Metal Slug is a side-scrolling arcade action game in which you play a heroic soldier trying to free captives from an enemy. You'll jump and shoot your way through levels packed with enemies and war machines, freeing prisoners and gaining weapon power-ups as you go. At certain points, you'll be able to hop into the Metal Slug, a powerful armored vehicle, to unleash even more firepower on your enemies.

An arcade classic

Metal Slug is widely regarded as a classic arcade game. From a modern perspective, its blend of frantic violence and cartoon style seems normal, but that's only because Metal Slug has been so influential. In terms of gameplay, it's extremely simple, with no controls other than movement, jumping and weapons. If you've played any arcade platformer, you'll know how to play Metal Slug. Like other arcade coin-eaters, Metal Slug gets very difficult at high levels, so a certain amount of frustration is inevitable.

A rare classic that still holds up

Despite its years, Metal Slug's basic formula -- cartoonish graphics, ultra-violence and frantic action gameplay -- holds up very well. If you like arcade action and mashing the fire button, it's definitely worth your while.