SNK’s first title for Wii is Metal Slug Anthology, a compilation of classic Metal Slug projects. Best of all, these games have been enhanced to take full advantage of Wii’s innovative free-hand style controller, which translates gestures made by players into on-screen movement.
“Fans worldwide have been looking forward to our return to Nintendo platforms and what better way then to bring our complete Metal Slug arcade collection to Wii,” SNK Playmore USA Corporation president Ben Herman said in a statement. “The Wii controller will be used in a new and unique way that enhances the gameplay. Our fans have demanded that we support Nintendo platforms. Let the celebration begin.”
Metal Slug Anthology will feature such classics as Metal Slug, Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug X, Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug 4 and Metal Slug 5. SNK has not yet confirmed if Metal Slug 6 will be on the compilation, but that is a very real possibility. The publisher would only officially state: “This will be a full arcade collection including many additional surprises.”
A version of Metal Slug Anthology is also expected for Sony’s PSP handheld, but the Wii version will obviously boast exclusive controller functionality in addition to any separately added games or features.
The Metal Slug franchise was born to life in 1996 for the now-defunct Neo-Geo console. The arcade shooter took inspiration from the hit Contra series and served up a healthy dose of frantic run-and-gun-style cooperative two-player gameplay. The Metal Slug name describes a massive tank in the game, but much of the side-scrolling missions in the series challenge players to go on foot as Lieutenant Marco Rossi, a tough-guy military leader whose mastery of projectile weapons is second to none.
Metal Slug Anthology is an absolutely great title for the Wii’s ever-growing collection of games. If Nintendo can keep it up with solid releases like this, that focus on gameplay above anything else, then the Wii has a great chance of making it into nearly every gamer’s home. More on Metal Slug Anthology will be announced at E3.