Metal SLug 3 Xbox review

[RCM]

Ign sucks anus. I hope I piss more then a few people off with that statement. Sense the sarcasm, there is a little bit in there! Anyway, I have just read the IGN Xbox review of Metal Slug 3. I really didn't like it. While the review was kind of positive I didn't like the overall tone the writer had toward 2D and shooters (although she did claim to love the series, i dont buy it with a review like that). Slight rant time, I have never shared the opinion that shooters are just mindless button mash fests. I have always felt to excel in shooters you must be "on your game" at all times. To play a shooter perfectly (no deaths, all or all enemies that are possible destroyed, etc.) your senses have to be at the highest alert. Your mind must be sharp and ready to get out of the stickiest of situations. Am I alone on this or what? The link reads "Metal Slug 3:It may be best in the series, but is it good enough for Xbox?" I would have to say it may be too good for Xbox. Don't get me wrong Xbox fanboys, I love Bill Gates baby, but this title is far superior to most of what's on the box. Just my opinion of course, you dont have to agree, but you should!

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[RCM]

Shit, Here's the link to the article, good night

http://xbox.ign.com/articles/518/518928p1.html

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[tholly]

im hoping to pick this game up tomorrow at my local EB (they said the shipment comes tomorrow) if i can get up there....then ill post about how i felt the game was. i know its been out a while on the mvs aes, but metal slug 1 is the only metal slug i have for my mvs so metal slug 3 on the xbox will be a completely new game for me and i cant wait to try it out.

[-hellvin-]

Heh, is it good enough for xbox? That's funny. After playing it on kawa about 50 times I'd have to say it's beyond good enough.

[Daria]

When I first met my boyfriend he was an XboX fanboy. Now the only recent game he's seen in awhile that's really excited him (besides KOTOR and FABLE) is Metal Slug 3 and that's soley because it's a 2D shooter.

So yeah... stupid review. :P


The 2D Sprites have a lot of variety, if relatively limited animations, and the hand-drawn backgrounds work nicely as a backdrop to the action. But this is an Xbox game now and to have nothing popping out visually is a real shame.

Oooh... now that's an outright lie. For a 2D game Metal Slug 3 looks visually very stunning. And comparing it to a 2D/3D hybrid like Viewtiful Joe is hardly fair.

[zmweasel]

Ign sucks anus. I hope I piss more then a few people off with that statement. Sense the sarcasm, there is a little bit in there!

I don't disagree with you. IGN's writing is HORRIBLE. David Smith was the one talented writer they had, but they didn't feel his insightful criticism was worth the cost of his social retardation.


(although she did claim to love the series, i dont buy it with a review like that).

I'm fairly certain the author is a dude with a chick name. There are only a few female reviewers in the pro ranks, and most of 'em don't know what they're talking about (i.e., OPM's token chickie-girl). The female pros who DO know their stuff (i.e., Imagine's Francesca Reyes) are usually RPG-centric.

-- Z.

[Oobgarm]

The female pros who DO know their stuff (i.e., Imagine's Francesca Reyes) are usually RPG-centric.

And not to pigeonhole here, but most female gamers are RPG-centric anyway. :)

The only thing that really stood out to me about this review is this:


This is an arcade game, but I'm not reviewing an arcade game -- I'm reviewing this as an Xbox title. I have to judge Metal Slug 3 against the rest of the Xbox library. With that in mind, does Slug 3 equal its $40 value?

Why does one have to consider it against all of the other Xbox titles? One quick look at the screenshots will tell you if this game's for you or not. I thought this was being released as more of a niche title, not a mass-market product that is slated to sell an assload of copies. For a game that's super tough, you'll get your $40 worth in gameplay, not eye candy or other such tomfoolery.

I will buy it, to show support that games like this are worth bringing out, even if asshead reviewers like this IGN guy don't think so. And I played the demo any enjoyed it quite a bit.:rocker:

[Lone_Monster]

I don't care what the review says; I'm buying it. People say this is the best Metal Slug, and people love it, so I should take a shot and buy it. Also, I've gotta support SNK, and also buy SNK VS Capcom Chaos when it comes out.

[Nature Boy]

I've personally had it up to here with video game reviews. Maybe I give Ebert too much credit, but I really *do* wish those in the business would take a few lessons from him.

Reviewers are supposed to be there to inform the public. Taking potshots at games you didn't like doesn't inform me of anything - other than the fact that perhaps you don't know how to write a review properly.

