Metal Slug (1996 video game)

Template:Nihongo foot is a 1996 run and gun video game developed by Nazca Corporation and originally released by SNK for the Neo Geo MVS arcade system. Set in 2028, the game follows Peregrine Falcon Strike Force soldiers Marco Rossi and Tarma Roving as they seek to overthrow a coup d'état by the Rebel Army, led by Donald Morden.

Metal Slug was conceived by the same staff who created several titles at Irem that shared a similar presentation, such as In the Hunt and GunForce II. The core concept during development was a simple yet exciting side-scrolling shooter, with an easy control scheme and visuals inspired by the works of Hayao Miyazaki. Gameplay was originally more slow-paced, with players controlling the titular tank instead of soldiers across shorter, less complex missions with a darker atmosphere. The project was heavily overhauled after poor responses during location tests, and the game's length was extended at the request of SNK to make it more attractive to console players, while incorporating more platform elements into its design.

Upon its release, Metal Slug garnered mixed reviews, which lauded its sense of humor and fluid hand-drawn animation but criticized its short length and lack of replay value. The game proved highly popular in arcades and was subsequently ported to other platforms by third-party developers, with varying changes and additions from the arcade original. It was later included on compilations and re-released through download services for other systems. The game's success led to a franchise with multiple sequels, remakes and spin-offs, beginning with Metal Slug 2, released in 1998.

Gameplay

File:NEOGEO Metal Slug (Metal Slug - Super Vehicle-001).png

Arcade version screenshot

Metal Slug is a run and gun game reminiscent of Contra where players assume the role of captain Marco Rossi and lieutenant Tarma Roving of the Peregrine Falcon Strike Force, shooting constantly at a continual stream of enemies in order to complete each mission.<ref name="MShg101">Template:Cite web</ref> At this point, players confront a boss, who is usually considerably larger and tougher than regular enemies.<ref name="MShg101"/> On the way through each level, players can find numerous weapon upgrades and the eponymous tanks. Known as the SV-001 and SV-002, the tanks increase the player's offense and add considerably to their defense.<ref name="MShg101"/>

In addition to shooting, players can perform melee attacks by using a knife.<ref name="MSAESmanual">Metal Slug user's manual (Neo Geo AES, US)</ref> The player does not die by coming into contact with enemies, and correspondingly, many of the enemy troops have melee attacks.<ref name="MShg101"/> Much of the game's scenery is destructible, and occasionally, this reveals extra items or power-ups. During the course of a level, the player encounters prisoners of war (POWs), who, if freed, offer the player bonuses in the form of random items or weapons.<ref name="MShg101"/><ref name="MSAESmanual"/> At the end of each level, the player receives a scoring bonus based on the number of freed POWs. If the player dies before the end of the level, the tally of freed POWs reverts to zero. Getting hit by enemy fire, colliding against solid stage obstacles or falling off-stage will result in losing a life and once all lives are lost, the game is over unless players insert more credits into the arcade machine to continue playing.

There are a total of six missions taking place across locations such as forests, garrisoned cities, snowy mountain valleys, canyons, and military bases. The vast majority of enemies are soldiers equipped with weaponry befitting their specific role. There are several mechanized enemies, such as tanks, mobile artillery, aircraft, armored personnel carriers and technicals.<ref name="MSAESmanual"/> Much of the game's humor comes from how the enemies are depicted; the player often encounters them as they are sunbathing, roasting food over a fire, or conversing. They tend to scream loudly if they see the player, and often try to either run away or fight back.<ref name="MShg101"/>

