For those that spent their youth within the captive grip of arcade video games, the identify Metal Slug wants no introduction. The action-filled aspect scroller was a mainstay in arcades throughout the globe, and it is making a comeback with Metal Slug: Awakening, now accessible on PC and cell.
Unfamiliar with the franchise? It all began in 1996, when Metal Slug first appeared as an arcade machine. Almost each laundry store or pizza joint had a Metal Slug machine. For simply 25 cents, you possibly can get pleasure from top-tier enjoyable. There’s one thing nostalgic about that wild but joyful arcade period of the ’90s, while you’d get so hooked on a recreation that you just’d overlook what time you had been supposed to return dwelling.
The story of Metal Slug was set in a dystopian 2028. You took on the position of a soldier, preventing a coup that threatened to shatter the peace and impose a brand new world order. You bombarded enemies with relentless gunfire and melee assaults, all the way in which to the boss showdowns in every degree.
On the way in which by way of every degree, you possibly can discover prisoners of battle who would offer you rewards while you freed them. You at all times began with a easy handgun, however as you progressed by way of ranges, you picked up particular weapons — like machine weapons, rocket launchers, and shotguns. You may additionally soar in tanks known as Metal Slugs (the sequence’ namesake, after all). As the sequence progressed, it added extra heroes and extra particular weapons.
Awakening is constructed on the identical basis as its predecessors. It nonetheless options side-scrolling motion, particular weapons, and Slugs. Even the enduring “mission begin” and “mission full” bulletins from the unique recreation are nonetheless current. But it isn’t all old-school — graphical updates breathe new life into characters, weapons, and autos; recent characters with distinctive talents debut; and progressive options and recreation modes provide a refreshing twist to the gameplay.
Speaking of characters, that’s an space the place Metal Slug: Awakening has expanded. While earlier video games had a most of six characters, Awakening has greater than 20 — with extra nonetheless on the way in which. You can unlock characters within the Treasure Dig mode, and every character has distinctive expertise and an final potential that may vary from slowing down time to summoning a battleship.
Awakening introduces a mixture of basic weapon sorts in addition to distinctive, new-to-the-series armaments like sniper rifles, noticed launchers, and a boxing gun (a literal firearm with a spring-loaded punching glove attachment). Additionally, all weapons come in numerous varieties, a few of which may apply distinct standing results, equivalent to freezing or burning enemies.
Joint Operation is one other one of many main improvements in Metal Slug: Awakening. In distinction to conventional arcade video games the place you may face bosses alone, now you can be part of forces with two extra gamers for these epic showdowns. You can do that by getting along with your folks or teaming up with strangers the sport pairs you with. You’ll every select your personal character and pack your most potent weapons earlier than hitting the battlefield to assert victory.
Looking for a change of tempo? You can dive into the PvP mode for a special expertise. Face off towards actual gamers, controlling three characters and switching them out and in to reveal your distinctive fight model. With three characters and three weapons at your disposal, the mixtures you possibly can provide you with provide numerous prospects.
Now, time for play! Metal Slug: Awakening is out there to obtain free of charge proper now on PC, iOS, and Android, and you’ll play it with a controller. Your progress is linked to an account that can be utilized throughout all platforms, so that you’ll by no means have to begin over from scratch. Enjoy your time revisiting a basic sequence.
