SNK-PLAYMORE’S latest iOS release, Metal Slug X, continues the adventures of Marco, Eri, Tarma and Fio as they battle General Morden and his army of misfits. More of an upgrade than an actual sequel, Metal Slug X repairs the major slowdown issues that plagued Metal Slug 2.
Additionally, it introduces five new weapons to the series (i.e. Enemy Chaser, Iron Lizard, Drop Shot and Super Grenade) and some modifications to the the Super Vehicle-001 and Camel Slug.
Changes aside, the gameplay remains virtually the same from Metal Slug 2. Pedestrians still run in fear as you gun down enemy soldiers; explosions tear through buildings as grenades and cannon fodder are exchanged; and prisoners of war sit patiently to be rescued.
Most of SNK-PLAYMORE’s releases have great virtual controls. The first game that comes to mind is The King of Fighters-i 2012 — it has the best virtual controls of any iOS fighter. Metal Slug X, on the other hand, seems to have unpredictable controls that like to send you running into a crowd of soldiers when you’re pushing down to crouch. Sometimes the game fails to recognize a button press when you’re trying to jump between platforms. This isn’t always the case when playing the game, but it seems to happen at the worst moments.
Interestingly enough, the A button is twice as large as the other two action buttons. This was probably done to make it easier for fumblingly thumbs to find the virtual button , but its size – and how much screen it consumes – places it and your thumb slightly in the way of the action.
But even with these faults, Metal Slug X still delivers a competent arcade experience on iOS devices while providing four different modes of difficulty – easy, medium, hard and very hard. And despite being released on the Neo-Geo MVS in 1999, the graphics are still some of the best ever seen in a retro 2D shooter without using the provided Video Filtering feature. There is an option to mimic the scaliness of an RGB monitor for a more authentic experience, but it really boils down to preference. The graphics look great either way.
Metal Slug X includes enough features to separate it from Metal Slug 2. And as far as Metal Slug games are concerned, it’s far more playable than its predecessor. So unless you have already taken the plunge and purchased MS2, this is the version to own – bar none.
Mike Pittaro
Platform: iPhone 5
• Version: Ver.1.00
• Size: 66.4 MB
• Language: English
• Seller: SNK PLAYMORE
Rated 9+ for the following:
• Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.
Developer: SNK-PLAYMORE
Publisher: SNK-PLAYMORE
Price: $3.99
Metal Slug X’s Official Website
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |  |
| Metal Slug X still looks incredible despite its age. This is just another indicator of the Neo-Geo's power. | |
| Sound |  |
| Iconic explosions, mechanical squeaks and screams of dying soldiers add to the game's overall appeal | |
| Gameplay | |
| There's nothing more exhilarating than blowing up buildings, ridding on the back of a Camel Slug, and shredding your enemies to pieces with weapon upgrades like the Heavy Machine Gun. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Despite the Virtual Controls, Metal Slug X is still a great game. It eliminates the slowdown issues that plagued Metal Slug 2 and it introduces new weapons. As far as the Metal Slug series is concerned, Metal Slug X is the version to own. | |
