Metal Slug 3D
Encyclopedia
, also called Metal Slug 3D (Version) (メタルスラッグ3D(版)) to distinguish it from the original Metal Slug
, is a third-person
run and gun video game for the Sony
PlayStation 2
. It was developed and published by SNK Playmore
and was released in Japan on June 29, 2006. It is the first game of the series to be presented in 3D
.
The game had no definite title when it was first unveiled in Tokyo Game Show
back in 2004. In Electronic Entertainment Expo of 2005, SNK Playmore
revealed the game to be called "Metal Slug: Evolution". However, this was later changed to just "Metal Slug".
Although only the Japanese version has been released, the Japanese version contains menus that are mostly in English, as well as English voice acting. Japanese subtitles and dialogue are also available.
characters.
Upgrades and customization are some of the largest new features. Players can upgrade each character's combat abilities, categorized into Pellet, Power, Hit Rate, and Machine. These abilities allow characters to increase the damage, "splash" radius, and accuracy of their weapons and vehicle handling, respectively. Each character begins with a full proficiency in different categories. For example, Marco starts off with a full Hit Rate skill while Fio starts with a completely upgraded Pellet skill.
Another new feature is a grade system, which ranks the player according to their performance on each of the game's 12 levels. Achieving the highest rank, the S rank, allows the player to collect medals, which are used for upgrading character attributes.
Playing through the game also awards Skill Points to the player, which can be used to upgrade 4 other abilities, which affect the amount of damage a character can withstand, their ability to evade enemy attacks, and more.
The game also includes the option to customize the titular Metal Slug to their own liking, with the ability to switch out its "core," treads, weapons, and armor. An in-game laboratory can be used to build custom parts for the vehicle.
scored a 5/10, saying, "It's a glimpse of something special waiting to happen, of a no-nonsense attitude towards combat that could be developed into a series worthy of the torch that it has chosen to bear."
Metal Slug
is a run and gun video game for the Neo-Geo console/arcade platform developed by Nazca Corporation and published by SNK. It was originally released in 1996 for the MVS arcade platform. The game is widely known for its sense of humor, fluid hand-drawn animation, and fast paced two-player action...
, is a third-person
Third-person shooter
Third-person shooter is a genre of 3D action games in which the player character is visible on-screen, and the gameplay consists primarily of shooting.-Definition:...
run and gun video game for the Sony
Sony
, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
. It was developed and published by SNK Playmore
SNK Playmore
SNK Playmore Corporation is a Japanese video game hardware and software company. SNK is an acronym of , which was SNK's original name. The company's legal and trading name became SNK in 1986....
and was released in Japan on June 29, 2006. It is the first game of the series to be presented in 3D
3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images...
.
The game had no definite title when it was first unveiled in Tokyo Game Show
Tokyo Game Show
The , commonly known as TGS, is a video game expo / convention held annually in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan. It is presented by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association and the Nikkei Business Publications, Inc...
back in 2004. In Electronic Entertainment Expo of 2005, SNK Playmore
SNK Playmore
SNK Playmore Corporation is a Japanese video game hardware and software company. SNK is an acronym of , which was SNK's original name. The company's legal and trading name became SNK in 1986....
revealed the game to be called "Metal Slug: Evolution". However, this was later changed to just "Metal Slug".
Although only the Japanese version has been released, the Japanese version contains menus that are mostly in English, as well as English voice acting. Japanese subtitles and dialogue are also available.
Story
The game takes place in the year 2030, two years after the first Metal Slug game. Series antagonist General Morden becomes allies with Oguma, president of Oguma Enterprises and world leader of technology. Because this alliance could only stand to further strengthen Morden's military power, Marco Rossi, Fio Germi, Tarma Roving, and Eri Kasamoto set out to dissolve both parties. Recurring boss character Allen O'Neil also returns to oppose the player.Gameplay
Metal Slug 3D maintains many features from the 2D entries; characters use an arsenal of various guns, grenades and explosives, and vehicles. The game also introduces full three-dimensional movement to the series to coincide with its 3D presentation, which uses super deformedSuper deformed
Super deformed or SD is a specific style of Japanese caricature where characters are drawn in an exaggerated way, typically small and chubby, with stubby limbs and oversized heads, to make them resemble small children...
characters.
Upgrades and customization are some of the largest new features. Players can upgrade each character's combat abilities, categorized into Pellet, Power, Hit Rate, and Machine. These abilities allow characters to increase the damage, "splash" radius, and accuracy of their weapons and vehicle handling, respectively. Each character begins with a full proficiency in different categories. For example, Marco starts off with a full Hit Rate skill while Fio starts with a completely upgraded Pellet skill.
Another new feature is a grade system, which ranks the player according to their performance on each of the game's 12 levels. Achieving the highest rank, the S rank, allows the player to collect medals, which are used for upgrading character attributes.
Playing through the game also awards Skill Points to the player, which can be used to upgrade 4 other abilities, which affect the amount of damage a character can withstand, their ability to evade enemy attacks, and more.
The game also includes the option to customize the titular Metal Slug to their own liking, with the ability to switch out its "core," treads, weapons, and armor. An in-game laboratory can be used to build custom parts for the vehicle.
Critical reception
NTSC-uk gave the game a 2 out of a possible 10, citing its poor graphics, barren environments, and overall boring gameplay. EdgeEdge (magazine)
Edge is a multi-format computer and video game magazine published by Future Publishing in the United Kingdom. It is known for its industry contacts, editorial stance, distinctive anonymous third-person writing style, yearly awards and longevity....
scored a 5/10, saying, "It's a glimpse of something special waiting to happen, of a no-nonsense attitude towards combat that could be developed into a series worthy of the torch that it has chosen to bear."