Hector's Pick #8 - Metal Slug Anthology

Run to the right, shoot, jump and throw grenade. Thats really all this game requires, but it is certainly enough to break the top ten. 7 games are included on one disc (1-6 and Metal Slug X, which is a slightly different, less buggy-er version of 2) and an excellent price tag (about 40$)

The graphics are cartoony, but not over the top. The action is fast paced and the power ups and vehicles are aplenty.

In almost any arcade I visit, the first thing I go for is a mad hunt for a Metal Slug machine. I will gladly throw my quarters into any of the MS games and play for hours. I purchased this game for the Wii and I must say it is a great feeling to have all the Metal Slugs at my own home, although I did come across some very, very minor negatives to the consoles. One being the way you throw grenades with the Wiimote, you have to make a quick shake and very rarely does it not register. And the other is the unlimited continues. Sure I can play through the entire game and if I die, I can continue on the spot. I do like my games with some challenge, but these hinderances are very minor and are not enough to put these games lower on my list. You just can't let the fact that side scrollers are a dying breed keep you away from absolute classics like this.