It's been a long time coming, and not to mention quite a confusing journey as well. For those of you guys waiting for your side-scrolling bash that is Metal Slug Anthology, SNK is giving you guys some really good news.

After the whole ordeal of the PSP version getting delayed and all, they've just announced that it's actually already shipped to stores. The last we heard, the game was supposed to come out March 1. Lo and behold, it has recoiled back and is now available today in its 7-part Metal Slug glory.

Metal Slug Anthology's release for the Wii had nearly everyone's heads spinning as the confusion just wouldn't stop. Now the PSP version is bound to suffer the same fate. After the nth delay (the last release date was February 6), it now looks like SNK has pushed back the release to March 1. Again.

Metal Slug Anthology will include the original Metal Slug up to Metal Slug 6 with Metal Slug X. Who says you can't have too much of a good thing? This game brings back memories of a thousand quarters.

The question remains: how long do we have to wait for our Flameshots and Heavy Machine Guns on the PSP?

If you're like the rest of us here in QJ who are near to scalding our scalps due to the head scratching brought on by the confusion of this game's release date, we must say, welcome to The Befuddled Club.

As you'll also probably notice in our previous posts for Metal Slug Anthology, the game's Wii version was first rumored to be a launch title, and then it was pushed back to November 28th. And now, SNK Playmore is saying that the target window for MSA's release is "early December."

The PSP version also suffers from the same fate: first said to be scheduled for release November 15th then moved to 28th, and THEN to December 4th. If you check Amazon, their listing for the game's PSP version says that the game will be released December 5th. But if you head on to EBGames, they list both the Wii and PSP versions as slated for release on December 14, with the PS2 version hitting shelves a week later (December 19).

On the SNK Playmore's message board, you'll see that the game will be released "early December". But if EBGames proves to be right, wouldn't December 14 count as "mid-December" already? Now, we're not really complaining ('coz we know the wait will be sooo worth it anyway), this post is really just to update you guys on the game's release date (and tons of musings about it). If December 14 is indeed the final release date, we're totally fine with that. At least that's one more game we can expect to find under the tree this Christmas.

So you've seen the gameplay vid and even visited the game's site constantly, but still can't get enough of Metal Slug? Can't blame you there. Heck, we here at QJ have been hounding the net for more craving fixes of Metal Slug Anthology (Wii, PSP).

I mean, can you imagine how great it would be to have all your favorite metal slug titles (including the all-new Metal Slug 6!) in one nifty bundle?! So anyway, SNK must have felt our anguish from being kept at bay just waiting for the game to come out because they have just released the PSP trailer for this much-awaited shooter. Featuring more than three minutes of pure shooting action and explosions galore (backed by totally non-cheesy music), I would personally judge Metal Slug fanatics out there who will decide not to download this trailer.

Kidding. Haha. Join Marco, Fio, Tarma, Eri, and the rest of the gang as they blast out ginormous (yes, I'm proud to say I made up that word.) tanks and hovering UFO's in this swee-heet game that we'll be getting our filthy hands on come December. Go on, download the trailer now!

Download: [Metal Slug Anthology PSP trailer]

Metal Slug Anthology compiles Metal Slug, Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug X, Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug 4, Metal Slug 5, and the all new Metal Slug 6. That's exciting stuff, so we looked at its website. The website has information about the anthology for PSP and also for the Wii version.

Our favorite feature: the "Track Select" option near the bottom of the screen. Ah. When we hear that music we remember: this is one of the best game franchises of all time. There's also a screenshot gallery, and there are areas where you can explore the game's history, the vehicles, and the soldiers.

The site loads a bit slowly at times. That's not too big a surprise; we're guessing long-time fans of this classic scrolling shooter are going to the site in droves.

By the way, unless we're wrong, it's the first time that SNK Playmore has been a third-party developer for a Nintendo console since the old days of the SNES, right? November 28 is the US release date.

As for the PSP version, it's already past the Australia launch date but the Japan and US launches will be early December (December 4, to be exact).

While we are still looking for new details about the Wii version, we find another video for the Metal Slug AnthologyPSP. If the trailer we posted caused memories of long, gone years to come back, this gameplay video will make you cry and sing Celine Dion's "It's All Coming Back To Me Now." Okay, that's lame. But that's how crazy it felt like watching this video.

