Metal Slug has built up an extremely strong following over the years, and it has reached all new heights with its number six in the series only releasing recently. But now a compilation of all the main Metal Slug games is on its way to Nintendo’s new system, the Wii, and Cubed3 was lucky enough to grab some time with Ignition to discuss the exciting project…
Cubed3: First of all, could you please tell our readers what your role is on this project and how large the team is?
SNK, Japan: These questions were answered by two of our staff – one from development and the other from marketing…
C3: What made you choose Metal Slug Anthology as your first Wii title?
SNK: This is our first title for Wii platform and we believe that the Wii is the perfect console for this title and we are full of confidence with it! Another reason is that this year is METAL SLUG’s 10th anniversary and what better way to commemorate this. Importantly we thought Metal Slug is suitable to their unique controller. Utilising several different control schemes, we considered and adapted ways in how we could put more entertainment into METAL SLUG gameplay.
C3: Why did you decide to create such an extensive range of control methods? And can you talk us through some of your favourites?
SNK: One of the really exciting aspects about developing for the Wii is the creativity the new controller affords us. For MSA, we wanted to provide a variety of control schemes in order to ensure there’s something in there for everyone, but also wanted to avoid forcing schemes that just didn’t work.
We were able to start off with about 15 different controller ideas. Eventually we wound up with the six you see in the game. Our personal favourite is probably the Wii Tilt Remote control scheme. It reminds us a lot of when we were kids and used to play Super Mario Bros. and would actually lean with the controller when jumping gaps or running away from flying Koopa Troopas! We found everyone was able to pick it up pretty fast, and it provided the best interface for quickly exploding baddies with grenades.
C3: Are there any significant differences between this version of MSA and the one coming out on the PSP?
SNK: Obviously there are a numerous differences due to hardware. The Wii is a next generation console with innovative controllers, and the PSP is a portable handheld you can carry anywhere. That said, we have tried to remain as faithful as possible on both platforms to the original arcade version. Our goal was to provide gamers with a true Metal Slug arcade experience, regardless of what platform they chose to play.
C3: Originally, Metal Slug 6 was not going to be included in the final product. What changed your mind and can we expect anything else to be added before the game hits retail?
SNK: Currently, it is difficult for us to release 2D titles for the existing consoles as a single title in the market. We’ve received some compliments from people that we did a great job with METAL SLUG 6 like we did for METAL SLUG 3. Therefore, we would like as many gamers as possible to enjoy the title on the new platform, so we decided to include the title at the last minute. You will know why we wanted to add the title to the anthology after you play METAL SLUG 6.
C3: There has been talk of Mercury coming to the Nintendo Wii as well. Is there any truth to this?
SNK: Ignition has just released a press release confirming this!
C3: Now that you’ve done Metal Slug Anthology do you have any new ideas, or perhaps existing franchises that could benefit from the controller?
SNK: We have many ideas to present another compilation title but we would like to see the feedback from MSA from our customers first.
C3: How about with other SNK games in general? You have a vast array of older games that would be ideal for re-release via the Virtual Console!
SNK: Unfortunately, there are no realistic plans for VC at the moment. Of course, we’re very interested in releasing our classic titles on Wii’s VC and since all next generation hardware has such an online download game system we’ve been sending our proposition to all platform owners now. We trust one day our older games will be available to play on their attractive system.
C3: Finally, what are your thoughts on the DS and how strongly do you plan on supporting it (considering SNK vs. Capcom Card Fighters is already coming to DS)?
SNK: We understand the DS is the most successful handheld console in the market at present. So we proudly bring SNK VS.CAPCOM Card Fighters DS as the first title for the DS platform. In addition to the SVC Card Fighters DS, we’re now developing another 3 titles for DS platforms (unfortunately, there is no plan to bring these titles to the overseas market). SNK VS. CAPCOM Card Fighter DS has been released on our NEOGEO POCKET platform before. By adding the idea of “Force” currency to the game, this game requires more elements of strategy than other card games. Also, bringing the popular characters from SNK and CAPCOM together in a single game will also add an element of extra enjoyment to collecting cards. This game lets players experience dynamic card battles with flashy effects sequences during battles. We seriously hope many DS users enjoy playing our exciting card battle game soon!!
