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SNK ditches slot machines to focus more on video games
Call SNK the anti-Konami. Rather than back away from video games, the legendary Japanese studio has announced that it's dropping its pachinko slot machine business to concentrate its efforts on both conventional video games (like the upcoming King of Fighters XIV, above) and mobile titles. There just isn't as much money in those machines as there is consoles and smartphones, SNK says. To that end, it's hiring more staff and planning more titles.
Latest Android Humble Bundle features NeoGeo's best games
If you're prone to throwing your controller when a game gets the best of you, perhaps the latest Humble Bundle isn't quite for you. Maybe. That's because the outfit's offering up a slew of classic NeoGeo games for the very low price of paying however much you want. So, for that very flexible price range you get Garou: Mark of the Wolves, Blazing Star, The King of Fighters '97, Metal Slug 2 (pictured above) and Metal Slug X on Android. Should you pay more than the (current) average price of $4.56 you'll also get access to Fatal Fury Special, Samurai Showdown II, Metal Slug 3 and yet-to-be-announced surprises.
Daily iPhone App: Metal Slug X is a faithful, though flawed recreation
SNK's slowly been releasing all of its great old Metal Slug games from the Neo Geo library, and just recently, it worked its way up to Metal Slug X, which I think is the fourth iteration of the series? It's hard to keep track -- there's like 20 of them out there in history. At any rate, if you've ever played a Metal Slug game before, you know what to expect here: You control a soldier that runs on a constantly moving 2D battlefield, firing away at enemies and dodging all sorts of colorful incoming fire. The Metal Slug games are known for their high-quality 2D animation, and this game is no different at all -- the sprites are extremely complicated, well-designed, and while the action gets frenetic, it's extremely well-drawn and produced. This is actually an updated version of the game on iOS, with new bosses, new weapons, full Game Center integration and even multiplayer over Bluetooth. Unfortunately, even with those additions, Apple's iOS devices still aren't really the ideal way to play a game like this, as the onscreen controls are less than extremely precise, and putting your fingers on the virtual buttons tends to block out the action. Not to mention that these games tend to be fairly hard, and using virtual controls makes them even harder. But if you're going for this one already, you're probably a Metal Slug fan, so you'll know the drill. Metal Slug X is available now for US$3.99 as a universal version. If you've never tried the series and want to see what it's like, I'd say wait for a sale, as SNK regularly drops the prices on these as well.
Deepworld, You Don't Know Jack, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, and more available now
We're deep in the holiday season at this point, and right now that means dozens (if not more) of game developers out there are getting their best and brightest titles out onto the App Store, making sure they're all ready to download when the Christmas rush rolls around. Here's a look at some of the biggest new App Store releases today. Deepworld isn't brand new, but it is out for the iPad -- it's a great sandbox-style building game that we've been covering here at TUAW for quite a while. It's available as a free download right now. Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy is a great music game that originally appeared on the 3DS, but has now brought its Final Fantasy-based music/RPG gameplay to iOS. It's available as a free download with two songs to play, though if you want more, you'll have to buy them with in-app purchases. You Don't Know Jack has been on iOS before, but today we've got a brand new (free!) version of the title that appears to be ported from the Facebook version. It features the same old quiz show gameplay, now with updates from your friends through the big blue social network. Fluxx is a really incredible card game, and it's now been ported over to iOS as well. You can buy the whole thing for $2.99. Mike Lee's new Lemurs Chemistry game is available for $1.99. SNK has released a port of the original Metal Slug as a $1.99 game. As expected, Disney's Monsters Inc. Run has appeared. It's a mashup of Mega Run and the great Pixar movie, available for 99 cents. Zooniverse is a brand new free-to-play zoo building game from Chillingo. This isn't a new app, but Finger Tied finally got its big level sharing update, so definitely download that and check it out. If you don't have it already, the app is 99 cents. And finally, for those of you who appreciate soccer/football and managing it, Football Manager Handheld 2013 was released by Sega. The game's $9.99, and... it looks complicated. There you go! Stay tuned for full reviews and more insight on these apps and all of the others due out this holiday season here on the site.
