Metal Slug Playstation releases?

[longcat]

I'm a big fan of the Metal Slug series, even though I've only played 1-3. I wanted to get anthology for the convenience, but after reading complaints about the port job I'm tempted to get the standalone releases (all on PS) partially because I hear they are better and partially since I've got the collector bug right now. 3 is a no-brainer, but what about 4-6? Are they worth playing? Better emulated than their anthology releases? And were 1/2/X only released on PS1? Was 2 even released anywhere other than neogeo and anthology? I'm pretty big on 1:1 conversions, maybe a little too hung up on it. I figure 1 and X on psx have loading up the wazoo.

[Smashed Brother]

Metal Slug Anthology on PS2 was pretty good. There were very minor loading times peppered throughout the games, but from what I understand, it's the best port when compared to the WII and PSP versions. I had X on PS1 some time ago. I don't remember exactly how close it was to the arcade version or the loading times, but I do remember the explosions being severely gimped to the point where it was very noticeable.

[buzz_n64]

Metal Slug 2 was only released on the Neo-Geo systems, including Neo-Geo CD. Metal Slug X was released to fix issues with 2. SNK chose not to release it on other systems, but release X instead.

[celerystalker]

If you're really into 1:1 conversions, you probably don't want anything to do with 1 or X on PS1. Both feature cut animation and mid-level loading. The reason to buy those is A) it's 1999 and it or Saturn are your only choice, B) you're a completionist who'd like to get every variation available, or C) you want to play the exclusive combat school missions and see the exclusive art galleries on those ports.

As far as emulation goes, the Anthology on PS2 is about as good as there is right now. Playing my PS2 right after my MVS cabinet, it's hard to tell the difference, truthfully. The games all have a decent amount of slowdown even in the arcade, so don't think it's just lousy emulation. It's really close, and easily the most cost effective.

[Mr Mort]

I've owned the Anthology for the Wii, and got rid of it in favour of the PS2 version.

I can say that the PS2 version is pretty damn good. As stated here, aside from some loading here and there, it's a great port. None of the missing animation of the PS1 abominations (stay away from those).
Neo-Geo purists will bash the anthology all day long, but the truth of it is that it's a very solid conversion with a tremendous amount of content at a good price.

I own a few of them on the Neo-Geo MVS as well as the PS2 anthology, and (loading notwithstanding) the difference is negligible , I can tell you that.

[drunk3nj3sus]

I've owned the Anthology for the Wii, and got rid of it in favour of the PS2 version.

I can say that the PS2 version is pretty damn good. As stated here, aside from some loading here and there, it's a great port. None of the missing animation of the PS1 abominations (stay away from those).

Why do you prefer the PS2 version? I have the Wii version and aside from loading & minor slowdown in spots I didn't really notice a difference from the original games(although I haven't played 6 on the original hardware).

[Az]

The standalone releases for 3, 4, and 5 (also for Xbox) have several modes and other extras not found on the compilation. The compilation is a straight up emulation while those are all ports with extra stuff.

I can't remember about 4 and 5 but 3 had a Fat Island mini game, along with a game where you play as one of Morden's soldiers taking on the aliens, plus some other stuff. It had quite a few things beyond a straight conversion of the original game.

As a collectible oddity, 1 was never released in the US but does exist as a demo on one particular Playstation Underground demo disc.

[Leo_A]

Why do you prefer the PS2 version? I have the Wii version and aside from loading & minor slowdown in spots I didn't really notice a difference from the original games(although I haven't played 6 on the original hardware).

I can't speak for him, but as far as I'm concerned, the primary reason for why the PS2 version is superior is control. The Wii version has no support for Classic Controllers and only the analog stick can be used for movement with a GameCube controller. And of course there's some motion control implementation when using a sideways Wiimote due to the lack of enough buttons.

And unlike SNK Arcade Classics Volume 1 which runs significantly better on the Wii, there doesn't seem to be any performance advantages with the Wii build of Metal Slug Anthology. It's not even progressive scan capable, despite the increased power of the Wii compared to the PS2.

Oh and Nintendo made them eliminate hit flashes.

[Mr Mort]

I can't speak for him, but as far as I'm concerned, the primary reason for why the PS2 version is superior is control. The Wii version has no support for Classic Controllers and only the analog stick can be used for movement with a GameCube controller. And of course there's some motion control implementation when using a sideways Wiimote due to the lack of enough buttons.

...Oh and Nintendo made them eliminate hit flashes.

Pretty much hits the nail on the head right there.

I despised the control scheme. No classic controller support, and if you just want to use the Wii-mote you have to shake it to throw grenades.

It was all about the horrid control, and removing the hit flash. That was actually very jarring.


I also got rid of Mega Man Anniversary collection for the GameCube due to control. The buttons were mapped backwards, and you couldn't change them. I got rid of the GC version and got the Xbox version instead, which does let you customize controls. For the life of me, I don't get why developers don't let gamers customize controls. It literally makes a game unplayable for some people.