Metal Slug 3

 Xbox
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 56
  3. Negative: 0 out of 56
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  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    No slowdown, now flicker, no nothing. Most importantly, it's still among the best 2D action games ever created. [July 2004, p.102]
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  2. netjak
    71
    All missions are full co-op ready. You and a friend can play together to beat the game together! This was always my favorite feature of the previous versions of this game (as well as other old school games). This only makes the game more fun to play when a buddy is over.
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  3. Kombo
    71
    Metal Slug 3, at four years old, still remains one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences on the Xbox for those who are up to the challenge it presents.
  5. Eurogamer
    70
    No lie, you'll finish the lot in a day. You can try and collect all the extras (Japanese radish and Chinese cabbage are all there for the taking), but there's no getting away from the fact that there's not enough in here to warrant shelling out full whack, no matter how perfect a slice of arcade action it may be.
  6. AceGamez
    70
    Unless you're a hardcore fan of the franchise, old-school games or side-scrollers, just make this one a rental.
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  7. Cheat Code Central
    70
    This is like "Contra" on acid. There is so much stuff coming at you at all times that it will you leave with nervous figgety dreams at night. You will literally be playing this game iin your sleep.
    All this publication's reviews
  8. 3DAvenue
    70
    While Metal Slug 3 does not offer the most gaming around, it does offer some fantastic gameplay. The additional extras extend the games longevity a little bit but really this is a game you buy to play over and over again every so often.
  9. PALGN
    70
    Not only the best Metal Slug 3 port to date, but also the best 2D side-scrolling shooter for the Xbox.
  10. VGPub
    69
    The main arcade missions are done before you know it, and the lousy continue system doesn't help matters that much more either.
  11. IGN
    68
    The Xbox version runs incredibly fast, perhaps too fast for some folks. It's a fantastic shooter experience and (though I have only played four of the Slug games) Metal Slug 3 has always been my favorite.
  12. TotalGames.net
    64
    The other side to the game is its humour and visual appeal. Sure, this is a 2D game, but it's also packed with smart touches of animation and grand set-piece battles to liven any rainy Sunday for five minutes.
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Gamer's Pulse
    62
    Offering gamers fast paced gameplay, excellent 2D designs, alternate pathways and a slew of weapons to rain chaos on the enemies this is one title all gamers should at least try once, twice - even three times.
  14. RewiredMind
    60
    Feels like a very short game. The extras, as I mentioned, will serve as a tasty bonus once you've completed the main game, but get dull fairly quickly.
  15. Maxim Online
    60
    The wacky sensibility will give you a few chuckles, while the insane difficulty level takes you on a masochistic tour of your squandered youth.
  16. G4 TV
    60
    It's often insanely hard, and just as insanely priced. So spread some salt over this slug until SNK wises up and offers it for a more reasonable fee.
  17. Game Revolution
    58
    It's a little hard recommending a port of a four year-old game for the full $40 price tag. Couple that with the ruthless difficulty caused by the continue system and it becomes clear that this is for hardcore shooter vets only.

Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Best Xbox Game of 2004
80
#80 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 6 out of 16
  1. Kyle_Katarn92
    Jul 9, 2016
    8
    A solid port of the game for the console. Metal Slug 3 on PS2/XBOX has a few additional mods for the players to enjoy. My only issue with theA solid port of the game for the console. Metal Slug 3 on PS2/XBOX has a few additional mods for the players to enjoy. My only issue with the game, is that you can't use the analog stick to control your character.… Full Review »
  2. J.M.
    Jun 14, 2005
    10
    Why do such good games go way overlooked? so what if the game is too hard, so what if it's too short (except for mission 5 which is Why do such good games go way overlooked? so what if the game is too hard, so what if it's too short (except for mission 5 which is impossibly hard I have to admit), it is still the same great Metal Slug game we all know and love, and that should be enough, and look at it this way, the XBOX can handle this better than PS2 (which sucks, so wait for PS3 which is much better). Top notch game that brings the arcade to you ( I know, that sounds lame and from the years of Atari).… Full Review »
  3. Uter
    Jun 12, 2004
    8
    It's a bit pricey considering it's an old port without many extras. But if you weren't to take that into consideration, really It's a bit pricey considering it's an old port without many extras. But if you weren't to take that into consideration, really this is a top tier xbox game definately worth owning. It could pass as a contra sequel for those unfamiliar with the series.… Full Review »
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