I picked up Metal Slug Anthology partly on a whim and partly due to an appreciation of the series. It was always one of my arcade favorites because it seemed like there was always a version in the back of every arcade that played for a quarter. Now you can’t go into an arcade with pocket change. Anyway, it was always a game I particularly enjoyed. I loved the Contra games for the NES and SNES and Metal Slug took that formula and ran with it. Sure, I can get Contra III on the Virtual Console, but I have Metal Slug.

If you’ve never played Metal Slug, it’s probably best you do so before purchasing it. The game isn’t a new release for the Wii. It’s a collection of past Metal Slug games. The graphics won’t astound you and the gameplay is far from revolutionary but it’s still a solid, fun ride. Metal Slug seemed to pride itself on the sheer amount of stuff it could throw at you at any given time. Indeed, there are times when the entire screen is filled with enemies, grenades, visual effects, and bullets. It’s a visceral thrill, even if it feels early 90s.

The first Metal Slug titles are solid side-scrolling shooters. There isn’t much variety, just lots of shooting. The weapons are nice although there also isn’t too much variety. Most of the game is spent figuring out what movies and cliches Metal Slug is spoofing in each level. It does a great job of representing multiple environments in interesting and dynamic ways. You often spend as much time fighting the scenery as you do the barrage of oncoming soldiers.

The later Metal Slug titles added much more to the series. Metal Slug 4 (if I recall correctly) starts out rather crazy with you battling evil sea crustaceans. It has awesome levels such as swimming underwater and even one where, instead of dying, you are turned into a zombie when hit. It’s a lot of fun. Other titles add the ability to hold onto two weapons at once and switch between them as well as special moves. By the time you’ve completed the earlier Metal Slug titles, you’ll appreciate any variety you can get.

In the end, the game is a fairly arcade-perfect port of several great games. I’d like an arcade-style controller for the Wii with a stick and buttons but the Wii remote does well and tossing grenades is a hoot (you jerk the remote). I also like being able to play through Metal Slug without having to raid my laundry quarters (my first foray through Metal Slug 1 took 26 continues or, at $0.25 per play, $6.50). It’s a fun distraction and most of my guests enjoy being able to sit down and play something non-threatening. It’s nice to cooperate and instead simply try to blow up a huge, looming robot.