(Which isn't to say that this review takes potshots - it's just a pet peeve of mine).

I do agree with the reviewer in that a game like this needs to be marked down lower than $40. I'm not sure I agree that the rating of a game should be dependant on it's price though.

[YoshiM]

I gotta play devil's advocate here ::afixes horns::

A review is an opinion (hopefully) some facts on whatever it is being reviewed. If a review was just to inform, then it'd be a white paper or you'd just read the back of the box. Because this game series is near and dear, some take such reviews to heart. Yes it's a niche title, but the type of gamers who visit IGN aren't "niche" and IGN serves up the dish accordingly.

As a $40 title, is this game ported from 3 year old arcade game something you want to play on a cutting edge system like the Xbox? In many gamers' eyes the answer is "no". They didn't spend $200 or $179 or $150 to play something that could probably be ported to a Playstation. For $10 more they could get a game or a couple Platinum Hits that shows them they got their money's worth with games like Project Gotham Racing, KOTOR, Crimson Skies or Ninja Gaiden. A lot of people around here made a little stink about the NES re-releases on the GBA: single NES games (like Super Mario Bros. or Excitebike) for $20. The "bonus games" or eCards aside, what's the difference?

[/devils_advocate]

One thing I didn't quite get was the reference to Live play and system link play along with how that would "add to the value". How is playing someone across the globe or someone playing on another TV screen going to add to the value of the game? You'd still be playing the same game with a partner only you may not be able to physically see them (if the system link goes to another room).

[YoshiM]

Gah! Stupid web slowdown and Konqueror. Clicked Submit but it just sat there.

Sorry about that all!

[YoshiM]

Doh! Double post!

[tholly]

my question about this game, is the xbox live enabled just for scoreboards and rankings, or can you actually play against or coop with some else on the live network?

[omnedon]

The Playstation CANNOT properly handle MS3.

[Overbite]

post so good, ya gotta post it 3 times :D


i do think taht 40 is a bit much...but i'll probably buy it anyway

[buttasuperb]

I don't see anything wrong with paying $40 for one of the best games of all time. The price is fine right where it's at.

I guess original in the review, it said something along the lines of "Why pay $40 for this when you can play it on your pc for free?" It was edited out later. Yea, lots of us play romz, but wow, what a fucking stupid thing to put in a review.

[SoulBlazer]

My question is -- I've never played a Metal Slug game before, I like 2D shooters like Contra, and I have a new XBox not getting much attention right now.

Would I like this game? Should I consider plopping down $40 in hard earned bucks for it?

[omnedon]

It kicks Contra's ass in every way.

I love this game.

[tonyvortex]

considering how much the mvs and aes versions of metal slug 3 go for i think $40 is a bargain.

[ClubNinja]

Should I consider plopping down $40 in hard earned bucks for it?

No doubt - it's that good. As already said, the Neo Geo versions will run you at least close to $100 (MVS being the less pricey option) and anyone who's spent that much will tell you it's worth it.

[YoshiM]

The Playstation CANNOT properly handle MS3.

True, but that line of thinking didn't stop companies from porting games like Pac-Man, Asteroids, Golden Axe, Double Dragon, etc. etc. to home machines that couldn't handle the real deal no matter what. With some code rewrites and some optimization the Playstation could probably handle it. Not going to be arcade perfect but I bet it still would have flown off shelves.

Dreamcast probably could have done the game better justice and with other 2D style games on the system it would have fit in well

[Syxx573]

No doubt - it's that good. As already said, the Neo Geo versions will run you at least close to $350

Fixed.

This game pwns.

I'm buying it next week.

Nuff said.

[ClubNinja]

No doubt - it's that good. As already said, the Neo Geo versions will run you at least close to $350


Fixed.

What I originally said was:


the Neo Geo versions will run you at least close to $100 (MVS being the less pricey option)

You can get a loose Metal Slug 3 MVS cart for just under $100, which is what I'm refering to as the less pricey option. $350 is accurate for the home (AES) version, though.

[Richter]

It kicks Contra's ass in every way.

I love this game.couldnt agree with you more

too bad i'm broke to pick it up ;_;

[Crush Crawfish]

Once I buy an Xbox, MS3 is the first game I will buy. In the meantime, I'm gonna mooch off my friend's copy. :D

[shai hulud]

i want this game to do well so badly that i would be willing to buy it for someone just to trade it to them (i am serious). So if anyone has any GC imports or DC shooters, or anything worth about $35 that they want to trade i would be happy to listen to offers.

