Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 38
  2. Negative: 0 out of 38
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  1. The presentation and controls are lacking, but the rest of the package really stands out due to the gameplay department.
  2. If you have never played Metal Slug but love 2D games like Contra, this title will provide unlimited game play for you too.
  3. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    82
    It's not motion-sensing genius but Metal Slug doesn't have to be. It's the craziest, most action-packed shooter ever and there's room for games like this outside the Virtual Console. [Apr 2007, p.87]
  4. I personally had a blast playing through it and even if it is just a compilation of some older games, it’s better than some of the games that developers are throwing out there for the Wii.
  5. At Forty dollars this compilation is worth every penny for seven arcade perfect translations.
  6. 81
    Although the basis for gameplay is almost unchanged from the beginning of number one to the final dregs of number six, Metal Slug never loses its grip on you, forcing the player to concentrate on the action unfolding on every inch of the screen at all times.
  7. The Wii version of the Metal Slug Anthology is somewhat less than ideal, primarily due to the control snafus...Still, you can get used to it, and despite tripping over itself, Metal Slug Anthology is a tremendous deal for your money, and is definitely worth checking out for anyone into chaotic old school mayhem.
  8. The Wii controller is decidedly a bit unwieldy for traditional Contra-esque play.
  9. All of the games retain their arcade-based charm, sans the small fortune of quarters you’d have to spend after getting killed for the twentieth time.
  10. AceGamez
    80
    Aside from a few minor grievances, Metal Slug Anthology serves up one of the finest videogame compilations ever created and is without question worthy of a place in anyone's collection.
  11. A worthy addition to any Wii owner's game collection. It may be unusual, insistent on clinging to a long-gone gaming era, and incredibly hard at times, but by including every major Metal Slug game, is without doubt one of the finest platform shooter titles yet released.
  12. Nintendo Power
    80
    Fans of classic, side-scrolling, 2D action will love Metal Slug Anthology. [Jan. 2007, p.108]
  13. 80
    If you have ever been a fan of this series or simply a fan of arcade shooters in general; then there is no reason not to buy this compilation. While you could probably blaze through all seven games in a day or two; you will never grow tired of ripping through them over and over with a buddy in the co-op mode.
  14. Metal Slug Anthology does nearly everything right, however, those without GC controllers may not find a perfect control scheme.
  15. Nintendo Gamer
    78
    Paradoxical. A celebration of old school and simplicity appearing on a machine capable of so much more. Accept that it won't push the Wii, and it's highly enjoyable. [Mar 2007, p.50]
  16. All of the arcade greats are here, although it is plagued with load times, arcade-imperfect porting, and unnatural-feeling Wiimote controls. With such a massive collection, there should have been more extras, but with seven games on one disc, it is definitely something that should not be missed by fans.
  17. A fun, albeit no-frills, collection of one of the most beloved franchises in arcade gaming and a great value for hardcore fans of the series.
  18. 75
    All seven games hold their own without any stinkers to clutter things up. If you’re a fan of the series in any sense, or just a fan of old-school 2D gaming, then you must have Metal Slug Anthology.
  19. Even if you've never played a Metal Slug game in your life, but you do like classic 2D shooters, you won't be disappointed. There is a reason this series has been around so long and when you play through any one of these games you will understand why.
  20. Game Informer
    75
    The problem is that no matter which [control sheme] you select, you'll sacrifice functionality - either in maneuverability or how you lob grenades. [Jan 2007, p.107]
  21. Metal Slug Anthology sets out to compile seven of the best 2D shooters ever released on the Neo Geo. For the most part it succeeds, but why they chose not to offer Classic Control support is anybody's guess!
  22. The breakneck action of SNK's playfully over-the-top military shooter series still holds up, despite compromised motion controls and additional load times.
  23. The nunchuck-only method, which has players tilting the device left and right to move, seems odd, takes some time to get used to, and really just comes off as clunky and inaccurate. The nunchuck/remote combo works well mostly, but aiming with the analog stick can prove bothersome when the action gets heavy.

Awards & Rankings

9
19
#19 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2006
17
#17 Most Shared Wii Game of 2006
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 27
  2. Negative: 2 out of 27
  1. Nov 26, 2022
    9
    10 - Masterpiece
    9 - Amazing
    8 - Great
    7 - Good
    6 - Okay
    5 - Mediocre
    4 - Bad
    3 - Awful
    2 - Painful
    1 - Unbearable
  2. Jul 15, 2021
    8
    This is a really good collection of Metal Slug games. This collection just has the mainline games, but those are the best ones. I like theThis is a really good collection of Metal Slug games. This collection just has the mainline games, but those are the best ones. I like the amount of options you have for playing the Wii version of the game, like how you can play with just the Wii mote, with the nun chuck, the classic controller or GameCube controllers. Plus the options to make the games easier make it to where non-hardcore players can still see the entirety of all the games in the collection. Full Review »
  3. Jul 9, 2016
    8
    Its Metal Slug 1-6 and X, do I need to say anything else? An enjoyable title. The controls work surprisingly well. The only downside, is thatIts Metal Slug 1-6 and X, do I need to say anything else? An enjoyable title. The controls work surprisingly well. The only downside, is that the game does not support the 720p mode. Full Review »