Mission Start
It really is feeling like we are not going to get a traditional Metal Slug game anytime soon. This series has been around since the 90’s and offered some of the best run-and-gun side scrolling action of its day. Nowadays the series has been out as a mobile title, (which I think is still being supported), a tower defense game that was recently re-released and now a tactics game. Metal Slug Tactics developed by Leikir Studio brings a fresh twist to the classic run-and-gun formula by incorporating strategic elements and roguelike mechanics.
In MST players will take command of the Peregrine Falcons, the team of elite special forces that consist of Marco, Tarma and the rest of the gang from past Metal Slug games. In Tactics the evil General Donald Mordan and his army have resurfaced and of course it’s up to Marco and his team to counter this threat to the world. The developers have done an excellent job combining the series’ signature humor and over-the-top action with tactical gameplay, requiring players to think strategically about their moves and resource management.
MSRP: $24.99
Platforms: PC (reviewed), Xbox, PlayStation, PC
Price I’d Pay: $24.99
Players control a squad of three characters, each with unique abilities and weapons. The turn-based system allows for careful planning and execution of attacks, with a focus on positioning and timing. The game also features roguelike elements, with procedurally generated maps and randomized enemy spawns, adding replayability and variety to each playthrough. Combat is an excellent example of a tactical strategy game, with a mix of ranged and melee attacks, special abilities, and environmental interaction. Missions in MST range from straightforward ‘kill all the enemies on the map to more complex ones like rescuing hostages or holding and defending an area of a map. I loved the variety which helped to make each run feel fresh, but I am not going to lie to you all; this game is not easy at all.
I had to replay missions many, many times as my party became overwhelmed with enemies on the map. Of course, this is a roguelike, which means that with each failed run comes the opportunity for upgrades. But even still, the enemies just hit HARD in this game, I mean like after maybe 3 attacks you will lose a squad member. Preparation and location are paramount when playing Metal Slug Tactics. Being in the right place to set up sync-attacks with your teammates or trigger environmental traps like cobras or exploding barrels.
Graphically speaking Metal Slug Tactics does a great job of evoking nostalgia from the classic franchise. The character designs are faithful to the original games, with expressive animations and a colorful palette. The environments are well-crafted, with destructible elements and interactive objects that add depth to the gameplay. Everything is bright and colorful just like it was back in the day, while I wish there was more variety in the various battlefields themselves, I still applaud the developers for what they have done, and I am sure there is room for them to add more. And while I did most of my playthrough on my PC, I was able to test the game on Steam Deck. While the game is playable and I had no technical issues, the font on the screen is really small and will be hard to read for some, but this is something that can be corrected with a patch.
Metal Slug Tactics successfully reinvents the classic Metal Slug series by incorporating strategic elements and roguelike mechanics. While there is a story here, it never really felt like anything more than a reason to continue to push the player forward. I mean ‘stopping a megalomaniacal man who is all about world domination’ is pretty straight forward. But where this game truly shines is in the excellent strategic elements, even if they are more difficult than I would have liked. MST might not be the return to the Metal Slug series that many fans are hoping for, but it is, nevertheless, a fun and worthy entry into the series ongoing legacy.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
