This month saw the release of the latest edition to one of the most nostalgic game series we know; Metal Slug Tactics.
Metal Slug is a special game series to me. Not because I’m a seasoned pro, but because it was the one consistent arcade game I played when I was younger. I remember a holiday in Portugal where the guy running the arcade would ask me to go fetch him a Coke from the bar, then he gave me free tokens to play. It was at my local leisure centre, too. Saturday mornings, swimming lessons, Wonder Boy, Metal Slug.
I’m not a big coin-op guy, but Metal Slug is one of my core arcade memories.
Imagine my glee when they announced Metal Slug tactics! As a fan of roguelites and tactical games like Xcom. Seeing favourite genres mashed with a fondly remembered series was a joy!
Now it’s here, and after a solid 8 hours with it, I want to talk about it!
Metal Slug Tactics
Metal Slug has always been about explosive action, over-the-top weaponry, and a distinct sense of humour. Who could forget the iconic screams of soldiers as they’re blasted into pixelated oblivion, or the satisfying crunch of a well-placed grenade taking out a tank? Metal Slug Tactics takes that chaotic energy and surprisingly translates it into a turn-based tactics game, proving that even the most frantic action can find a home on the grid.
From the moment you boot up the game, you’re greeted with a visual feast. The painstakingly detailed pixel art is a loving homage to the series’ roots, with vibrant animations and backgrounds that ooze personality. Tanks rumble with ferocious power, explosions erupt in a shower of sparks, and even the smallest details, like soldiers sunbathing off-screen, add to the game’s charm.
Complementing the visuals is a stellar soundtrack from Tee Lopes, the composer behind modern retro classics like Sonic Mania and Streets of Rage 4. The music perfectly captures the high-energy action with its blend of driving drum and bass, guitars, and catchy melodies. It’s the kind of soundtrack that makes you want to get stuck in, even as you’re meticulously planning your next move.
Chaotic strategy
While the presentation is a clear nod to the past, Metal Slug Tactics isn’t afraid to experiment with new ideas. The core gameplay revolves around familiar tactics elements – positioning your units, utilizing cover, and exploiting enemy weaknesses – but it injects a unique sense of urgency with its Adrenaline and Synchronization mechanics.
Adrenaline, earned by moving and attacking, fuels your units’ special abilities and allows them to dodge incoming attacks. This encourages a more aggressive playstyle, rewarding players who keep their squad on the move. This has taken me a while to adapt to, as someone that’s generally more cautious in tactics games.
Synchronization takes this a step further, allowing units within range to automatically join in on attacks. Setting up devastating chain reactions of bullets and explosions is immensely satisfying, and it perfectly captures the over-the-top action of the source material.
The game features a diverse cast of characters, each with its own unique abilities and loadouts. Experimenting with different team compositions and strategies is a core part of the experience.
You’re regularly rewarded with those chains of “frags” (kills, and it took me waaaay too long to understand that), with characters synchronising. It’s a really satisfying mechanic, for sure.
A few snags in the system
While Metal Slug Tactics largely succeeds in its ambitious goal, it does have a few shortcomings.
The roguelike structure, with its semi-randomized runs and permadeath, can feel a bit restrictive at times. The lack of meaningful choices in mission selection and a limited variety of maps can lead to repetition.
Furthermore, the game suffers from occasional bugs and technical hiccups. If you’re mummified and then somehow broken out of it without the animation, there are often arms missing on character sprites. Sometimes a few visual bugs appear during gameplay.
While these issues aren’t game-breaking, they can be frustrating when they disrupt your carefully laid plans.
Metal Slug Tactics verdict
I love tactics games, I love roguelite games and I love Metal Slug. Thankfully, Metal Slug Tactics delivers all around!
It’s not great on the Steam Deck from a control and UI perspective, but it’s completely playable on the go. It’ll improve, no doubt and then you’ll have the perfect tactics game in your hands. Performance on PC is great, and the gameplay is so satisfying you can forgive the visual bugs.
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