Metal Slug Tactics trades the scrolling chaos of the arcade series for a grid-based battle system, and the change lands better than anyone expected. This 2024 release for Series X|S, PS4, PC and PS5 asks players to move units across a battlefield, manage resources, and call in airstrikes while staying true to the series’ signature guns and explosions. The result is a tactical shooter that respects its roots even as it reinvents them.
Trailer, via Dotemu.
How the Game Plays
Players control a squad of soldiers on a campaign mission, moving them through grids marked with enemy positions, cover spots, and objectives. Each unit carries a distinct skill set: some excel at close combat, others specialize in ranged fire or support roles. The game tracks experience points, weapon upgrades, and morale, giving players a reason to keep a unit alive from mission to mission.
Combat is quick. Players select a move, watch the animation play out, and move on. There is no waiting for an AI partner to act, and the pace rarely drags. The core loop is simple: position your troops, choose your target, and execute the action. That simplicity is the game’s strength. The animations are short and punchy, and the game moves from one move to the next without pause.
The Campaign Mission
The campaign sends players through a war zone filled with familiar enemies and a few new ones. Missions ask for stealth, speed, and open combat in equal measure. Objectives range from basic enemy kills to protecting civilians, holding a position, or securing intel.
The pacing holds up across the full length of the game. Missions rarely repeat themselves, and the difficulty curve rewards players who plan ahead rather than rush in. The game also includes a branching structure, letting players make choices that affect which missions they face and which units they unlock. That branching structure gives players a sense of ownership over their own path through the story, even if the overall shape of the narrative remains consistent.
The Online Skirmish
Online multiplayer adds a layer that the campaign doesn’t fully capture. Players can team up or compete in skirmishes, with matches that test coordination and strategy in real time. The mode is fast, chaotic, and a natural fit for the series’ energy.
| Mode | Focus | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign | Story-driven missions | Long |
| Skirmish | Competitive multiplayer | Short |
The skirmish mode is particularly strong. Matches are quick enough to play between other activities, yet deep enough to reward planning and communication. The mode’s fast, chaotic nature fits the series’ energy well. The competitive multiplayer also gives the tactical systems a chance to shine in a setting where the stakes feel higher than in the solo campaign.
The Look and Sound
The presentation stays faithful to the original series. Sprites are colorful, explosions are loud, and the music fits the tactical setting. The game’s systems translate well to a competitive setting, where the stakes feel higher than in the solo campaign.
The soundtrack deserves special mention. It mixes classic tracks with new compositions that match the strategic tone of the game. The result is a score that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The music carries the weight of a long campaign and shorter skirmishes alike, matching the tone of each mode without repeating itself.
Where It Falls Short
Not everything works. Some missions rely too heavily on scripted events that take away player agency. A few encounters feel like filler rather than meaningful tests of the tactics the game teaches.
The branching campaign is also limited in scope. While there are multiple paths through the story, the differences between them are small, and the overall narrative arc doesn’t vary widely based on player choices. That’s a minor complaint, but it shows the game’s ambition in design over sheer scale. Even so, the branching structure still offers players a slightly different experience depending on their choices, even if the shape of the story remains consistent.
The Depth Problem
The biggest issue is the lack of depth in its systems. The game introduces a solid framework for positioning, timing, and resource management, but it doesn’t push that framework as far as it could. Players who want a deeper tactical layer may find themselves wanting more options for unit specialization or battlefield interaction.
The game also leans heavily on its source material. Anyone unfamiliar with the Metal Slug series may miss references and jokes that longtime fans will catch immediately. That’s not necessarily a flaw, but it does narrow the appeal for newcomers. Longtime fans will appreciate the nods to the series, but newcomers may need to look up some of the jokes and references before they land.
What Works Best
What works best is the balance between simplicity and depth. The game never overwhelms players with too many choices, yet it rewards careful thought with satisfying results. The shooting mechanics carry over perfectly from the arcade series, and the tactical layer never feels forced.
The campaign’s pacing keeps missions feeling fresh. Missions vary in setting, enemy type, and objective, which helps the game hold attention across its runtime. The branching structure also means players get a slightly different experience depending on their choices, even if the overall shape of the story remains consistent.
Final Score
Metal Slug Tactics succeeds because it respects the series while building something new on top of it. The tactical layer is well executed, the campaign is engaging, and the multiplayer is a standout addition. The game isn’t perfect, but it delivers on what it promises.
Key Facts Box
– Platforms: Series X|S, PS4, PC, PS5
– Release year: 2024
– Genre: Tactical shooter
– Critical score: 7.9/10
Metal Slug Tactics earns a 7.9 out of 10.
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