Development

Template:Expand section Metal Slug was developed by most of the same team that previously worked on several projects at Irem, such as In the Hunt and GunForce II, before departing from the company and forming Nazca Corporation.<ref name="PGk">Template:Cite tweet</ref><ref name="MSAAB">Template:Cite book</ref> Kawai and Takashi Nishiyama served as chief development manager and producer, respectively.<ref name="MSAinterview">Template:Cite video game (Transcription by Metal Slug Database. Template:Webarchive).</ref><ref name="TMWCSF">Template:Cite web</ref> Kazuma "Kire-Nag" Kujo and Meeher acted as co-designers.<ref name="MSshmup">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="RG98">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name="TUHoJGDVol2">Template:Cite book</ref> Shinichi "Hamachan" Hamada, Kenji "Andy" Andō, Atsushi Kurooka (currently of PlatinumGames), T. Yokota, H. Yamada and "Pierre" Takada worked as programmers.<ref name="PGk"/><ref name="MSstaffroll">Template:Cite video game</ref><ref name="MS:TUH">Template:Cite book</ref> Artists Akio Oyabu,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Susumu, Kazuhiro "Max.D" Tanaka, Tomohiro, Takeshi Okui (currently of Monolith Soft) and Kozo were responsible for the pixel art.<ref name="MSstaffroll"/><ref name="MS:TUH"/><ref name="MA119">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name="WFT1545">Template:Cite magazine (Translation by One Million Power. Template:Webarchive).</ref><ref name="EuroG">Template:Cite web</ref> Composer Takushi "Hiya!" Hiyamuta scored the soundtrack.<ref name="MSstaffroll"/><ref name="MS:TUH"/><ref name="PAntm">Template:Cite podcast</ref><ref name="C-OPL">Template:Cite web</ref> The team recounted the project's development process and history through various publications.<ref name="NGF17">Template:Cite magazine (Translation by Shmuplations. Template:Webarchive).</ref><ref name="MSOG">Template:Cite book (Translation by Random Hoo Haas. Template:Webarchive).</ref><ref name="WFT">Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Metal Slug was first playable during a location test at Osaka, and was later showcased to attendees at the 1995 Amusement Machine Show from 13 to 15 September.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The plot was similar to the final version, but revolved around Regular Army members Phil Gene and Michiko Nakajima controlling the SV-001 and SV-002 prototype tanks instead.<ref name="G151">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name="G152">Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Release

File:Musée Mécanique 222.JPG

A Neo Geo MVS arcade cabinet playing a demo of Metal Slug

Metal Slug was first released by SNK for the Neo Geo MVS arcade system on 19 April 1996, followed by the Neo Geo AES on 24 May.<ref name="TC-NGM">Template:Cite web</ref> The North American AES release has since become one of the more expensive titles on the platform, with copies of the port fetching over US$20,000 on the secondary video game collecting market.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 5 July 1996, a Neo Geo CD version of the game was released, featuring a "Combat School" mode that allowed players to revisit previously-played missions with new objectives.<ref name="MShg101"/><ref name="TC-NGM"/>

In Japan, the game was released on the Sega Saturn on 4 April 1997,<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> followed by the PlayStation on 7 August;<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> the Saturn port was developed by SNK, while the PlayStation port was developed by Ukiyotei. Though the software market was increasingly dominated by polygon-based games, conversions of Neo Geo games to the Saturn and PlayStation had been selling well in Japan, motivating SNK to produce conversions for Metal Slug as well.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> To retain all the animations of the arcade version, the Saturn version uses newer compression techniques, inter-level loading, and a 1 MB RAM expansion cartridge.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The Saturn port was available in two revisions: 1.002 and 1.005, which included some minor bug fixes. Both ports feature the "Combat School" mode from the Neo Geo CD release, while the PlayStation version features "Another Story", a new mode consisting of plot-based minigames, and an art gallery featuring concept art.<ref name="MShg101"/>

A Game Boy Advance port was announced to be in development, but was ultimately never released.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2006, Metal Slug was included alongside its arcade sequels as part of Metal Slug Anthology for the Wii, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable. It was later released for PC in 2009 (as Metal Slug Collection PC), and later for the PlayStation 4 in 2020 by Limited Run Games; the latter version was an emulated iteration of the arcade version, without additional game modes or content featured in previous home releases.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2008, Metal Slug was included as part of SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 for Wii, PlayStation 2 and PSP, and was also released by D4 Enterprise for the Wii's Virtual Console.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2010, a version by M2 for the NEOGEO Station service was published by SNK Playmore on PlayStation Network.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2012, a wireless version was released by DotEmu for iOS and Android.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Metal Slug is available as one of the 20 pre-loaded games with the Neo Geo X, and was also included in the Neo Geo 25th Anniversary Humble Bundle, released in 2015.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hamster Corporation re-released Metal Slug for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch between December 2016 and March 2017 under their Arcade Archives series.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The game was also recently included in the international version of the Neo Geo mini, the Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro plug and play game device and the Neo Geo MVSX table top.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Reception and legacy

Upon its initial appearance, Metal Slug received mixed reviews. The four reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly heavily criticized the game's unfair difficulty and one-hit deaths, remarking that playing through the arcade version requires an inordinate amount of quarters, while the Neo Geo AES version's lack of an option for limited continues means players of all skill levels can complete it in a single sitting, with no motivation to play again or improve one's skill at the game. However, the four reviewers also concurred that the game is fun, chiefly due to its smooth and humorous animations.<ref name=EGMNGms/> GamePro agreed that the Neo Geo version suffers from low longevity, with too few levels and a complete lack of replay value, and also criticized the slowdown in the game, but approved of the graphics, music, and arsenal of weapons, and summarized the game as "a soldier-slamming, side-scrolling, tour de force that dwarfs recent side-scrolling Neo shoot-em-ups, including the system's strongest platform offerings like Cyber-Lip and Top Hunter."<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

