Metal Slug is one of the premiere series in the Run n Gun genre, with its only true rival being the equally legendary Contra, series. it is a series that has had a true impact on gaming. Although there have been many debates as to which is the best entry in the series, most have narrowed it down to X and 3. After replaying the games myself in order to see what was better, and have concluded that X is the superior entry.
Metal Slug 3 is a very well made entry in the series and has a lot going for it. It seems there is always something new happening at all times. While this is mostly a strength, it is also a weakness because sometimes it feels there is just a bit too much and the pacing has issues. For instance, there is a serious problem here with ending fatigue, because the latter stages go on way too long. Yes, the last levels constantly change things up and in surprising ways, but you never really have a moment to process everything. It is clear that there was a lot put into the game, but it feels like there is too much at times and it did not all mix well.
Looking at Metal Slug X though, shows a different story. The game was a remake of Metal Slug 2 and fixed the major problems with slowdown in that game. However, the developers went further than minor fixes and ended adding in new weapons, new enemies, new power ups and animations and changed stages around. The result truly felt like a far superior version of the game and still holds up well today.
Metal Slug X has several small points that put it ahead, but the major point is of course the pacing. Everything just flows better and you never get a feeling of being overwhelmed by the game or any ending fatigue. Instead you experience things naturally and at a nice rate, with the levels having much better designs and the transformation enemies are also fun here.
Metal Slug x feels like the peak of the series, and while 3 comes close, I don’t feel it quite matches it. I said it before here, but Metal Slug X still holds up well today and in the end, it just holds up better than Metal Slug 3. It is a game that deserves much more respenct.
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