ACA NeoGeo: Metal Slug 3 (Nintendo Switch) Review

In today's world of HD and 4K visuals, it could be argued that there is no real place for 2D graphics, with them appearing rather outdated. Looking at the beauty of Metal Slug 3, though, despite it being 17 years old now, should quieten a lot of naysayers. The sheer attention to detail on not just the main environments, but the whole host of characters within, is simply astounding. Considering how much is thrown about during the intense action scenes, it is all the more impressive how smoothly this runs, given its emulated form. The intricacy of the artwork produced by the artists involved is definitely to be applauded. Throw in some extremely over-the-top sound effects, plenty of sampled speech snippets, as well as a varied soundtrack that pumps through in the background, and the presentation is pretty top notch, whether it is played in handheld mode or on the big screen.

For those that have not sampled the delights of Metal Slug before, think along the lines of Super Probotector or Ghosts 'N Ghoblins, and that might give a vague idea how it all works. Basically, it is a two-dimensional, side-scrolling action shooter, where one of a handful of quirky characters is guided through numerous treacherous locations, blasting away at anything and everything with whatever armoury is at your disposal.

There are even special bonuses dropped by enemies at times, as well as prisoners that can be freed along the way, who reward generously (why they have such items…well, best to not over think things, right?). The concept may sound rather simple and repetitive, but that could not be further from the truth, as there is no time to stop and breathe, with each second passing by being another chance for incoming death. The fact that action is going on all around you so quickly, with bullets being launched from every possible angle, means there is no time for boredom as you will be on the edge of your seat, with nerves tingling all the way through.

For those less hardcore, unable to blast through on one credit, thankfully there are options to give newcomers the chance to experience the goodness of Metal Slug 3, and the ability to add extra credits actually during play means that when that Game Over countdown inevitably pops up (be prepared for repeated deaths), simply continue and carry on blasting away to your heart's content. This freedom is what helps to prevent the experience from growing stale for anyone that cannot handle the intensity of the regular difficulty.

It also means everyone can be witness to the branching paths, various types of metal slugs - armoured vehicles that take the form of numerous things, such as normal tanks, helicopters and even elephants and camels - different play styles (including even a shmup-like section), as well as the amazing boss battles that fill the screen and can literally leave you sweating due to the level of concentration required to despatch them...yes, even with infinite credits! Add in two-player, online leaderboards, and various extra modes for those wanting a tougher challenge, and this is a very tasty package indeed.