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.
January 3, 2008
Posted by nylatenite |
Arcade, Classics, Metal Slug, SNK Playmore, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Arcade |
1 Comment
I remember the first time I saw a Neo Geo AES at retail. It was back in 1992 or 1993 – I was in my local Software Etc looking for some new games to purchase and I noticed that large black Neo Geo box on the wall. Now, I had heard about SNK’s system, but until that day I had never actually seen one out in the wild. I recall looking over the packaging and being really impressed by the quality of the arcade style controllers as well as being intrigued by the idea of a console that could provide the exact same experience one would get in the arcade.
Ultimately, two things stopped me from buying the AES that day… the fact that SNK didn’t exactly have the deepest catalog of games and more importantly, the fact that each game for the system cost $199.99 apiece. Needless to say, I never purchased an AES, though I search Ebay listings for a deal on them from time to time.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the AES is just how long SNK has continued to support the console. Call it loyalty, or maybe the fact that the cartridges were pretty much the same as the ones they used in the arcade, virtually eliminating conversion costs, but since the AES’ inception, most of SNK”s arcade releases though 2004 were brought over to the console – including ones sold directly by SNK following the console’s discontinuation in 1997. In addition, the company still offers repair and maintenance services on the console as well as all the other systems and accessories in the Neo Geo line (such as the Neo Geo CD, Neo Geo Pocket, etc.) – or at least they will until the end of August.
According to Insert Credit, a notice on SNK Playmore’s Japanese website has announced that effective August 31st, 2007 they will cease all support for the Neo Geo line of consoles, handhelds and accessories. Apparently it’s becoming harder and harder for the company to obtain replacement parts for the consoles and as such, they’ve decided to finally end all support for the consoles.
June 9, 2007
Posted by nylatenite |
Discontinued, Maintenance, Neo Geo, SNK Playmore |
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