Metal Slug 7

Metal Slug 7 brought SNK's legendary run-and-gun series to the Nintendo DS, a series that has defined the genre of action platformer shooters with distinctive pixel-art graphics since the arcade cabinets of the nineties. The player runs through linear levels full of infantry, tanks, and giant mechanical bosses, collects special weapons ranging from flamethrowers to rocket launchers, and occasionally takes control of the series' iconic SV-001 tank or other vehicles. The gameplay is purely arcade-style — built on quick reflexes, knowledge of enemy placement, and precise timing of jumps, dodges, and shooting, with the game also offering two-player co-op.

On the Nintendo DS, the game made use of both screens, with the lower touchscreen serving as an overview map or weapon select, while the actual action took place on the upper display in the traditional 2D style. The graphics retained the series' characteristic exaggerated, comic-book style with finely animated sprites, humorously depicted enemies, and explosions, even though the handheld's lower resolution didn't allow the fine details from the arcade and console versions to fully shine. The musical accompaniment continues the traditional energetic tracks of the Metal Slug series, underscoring the brisk pace of the firefights, even if the DS sound chip couldn't fully replicate the quality of the original arcade machines.

The port to DS was received at release as a solid, if not flawless, way to enjoy a beloved series on the go — praise focused mainly on the availability of the classic gameplay in a handheld format, while criticism pointed to technical compromises compared to the arcade and home console versions. Metal Slug as a series influenced the entire run-and-gun shooter genre and inspired numerous successors. Even today, Metal Slug 7 on DS remains a playable choice for fans of classic 2D shooters who appreciate being able to play the whole game in co-op via local wireless connection as well.