It can't be denied that the Metal Slug series always have been one of SNK's cash cows, no matter how you look at it. Therefore it was only a matter of time until SNK Playmore was going to release an installment for Nintendo's Game Boy Advance back then in the early 2000's. So in a tried and tested way (think of Metal Slug 4) SNKP borrowed some sprites, animations and even stage backgrounds from the already known Metal Slug titles and pieced them together into a completely new installment; Metal Slug Advance. Okay, there was indeed some exclusive artwork, new enemies or controllable vehicles like the Black Hound, but generally speaking most part of the game's content and gameplay should be nothing new to a Metal Slug devotee.
However, Metal Slug Advance's critics weren't that bad and especially Nintendo followers, who never got their hands on the series before, were finally able to gun down some Morden soldiers on a familiar handheld. SNKP actually planned to release a second Metal Slug title for the GBA, in 2005 they announced a Metal Slug port at the E3 in Los Angeles. Even a playable prototype was presented a year later, but for yet unknown reasons the game has been cancelled.
Metal Slug Advance
Genre: Run 'n Gun Players: 1 Size: n/a Released on: GBA
Brief Description:
Metal Slug Advance is a run 'n gun for the Game Boy Advance created by SNK Playmore in 2004. It is notable as the only Metal Slug video game not to feature Marco Rossi as a playable character. The gameplay is very similar to any other Metal Slug game, but with two new systems; the life system, and the card system. The life system is simply a life bar for players, as it replaces the extra lives from all the other Metal Slug games. The Card system is a card collecting part of the game. Cards can be found from shooting certain parts of the background, and by obtaining it from certain hostages, and sometimes by doing both. The cards have many different purposes, from giving detailed info on items and characters from the Metal Slug series to boosting player abilities, and even unlocking special (and new) slugs.
Because the traditional scoring system is absent in Metal Slug Advance, we can't conduct a regular High Score Challenge on this one. But if anyone's up for a Speed Challenge, why not?
I'm glad I took the time to watch the video and finally see what this game is all about. This is what the NGPC games should've been. It definitely has an adventure vibe to it, yet retains the mechanics and generally gameplay of the original series. If I ever get an GBA, I'm definitely picking this up.
This is actually one of the games I've been wanting to pull out and try again. I remember not liking it, but this was after a surprising game Lilo & Stitch actually feeling more like Metal Slug than Metal Slug on the GBA did.
It's actually pretty good. I have to say I really like the NGPC Slug games for what they are, but this is closer to the real thing! Definitely worth playing I think!
Metal Slug Advance actually marked quite a milestone in my humble gaming career, in fact it was the very first SNK video game I've played extensively and with pure joy. Of course I already barely knew the original Metal Slug from a holiday trip long time ago, but arcades in Switzerland always were as scarce as honesty in politics...
So when I heard that an official Metal Slug game was going to be released back in 2004, I moved out to the next game store and spent my whole allowance on this one. From then on I've spent hours in playing this game and collecting all cards, even a second playthrough on hard wasn't enough.
In fact it's really not that bad as many malicious tongues say. The gameplay, which is way more close to the original games than the NGPC Slugs, is fun and the card collecting feature a motivating addition. The music is quite catchy as well, I can't complain on this matter.
YouTube Video
Some letdowns on the other side are that there's no blood at all (no matter which version you're plaing) and that some backgrounds look rather bland. And why the hell SNKP forgot to include a 2 player Co-Op mode?!
I still love and play my GBA quite a bit, but have yet to try out the handheld's version of Metal Slug. Looks and sounds impressive, though for some time I remained wary of the game for fear of what might be sacrificed in translation from the iconic Neo originals. From your impressions I'm just now reading, it seems my worries might well be put to rest if so much of the Slug experience is faithful and intact! Might be time for an eBay treasure hunt in the near future.
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