Metal Slug X - PlayStation

A conversion of the third entry in the cult arcade series, this is a real rarity on these shores--indeed it's the first time ever a Metal Slug game has been released in the UK. The premise of this title, and indeed every Metal Slug game, is far from extraordinary: you control a cute little commando on a left to right scrolling mission to blow seven bells out of whoever gets in your way--usually some vaguely Nazi-esque bad guys--with a few diversions to take in Egyptian mummies and alien octopus people along the way.

What it loses in terms of originality Metal Slug X more than makes up for in imagination and execution. Despite being 2-D the graphics are fantastic, with some wonderful animation that imbues every backdrop, bad guy and power-up with tons of personality. Then there's the extremely cool means of transport you get to avail yourself of, including a machine-gun equipped camel, a weird jumping robot power suit and the title's eponymous super-cute tank.

There's really nothing to criticise in Metal Slug X save its relative brevity, so go ahead and risk that visit from the fashion police and you'll find out why three dimensions are not necessarily better than two. --David Jenkins