Metal Slug X was initially released in March of 1999, and it is a revised version of Metal Slug 2; both games feature the same characters, storyline, and missions. This version includes increased difficulty, as well as solutions to some technical issues that were unresolvable at the time in Metal Slug 2. Initially an arcade-only release, Metal Slug X has found itself ported to various platforms throughout the years, and it finally found its way to Steam in late 2014.
The Metal Slug franchise is a must play for any fan of run and gun arcade games, the titles are cult classics that never gained the popularity that they've deserved throughout the years. Metal Slug X takes place two years after the events of the original game, and the player can choose between a variety of four characters; Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio. The former two characters returned from the original entry, while the latter two were new additions to the series at the initial time of release. You will face off against an onslaught of Rebel Force opponents, an army with a brand distinctly ripped off from the Nazi logo, while also taking on various other enemies such as mummies and aliens.
Believe it or not, Metal Slug actually has a fairly well thought out storyline, and while there is no in-game dialogue that progresses this feature, it is up to the player to interpret the majority of what is happening by being aware of what is going on within each mission. The real chunk of the story can be found on the official Metal Slug website, while back in the day you'd have to hunt down a copy for the home NeoGeo that was complete with a booklet. The game itself is rather short, coming in with 6 missions in total that last for just a few minutes each; although the ending boss battle takes up a large amount of time. It's important to remember that this game was a huge quarter grab back in the day, with its high difficulty and one-hit player death, so the lack of longevity to the game can be forgiven in this day and age.
The graphics are classic and timeless 2D pixel artwork. Everything from the backgrounds, to the explosions, to the enemies and character models are deliciously detailed. Every mission is radically different from its predecessor, although there is little variety in enemies. Not to mention the brilliant soundtrack, which has everything from upbeat, frenzied tracks to laid back, jazz inspired scores. The game has definitely aged well, and I would hate to ever see one remastered in 2.5D. Many people complain that this title has "slow downs", and while this is true, the actual in-game FPS counter never drops below 60. It's the same scenario as the Mega Man Legacy Collection, in that it's just how the game was at the time originally released, and as such it has not been modified in order to give it that true retro feeling.
If you're unfamiliar with the Metal Slug franchise, here is a brief breakdown of what sets it apart from other arcade/run and gun games: While not largely based around it, the game does have a point system where you can show off your highscores; there are P.O.W.s that you can save who grant items to increase your points, and every shot that you land on an enemy also increase your score. If you die and have to use a continue, your score is reset, as well as the amount of P.O.W.s that you've saved. There are various weapons that you can gather, and all but the pistol have a limited supply of ammo; while your favorite gun will depend on your play style, you can choose from ones such as the laser, heavy machine gun, rocket launcher, flamethrower, drop shots, and much more.
While I do not necessarily consider Metal Slug X as much of a fan-favorite or classic in comparison to the first or third entries, it's still a great installment into this timeless series. If you've never played a Metal Slug game before, I suggest picking up 3 instead of this one, however, simply because it's better and more fun (in my opinion, of course). The Steam version of Metal Slug X includes the original Arcade Mode, where you must go from Mission 1 through Mission 6 in one sitting, lest you lose your progress, and also a Mission Mode, where you can quit once you get to the next mission and then pick up on the one that you left off at. The game also features leaderboards, and a variety of difficulties ranging from easy to very hard. For those of you with friends, there is a two-player mode as well that is suitable for both local and online play. If you're a hardcore fan, pick it up for full price; if you're skeptical of your enjoyment, wait for a sale.wait for a sale.
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