Metal slug
Neo-geo, 1996
Nazca Corporation only made two games before being absorbed into SNK, and while both are Neo-geo classics, it’s clearly Metal Slug that had the bigger long-term impact. The team already had experience in creating a run-and-gun game (many had previously worked on Gunforce 2 at Irem), and Metal Slug was very well designed as a result. It’s a great example of a game that’s tough but fair, as most players will need a lot of practice just to see the second boss, but the very best can beat it without losing a life.
Metal Slug’s cartoon visuals and jazzy tunes are great, but one of the game’s more unexpected qualities is its appealing sense of humour. Everything about the game is over-the-top – enemies scream and flee in terror when they see you coming, POWS flash big grins as they’re rescued, and you can command a jumping tank. You can’t help but wear a smile on your face while playing.