Metal Slug 3

Considering the cost of owning the Neo Geo original cart, this XB conversion is worth its weight in gold. Metal Slug holds aloft a torch to 2D gaming with humble pride as the emphasis has gone into graphical detail, not 3D models. As such this game oozes charm: from the highly amusing death sequences of the foot soldiers to the different feel of the mini arsenal of weapons at your disposal. And its not just weapons too, tanks, jets, helicopters - even a mecha suit break up the standard run and gun fun for a brief, enjoyable stint - up there with riding the dragons in Golden Axe. Strikes a good balance too after the toughness of part two.