The second installment of Metal Slug is a wonderful part of the series, for numerous reasons. Should you meet a cabinet in your old arcade, yes, I do believe worth your while to feed the machine and enjoy a quick run. Should you own a Neo Geo, you really should consider getting the cartridge of this.
Gameplay, 8.5/10 - As with the original, MS2 is a run-and-gun platformer in the vein of classics such as Contra. The responsiveness of the controls are dependant on where you're playing it, but given a reasonably decent controller or arcade stick, the controls are quite spot-on and elemental in nature, making it easy to pick up.
Difficulty, 7.5/10 (Very Challenging) - Compared to most of the series, Metal Slug 2 is probably the easiest mission. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as this makes it a decent game to introduce newbies and younger cousins to the series without scaring them with the really difficult ones. That's not to say that this game is a cakewalk, as there are enough tricky moments and tough situations for you to shoot your way out of.
Graphics, 10/10 - Where the first Metal Slug was mostly greys, browns and greens of a mostly-faded warzone with a few splashes of colour here and there, this sequel adds more colourful (and interesting) locations to the mix. The animations of the weapons, machinery, and soldiers are as intricate and detailed as ever, as will be demonstrated when the action inevitably causes slowdown and shows you how meticulouly detailed everything is.
Audio, 8/10 - The music is excellent, especially the traditional boss battle theme. Soldiers and weapons alike have a great selection of soundclips, from the wailing of terrified soldiers running from you when surprised to the thumping report of the Metal Slug's main cannon.
Replay Value, 9.5/10 - Even when playing it in the arcades, it's worth starting new games again and again, if only to try and rescue every last POW, set a new highscore for bragging rights, or find every secret - or maybe you want to go hardcore and use only your pistol and melee attacks.
Final words: This game shares a lot with its half-sibling Metal Slug X, but is no less a member of the series, and is worth its weight in credits to play and beat in the arcades.
Metal Slug 2: Worth sinking your tokens into it?
The second installment of Metal Slug is a wonderful part of the series, for numerous reasons. Should you meet a cabinet in your old arcade, yes, I do believe worth your while to feed the machine and enjoy a quick run. Should you own a Neo Geo, you really should consider getting the cartridge of this.
Gameplay, 8.5/10 - As with the original, MS2 is a run-and-gun platformer in the vein of classics such as Contra. The responsiveness of the controls are dependant on where you're playing it, but given a reasonably decent controller or arcade stick, the controls are quite spot-on and elemental in nature, making it easy to pick up.
Difficulty, 7.5/10 (Very Challenging) - Compared to most of the series, Metal Slug 2 is probably the easiest mission. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as this makes it a decent game to introduce newbies and younger cousins to the series without scaring them with the really difficult ones. That's not to say that this game is a cakewalk, as there are enough tricky moments and tough situations for you to shoot your way out of.
Graphics, 10/10 - Where the first Metal Slug was mostly greys, browns and greens of a mostly-faded warzone with a few splashes of colour here and there, this sequel adds more colourful (and interesting) locations to the mix. The animations of the weapons, machinery, and soldiers are as intricate and detailed as ever, as will be demonstrated when the action inevitably causes slowdown and shows you how meticulouly detailed everything is.
Audio, 8/10 - The music is excellent, especially the traditional boss battle theme. Soldiers and weapons alike have a great selection of soundclips, from the wailing of terrified soldiers running from you when surprised to the thumping report of the Metal Slug's main cannon.
Replay Value, 9.5/10 - Even when playing it in the arcades, it's worth starting new games again and again, if only to try and rescue every last POW, set a new highscore for bragging rights, or find every secret - or maybe you want to go hardcore and use only your pistol and melee attacks.
Final words: This game shares a lot with its half-sibling Metal Slug X, but is no less a member of the series, and is worth its weight in credits to play and beat in the arcades.