The camels with side blasters are still looking good, the choppers are looking fine. Hell, the soldiers and the slaves do, too! We know how you're feeling, we understand it's all coming back to you know. Come on, say it. Don't be shy... But kidding aside, the anthology includes arcade titles Metal Slug one through six and Metal Slug X. The plot revolves around modern day terrorism with two different factions slugging it out.

Metal Slug Anthology is being published by SNK Playmore and is expected to come out on November 15, 2006.

Download: [Metal Slug Anthology gameplay]
Pre-Order: [Metal Slug Anthology (PSP)]

Nothing says "crazy action" quite like SNK Playmore's Metal Slug. With the seemingly impossible wave of enemies, the massive tanks and UFOs, and the chance to turn into a zombie (for killer vomit attacks!), there's no denying the cult following that has come as a result of the many versions of the shooter.

We've mentioned that there will both be a PSP and Wii version of Metal Slug Anthology that'll be coming out. Now, while there isn't a lot of info on what they'll be doing to add a little spice to the Wii version, it still doesn't stop us from feeling happy about it. That kind of happy anticipation gets an even bigger boost when we picked up this video.

The vid's five minutes long, but it's definitely a fun, nostalgic trailer for Metal Slug Anthology. Most of it features gameplay from each game in the series, so if you've been in a particular stage on one of them, you may find yourself going, "So that's how you get through that part without dying!"

Expect more info on the anthology as soon as we find it. For now, enjoy the video, and practice rescuing half-naked men in boxer shorts while you're waiting.

Download: [Metal Slug Anthology Trailer]

SNK Playmore is bringing Metal Slug Anthology to the Wii and the PSP this November for some good old school arcade action. The collection of Metal Slug games includes Metal Slug one through six and Metal Slug X for seven arcade perfect ports of SNK's side scrolling shooter. The Metal Slug storyline starts from the beginning of the era of modern-day terrorism, set in the near-future of 2028.

There are two militant factions that struggle for power: the Rebellion and the Regular Army. The Regular Army is a well-equipped, modern-day force run by various nations around the world. The Rebellion, however, is comprised of various small yet organized militant groups, ranging from terrorists to splinter groups of military forces driven by a hunger for power. The PSP version will have 2 player ad-hoc mode while the Wii version have unique controller functionality and online capabilities. So go ahead and check all the massive amount of new screenshots by clicking on "Full Article" below.

Pre-Order: [Metal Slug Anthology (PSP)]

As an update to our earlier articles on Metal Slug 6, Ignition Entertainment has just released the logo and five new screenshots of the sixth installment to add to the Metal Slug Anthology.

Metal Slug 6 will have single-player, two-player, and co-op mode. What sets it apart from the earlier Metal Slugs though is that instead of having the previous games' Martians breaking the alliance and the Rebels assisting the player in turn, the player can now team up with BOTH the Rebels and Martians.

Metal Slug 6 will also have new pseudo-vehicular Slugs and will feature a new weapon, the Zangetsu Sword which is a sonic blade that emits lethal energy waves that will neutralize enemy firepower. The game will also feature a new Weapon Stock System wherein two gun powerups can be carried simultaneously, making weapon-switching a lot easier.

Metal Slug 6 will complete the said anthology that Ignition Entertainment will release to showcase the game franchise that's been around for ten years. The Metal Slug Anthology will also be available for the Wii and will be released for both the PSP and the next-gen console on November.

SNK Playmore is the developer for both the PSP and Wii version of the Metal Slug Anthology and handles the publishing duties for the Wii version as well. Ignition Entertainment is the publisher for the PSP version. But enough with the developer/publisher hoolabaloo, here are the new Metal Slug 6 screens to feast your eyes on. Enjoy!

    

Metal Slug 6 is now part of the Metal Slug Anthology for the PSP! That's official, straight from Ignition Entertainment. Fans of this arcade game will now see Metal Slug 6 complete the compilation. This offers players the chance to experience the much-admired franchise that's been around for 10 years.

Metal Slug Anthology comes with key features such as all the Arcade Perfect conversions from Metal Slug 1 to Metal Slug 6, double player cooperative play via wireless multiplayer, a full support for both widescreen and original screen format, unlockable items and bonus galleries containing classic poster and character art as well as other Metal Slug goodies.

In the Metal Slug Anthology with Metal Slug 6, the ‘Ikari Warriors’ (Ralf Jones and Clark Still) are now out with the team to help Marco, Tarma, Eri and Fio in their battle with the elusive General Morden.

Metal Slug Anthology comes to the PSP in winter 2006.