Metal Slug is a name that conjures memories of outrageous bosses, run-and-gun action, and enough explosions to rival a Michael Bay film festival. For decades, this SNK side-scrolling arcade franchise has been a beloved staple for fans seeking a chaotic, cathartic dose of shoot-em-up mayhem. Metal Slug Tactics is such a departure for the series, though it’s not the first time the series has branched out into other genres. There has been a recent tower defense game, so a turn-based a tactics game shouldn’t be that far out of reach. Metal Slug Tactics is a curious experiment that injects strategy into the series’ DNA that results in roguelike tactics game that rivals today’s best.
The story, while lighthearted and filled with series references, feels more like a backdrop for the action. Because General Morden has escaped prison (aaaagain), assembled three massive weapons that threaten the world, and it’s up to you to put him back there. The story is nothing but window dressing, and meant to serve up the characters and tactical action you’re taking. There’s a lot of fan service and favorites included in the game, and while the story is thin, the gameplay is thick as a novel.
Developed by Leikir Studio, Metal Slug Tactics takes a bold leap, transforming the series into a tactical RPG. Players assemble a squad of familiar faces like Marco Rossi and Tarma Roving, leading them through grid-based battlefields in a fight against the nefarious Rebel Army. While the core concept is a significant departure, Metal Slug Tactics retains the series’ signature charm. The pixel art visuals are a love letter to the source material, bursting with vibrant colors and detailed animations. Tactics feels like it existed during the series’ prime, and has only been uncovered now.
The gameplay itself is a blend of tactical strategy and roguelike elements, reminding me of 2019’s Pathway. Each mission throws you into a grid-based and randomly generated battlefield, where you must strategically maneuver your squad to outflank enemies and unleash devastating attacks. The turn-based system feels deliberate, allowing you to carefully plan your actions and unleash combos with your teammates. Marco’s “Metal Slug Attack” raining missiles down on a group of enemies, or Tarma’s “Heavy Machine Gun” carving a path through a swarm of Rebel soldiers, is pure tactical satisfaction.
The addition of a “dodge” mechanic adds a layer of depth. Characters gain “dodge” points as they move, allowing them to avoid enemy attacks. This risk-reward system encourages calculated movement and positioning, injecting a welcome layer of tension into each turn. But Metal Slug Tactics isn’t just about cold calculations. In true Metal Slug fashion, there’s a heavy emphasis on bombastic action. Each character has a unique special attack fueled by “adrenaline,” a resource generated by movement actions. These attacks are where the game truly shines. Watching Marco unleash a devastating missile barrage or Fio Germi decimate foes with her knife-wielding fury is exhilarating, replicating the over-the-top action the series is known for.
To start, you get three characters to work through missions with: Marco, Eri, and Fio. It’s here where you will become intimately involved with their abilities, and become proficient with them as you work through the campaign. Then there’s the remaining roster of SNK’s finest with Tarma, Nadia, Trevor, Ralf, Clark, and Leona to purchase. The requirements of unlocking them for use range, but typically involve completing runs of the game with several characters many times. There’s a wide and varied roster of characters to mix ‘n’ match with, to further potential successes.
However, Metal Slug Tactics isn’t without its shortcomings. The biggest hurdle is the lack of tactical flexibility. While the game offers a decent variety of characters and equipment, some limitations hinder creative strategies. The inability to attack from different elevations, for example, feels counterintuitive and restricts maneuverability. Additionally, relying solely on flanking for powerful “synchronization” attacks can make combat predictable in the long run.
There’s a total of 36 different weapons with a staggering 176 weapon mods to unlock and utilize. This, on top of the 110 hand-crafted maps and 20 different mission types give a lot of variety to a game where you’ll likely be restarting it often, or playing through several runs. A single run might take you an hour, but seeing and doing everything the game has to offer will take in upwards of 30 hours to accomplish. So reducing the repetition of weapons and locations is essential.
Ultimately, Metal Slug Tactics is a valiant experiment in bringing a beloved franchise to a new genre. The core gameplay loop of strategic combat and explosive action is undeniably fun, especially for fans yearning for a nostalgic Metal Slug fix. The visuals are a pixelated masterpiece, and the character abilities deliver that satisfying over-the-top feeling the series is known for. However, limitations in tactical maneuvers and a repetitive progression system hold the game back from reaching its full potential.
There’s no ultrawide support in this, but it does support 1440p, so I was able to play the game in a somewhat native resolution. Overall, the game has minimal graphics options to select, but it’s also not very demanding, meaning it can run on nearly anything and play without incident.
My PC Specs:
– Microsoft Windows 11 Pro
– Intel Core i9 13900K @ 5.8GHz
– ASUS ROG RYUJIN II 360 ARGB AIO Liquid CPU Cooler
– G.SKILL TRIDENT Z5 6000MHZ 64GB (32×2) DDR5 RAM
– ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 16GB GDDR6X
– WD_BLACK SN850X M.2 (4 TB)
– LG UltraGear 34GP950B-G (21:9 Ultrawide @ 3440×1440)
Metal Slug Tactics being a turn-based tactics roguelike was an unlikely deviation from the series’ norms, but it pays off incredibly well. There’s deep and flexible tactical experience here offering dozens of hours of gameplay. It’s tough but fair as you work through the campaign, and really satisfying when you’re able to clutch a victory in a single battle, or an entire run. Metal Slug Tactics is inventive, clever, and most of all in service of the legacy of the series – now it’s your turn to take up arms.
A Steam code was provided in advance by the publisher for review purposes
