Metal Slug 2 is where the series found its groove, literally. "Judgment" opens Stage 1 with this funky, almost jazzy military strut that the first game never even attempted, setting a whole new tone. "Back to the China" layers in these bright melodic runs that make running through an active warzone feel weirdly celebratory, almost festive.
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Then "Kiss in the Dark" drops into something moody and atmospheric for Stage 5-2, proving the soundtrack can do way more than just pump you up. The Neo Geo sound chip is working overtime on every single track here. "Metamorphosis" brings alien weirdness right when you need it most.
If you played this in arcades and thought the music was just background noise, go back and actually listen.