JXD releases S7100 Android-based gaming tablet, manages to steal from everyone
If you're going to steal, steal from the best. JXD has just released its S7100, a fairly conspicuous 7-inch Android-powered gaming tablet marketed towards playing old-school arcade games. The device features a D-pad, face buttons, an 800 x 480 capacitive touchsceen, ARM Cortex A9 CPU, Mali 400 GPU, 512MB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 0.3 megapixel front camera, 2.0 megapixel rear camera and HDMI-out. A video trailer shows the unit playing a variety of touchscreen games and classic ROMs including Metal Slug, Mario Kart 64, Angry Birds, Plants Vs. Zombies and Fruit Ninja HD. Not to be undone, the device also features the actual PlayStation button icons on its own buttons (sound familiar?), while the marketing website for the device sports icons from Apple, Google, Microsoft and others. If you're thus far undeterred, there's a must-watch promotional vid hosted just after the break -- nothing justifies a $140 price tag like Bieber, right?
Lego RC tank captured in action by Lego RC camera rig
A Lego RC tank inspired by SNK's classic Metal Slug series is pretty impressive all by itself, but Lego builder Peer Kreuger apparently isn't satisfied by being simply impressive. He decided to take the tank, dubbed "Metal Grudge," to a skateboard ramp and film it in action with the aid of a remote-controlled Lego camera rig, which he also naturally built himself. Head on past the break to check out the results.
SNK considering Metal Slug HD makeover
SNK may soon be trading in its "rocket lawncher" for a high-def upgrade, as IGN reports that the company is considering bringing an HD version of Metal Slug to consoles. If true, the move would echo recent efforts by the company, such as with the forthcoming The King of Fighters XII, to abandon stale sprites for delicious eye candy.Nothing else is known of SNK's future plans for the franchise, and considering that the company merely looks forward to announcing something "someday soon," we are not holding our breath just yet. However, fans itching for a retro fix can pick up Metal Slug 7 when it rolls on to the DS in November.
Ignition, SNK to co-publish Metal Slug 7 in North America
Mercury Meltdown publisher Ignition Entertainment has announced that the company has inked a deal with SNK Playmore to co-publish titles in North America, the first of which will be Metal Slug 7 for the DS. The pair are not exactly strangers, having been cozy together for quite some time on the European side of the pond. Beyond Metal Slug 7, which represents the retro shooter's first outing on Nintendo's handheld, no other titles have been announced, though considering SNK's pedigree we expect the fruits of this union, whatever they are, to be decidedly 2D.
SNK revisits well, returns with 16-game compilation for PS2, PSP
We honestly believe that when it comes to SNK, they believe that nostalgia is job one. Why else would the company continue to keep one foot rooted in the past by re-releasing countless compilations of old releases in lieu of anything truly new? Not that there is anything wrong with that. The company has forgotten more about making fun games than most newcomers will ever know, polygons or not. On that note, SNK's latest trip back in time comes care of an impressive collection of 16 different SNK faves, which skirt across the surface of the company's storied history like flat stone. Set for release for both the PlayStation 2 and PSP sometime during the first half of this year, the not-so-creatively dubbed SNK Arcade Classics: Volume 1 will include a bevy of early-gen fighters, such as the first World Heroes, Art of Fighting, and Samurai Shodown titles, as well as Fatal Fury, King of the Monsters, and King of Fighters '94. Beyond fighting games, however, SNK has put together a rather eclectic mix from other genres, with action titles like Top Hunter, Last Resort, Shock Troopers, Sengoku, and Burning Fight, as well as sports entries Baseball Stars 2, Neo Turf Masters, and Super Sidekicks 3. And of course, where would any SNK tribute be without the original Metal Slug and Magician Lord? Nowhere, that's where, so it's a good thing it includes those as well. Not a bad salvo for the first volume, which has us already wondering what games should make the cut for what we hope will be a second collection soon to follow. What SNK greats would you like to see make a return?[Via press release]
Metal Slug 3 kicks off Live Arcade's 2008
If good omens really exist, then Metal Slug 3 being the first game for Xbox Live Arcade in 2008 is surely one of them. Microsoft has informed us that the game will be arriving on XBLA next week, starting off 2008 with a digital bang (followed by many, many more bangs, dead soldiers, and giant boss creatures). Part of one of the most popular action series of all time, the game will feature Live (and presumably local) co-op and updated graphics. Metal Slug 3 will be available next Wednesday for 800 MS Points. Our only worry is that so much on-screen action might make Live co-op a little sketchy. Let's hope not. Check out a new gallery of Metal Slug 3 screenshots below.%Gallery-12354%
