Metal Slug X Longplay (Neo Geo) [60 FPS]

Developed and published by SNK in 1999

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For today's video, I I decided to check out another game in the fantastic Metal Slug series of shoot 'em ups, originally published by SNK for the Neo Geo and subsequently ported to many other platforms, including modern consoles and digital distribution services.

To clear up the slightly confusing name, Meta Slug X does not refer to the roman numeral for '10', but is in fact a moniker for a re-launch (or remix) of the earlier Metal Slug 2.

Whilst Metal Slug 2 was a great follow-up to the original game in many ways, it wasn't without it's share of problems. Chief among these is the terrible slow-down that occurs regularly throughout the game, dragging the frame-rate down and making the game feel as though one were wading through treacle. Clearly, fans of the series and SNK were somewhat disappointed and felt that the game could (and should) have been better - simply put, Metal Slug X is an attempt to rectify the issues with the original Metal Slug 2.

The game's plot picks up up 2 years following the defeat of General Morden and his forces in the original Metal Slug. Despite beliefs that Morden perished in the previous battle, he is very much alive and is regrouping his forces and forging ties with other groups sympathetic to his cause - some of whom prove to be extraterrestrial in nature.

As for the game itself, it's everything you've come to expect from a Metal Slug title: run n' gun, side-scrolling action featuring some the best 2D animation ever witnessed in video games, all topped off with plenty of tongue-in-cheek humour!

Whilst players can attempt to blitz through the game's levels, there are quite a number of secrets that are easy to miss if you're not paying close attention. Shooting parts of the scenery often reveal special bonus items, or might even conceal a POW to rescue - players looking for extra points and weapons would be well advised to keep an eye out for these secrets.

As with other games in the series, the player encounters armoured vehicles that can be entered and controlled, giving them a mechanised edge against Morden's forces. In addition to the titular Metal Slug tank, the sequel increases the roster of available vehicles, including mech-suits and and even a VTOL plane!

In terms of additions and changes made to Metal Slug X over the Metal Slug 2, many of the levels have been remixed, tweaked and generally improved. Some of these are purely cosmetic, such as changing the time of day, background art and aesthetics, whilst others directly affect the gameplay. For example, a number of new weapons (e.g. Iron Lizard) and enemy types are made available in X that were not present in Metal Slug 2. Most importantly, the frame-rate issues from the first release have been dramatically improved - certain areas still exhibit some slow-down, but it's massive improvement. It seems that SNK went to the effort to make the game significantly different enough from the initial release so as to appeal to both the existing existing fans (including those who purchased Metal Slug 2), as well those who were coming to it sequel afresh.

Probably one of biggest highlights of the Metal Slug series is the amazing artwork and animation. The game's animations boast many more frames than most other titles in the genre and look simply stunning, even by today's standards.

On a similar note, the game's audio is also completely brilliant. The audio effects and music sound almost CD-quality and continue to demonstrate what a power-house of a platform the Neo Geo really was back in the day.

The Metal Slug series remains on the quintessential shooter experiences on any platform and Metal Slug X is a worthy update over it's predecessor. Whether your a existing fan, or new to the series, Metal Slug X offers plenty of gaming fun (especially in 2-player mode with a friend) and remains highly recommended, even to this day - be sure to try it out!
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