[Dark Age Iron Savior]

(I apologize for the number of images in this topic, but they're generally sub-30k, and I felt that the information needed to be presented this way)

In my generally ignoble and unwarranted opinion, the Combat School is by far the best part of Metal Slug 7. Whereas, with all arcade-style games, I struggle to get through the regular mode without losing dozens of lives (and prisoners), the combat school contains managebly bite-sized portions upon which you are then graded. For each stage, you're given a set of challenges:

-Target Elimination 1 (play a stage through normally, infinite time, infinite special weapons ammo, three extra lives but you lose points for losing a life)
-Target Elimination 2 (the same, but with no extra lives and judged based on time)
-Target Elimination 3 (the same as 2 but with no special weapons)
-Base Assault 1-3 (play just the boss, with the same gradual restrictions/grading requirements)
-POW Rescue (infinite time, special weapons, three extra lives, judged based on # of POWs rescued)
-Item Collection (POW rescue but with a focus on items)
-Special Training (a variety of special tasks within small areas, such as dodging falling debris, defeating as many enemies as possible within a short amount of time, bouncing a ball into minecarts with bullets, etc)

The Combat School allows you to more accurately master individual levels and the techniques you need to succeed in the main game.

To get closer to the main thing I made this topic for, I will shift my focus to Cynthia, the drill instructor for Combat School:





Cynthia is, well...let me go over two separate things.

First, I'm familiar with the following three things:

1. That certain home CD ports of Metal Slug, Metal Slug 3 and Metal Slug 6 featured a combat school, although only 3 got an English version (although Cynthia may, in fact, be related to or possibly even the same person as Sophia Greenville, drill instructor for Metal Slug). While there is relatively little (English) information out there about the combat school in 3, the relationship the player has with Margaret is supposedly in line with my findings in Metal Slug 7, which I will share with you shortly.

2. A similar concept to Combat School occurs in the excellent NGPC game SNK vs. Capcom: Match of the Millennium - "Olympic Mode", featuring Karin from Street Fighter or Rimururu. I've never made much progress in this mode, but it might turn out much like Combat School when you get more medals. (actually, reviewing the text in the ROM indicates this is slightly the case, but nowhere near as bad as...well...)

3. SNK, of course, has their infamous Days of Memories series.

Despite all this, what I found in Metal Slug 7 still alarmed me.

The second thing I will say is this: Metal Slug 7 is not a game abundant with rewards or unlockables. There are three rewards in the game: the credits screen when you beat it, the high score/best clear time tables, and....well....

Cynthia.

Let's get to know Cynthia, shall we?

When first entering Combat School:





Returning to Combat School:






Before A Mission





As you can see, she is generally supportive.



After Completing A Mission:





But she also keeps you grounded in reality.


After Losing A Mission:

[kerobaros]

This thread is lulz. Please continue.

[Adol]

Yeah I remember this from SVC MOTM. That little ghouls and ghosts game was pretty rad, come to think of it. This also reminds me of the little character interactions in some snk CD games, like Quiz KOF, or the psx Real bout Fatal Fury Special port, or one of the ports for SS:RPG. I should go dig up screenshots for these, I may/may not do this later.

[bleak]

I'd drill her instructor.
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[dementia]

[Chuplayer]

Metal Slug sucks. I don't know why you guys bother getting all worked up over it. The first game ruled, but that was it.

[wasted potential]

Well, this is from the makers of Doki Doki Majo Shinpan, after all.
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[invisibleyogurt]

[dementia]

Wait is the English language version on MS7 "out"

or is this the fan translation patch?

[Broco]

[Red 0]

One day I'll defeat you cynthia...

[Chuplayer]

[BenoitRen]

I thought this was a thread about Metal Slug 7's Cynthia, not the worth of Metal Slug as a series.
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Phantasy Star Cave

[chevluh]

Somehow the OP immediately reminded me SNK has made several KOF dating sims.

[Koji]

The only part that really shocks me of this is how little sense all that text makes. Maybe they're taking the time to rewrite it before releasing it here? Naw.

The prize for beating this combat school mode will probably be Cynthia's expression #4.
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The Ants Parade.

[Sushi K]

I was always wondering what MS was missing, now I know: T&A.
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[Harveyjames]

I'm always disappointed when I see Metal Slug games use generic art styles like that :(
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[Persona-sama]

Man, all you guys should shut up and gtfo because we're talking about something SERIOUS HERE.