SNK keeps 2D alive, classic fighters coming to PS2 this fall
We can't help but love SNK. Like that girl in the back of the class who refuses to accept that big hair and jelly bracelets have long since gone out of style, SNK continues to hold onto the the idea that 2D is where it's at. While the company has already committed to supporting both the Virtual Console and XBLA with its back catalog of sprite-based games, SNK today announced plans to bring two of its more recent PS2 fighters to the U.S. as well, namely The King of Fighters XI and NeoGeo Battle Coliseum.While the eleventh installment of anything boggles the mind, SNK promises that King of Fighters XI will see a return to the series' classic gameplay, with added refinement and a few new bells and whistles like the 'match-deciding' Judgment Indicator and Dream Cancel (aka 'the wake-up call'). In addition, the PS2 version will also include new features not found in the arcade original, including new characters, music, and bonus stages.That's all well and good, but SNK's promise to bring 'fan-service megamix' NeoGeo Battle Coliseum to the U.S. is what seals the deal. The tag team fighter features a roster packed full of 40 characters from across SNK's catalog of favorites, including Metal Slug's Marco, Samurai Shodown's Hoahmaru, and even King of the Monsters' Cyber Woo. Maybe that girl in the back of the class is onto something.[Via press release]
First batch of Metal Slug 7 screens makes us wish second batch was released instead
It pains us to admit it, but the screenshots that've followed up yesterday's Metal Slug 7 announcement aren't quite the gorgeous scenes of 2D chaos we anticipated. Perhaps 1UP's usual wonky image scaling is to blame, or maybe the run-and-gun game just needs to be seen in motion -- either way, SNK Playmore has a playable demo available at the Tokyo Game Show, so we'll likely receive some hands-on impressions soon. Though we haven't yet heard anything about Metal Slug 7's touchscreen features or any multiplayer possibilities, a "Combat School" mode in which you can complete specific missions and earn medals has been revealed. Hop in an SV-001 and drive past the post break for a couple more screenshots.
Metal Slug 3 coming to XBLA
Nobody knows when it'll be released, but SNK finally announced that Metal Slug 3 will hit Xbox Live Arcade in the relative future. SNK is apparently showing the game at next month's Tokyo Games Show according to a translated press release. They will also be showing off Fatal Fury Special at the event as well. Ever since the announcement of Metal Slug on XBLA a year ago, fans have wondered which installment of the franchise would be used.For straight-up Xbox users, it's nice that Metal Slug is coming to XBLA, but frankly there's plenty of systems to play the whole series on with Metal Slug Anthology. Not to mention, GameTap also practically has the whole series as well -- and there's typically one in rotation on their free service, plus you can just stick a wired Xbox controller in your PC and there you have an XBLA experience. But, if you must have it on XBLA, Metal Slug will come blasting around eventually.[Via X3F]
Metal Slug 3 offically rolling onto XBLA
Well, it only took SNK nearly a year to announce it, but we finally know which Metal Slug will be hitting Xbox Live Arcade. Having already read the headline, you may have guessed that it's Metal Slug 3. If so, then you are correct. Go get yourself a cookie. According to a (translated) press release from SNK Playmore, the game will be part of the company's lineup at the Tokyo Game Show next month. In the same press release, it is also revealed that SNK Playmore will be showing off Fatal Fury Special (known as Wolf Legend Special in Japan).There you have it then. Now that the veil of secrecy has been lifted, are you happy with SNK's Metal Slug choice, or would you have preferred a different entry in the series?[Via XBLArcade]
07 Commando trailer: Not safe for copyright lawyers
Okay, so 07 Commando looks exactly like a Metal Slug game. So there's no possible way that the developers got inspiration from any source other than Metal Slug. You know what? We don't care. A well-executed ripoff of a great game may be bad for the creative minds who devised the first version, but it works out okay for us. Take Pump it Up, for example. We'd be appalled at the wholesale appropriation of DDR if we didn't like dropping a quarter or two into Pump it Up.It's not our job to defend anyone's intellectual property but our own. Let us know when someone starts making a game based on one of our posts-- then we'll get outraged. Until then, we'll continue reaping the benefits of others' unauthorized tributes.
