Being one of the most popular arcade shooting games developed by SNK, Metal Slug was a game preferred by most gamers back in 1996, when arcade gaming was all the rage. Now that we’re in the age of mobile gaming, it was only a matter of time before arcade games like Metal Slug found there way onto phones and smart devices. Metal Slug 1 was developed and released for Android, while Metal Slug 4 can be played via an emulator, you can download the APK here. Metal Slug 4 made its console debut in 2002 on Xbox 1 and Playstation 2, and Nintendo Switch in 2018. In this article, we’ll discuss Metal Slug 4’s emulated port, go over the games features, and ask the question, does Metal Slug 4 hold up against its predecessors?
How is the Story?
The game begins one year after the events of Metal Slug 3. A new deadly cyber virus threatens the world. It can attack and destroy the military network system of any nation. Eri and Tarma have their own missions, and are unable to help. Fio and Marco are called to help with the investigation. Working together with Trevor and Nadia, they soon discover that Amadeus Syndicate, a terrorist organization is the mastermind behind the situation. Our heroes set out to battle against the forces of Amadeus before they can unleash their virus to wipe out the entire computer systems of the world’s military forces.
Let’s Talk About the Gameplay
Just like the original metal slug, the gameplay is quite simple in this one as well. The player has to run from left to right while shooting down enemies along the way. You will also find some prisoners on the way. Freeing them will earn you some rewards.
There are a variety of weapons, including a flamethrower. All of them can be found on the path ahead of you. All you have to do is pick them up and start shooting. Want to deal some extra firepower against your enemies? There is a tank as well. Levels are quite linear. Each beginning with a series of enemies and ending with a boss battle. Defeating the boss will allow you to proceed to the next mission.
Being linear the game can get a little stale after a while. In fact, the first 2 missions feel like they were ripped off wholesale from the old Metal Slug games. It wouldn’t hurt if there was a decent story but there really isn’t one. Since most gamers nowadays prefer a good story alongside unique and interesting gameplay (however linear it may be).
Graphics and Audio
Graphics are quite simple, arcade like, and yet kind of dynamic. The game has come a long way from its initial arcade environmental effects. You will find a lot of objects, many of them interactive, more so than you’d see in an old arcade game where the backdrops were entirely static. The fact that all objects are placed in layers, one in front of the other, makes the graphics look a lot more realistic. The backgrounds have a real depth to them.
Audio is decent and unchanged. The emulator maintains the soundtrack of the original Metal Slug 4 released in 2002. Yet, the audio has been fine-tuned to appropriate for a mobile device.
Our Verdict
The only thing that players will find different in this game to its past titles is slight changes to the graphics and the addition of some new bosses and enemies. Although we miss playing as Eri and Tarma, the new characters offer some new combos and melee attacks. Overall, if you are a fan of the Metal Slug series, this game is worth giving a try. Whether you play it on an emulator, or dust off your old Xbox 1 or Playstation 2, the game is worth a play. For old time sakes.
Anyone had the chance to play Metal Slug 4 on Nintendo Switch? How does it compare the 2002 version? Let us know what you think of Metal Slug 4 in the comments section below.
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