Metal Shooter is a free retro-styled mobile platform action game in which you take on the role of a commando battling your way past hordes of enemies in a series of different zones. The gameplay is strongly -- and obviously intentionally -- reminiscent of arcade classic Metal Slug, although without that game's genre-defining graphical style or vehicle gameplay. On-screen joystick and button controls let you control your character, as the game goes on, you'll collect a range of different weapons.

The art of war

Metal Shooter uses simple on-screen joystick and button controls, which are easy to understand and use. The combination of shooting and platforming action is engaging, and the combat is fast-paced and exciting. The enemy designs are a little repetitive, and the soundtrack isn't exactly groundbreaking, but the boss battles are fun and the pace is frantic enough that you don't really mind. Like many free mobile apps, this game features in-app purchases that can be a little intrusive, but none of it is out of the ordinary for players used to mobile games.

Join the battle

If you're a fan of the classic arcade action of games like Metal Slug, you'll enjoy the fast-paced combat of Metal Shooter. The gameplay is entertainingly frantic, and the joystick control gives a good imitation of the arcade control scheme. It has one or two flaws, but it's an exciting way to pass some spare time.