Review: Metal Slug Tactics

Initial release date: December 2024

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One , Microsoft Windows

License: proprietary license

Composer: Tee Lopes

Genres: Role-playing video game, Action game, Indie game, Turn-based tactics

Developer: Leikir Studio

Publishers: DotEmu, Gamera Games

When a game takes years longer than expected to release, there is usually a sense of dread when it eventually does. Phrases like “development hell” don’t help, and I’m sure we’ve all had a game that disappointed us after a long wait. Of course, there are plenty of games that keep us waiting for years before completely satisfying us, showing the old adage “A delayed game is eventually good, a rushed game is bad forever” to be true. Which side of the fence does Metal Slug Tactics fall on? That is the question we all want answered.

Metal Slug Tactics has a simplistic story, like do all Metal Slug games. There is a worldwide terrorist danger coming, and only the elite heroes you remember from the Metal Slug games are ready to defeat the enemy forces’ soldiers, tanks and zombies. When you converse with the commander, you learn a little more about how these criminals are hurting each new location you enter, but for the most part, you’re too preoccupied with tactics-style combat to consider the plot.

Fans of the genre will recognize the battle techniques, as each of your elite warriors is equipped with a handful of weapon kinds and the ability to move a fixed distance on their turn. You may, however, line up your characters to conduct follow-up assaults while attacking the same monster, which always feels wonderful and is required in later missions. Figuring out the ideal method to deploy Eri’s grenades and Marco’s machine gun will assure you frag those blasted terrorists, but with limited ammo and being severely outnumbered, it won’t be easy.

When the enemy’ turn comes, they’ll rush in and attack you with a variety of weaponry, and if you’re not prepared, you’ll most likely fall at the first bullet-y hurdle. To honor the series’ run and gun roots, move as far as possible on your turn to minimize damage. Moving the maximum range will reduce the damage you take from each assault by a few points, and if you combine this with hiding behind some cover, you will almost certainly take no damage at all. It’s an intriguing system that will take some getting accustomed to, but is well worth mastering if you want to succeed.

Moving not only negates some damage, but it also provides you with adrenaline, which you can use to activate special powers. Each character has a unique set of these to use, ranging from useful offensive choices like bouncing bombs or ricocheting bullets to the ability to relocate friends or adversaries a few spaces for strategic objectives. Initially, I thought these were less effective than simply attacking for a turn, but as you learn more and level up, they become crucial.

There are numerous ways to become better in Metal Slug Tactics, including leveling up to learn new talents and acquiring gun upgrades. It’s not always easy to figure out which of three changes or improvements will work best for your trio of heroes, and with so many rules that aren’t adequately described, securing liberty for the good guys requires a lot of trial and error.

I haven’t said much about Metal Slug Tactics’ Roguelike structure so yet, but be assured it is present in full force. After selecting your three heroes from a number of SNK classic characters (at least after they are unlocked), you will be presented with a map full of mission options. Each region of the game demands you to complete three objectives before a boss appears to deal with you, after which you move on to the next one. There is a method in place that allows you to rush to the final boss area instead of defeating his underlings, but it is not for the faint of heart. There is no permadeath to worry about with each character, and you will only lose a run if everyone dies in a mission or you fail an objective.

Each Metal Slug Tactics combat requires you to bring three heroes into the fray and achieve an objective and sub-objective. Often, the main goal is to destroy a specific group of foes (or all of the adversaries on the stage), but you may also be required to defend innocent characters or beat up a boss. Secondary missions are also quite varied, and fulfilling them will reward you with extra loot or XP.

It’s worth noting that Metal Slug Tactics is a love letter to the legendary arcade series. This is due in part to the excellent visuals, which are both nostalgic and beautiful, but the audio also includes some classic sounds that long-time fans will love (“Mission Start” in particular gave me tiny goose bumps). Even the secret characters are familiar faces that we know and love, and it’s fantastic to see them again after so long.

Metal Slug Tactics has a ton of depth and stuff to explore, but that’s also its worst flaw. Even with a brief tutorial, the game explains few fundamentals and provides little hands-on experience with them, making the first few hours of play a grind. I spent a long time attempting to understand all of the odd keywords that benefited my characters, and even after dozens of hours and runs, I still had no idea what was going on when certain effects were activated. The combination of too difficult gameplay and a clear lack of assistance from the game is extremely frustrating and will force some to drop out quickly.

Metal Slug Tactics is a fantastic tactics game full with nostalgia, and as long as you don’t mind overcoming a rather high learning curve, you’ll have a great time with it. If grid-based warfare is your thing, you’ll find much to like here.

Review Overview

Gameplay: 88%

Controls: 85%

Aesthetics: 90%

Content: 83%

Accessibility: 80%

Value: 86%

Overall: 85%

TACTICAL NOSTALGIA AT ITS FINEST!

Summary:

“Metal Slug Tactics” takes the renowned run-and-gun game in a radical, strategic turn, combining tactical RPG elements with the trademark Metal Slug charm. The gameplay is both tough and gratifying, striking a balance between tactical depth and familiar, explosive action. The controls are responsive and well-suited for strategy, making the flow intuitive. Aesthetically, the game retains its original pixel-art design, which has been polished and enhanced with bright animations. With a diverse range of missions and character attributes, “Metal Slug Tactics” provides a new yet classic experience, rewarding both fans and newbies alike.