I'm always interested when they give NPCs like that detailed conversations to get to know them. SvC: MotM was pretty much like that too with Karen or Rimururu encouraging you or just talking about nothing in general if you spoke to them between games. It was interesting and I'd like to see more of it.


They should make a FIGHTER/DATING SIM. It'd be the bestest thing ever.
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[Mr. Toups]

[Persona-sama]

Actually, the first Melty Blood kind of accomplished what I was thinking of because the game would progress like a visual novel to begin with and only go into fighting mode when you confronted someone, then branching off in the story depending on if you lost or won.

It was a pretty good system! The game was pretty good too, which might've helped.
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[Intentionally Wrong]

[BotageL]

[Dark Age Iron Savior]

Guys, remember, this is just the "rank 1" dialog. It only gets better/worse from here.

(I haven't read all the MOTM dialog yet, but for Rimururu at least, she gradually says nicer and nicer things until she doesn't scream at "marry me!" and, if you've got a perfect record, she'll say "Take me! I'm yours!")

anyway, dialog set two, after gaining a few ranks:


Returning to Combat School:






Before A Mission







After Completing A Mission:








After Losing A Mission:

[Cycle]

what a shallow bitch, i'd dump her ass on the curb
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Man’s maturity: to have regained the seriousness that he had as a child at play.

[Loki Laufeyson]

english ps1 metal slug x does have the combat school mode.
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http://uk.youtube.com/user/misterlaufeyson
http://lunaticobscurity.blogspot.com/ - newest review: mean arenas (amiga)

[Dracko]

[Dark Age Iron Savior]

Oh, right, stupid me....it's Metal Slug X that has the combat school, not Metal Slug 3 (which has the various minigames like Fat Island).

Anyway, I kept putting it off, but here it is: the beginning of the true seduction of Cynthia.

(note that you unlock new dialog as you gain ranks....the second set comes from going Recruit --> something I forgot --> Corporal --> Sargent. Then you have to go SSG --> PSF --> MSG --> SGM --> WO1 --> CWO before she truly begins to fall in love with you)

On with the blushing!


Returning to Combat School:







Before A Mission







After Completing A Mission:






I warn you now....she has only just begun to blush.



After Losing A Mission:

[Red 0]

Let us consider the cultural and corporate mechanisms that justified the existence of this thing in return for cash money.

Now let's get some anime booty I hope I can buy her lots of little dresses and she wears them for me even if she doesn't like them because she wants to make me happy.

[Mr.Stevenson]

Here's a little something to look forward to: link

What could it be!? Continue to slug through combat school and find out!

[smiley-oh!]

This is probably the best thread.

I am on pins and needles!
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"sometimes i'm just so glad i married you!"

[Daphaknee]

more punishment

god this thread is so good
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a/v club

[Rya.Reisender]

This thread reminds of me how my country is totally devoid of (real) dating sims. Not a single one at the game stores ever. I always wanted to buy some, especially after having watched Higurashi and School Days which are based of dating sims.
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Select Button
Push Eject.

[internisus]

Man i recognize that this is silly and embarrassing but I also find it charming and I want this game (knowing it is metal slug helps).
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Thinking about videogames.

[glossolalia]

[Red 0]

[glossolalia]

[Red 0]

[glossolalia]

well, your character is probably a little too good at everything with minimal effort, and some of the dating bits are a little iffy, but dating is only part of the social sim element and almost no one in the game is all that likeable so i can't imagine using it as romantic escapism. and it makes sense, as an rpg, to have that kind of thing. it makes no sense whatsoever in metal slug. i haven't seen any fanservice as obvious as that video.

i'm not sure what you mean by presentation, as that's where p3 shines, music aside. actually i can't parse most of that post, sorry.
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[Red 0]

[chevluh]

[Dark Age Iron Savior]

Sorry about the long delay, guys. Fighting off toothaches and headaches through supreme inaction!

Mr. Stevenson, do you by any chance have any advice for Special Training 4B , where you have to juggle the four balls?

Anyway, on to what may be the FINAL SET* of dialog! INFATUATION, GO!!!

(rank rise: CWO --> 2LT--> LT ---> Captain ---> Major ---> LCL)



Returning to Combat School:







Before A Mission







After Completing A Mission:








After Losing A Mission: