Metal Slug #BestOfSaturnSilver

What hasn’t been said about SNK’s sweet, sweet Metal Slug? Initially a NEO GEO game, it was ported to Saturn in early 1997 by Yumekobo and is one of the handful of titles requiring the 1MB expansion RAM cartridge to run.

For those who have somehow missed this series, Metal Slug is an excellent one- or two-player run-and-gun (not to be confused with Dr. Nick Riviera’s Sun and Run, the suntan lotion that’s also a laxative).

You are part of the Peregrine Falcon Squad, and you must make your way through six mad levels and stop the evil General Morden, who is intent on forming a New World Order (not to be confused with WCW’s Hulk Hogan NWO, mind you). You have a standard-issue pistol and can pick up shotguns, flame throwers, heavy machine guns, and rocket launchers for that extra oomph to dispatch your enemies with. Rescue hapless POWs for extra points and power-ups, but watch out — one hit and you’re toast.

The levels are colorful and varied but it’s the animation that stands out. Watch enemies go from cocky to surprised to fighting for their lives and everything in between — the animation is really that brilliant. The violence and copious amount of blood is all presented in an awesome cartoon style and the game never takes itself too seriously from that perspective.

Beneath the excellent presentation is a challenging game that plays very well indeed. Players will have no trouble getting to grips with the controls and no death feels cheap or unfair — though some sections are definitely tough. The Saturn port is very good, though there is a bit of inter-level loading. Still, this is a premier import to pick up — it’s really that good!