Operation: Vietnam missing in action?
Has anyone actually picked up a copy of Operation: Vietnam, Coyote Console's squad-based action title? Publisher Majesco shipped the title to stores last week with a budget price of $19.99, but all the reviews and impressions for it seem to have been lost in the jungle. Sending the game out on the same day as Rune Factory, Heroes of Mana, and Luminous Arc's release probably wasn't a good idea.Though we weren't impressed with the screenshots we've seen, hearing previews describe Operation: Vietnam as a mix of Cannon Fodder and Metal Slug was enough to keep us at least a little bit interested. Majesco unceremoniously put out a trailer for the game a couple weeks ago, to little fanfare; you can check it out past the post break.
07 Commando announced for the DS in the UK
While we're pretty much of the mind that there is only one side-scrolling, running-and-gunning game you all should care about here at DS Fanboy, Lexicon Entertainment's recent announcement involving 07 Commando had us doubting ourselves for just a second. Then, we realized we don't live in the UK, breathed a sigh of relief and stared down at our hands, only to see all of our fingernails had been chewed into oblivion.The game looks to take inspiration from Metal Slug, which is a very good thing. Taking up the role of Storm, you'll attempt to thwart the nefarious plans of the evil Rattlesnake organization. The final product is also said to include several touch-screen based minigames, should the mood strike you.Look for 07 Commando to release in the UK in Q1 of 2008.
PSP Fanboy review: Metal Slug Anthology
Most people only read reviews to find out if they should buy, try or avoid a particular game. With that in mind, here's that info on Metal Slug Anthology for those who don't want to read a full review. Buy: If you are a Metal Slug fan or enjoy 2D shooters (ex. Contra). Try: If you haven't played Metal Slug or a 2D shooter before, but enjoy action games. Avoid: If you don't like dated graphics, 2D games or shooters.
SNK's Ben Herman chats up the VC
Ben Herman, who already let us know that we could expect Neo-Geo games to pop up on the Virtual Console service, came back from his short interview hiatus to discuss SNK and the upcoming support of the Neo-Geo system. While Ben couldn't give us an exact date on when this is all going down, he did manage to cast away our doubts that the company wouldn't stick to a consistent release schedule with its titles, much like we've already seen come from the Virtual Console, promising to provide a steady flow of titles once the floodgate has been opened. Sadly, the games will cost us though, as Ben confirms the price will be a bit higher than the current price tag of SNES titles. As of right now, games for the Neo-Geo system are slated for a worldwide arrival on the Virtual Console service this Summer.
Metal Slug model to drool over
Metal Slug fansite Metal Slug Database has put up this gorgeous looking Metal Slug model that fans of the series should certainly appreciate. It's a resin model kit and assembly and painting is needed, so if you did buy this, it's unlikely it'd look as good as the image above. It's unclear if the model is official or not, but it's officially awesome. If only the model came free with copies of Metal Slug Anthology for PSP, then it would be the ultimate collectors edition. Do any readers love Metal Slug still like myself? [Via Game Set Watch]
