As compilations go, Metal Slug Anthology is a rather complete collection. It contains Metal Slug, Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug X, Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug 4, Metal Slug 5, and Metal Slug 6. That is a whole lot of Metal Slug! Hardcore fans will be in their glory, newcomers to the series will have everything they need. While this anthology contains essentially everything you need to get your Metal Slug fix, you'll notice that these games are all pretty much the same. There are some minor variations in terms of character selections and whatnot, but overall, the experience doesn't vary. Depending on your perspective, that is either great or disappointing. For me, it's a good thing because I happen to enjoy these games from time to time despite them all being so similar to one another.

     The Wii remote functions pretty nicely. You turn it sideways to resemble an NES controller, and you can flick the remote to throw a grenade - and that is pretty cool. There are also ways to customize your game; you can set the difficulty, and the amount of lives you get (including unlimited lives).

     It's a fine game, one that utilizes the Wii remote as a strength in a simple yet effective way, and provides you with plenty of games for your buck with a decent amount of customizable options. Plus, the graphics are lush and beautiful with some nicely ordained 2D environments. If you can look past some of its shortcomings, you'll enjoy this compliation. The Metal Slug games are brief and very similar to one another, but still fun. And that's exactly what you'll have - fun! And isn't that what a game is all about?

-Kurt L.

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