By the way i had my doubts about this one, but after playing the first level demo i am really excited about the future of SNK on the XBOX and XBOX2.

[buttasuperb]

Just got back from gamestop to buy ms3, dude said it was almost sold out already and was a popular item today.

Very good to hear.

[spoon]

I picked it up today. Along with River City Ransom Ex. I had a damn hard time finding both of them. The Eb's around here were sold out of EX, didn't get their shipments of Slug 3. I ended up going to GS. I had to take the damn "opened new" copy of EX. Oh well, it was all minty.

I would suggest getting these two now before they dry up and their price starts to rise. I wonder how many of each will be produced?

Anyhow, game is great and has some awesome extras. I would pay 50 for it and not think twice about it. The game is hard. Very hard. But fun as hell. Should be expected from fans of teh Slug.

I also love the packaging. The Manual is very nice and the writing inside is well done. Nice little add on the back of manual for SVC Chaos too!

I have spent way more than 40 dollars at the Arcade on the Slug series. Now I can play 3 all I want and not drop anymore quarters. Although I would if I did see it in the arcades.

It is nice to see games like Slug get released. Beats another racing or first person millitary themed game release on X-box. Don't get me wrong, I do like those genres, just seems like that is a lot of what is being released.

2-D is still great!

[jaydubnb]

I don't even own an Xbox yet and I'm gonna run out and get Slug 3. I have a feelingits gonna be one of those sleepers that ppl ill be clamoring for long after the initial release (kinda like Third Stike for the DC).

Think I'll get my Xbox next week. Between the SNK ports and Outrun 2, I'll be having a blast :)

[swlovinist]

While I agree the article is bad for more than one reason, the real question is.....is it a good port? I am not a hardcore Neo Geo Freak(although I own one :D) nor do I blindly support the Xbox. My honest opinion of it(after playing the demo on the Xbox mag), is that it is a shoddy emulation of the original that most people will consider fine. As for me, I agree that 40 bones is a steal to get one of the best 2d games out there....to bad they didnt put more time into making it not "feel and look" like an emulation. It is unfortunate that so many companies take the quick and easy path of porting a game the cheapest way and not refining games to appropriately play and look like the original. For many it will be fine, as for me....that MVS version is looking better and better!

[SoulBlazer]

In regards to what someone else said -- yes, EB does not yet have Metal Slug 3. I stopped in at my local one today on my way into work, and the manager apoligized and said that he should have them Thursday and Friday, so I pre-ordered one. There's no Gamespot around here so I could'nt check there.

[buttasuperb]

While I agree the article is bad for more than one reason, the real question is.....is it a good port? I am not a hardcore Neo Geo Freak(although I own one :D) nor do I blindly support the Xbox. My honest opinion of it(after playing the demo on the Xbox mag), is that it is a shoddy emulation of the original that most people will consider fine. As for me, I agree that 40 bones is a steal to get one of the best 2d games out there....to bad they didnt put more time into making it not "feel and look" like an emulation. It is unfortunate that so many companies take the quick and easy path of porting a game the cheapest way and not refining games to appropriately play and look like the original. For many it will be fine, as for me....that MVS version is looking better and better!

I used to have the MVS, this looks just like the real deal. Only gameplay difference is the fact that you start at the beginning of the level when you continue.

Not sure what you're talking about on this one. Great port.

[Ed Oscuro]

Ack! To think that the suits @ GameSpy thought it worthwhile to team up with this band of anusuckers! :-P

Anyhow...yeah, "It may be best in the series, but is it good enough for Xbox?" would have to rank among the dumbest things I've read all day.

That and somebody knocking off points for the PC version of "Enter the Matrix" just because it was "a bit too much of a movie game."

[swlovinist]

My best friend had the US AES cart and he brought it over to play. I have played that version, and the Xbox version comes off as a emulator, as in the timing is off, the resolution is sub-par, and the sound should be way way better than it is. As I have said before, the xbox version is gonna play and look fine for most people.....but not me, I see it as what it is.....something that tries to be a port.....and doesnt come off as one. The Xbox version should be alot better than it is, there is no excuse for the small things that are noticable to me. I challenge anyone to play both of them and speak their mind....this is just my opinion......my strong opinion :D I have an eye for differences.....call me picky or just an observer of what they should have done!

