Metal Slug Anthology[b] is a video game compilation for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PC and the Wii. The Wii version boasts different controller configurations, most taking advantage of the Wii Remote, with the Japanese version supporting the Classic Controller and all regional variants supporting the GameCube controller. The game also marks the return of SNK Playmore as a third-party developer for a Nintendo console since the SNES era.
| Metal Slug Anthology | |
|---|---|
 North American box art | |
| Developer(s) | Terminal Reality[a][1] |
| Publisher(s) | SNK Playmore Ignition Entertainment (EU) |
| Designer(s) | Steve Mallory |
| Series | Metal Slug |
| Engine | SNK's Neo Geo MVS arcade hardware[2] |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PC, Wii |
| Release | Wii PSP PlayStation Store (PSP) PlayStation 2 PC
|
| Genre(s) | Scrolling shooter, run and gun, arcade |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
The graphics are virtually the same as the original versions released on arcade (and the more recent titles published on PS2 and Xbox). The only major change is that all games now display at a converted 480i resolution (compared to the standard 240p). Cooperative gameplay is enabled on the console versions of the game, while the PSP version has a wireless mode so that two people can play together and work as a team.
A downloadable version was made available on the PlayStation Store for PSP on October 1, 2009.[3] The Metal Slug Anthology was then released on PC in 2009 under the name Metal Slug Collection PC. However, this version offers less content and an alternative menu interface. The PlayStation 2 version was also released on PlayStation Store for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in 2015 and 2016 respectively.[4]
Included titles
edit- Metal Slug (1996)
- Metal Slug 2 (1998)
- Metal Slug X (1999)
- Metal Slug 3 (2000)
- Metal Slug 4 (2002)
- Metal Slug 5 (2003)
- Metal Slug 6 (2006)
Metal Slug 1-5 and X are the home console games running via Neo Geo AES emulation, while 6 is a ported version of the arcade game.
Included features
editMetal Slug 1-6 and X are included in the release, and the games have not been altered in any way. This is the same with the characters and abilities, which have all been kept the same, but the game's manual erroneously states that the 'slide' ability is achievable in Metal Slug 4, 5, and 6 — Metal Slug 4 and 6 do not include this feature in either the arcade or console version.
Extra features
editThe game includes several special features:
- Art Gallery - Concept art of Metal Slug 1 to 6.
- Wallpapers - PSP-only option. A collection of wallpapers that can be copied to the Memory Stick.
- Sound Gallery - Music from Metal Slug 1 to 6. The PSP version includes an option that allows the player to copy the music to the Memory Stick as Atrac3 format audio files with the proper track name and album tags.
- Game Options - Including difficulty, lives (which can be limited or unlimited, if they are limited the amount of lives the player has depends upon the difficulty) and a rapid-fire option for all games except Metal Slug 6.
- Interview - A readable interview with some of the games' designers and programmers about the Metal Slug series itself.
Reception
edit| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| GameRankings | Wii: 74%[5] PSP: 78%[6] PS2: 81%[7] |
| Metacritic | Wii: 73/100[8] PSP: 78/100[9] PS2: 80/100[10] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| GameSpot | 8.2/10[11] |
The Metal Slug Anthology received positive reviews, but was criticized for its lack of Classic Controller support on the Wii version's Western releases.[12]
Notes
edit- ^ Original games developed by SNK Playmore and its respective co-developers, including Noise Factory and Nazca Corporation.
- ^ Known in Japan as Metal Slug Complete (Japanese: メタルスラッグコンプリート, Hepburn: Metaru Suraggu Konpurīto)
References
edit- ^ "Metal Slug Anthology for PlayStation 2 (2007) Rating Systems". MobyGames. 2007-03-29. Archived from the original on 2012-11-10. Retrieved 2012-04-15.
- ^ Metal Slug: Super Vehicle-001
- ^ "SNK's PlayStation Portable games re-launch on PSN for the Incredibly Low Price of $19.99 each". SNK Playmore USA. 2009-10-01. Archived from the original on 2009-10-04. Retrieved 2009-10-01.
- ^ "PS2 Classic Metal Slug Anthology Released on PS4, and it Ain't Cheap: Gets Screenshots and Video | DualShockers". Archived from the original on 2016-07-08. Retrieved 2016-07-09.
- ^ "Metal Slug Anthology for Wii". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2018-07-03. Retrieved 2018-07-03.
- ^ "Metal Slug Anthology for PSP". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2018-07-03. Retrieved 2018-07-03.
- ^ "Metal Slug Anthology for PlayStation 2". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2012-04-26. Retrieved 2012-04-15.
- ^ "Metal Slug Anthology for Wii Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2018-08-23. Retrieved 2018-07-03.
- ^ "Metal Slug Anthology for PSP Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2012-07-15. Retrieved 2012-04-15.
- ^ "Metal Slug Anthology for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2018-05-17. Retrieved 2018-07-03.
- ^ "Metal Slug Anthology". GameSpot.com. 2007-02-20. Archived from the original on 2023-08-06. Retrieved 2012-04-15.
- ^ "Metal Slug Anthology Review". IGN. December 20, 2006. Archived from the original on July 17, 2013. Retrieved June 19, 2013.