Lots of video game anthologies flood the market, but too many of them mix and match the real classics with some really terrible, or at least unmemorable, games. Thankfully, SNK delivers one of the best in Metal Slug Anthology for PlayStation 2, giving fans of the series the ultimate compilation and newcomers a full-fledged dose of the 2-D side scrolling fun that had old-school gamers pumping quarters into arcade machines.

The disc includes seven games, and while the latest one, Metal Slug 6, adds some advancements to the tried and true formula, not much has changed since the 1996 original. In fact, the first several iterations all play very similarly, differing mainly in the settings and boss fights. The story, while present, remains basic with an arcade focus on the intense and nonstop gunplay. Essentially, it boils down to a war in the not-so-distant future between the Regular Army, the good guys, and the Rebel Army with their greater numbers, who attempt to overthrow the government in order to create a military regime.

Game play typically consists of running, jumping and gunning from left to right, fighting off an insane number of enemies. The standard shooting action is broken up by the occasional impressive miniboss battle, and often throughout each stage the player takes charge of a powerful vehicle to deal damage quicker. These vehicles range from anything to a donkey with a "tail" gun to rocket packs and jets, as well as the Metal Slug tanks. Playing is fairly simple, although at times level design changes from horizontal to vertical play, relying more on precise platforming than simply running from point A to point B.

As any veteran shooter fan knows, games like these can be very difficult as they progress through the stages. Needless to say, death is common for all but those very versed in twitch game play. For those who lack such skills, the anthology does have the option for unlimited continues. This functions both as a curse and a blessing. On the one hand, it relieves much of the frustration, but it also removes all of the challenge or good anxiety that the games intend to evoke. Turning on the option allows people to breeze through the game in a weekend, but for a more lasting experience -- turn it off.