American and European magazines reviewing the Sega Saturn port as an import praised it for being a faithful arcade conversion, but noted its low longevity.<ref name="SatPowerSSms">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name="SSMukSSms">Template:Cite magazine</ref> Computer and Video GamesTemplate:' Steve Rey praised the weapon selection, attention to detail, humor and two-player mode.<ref name=CVGSSms/> Next Generation stated that "in the end, Metal Slug is not a game players will really obsess over. However, the easy and exciting gameplay will have players returning to it often, which is probably why SNK decided to bring it to the States."<ref name=NGenSSms/> Readers of the Japanese Sega Saturn Magazine voted to give the Saturn iteration an 8.6305 out of 10 score, ranking at the number 185 spot.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> A reviewer of NowGamer criticized the PlayStation conversion for its lack of replay value aside from Combat School mode. However, he praised the gameplay for being fun in short-term.<ref name="NGPSms">Template:Cite web</ref>

In their issue from 1 June 1996, Japanese magazine Game Machine listed the game as the seventh most-popular arcade game for the previous two weeks.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In the United States, it was one of the top ten highest-grossing arcade games of 1996.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> According to Famitsu, the "SNK Best Collection" re-release of Metal Slug on PlayStation sold over 8,064 copies in its first week on the market.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The PC port sold 156,631 digital copies worldwide on Steam.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

When Metal Slug was re-released on the Virtual Console in 2008, IGNTemplate:'s Lucas M. Thomas awarded it an "Editor's Choice" badge.<ref name=IGNVCms/> EurogamerTemplate:'s Dan Whitehead was not quite as impressed. Despite praising the original game, Whitehead was critical of the port, criticizing the lack of support for online multiplayer, in comparison to the Xbox Live release.<ref name=EuroGVCms/> Nintendo LifeTemplate:'s Marcel van Duyn praised the sprite work, visuals and fast-paced music.<ref name=NLifeVCms/> Slide To PlayTemplate:'s Andrew Podolsky commended the iOS release for being an enjoyable and fast-paced arcade shooter in addition to its visual presentation, but recommended Metal Slug 3 instead, as he noted that the title was more simple, shorter and lack the gameplay features compared with later entries in the Metal Slug franchise.<ref name="STPiOSms">Template:Cite web</ref> 148AppsTemplate:'s Carter Dotson heavily criticized the iOS version for its control scheme but praised its graphics and sound, as well as the gameplay and replay value.<ref name="148AiOSms">Template:Cite web</ref> Nintendo LifeTemplate:'s Damien McFerran praised its graphics and humor, although McFerran noted that its overall simplicity compared to later titles in the Metal Slug series may be seen as a shortcoming.<ref name="NLifeNSms">Template:Cite web</ref>

In a retrospective review, AllGameTemplate:'s Brett Alan Weiss and Kyle Knight praised its unique hand-drawn visual style, refined gameplay, simple controls, intense action, humor and replay value but criticized the game's slowdown when many objects are present on-screen, the overall length and found the music to be average. Knight regarded the title as one of the best side-scrolling shooters on Neo Geo.<ref name=AGACms/><ref name=AGNGms/> Jeuxvideo.comTemplate:'s nuktos praised the colorful graphics, humor, gameplay and sound design but criticized its short length.<ref name=JXVNGms/> It was included in the 2010 book 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die.<ref name="1001vgympbyd">Template:Cite book</ref>

Metal Slug spawned a series of six sequels, a remake and four spin-offs.<ref name="MShg101"/><ref name="TC-NGM"/><ref name="GTech11">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name="HCG14">Template:Cite magazine</ref> Marco Rossi appears as a playable character in the tag-team fighting game NeoGeo Battle Coliseum.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Several developers have also created games similar to Metal Slug such as Demon Front,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> CT Special Forces,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Alien Hominid,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Commando: Steel Disaster,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Apocalypse Max: Better Dead Than Undead,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Mercenary Kings.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

External links

• Template:Official website
• Metal Slug at GameFAQs
• Metal Slug at Giant Bomb
• Metal Slug at Killer List of Videogames
• Metal Slug at MobyGames