Metal Slug: Awakening Review
The beloved franchise gets a mobile gacha twist that balances between nostalgia and new mechanics.
last updated Aug 27, 2024
Metal Slug: Awakening strikes a curious balance between nostalgia and modern mobile gaming.
Gameplay: A Nostalgic Yet Gacha-Fueled Journey
Metal Slug: Awakening serves up a generous plate of nostalgic elements seasoned with a hefty dose of gacha-fueled gameplay. Familiar characters like Marco, Fio, and Tarma are back, but they now come with an arsenal of customization options that let players tweak gear to their liking, reminiscent of the early RPGs we fantasized about as kids. The game features various modes including PvP, co-op, and a campaign that mixes traditional side-scrolling action with new mechanics that ease mobile play—auto-aim, anyone? Yet, let’s be real: it’s hard to shake off the feeling that the difficulty balance is less about player skill and more about grinding through repeated levels or forking over cash. Some will revel in these modern adaptations, while others might find the gameplay feels more like a treadmill attached to a virtual paywall rather than the heart-pounding action they adored from the originals.
Audio: Remixed & Refreshing
If there's one thing that will tug at the heartstrings of seasoned gamers, it's the updated soundtrack in Metal Slug: Awakening. The music keeps the spirit of the original games while introducing fresh remixes that elevate the overall experience. Well-timed sound effects add a layer of immersion, whether you’re blasting through baddies or engaged in intense PvP showdowns. However, beware: the English voice acting can sometimes be a cringe-fest, offering a mix of melodrama and awkward delivery that feels like a bad translation of the classics. That said, the audio department undeniably deserves a pat on the back for keeping the energy high, which is key when navigating through daily objectives and competitive arenas.
Graphics: Polished Yet Familiar
Visually, Metal Slug: Awakening opts for a slick 3D style that modernizes the pixelated charm of its predecessors, but it’s evident that technical limitations hold it back from achieving greatness. The animation is lively, and character design remains true to its roots, although some fans may miss the pixel art aesthetic completely. Performance-wise, many gamers report stuttering and other hiccups, even on systems that exceed the minimum requirements. One cannot help but feel that the transition from arcade to mobile has its drawbacks, with some appreciating the bright colors and flashy effects while others are left wishing for the concise simplicity of earlier titles. It’s safe to say that while it looks good for a mobile game, you can feel the clunkiness creeping in during prolonged play sessions.
The Gacha Quandary and its Impact
The gacha mechanics introduced in Metal Slug: Awakening undoubtedly register as the game's double-edged sword. While it opens doors for personalization and character leveling, it also risks alienating players who wish for a pure experience. Those willing to wade through this monetization minefield might find paths to enjoyment, but the persistent sense of pay-to-win lingers ominously in the air like sprinkles on a cake that’s just a little bit too stale. Daily quests and cooperative missions can keep you engaged, but the grind quickly turns tedious, leading some to question the game's replayability once the novelty wears off. Microtransactions are often a buzzkill, and the sheer volume of content stowed behind them leaves many feeling like this is more a cash register than a revival of their childhood.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Tencent
Publisher
HAOPLAY Limited
Release Date
July 19, 2024
Metal Slug: A Mixed Bag of Joy and Frustration
In the end, Metal Slug: Awakening strikes a curious balance between appreciating the legacy of its predecessors and integrating modern mobile gaming elements that might not sit well with long-time fans. For every moment of nostalgic bliss, there’s a frustrating encounter with gacha mechanics and performance issues that pulls players back into the harsh reality of mobile gaming. It’s a decent title if you’re up for some fun in short bursts and can tolerate a game that feels more developed for monetization over mastery.