XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – METAL SLUG 3

Okay, so it's two weeks in a row I've been late with the Xbox Live Arcade post – sue me. So this post is a day late, sue me. It was New Years, I was having a good time, things like this are to be expected.

This week, I'm guessing Microsoft's plan was to start the new year off with a bang by bringing SNK's classic Metal Slug series to the Live Arcade. As such, Metal Slug 3 was told to put on it's best outfit and wow everyone with it's pure arcade goodness. While I have yet to get the chance to try even the demo of the game (and it's not because I don't love the Metal Slug series, I do), there's been a lot of negative feedback on this one already. Complaints have ranged from graphical glitches to slowdown when the action on screen gets to heavy.

Further complicating the matter is that the game is priced at 800 points ($10) – while Metal Slug 3 is certainly a great game, the fact that it's available in other consoles packaged with all the other games in the series for just a little more money may lead you to decide that you'd rather pick this one up elsewhere even if it does mean sacrificing online co-op.

What I'm saying here is that regardless of your feelings for Metal Slug, be sure to download the demo before you buy it so you know what you're in for.

Title: Metal Slug 3
Developer: SNK Playmore
Publisher: SNK Playmore
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 1/02/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: T (Teen) – Animated Blood & Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio, the four veterans of the elite Sparrows Unit now come to Xbox LIVE® in METAL SLUG 3™! The popular action shooting series is in all of its original arcade glory, with gorgeous graphics and all the run-and-gun action you can handle. There is no time for indecision. General Morden is on the warpath and you must prevent him from creating the New World Order. Stop the Rebel Army!

• Multiple routes: Different routes through the stages allow for extended replayability.
• Different metal slugs: Various slugs are available for help in battle. Handle all the different slugs to learn their capabilities and complete the mission.
• Individual enemies: Different enemies appear depending on which route the player takes, and each enemy has its own unique characteristics.
• Classic arcade graphics: The classic graphics are faithfully reproduced for your gaming enjoyment." - Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade titles, I had no intention of playing Spongebob Squarepants Underpants Slam!, so I have nothing to report to you on that end. If you want to know about it, go download the demo and try it for yourself.