If you're looking for a sidescrolling shooter to play with a friend, Metal Slug Anthology may just be the game you want. With seven Metal Slug games all rolled into one package, there's a decent amount of content to keep you satisfied. Unfortunately, the game really does cater to just a small group.
Arcade Approved
The Metal Slug games are, first and foremost, arcade games. Their transistion to the home console doesn't really change this fact. If you've never played the games, you'll quickly notice how often you die - a staple of arcade machines as they suck the quarters right out of you. Luckily, the home console grants us the infinite lives, so you won't need to worry about losing your savings trying to beat an end boss.
Bring a Friend or Don't Bother
While the Metal Slug games are definitely playable solo, I can't imagine them being any fun without the coop experience. There's much more fun to be had trash talking your friend while quickly trying to beat him/her to the next powerup or vehicle. Trying to coordinate attacks and attempting to keep eachother alive adds a much needed strategical element to Metal Slug.
Where's the Meat?
While seven games are included in this bundle, you'll likely be able to beat them in about an hour each. For those math geniuses out there, that's seven hours to complete the whole thing. You can replay the games on harder difficulties with limited lives, but I personally have a hard time playing through something if the only change is that it's harder. Sure, there's some unlockables but they are all inredibly pathetic, like an interview with the developers (that's pure text) and some music and sounds.
Could be Cheaper
In the end, the game already starts out 10 bucks cheaper than most other Wii titles. Even still, I'd probably suggest waiting for it to be even cheaper before picking it up. While it's definitely fun if you've got a friend and you're both fans of sidescrollers, seven hours of content doesn't really justify that much money in my opinion.