SAN FRANCISCO--One of the games we got time with at CTIA this year was the follow-up to Metal Slug Mobile, I-Play's Metal Slug Mobile Impact. The 2D side-scrolling genre has gotten some of its best treatment from the classic series, so it's nice to see that it's coming back to mobile in full force.

　　The first immediately obvious aspect of Mobile Impact is that this game looks exactly like Metal Slug. The unique style and presentation is adapted very well to mobile phones, and you will instantly recognize the unique combination of exaggerated cartoony graphics and gritty subject material. Although much of the game is combat, there is a fair amount of platforming as well. Unlike the console and arcade iterations of the game, platforming plays a more central role in the gameplay. Where you would typically be able to branch off and go to another area--by not making a certain jump, for example--Mobile Impact demands more precision from you. You can jump in several directions, or often shoot your way through barriers. You'll be able to aim your machine gun or rocket launcher (among other weapons) in a few different directions, and use grenades to hit enemies in the upper-left and upper-right diagonals. This gives you a wide range to attack, which allows you to dodge incoming fire without worrying about not being able to return the favor.

　　The six levels and end bosses in Mobile Impact are completely new to the game, but they are all classically Metal Slug. You'll find yourself doing all of the same old Metal Slug activities, such as rescuing hostages (who then reward you) and eating food pickups that will make your character appear overweight. We were excited to see that Metal Slug Mobile Impact is coming along nicely and look forward to seeing even more of it later on. We'll bring you more coverage as it is made available, or when it is released, sometime around November.