Metal Slug Super Vehicle 001

🎮 PlayStation ⏳ 2 hours ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Charming Run-and-Gun Origins #

The very first Metal Slug entry is a fast-paced run-and-gun game that captures the charm of the original arcade version. The game features detailed, hand-drawn sprites and smooth animations, giving it a distinct personality with humorous enemy behaviors and interactive environments. The gameplay is engaging, with a variety of weapons, destructible scenery, POW rescues, and the iconic SV‑001 tank sections adding depth and excitement.

Expanded PlayStation Content #

The PlayStation release includes bonus modes like “Combat School” and mini-games, as well as galleries that showcase the art and animations, giving fans extra content beyond the arcade experience. The combination of fast action, humor, and visual flair makes it a memorable game even on the aging PlayStation hardware.

Notable Port Drawbacks #

However, the port has its drawbacks, load times interrupt the action, some animations are simplified or missing, and certain audio elements lack the crispness of the arcade original. The difficulty ramps up sharply in later stages, and the overall length is relatively short, making replayability dependent on score-chasing or cooperative play.

Enduring Retro Appeal #

Despite these limitations, the game holds up well for retro gamers. Its humor, style, and explosive action remain entertaining, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of classic run-and-gun games, even if the PS1 version is not the definitive edition. Even though this is the most limited one since it was the very first implementations and ideas, it is really one of the best games of all time, proving how good this formula was.