Metal Slug Arcade Game Kit - Retro 1980s Cabinet Arcade Machine Set for Adults and Teens, Creative Metal Slug 3 Building Blocks Set with Joystick & Interactive Features

This is at least my third set from Pantasy. I am always happy to get another one of their sets because they feature unique and creative designs built with premium-quality pieces from Gobricks. This set also has several additional elements including paperboard and acrylic pieces printed with game graphics. I haven't yet played this particular entry in the Metal Slug series, but I've played at least one of the earlier games and everything looks consistent with the series as I understand it. These are available on modern platforms in various SNK collections, so it's entirely possible they are familiar to younger gamers even though they originally released decades ago.The pieces and packaging are essentially perfect. The instructions are very good, but are definitely most appropriate for experienced builders who've completed at least a few technic-style builds. The image showing a button with some large gears is actually from an earlier version of this set. This version has replaced those with a series of levers and elastic bands instead. I needed to keep a close eye on each step's parts inventory because some steps had quite a few pieces and a couple times one or two didn't really stand out from the illustration.There's one point in the instructions that needs clarification - In step 337, when attaching the switchable level scenes to the mechanism that flips them, make sure the three yellow links are to the right, just like how they're shown in the step. If they've turned so they are going straight back, the scene will only flip halfway and the red button won't function properly.My feelings on the design choices are mostly positive. The overall size feels good and it's fun that three of the features extend beyond the arcade cabinet while not taking up significant additional space. The functioning coin slot is great. The red button that flips between the levels works pretty well - I have to kind of jab it to give it enough momentum to complete its flip, but now that I have the feel for it, I think it's pretty good. I wish the joystick did a little bit more, but that works perfectly, as does the blue button. The yellow button doesn't do anything.The green button is where I'm just a little bit disappointed. I think it may have been too ambitious to coordinate two effects with a single button-push. Pushing it down is meant to fling a projectile up the stairs. Sometimes that works really well, but I'd say at most that's one time out of three. Releasing the button kicks up a panel with a graphic, but usually not hard enough for it to go high enough to be really visible. I wish they had refined this part of the design to get it working more reliably. It is kinda fun to keep pressing it trying to time it just right, though.There's also a hatch at the bottom of the back of the cabinet with no obvious purpose. I think the interior of the cabinet would benefit from a couple lights, so maybe the hatch is there to run a power cord if you add a light kit. Under normal lighting with the top and sides on, it's dark enough that I'm surprised a basic light kit wasn't included. Even so, I think the set is a very good value. If the leading brand made this, I would expect it to cost at least $100 more and probably have a lot of stickers instead of printed pieces. I was surprised to discover this set does have two stickers - the Neo Geo logos are printed on self-adhesive paperboard.Overall, although this version still has a couple points for improvement, I think it's a pretty great set. In addition to bringing the retro-gaming nostalgia, it's a nice source of inspiration for mechanism design. I'm really impressed that the designers managed to pack so many interactive mechanisms into mainly just the front half of this build.

This is one of the best things I have ever built, the sheer amount of features it has! I love it. It is quite a build though, so be ready to give a good bit of time to it. Almost every button on it makes something happen. The mechanics can be a bit fiddly sometimes, just make sure you are following the instructions closely.Really though, I would not hesitate to buy any other similar sets from Pantasy, they've earned my trust with this one! And it's officially licensed, not a knockoff!

This set was so much fun to build. The instructions make it very easy to assemble and everything clicked together perfectly. I love that it actually moves and is functional like a real arcade machine. It's so detailed and worth every penny.

It's a good concept, some of the pieces are bullt well. However most of the moving parts are not strong enough to stay together when being used. The door on the side with the army men doesn't stay closed, it cannot hold its own weight. Some of the buttons dissamebled inside of the mechanics, requiring it to be compleyely taken apart to be fixed. I'm disappointed. I previously purchased the light up computer tower set that was much better than this one. If I hadn't had a discount when I bought it, I would absolutely return it. Do not pay full price for this.

As a long time fan of metal slug, I was excited to get this! It is a fun build and entertaining to play with.

What a fun and interactive build! The instructions were clear and easy to read and the pieces fit together nicely. This arcade is interactive and has moveable parts. Full of tons of nostalgia. Highly recommend

The media could not be loaded. VERY fun build. Lots of mechanics and details with great easy to follow instructions that work so smoothly! Love that many of the buttons do things and that there's a coin to insert!All pieces were there, liked the order, bags in 11 steps are easy to manage

This is a nice kit, the finished product is very interesting, however the price is a bit high. Comes in a nice box and would be good for someone that collects arcade machines but as a kit just to gift someone for the build I would probably choose something else. Overall not bad, but not something that I see has widespread appeal.