What platform had the best ports of Metal Slug?

Metal Slug is awesome. Sadly, I'm not near wealthy enough to own a Neo Geo with copies of the games, so it's time to head out to port! Which of all the platforms the Metal Slug games were ported to, is the "best" version (i.e good framerate, no visual/audio bugs, no missing content etc)?

 

I recall the Xbox 1 versions being pretty darn good.

 

the Neo geo pocket versions are fun on the go

 

The Saturn version is the best port of the original, since it uses the RAM cart and has a "combat school" mode with all kinds of extra modes. However, the cheapest way to play the games is Metal Slug Anthology on the Wii, which has all the games, but has some annoying problems: the Western versions don't support the classic controller and the GC controller isn't exactly optimal (you can't use a Hori pad either, since it doesn't use the D-pad), plus all the extras from the console ports are missing.
Other than Anthology, there's no port of 2, a half-decent for the hardware PS1 port of X, PS2 and Xbox ports of 3, the latter of which is insanely hard since you have to start a level over again if you run out of lives, PS2 ports of 4 & 5 (which you can skip anyway, since they're awful), and a Japan-only PS2 port of 6.

 

If you have a modern system then don't go for the SEGA Saturn version.... The Saturn version plays at a slightly slower speed then the MVS version. If you have a PS3 you should definitely go for the PSN ('neo geo station') releases of Metal Slug, ported by M2.

 

i played the wii anthology and they were decent although never played the original neo-geo release

 

x

 

Xbox MS3 has limited credits and you have to restart a level if you have to continue, meaning you'll most likely never finish it unless you're good enough to 1CC it, since this also applies to the really long last level. The PS2 version doesn't have this "feature".

 

Metal Slug Anthology is also on the PSP. Load times are annoying, but otherwise plays fine. Some slowdown.

 

I'm sure the PS2 Anthology plays fine, and you get Metal Slug 6 don't you? Seems like that or maybe the Wii version is the way to go.

 

This is what I would recommend. Also its on the PSN store for Vita so you can even play it on that.

 

Get an MVS. Way cheaper than an AES, and nothing beats the original. It's a bit more work to get it set up than a regular console, but it's worth it.

Otherwise, the PS2 Anthology is probably good. I haven't played it, but I've played the Fatal Fury collection and it looks pretty much identical to the originals. Just make sure to use a good Component or RGB cable.

 

Theres also the downloadable ones on the Wii VC, which are, as far as i know, perfect emulations of the original NEO GEO carts.

 

the ps2 anthology had lots of MS games, and 5 out of 6 very wonderfully ported. can't remember the details

 

I've love to get a version on Neo Geo hardware, but the machine, as well as the MVS games are quite pricy!

I've actually already got the PS2 Anthology version, but I had figured it might be a bad port or something. Either way, it's the PAL version, so I should replace it with the NTSC version when I get a mod chipped PS2

 

No love for the 3D version, ey?
Just joking, probably everyone thinks of this as an awful effort.

Gonna try playing it again after 5 years...

 

If the PAL version supports 60hz mode, then you're fine. If not, yes get the NTSC version. It's a cheap but solid way to play all the Metal Slug games. I can't imagine the PS2 Anthology would have any problems.

 

Oooh, I'll have to check if it has a 60Hz mode, thanks for the tip!

 

I googled it for you and it seems the PAL PS2 version is 50hz only. However it seems that Metal Slug 3, 4, and 5 may have gotten individual PAL releases that did support 60hz. But it looks like you should import the NTSC JP or US version of the anthology if you want to play on PS2.

 

Metal Slug 3 didn't reach US PS2 on its own disc.