Metal Slug 3

I have always loved the metal slug series, and on xbox it is amazing. The missions aren't really connected to the ones before and after them, but offer many different ways to go on each level, each resulting in easier and shorter, or longer and harder, multiple weapons, and humongous bosses, but this game strikes the delicate balance between hard and easy. It's hard enough to deliver a challenge that could take a month to accomplish, yet easy enough to keep you from destroying your console in anger. It is definitely the greatest game i've played in years, and you will love it old school arcade fan or not. I guarantee it.

The action reaches new heights in this, the third game in the Metal Slug series. The action now takes place underwater, in the sky and out into space for those who have grown tired of gunning your way through streets and tunnels. The enemies you'll encounter now range from Yetis, giant lobsters, zombies and aliens...again.

The levels, while occasionally offering non-linear routes, are quite short but still gorgeously detailed. But those who are sensitive to over-stimulation should beware some parts of the game, especially the E-P-I-C (overlong) last level could trigger epileptic seizures.

Asides from that, the series is still button-bashing mayhem fun.

No question, this is the hardest Metal Slug game. But being one to enjoy a challenge, that's why I consider it the best entry apart from Metal Slug 2.

Several years after MS2, Peregrine Falcon Squad is dispatched to destroy any remaining known Rebel Army strongholds to prevent another war from breaking out in the event Morden is still alive. As the game progresses, it seems the Martians from the prequel are back to try and conquer Earth.

This is the first Metal Slug game where you fight enemies underwater, and eventually in outer space for the final showdown. And for the first time, you have the option of choosing a different route when your path separates into two directions. Some routes are harder than others but have more POWs and pickups to increase your hi-score.

The variety of enemies this time is insane and makes the game even wilder and more dynamic than ever. Along with mummies and the Martians, you'll battle giant mutant crabs and insects, zombies, man-eating plants, and yetis. And I loved how some of them doubled as pop culture references, like the Tar Men from Return of the Living Dead in Level 2, Brain Bugs from Starship Troopers in Level 4, and Daleks from Dr. Who in Level 5.

The soundtrack was the best in the entire series imo. We've got "Blue Water Fangs" in level 1, a fast-paced action theme. Then there's "The Midnight Wandering" in level 2 a horror-rock song that perfectly fits the nighttime zombie infestation. And finally, "The Unknown World", a bizarre and frightening song played aboard the HR Geiger themed alien ship, Rugname, in the final level.

This is considered by many to be the toughest game in the series, thanks to more pitched combat, stronger bosses with difficult attacks to dodge and tons of health. The infamous Sol Da Rokka, who has a virtually unavoidable yellow energy bolt attack and only has one weak spot. The final level is extremely long and difficult to beat without dying, even for skilled players. I never pulled it off myself even on my best playthrough.

Still, any retro gamer who enjoys a challenge should give MS3 a try on Steam.