Metal Slug Sound Box Download
Brigitta Reik
Before moving on with the actual music, there is a notable problem with the official track list that cannot be ignored. Certain audio tracks are incorrectly ordered, like track 10 is actually track 4, and so on. The actual track list is OK, but the audio tracks themselves are not correct. I am mentioning this because I will use the "incorrect" titles for each composition when reviewing the soundtrack. So, let's keep moving...
While older Metal Slug scores were generally over-the-top and hellishly fun, almost appropriate for the nature of shoot 'em ups, this time the compositions are slightly more edgy, mainly because the instruments sound more realistic and give to the music a more serious tone. This is very noticeable in "Go Ahead!", which is a dramatic militaristic anthem, and even more in "Show Spirit" that has heroic melodies, despite an almost upbeat rhythm. The latter is particularly fantastic and memorable. "Cadaverous" on the other hand creepily dwells into ambient territory, featuring terrifying sound effects, muddy rhythms, and eerie piano notes. The track instills fear and a sense of hidden danger, while still managing to be catchy in its minimalistic bliss.
The only rocking compositions of the soundtrack are "The Scene of a Hard Battle", "Let's Run Through!" and "Furiously", and all of them are highlights of the album. The first is a dangerously addictive theme, featuring a catchy percussion, heroic melodies, and sweet guitar samples that have a "James Bond" influence. Truly appropriate for a fun infiltration scene! The second is identical in style: thumping bass, catchy rhythm guitars, and various synth sounds, and it still maintains the intensity and energy of the previous track. The third, serving as the last stage theme, is slightly more epic, with dissonant piano melodies, rhythmic electric guitars, and various electronic sounds and percussions. All three compositions are extravagant, memorable, and tons of fun to listen to. Clearly, Tanaka shines in this cases and it's a shame that the Metal Slug 4 soundtrack doesn't have much more of this signature work from him.
At the end of the day, one is left satisfied after listening to the soundtrack of Metal Slug 4. It's not as good as the previous entries, despite having better sound quality, but it still manages to be unique in its own, due to the edgy but charming themes and overall enjoyable aural experience. The score is very decent but kind of inappropriate in context, and certain tracks will stick with the listener for a long time even outside of the game. On top of it all, you can't go wrong with Toshikazu Tanaka's work, as he manages to make even the simplest of ideas stand out. Unfortunately, the soundtrack is slightly short, and while nothing can be considered bad, only a handful of compositions are truly memorable, while some tracks tend to be slightly generic despite Tanaka trying his best. It feels like the soundtrack could have been much more. Still, it's definitely worth a listen for game music or Tanaka fans, because of some really cool and memorable highlights. It's a fine exclusive on the Metal Slug Complete Sound Box.
Metal Slug 4 marks the dazzling return of the Peregrine Falcons in this unforgettable new episode of the cult series developed by SNK. In this sequel, the legendary SNK Sound Team continues its work and signs a new explosive soundtrack with rock-orchestral sounds. The complete soundtrack was remastered and is available for the very first time on vinyl format!
The limited Red Splatter collector edition includes the complete soundtrack on one vinyl disc and an exclusive new illustration designed and handsigned by Kubo, SNK's official artist, on Japanese-made Shikishi, offered to the first orders!
Some of the stock sound effects and sprites from Irem and The King of Fighters titles were used in the Metal Slug games. The music was composed by Takushi Hiyamuta (who is credited as Hiya!), a key member of the Nazca Corporation, which was acquired by SNK in 1996. The first 3 titles were developed by the Nazca team before SNK declared bankruptcy in October 2001, leading to the disbandment of the original team. Anticipating the collapse of SNK, the company Playmore was launched in August 2001, which became known as SNK Playmore in 2003, the year after Metal Slug 4 was released. Development on the series has since continued without the original staff, with Noise Factory handling 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Metal Slug 4 marks the dazzling return of the Peregrine Falcons in this unforgettable new episode of the cult series developed by SNK. In this sequel, the legendary SNK Sound Team continues its work and signs a new explosive soundtrack with rock-orchestral sounds. The complete soundtrack was remastered and is available for the very first time on vinyl format!
*.) POWSndMarines.pk3 : This addon will change the sound of Ally marines battle cry "Hmm.. HAHA!" to simple and yet very famous "Thank you!" POW's sound from Metal Slug games. And as addition i disable the Ally marines chatter so you people will not hearing them talking to you oftenly. They still talking during combat. Example on videos below:
*.) RebelSoldierSnd.pk3 : This addon will change Zombieman (Including all their variant), Shotgunguy and Chaingun dude sound to iconic Rebel Soldier sound from Metal Slug games. [Known issue sometime they still have a normal zombieman screaming sound for some reason, mostly happen to Shotgunguy and Chaingun dude. Is quite buggy knowing the mod itself and the sound of Metal Slug enemy is limited so is not optional to use it. Anyway it's up to you, dude. Beside this is a Joke addons after all..]
Example on videos below: