Metal Slug 4: Completion Review + Other Thoughts

Metal Slug 4: Completion Review + Other Thoughts

I decided to skip the current review this time and talk about how my first playthrough went. I chose Trevor this time and I honestly like him. It's a shame that Tarma and Eri aren't playable characters in this game, but beggars can't be choosers.

This is the second Metal Slug game I've beaten in one day!

Review:

To be honest, I think this entry is the easiest so far. It's still difficult, but not as much as the first game. I think it's far easier than the second game, but that's just me.

I managed to get Hyakutaro for this playthrough, which is great! I believe in Hyakutaro supremacy!

If I'll be honest, I did restart my playthrough because of a piss poor save. Luckily, I wasn't too far into the game. I'm hellbent on saving as many prisoners as I can!

I managed to recapture 36 prisoners, I have one continue, and I got a high score of 1419191! To be honest, I did lose a few recaptured prisoners because I gave up on two separate occasions during the last Mission: a group of enemies and two bomb tanks, and the final boss. However, I did my very best to recapture as many prisoners as possible! I also experienced my first continue during the final boss because I was fed up and I didn't feel like saving some more.

I do enjoy the game, but it feels like something is missing to make it a more memorable entry in the Metal Slug franchise. It has alright music, new weapons, decent bosses, and two new playable characters. However, that isn't enough to fully itch that true Metal Slug scratch. I think it lies in the level design and pixel art. It feels quite off when comparing it to the previous three games. It also has a shitty final boss in my opinion.

Other Thoughts:

I noticed that there is a bit of replay value to this entry, so I might give it another try at some point. I would also like to say that the end credits are alright. I just wish there were as impactful as the first and third games.

I honestly don't have a lot to say for this game, which is why I skipped the current review that I did for the previous three games...

At last, I have finally arrived at Metal Slug 5. I hope I enjoy Metal Slug 5 more than what the fourth game had to offer.

soo... we got a tactics demo, huh

Metal Slug 5: Current Review

I chose Tarma for this playthrough because I couldn't resist. I noticed that the character select screen doesn't have the same charm and aesthetic as the ones in Metal 2, 3, and 4. However, I like the idea of a crowd of people in a theatre with the faces of the main four on a curtain, while everyone is cheering them on.

Not gonna lie, I'm liking Metal Slug 5 way more than the previous entry. It feels like genuine good effort and care was put into this entry. So far, this entry is quite interesting. I like how we have new sprites for the new enemies (I believe they're called the Ptolemaics). They feel familiar yet refreshing. They feel more like a ragtag team of spies and rebels to me for some reason.

I wonder if Morden has been brought back for Metal Slug 5 because he was mostly absent from the previous game. I know I can search that up, but I don't want to spoil it! I'll have to continue on playing to see if he comes back or not.

The pixel art, music, and level design are major upgrades compared to the previous game. I think that's great because it shows that the Metal Slug team is capable of creating quality products and improving upon their mistakes.

I honestly don't have much to say, but Metal Slug 5 has exceeded my expectations so far. I hope to finish it very soon!

Male Friendship™

Knife duel to the death with Allen O'Neil (LEVEL 8)

Metal Slug 3: Completion Review + Other Thoughts

I only have Metal Slug 4, 5, and X to go through in the Metal Pack emulator. I'm aiming to get all of my first playthroughs of each game done by next week. It's honestly exciting!

Review:

Not going to lie, Metal Slug 3 is my most favourite mainline entry so far. Despite my lack of gaming skills and impatience, it's a fun game with a lot of highs.

I've decided that I should try to save as many bombs as possible and use them when I need them the most, especially for bosses. It's a bit difficult, but it's somewhat working.

I love all of the levels, especially the Final Mission. The only level that I despise is Mission 3 because of the underwater sections and the Jupiter King. There are four moments where I gave up: the fight against Jupiter King and fake Rootmars, when escaping the Martian mothership, and the final boss. I should have tried harder when battling Rootmars and escaping the Martian mothership, but I couldn't find it in me to not be mentally exhausted. There are a couple of enemies that I find very annoying, especially during the Final Mission.

Despite my difficulties and mental exhaustion, I managed to push through till the end.

I managed to recapture 42 prisoners, I have 10 continues (as a result of my eventual sloppiness), and a high score of 3918709! When I decide to replay Metal Slug 3, I'll definitely try to aim for more recaptured prisoners and less continues.

Other Thoughts:

Again, the music slaps in this game! It's fantastic! It adds well-needed atmosphere and intensity to each of the Missions.

The pixel art of Metal Slug will always be amazing. It has so much life to it, which greatly adds to the overall experience for me. I think it even looks better than most modern games. To be honest, I have a personal bias when it comes to really good pixel art...

To be honest, I think the end credits are as good as the first game. Metal Slug 2 was lacking good end credits, which is a shame. So, I'm glad they were able to whip up something good and fitting for this entry.

I can't wait to start Metal Slug 4 soon. From what I'm aware of, I don't hear a lot of people talk about it. So, I can only hope that it's a decent game.

I'll definitely replay Metal Slug 3 at some point because I want to experience what else it has to offer.