Metal Slug X (1999)

Large, bright projectiles and expressive enemy animations give this densely drawn arcade game a surprisingly legible rhythm. Watch a soldier's preparation or a boss opening before filling the screen with your own fire. The later alien battles demand more pattern learning, and flames or vehicle explosions can briefly dominate the picture. Choose X specifically, with its rearranged encounters, and practise individual missions in the PC release before attempting an uninterrupted arcade run.