactly why it is such a strong experience - it is Metal Slug.

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