[omnedon]

I will compare it to my AES version when I get my hands on a copy of it. It will be an S-vid and stereo modded AES vs. My S-vid connected Xbox. Same TV and sound system.

I've tried 'teh romz', and as neat as they are on the 'Box, the real thing BLOWS THEM OUT OF THE WATER.

I sure hope this Xbox 'port' is superior to the rom.

[buttasuperb]

My best friend had the US AES cart and he brought it over to play. I have played that version, and the Xbox version comes off as a emulator, as in the timing is off, the resolution is sub-par, and the sound should be way way better than it is. As I have said before, the xbox version is gonna play and look fine for most people.....but not me, I see it as what it is.....something that tries to be a port.....and doesnt come off as one. The Xbox version should be alot better than it is, there is no excuse for the small things that are noticable to me. I challenge anyone to play both of them and speak their mind....this is just my opinion......my strong opinion :D I have an eye for differences.....call me picky or just an observer of what they should have done!

You are seeing things. It looks the same. And I am not "most people" I've owned both the AES and MVS of MS3 at some point along with plenty of other AES and MVS carts. So, I'm not some sort of port whore, whose logic is "OMFG you paid $300 for the same game I got for $40 on xbox"

The only timing difference I noticed is that when you run out of a special weapon, it takes a second to go back to the regular pistol. I'm almost positive this doesn't happen in the original, dunno 100% because I haven't played the original in awhile.

And there is the lack of slowdown which can change things a bit too.

I guess people are always gonna find something to complain about, even in a 99% perfect port.

[TheScaryOne]

I bought it last night, and it is fun. But very hard. But I like the game because although it's retro, it's still better than a lot of 3-D games. The graphics, for some reason, are pretty good. But I agree to the fact that this game is not meant for success, because in my opinion it is mainly for the hardcore gamers.

[Skullkid]

Notice the average reader score on IGN is 9.4 ;)

[SoulBlazer]

Good news! EB called today saying the game was in! :D

So I assume every EB in the country now has them.

I'll pick up my copy on my way in to work, though I can't play it till I get home tonight.

[classicb]

OK finally time to go buy an Xbox

[Aussie2B]

Yes, IGN sucks a big, fat cock; this I've known for years.

The graphics comments in the review particularly bug me. Limited animations? Haha, gimme a break. Metal Slug 3 along with most other SNK games have some of the most fluid, well-done animation that you'll see out of all the 2D games ever made. That's practically a SNK trademark. And what's up with the framerate complaints? This isn't Metal Slug 2 we're talking about here (which does have a god awful framerate, but X fixed that). It's been a long time since I've played MS3, but I don't have any complaints over any significant in length and caliber moments of slowdown. The blood comments seem weird too. Am I remembering something wrong, or isn't that just a regional thing like with all other MVS games? Or an option? I know my boyfriend has our MVS set to English with blood on for all our games. So assuming I'm not having a brain fart... then somebody needs to tell that reviewer that the red blood is NOT an addition to the X-Box version, but rather his/her arcade was just being gay with the censorship. :P

[SoulBlazer]

You guys are NOT going to believe this. x_x

When I went into my local EB today to get my copy of Metal Slug 3, the salesperson was'nt even aware it was out yet, and then checked the area where the pre-ordered stuff is kept.

Guess how many copies came in today?

TWO

:eek 2:

So me and someone else who pre-ordered got the game.

Thank God I took the managers advice and pre-ordered the game yesterday! :D

I have'nt played it yet -- I'll let you guys know tommorow.

[ubersaurus]

Definitely an awesome port..glad to see the blood is in and red, and the trick with the continues...that was cruel and awesome.

KOF has crappy animations. No frames at all.

[Nature Boy]

A review is an opinion (hopefully) some facts on whatever it is being reviewed. If a review was just to inform, then it'd be a white paper or you'd just read the back of the box.

Obviously a review is an opinion. However the vg press seems to think their opinion is the only opinion that matters - that's where I've got a problem. I'll cite the recent Matrix game as an example - how many potshots at that game did you see while reading a magazine? Comments like "we told you it was crap but you keep buying it" when citing top 20 game sales and the like.

Am I bitter because I own the game? No - because I don't own it. I'm bitter because if I want to like a game I will - and trying to tell me I *shouldn't like it* isn't informing me of anything. It's pompous. What they should be telling me is why *they didn't like it* - and leave it up to me to decide if their criticisms carry any weight to myself. Their "clever" witicisms have no place.