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If you've followed our reviews for any length of time you'll know that our experience with
the METAL SLUG series on the iOS platform has been... well not so great. Nostalgia manages
to keep the game afloat, but emulation can only do so much to recreate the responsive
controls and smooth visuals of the Arcade classic.
METAL SLUG 2 doesn't do much to address the problems of previous releases, but it does
have one thing in its favor... it was a much simpler game. As such players can take their
time, and even use the visual slow-down to their advantage.
In a way it provides an insight as to why the series has always felt so weak. Attempting
to bring the game over wholesale is nice in theory, but unless you can bring everything
to the table without flaws you need to re-invent, not re-release.
If you've played previous releases, you'll know what to expect here. Co-op means you
can share the experience with a friend - which is an absolute must if you haven't tried it
before - and once you've unlocked a stage you can practice it as much as you like to
perfect it.
Sadly I get the feeling no one will be afforded the opportunity to make a METAL SLUG game
the iOS platform deserves; something designed from the ground up for the platform so it
feels and plays as smoothly as its Arcade brethren. METAL SLUG 2 gets a pass, but only
because it's inherently less-brutal design works in its favor.