By Nick Akerman
GameZone.com
Well here we are, the 10th visit to my Arcade Asylum. It’s been emotional, hasn’t it? We’ve experienced laughter, heartbreak, and a whole lot of obscurity, all in minuscule doses every fortnight. There’s no time for celebration though, it’s business as usual this week, as the summer kicks into action and the arcade world is hit with a slew of titles that aim to tickle your fancy.
Metal Slug XX (PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade)
Let’s not beat around the bush, Metal Slug is still a deceptively charming series. Fast-paced, explosive and surprisingly detailed, the series holds a special place in my heart. If you haven’t tried XX before, or are new to the series, then it’s well worth a shot.
It’s still refreshing to see the ambition that was placed into each of the Metal Slug titles, and you’ll be hard-pushed to find a more accessible side-scrolling multiplayer shooter in today’s climate. There’s a great array of weapons, including heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, laser guns, and even one that fires an explosive robotic lizard towards your enemies. Yes, you read that right first time.
Of course, along with the brash weapons and never-say-die gameplay, Metal Slug is also a top-notch multiplayer title. Getting friends involved is still as fun as ever, and even ramps things up so they’re even more thrilling. What more do you want from an arcade title?
Rocket Knight (PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade)
The reaction’s always the same; “Oh yeah, I remember, that one.” While Rocket Night may not be the most memorable of Konami’s back catalogue, it did manage to captivate players when it landed on the Sega Genesis some 16 years ago.
Although I’m usually all for a graphical overhaul, a part of me wishes Rocket Knight was re-released untouched. The original game had a charm and detail to it that echoed the influence of Sonic, and we all know how his latest adventures have faired.
With that said, Rocket Knight is still as intriguing as ever. Playing as Sparkster, an opposum turned jet-pack wearing fighter of evil, it’s your job to get through levels swiftly. There’s huge bosses, all of which harken back to the classical gameplay of working out their weak point and then taking advantage of it. There’s also the sections that made the original title so enthralling, where a huge change of pace was introduced with flying sections, or even a tremendously clever puzzle that forced you to utilise your reflection in order to prevail. If you don’t have a Sega Genesis and the means of hunting down Rocket Knight Adventures, then this downloadable version could be the unearthing of one of gaming’s greatest lost gems.
Things On Wheels
Sometimes shiny cars and an array of wacky sound effects can attract players to a game, and Things On Wheels certainly has that going for it. Taking control of a remote-controlled car isn’t a new prospect, even on this generation, as a number of miniature racing titles have appeared on the downloadable scene.
Although Things on Wheels is fun to begin with, it doesn’t have enough lasting power. Tracks are clever, and often ensure players cross over each other at a central point, but there isn’t enough calamity to make it worthwhile. If you get into the lead, it’s pretty certain you’ll stay there if you’re racing skills are up to scratch.
With this said, they’re plenty of modes to get involved with. If you like your Micro Machine-styled racers, and don’t take the competition too seriously, this may be worth a viewing.
SFG Soccer (Xbox Live Indie Games)
If the lure of EA’s 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa feels like a betrayal to your hard-earned cash, or indeed, too syllabic to announce, SFG Soccer may be the perfect indie alternative. Granted, it lacks graphical prowess, any licensed teams or commentary, but it’s still a heck of fun.
Your players float across the pitch like puppets, and are programmed with only the dramatic aspects of football in mind. If you need to tackle, it’s got to be sliding across the floor, studs in the air. While shooting is difficult, crossing the ball in from the side and opting for a bicycle kick is the most explosive and sure-fire way to make the net ruffle.
Ok, so it may not have the staying power of a FIFA game, but that’s not the point of SFG. It’s designed for short bursts of quirky gameplay that is a world away from the seriousness of other football titles. It’s also extremely well-produced for an indie title, and should be commended all the way from the silly moustaches to the over-the-top goal celebrations.
