Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Metal Slug: Super Vehicle – 001 delivers a classic side-scrolling shoot ’em up experience that remains as thrilling today as it was upon its Neo Geo debut. Players take control of one of two elite soldiers, charging headlong into enemy territory with an arsenal of weapons at their disposal. From the trusty machine gun to devastating grenades and flame throwers, each weapon feels weighty and satisfying, encouraging constant experimentation and strategic switching on the fly.

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The level design is a masterclass in pacing and variety. You’ll push through deserts, jungles, military bases, and frozen tundras, all while being bombarded by waves of infantry, armored vehicles, and deadly creatures. Power-ups are scattered liberally, rewarding exploration of hidden alcoves and scaling crumbling walls. These items can turn the tide of battle but often come at the risk of veering off the main path, giving players a genuine risk-versus-reward dilemma.

Boss encounters serve as fantastic culminations of each stage, with gigantic mechanized foes that test your reflexes and mastery of the game’s dodge-and-shoot fundamentals. Learning their attack patterns and exploiting brief windows of vulnerability is immensely satisfying. The PlayStation port’s two-player cooperative mode shines here, as coordinating with a friend to flank a massive boss or clear hordes of enemies brings an extra layer of camaraderie and strategy.

Graphics

Metal Slug has always been renowned for its stunning sprite work and vibrant color palette, and the PlayStation port preserves these assets with remarkable fidelity. Every frame is packed with detailed character designs, fluid animations, and expressive enemy models that convey weight and personality. From the wobbling treads of the titular tank to the exaggerated ragdoll physics of defeated foes, the visual flair is never lacking.

The backgrounds are equally arresting—lush jungles teeming with wildlife, grimy prison compounds dripping with atmosphere, and even underwater caverns glowing with bioluminescent flora. Each environment is layered to create a sense of depth, ensuring that the frantic foreground action never feels disconnected from the stage you’re traversing. Subtle details, like parallax scrolling and dynamic weather effects, further enrich the sense of place.

On the technical side, the PlayStation version runs smoothly with only occasional dips in framerate when chaos reaches its peak. Load times are minimal between levels, and the art gallery bonus feature allows fans to admire high-resolution prints of key concept art and sprite animations. While purists may spot minor downscaling compared to arcade hardware, the overall graphical presentation remains a standout achievement.

Story

True to the franchise’s arcade roots, Metal Slug’s narrative is straightforward: eliminate the rebel army’s forces, sabotage their secret projects, and confront their ultimate war machine. This no-frills approach keeps the focus squarely on the action, with cutscenes serving as brief but charming interludes that punctuate the carnage with lighthearted humor.

The protagonists, Marco and Tarma, are archetypal heroes whose personalities emerge through animated reactions—saluting upon mission completion, diving into the tank’s cockpit with gusto, or quipping as they rescue POWs. These small touches endear the characters to players without bogging down the pace with needless exposition. Supporting cast members, including POWs and fellow soldiers, often deliver comedic relief through exaggerated facial expressions and slapstick timing.

Bosses and mid-level mini-bosses boast over-the-top designs—a giant spider machine that flings bombs from its legs, a submarine turret bursting from the ice—each with its own backstory hinted at through the stage’s visual cues. Though the overarching plot may not win awards for depth, the game’s humorous tone and charismatic set pieces ensure the narrative remains engaging from start to finish.

Overall Experience

Metal Slug: Super Vehicle – 001 on PlayStation is more than a faithful port; it’s an enriching package that offers both high-octane action and enduring replay value. The addition of the combat school mode pits you against friends in time-attack challenges, encouraging mastery of each level’s layout and enemy spawn points. Whether you’re chasing leaderboard glory or simply brushing up on your skills, this mode adds substantial longevity.

Fans will appreciate the art gallery, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, including sketches, color tests, and sprite development sheets. These extras cater to collectors and hardcore enthusiasts eager to delve deeper into the game’s visual artistry. Meanwhile, the core run-and-gun gameplay remains as addictive as ever, with tight controls, explosive feedback, and a relentless sense of momentum.

In the final analysis, Metal Slug: Super Vehicle – 001 stands as a pillar of the run-and-gun genre. Its combination of responsive gameplay, striking visuals, and lighthearted storytelling makes it an essential pick-up for newcomers and veterans alike. The PlayStation enhancements further sweeten the deal, offering modes and galleries that extend the experience beyond a single playthrough. Whether you’re playing solo or teaming up in couch co-op, prepare for a relentless, joyous blast through enemy lines.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10