Few side-scrolling shooters have achieved the cult status of Metal Slug, and perhaps for good reason. As a slightly jazzed-up take on Contra, the series has always been known for its non-stop action, destructive weapon selection, striking hand-drawn animation and unique sense of humor (even among the grim power struggle between two military factions).

The classic franchise has been storming through arcades and obscure systems since 1996, and with its 10th anniversary on the horizon, SNK Playmore is looking to celebrate the milestone the best way it knows how: with a Metal Slug compilation for the PSP.

Metal Slug Collection will feature six games on a single UMD, including Metal Slug, Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug X, Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug 4 and Metal Slug 5. All are promised to be “perfect translations” of the arcade classics, not to mention WiFi supportive for some intense two-player action.

The collection is currently locked on a fall 2006 release. We’ll be back with updates once they’re fired our way.