| |
Metal
Slug 7 (Nintendo DS)
For the latest release in the long-running arcade shooter series, SNK
Playmore has chosen the unlikely platform of the Nintendo DS for the
release of Metal Slug 7. While it stays true to the original formula in
most regards, there are a few changes such as a new coin collecting
mechanic, a new training mode and a cool mapping system. For the most
part, it’s the Slug you’ve come to know and love, with the classic
play-mechanics, unique hand-drawn art-style and challenging levels that
have become the series trademark. While the action takes place on a
smaller screen, Metal Slug 7 delivers the arcade quality action players
have come to expect |
|
After six installments and countless missions, you'd think that the series
would have become stake. However, the process of scaling the game back a
bit for the handheld Nintendo DS goes a long way in making what's old feel
new again. Most of the game should feel familiar, since Metal Slug 7 uses
many of the same sprites and animation as the original games have, with
the player-characters and enemies returning in their usual form. As usual,
the objective for each level is to blast through, collect weapons
power-ups and rescue any hostages you find along the way. You'll be able
to use a variety of the traditional Metal Slug weapons including heavy
machine guns, missiles and grenades. These can wipe out the normal enemy
soldiers with little effort, but there are also harder boss characters as
well. Along the way, you'll be able to jump into a variety of different
Slugs, which are power-up vehicles or suits that allow for greater
firepower and additional protection from enemy fire. Metal Slug has always
had an ingenious system of these, and this installment is no exception.
The level designs are very well designed, and most players will find the
multi-tiered platforming and layouts quite challenging. Each level is
substantial in its length and some of the boss battles are quite vexing.
However, Metal Slug 7's overall level of difficulty seems to be a bit
lower than some of the previous installments. This is probably a
concession to the more casual DS audience, and while it makes the game
less challenging, it doesn't make the basic mechanics any less enjoyable.
 One of the other new aspects of Metal
Slug 7 lies in its coin system where collecting these during your main
mission helps to unlock some additional content in other modes. The game
has a number of coins and other special items that you can collect during
its seven stages as well, which adds to the replay value. It does feel a
bit short, but there are several levels of difficulty available with
increases the challenge and difficulty to harder levels. The game's
play-action and controls should feel immediately familiar for veterans of
the series and Metal Slug 7's overall feel is in line with the previous
games. Players use the D-pad to move their soldiers over platforms while
the DS face buttons are used to fire. This makes for a straightforward,
intuitive title that most players should be able to pick up and play
almost instantly. Most of the action is contained on a single screen in
the upper section, while the bottom is used to display a map, which
players can navigate using the stylus, which is a relatively minor
concession. Otherwise, this plays like a strictly traditional Metal Slug
title, though its extensive roster of 7 playable characters at least
brings some diversity to the action.
From a technical standpoint, the game is
one of the better 2D releases on the DS, with the arcade series' legendary
smooth gameplay animations and robust visuals very much in evidence, even
in this scaled back version. While many of the sprites have been used in
other games, their somewhat simple appearance these days feels charming on
the smaller scale DS screen. Metal Slug 7's soundtrack also stays true to
the feel and style of the arcade games, along with the majority of the
trademark sound effects. Overall, this is an excellent version of the
classic series, and while it's not quite as good as having a Neo-Geo in
the palm of your hand, Metal Slug 7 is as close as you can get on the DS.
- Michael Palisano
|
| |
|
