The Metal Slug franchise, known for its high-octane action and arcade thrills, has made a surprising foray into the strategy genre with Metal Slug Tactics. While initially skeptical about the transition, Leikir Studio and Dotemu have masterfully crafted a game that effectively blends the series’ signature action with the strategic depth of turn-based combat. Metal Slug Tactics isn’t just a strategy game; it’s a thrilling, dynamic experience that encourages constant movement and aggression, staying true to the series’ core principles.
Don’t expect a deep, convoluted narrative. Metal Slug Tactics, like its predecessors, focuses on the action. You’ll once again be battling General Morden’s forces, this time with characters familiar from both Metal Slug and Ikari Warriors. The real draw here lies in the game’s captivating visuals and faithful recreation of the Metal Slug aesthetic. Gorgeous pixel art and a soundtrack that perfectly captures the series’ iconic soundscape transport you back to the classic arcade experience.
But it’s the gameplay where Metal Slug Tactics truly shines. The game adopts a roguelike structure, guiding players through four distinct regions. Each region features three missions, culminating in a challenging boss encounter. This structure lends itself to bite-sized play sessions, making it perfect for those quick gaming bursts between other activities. Unlike many strategy games that demand hours of dedicated play, Metal Slug Tactics allows you to jump in and out at your convenience.
The gameplay itself is a clever fusion of action and strategy. Each unit comes equipped with two weapons and special skills, and managing their adrenaline levels becomes crucial. Adrenaline is generated as units move across the grid-based battlefield, granting access to powerful abilities. The key is to strike a balance between positioning for attacks and maximizing adrenaline gain.
Metal Slug Tactics encourages a dynamic, aggressive approach. Unlike slower, more deliberate strategy games, this title rewards those who keep their units constantly moving and attacking. The adrenaline system adds an element of fast-paced decision-making, while the various mission objectives and unique boss mechanics provide strategic challenges that keep each run fresh and engaging.
While not as complex as games like Into the Breach, Metal Slug Tactics presents its own puzzles to solve. You must carefully strategize unit movement and weapon deployment to maximize damage output and minimize losses. The game embraces the series’ core principle of running and gunning, translating that dynamic action into the strategic realm.
Metal Slug Tactics is far from a simple rehash. The game features a variety of upgrades and systems common to roguelikes, enhancing replayability. From the moment you start a run, there’s a constant feeling of progression and a desire to see how far you can push your strategy.
Metal Slug Tactics is a testament to the versatility of the Metal Slug franchise. It’s a bold, yet successful, departure from the series’ action-platforming roots. It’s a testament to the creative vision of Leikir Studio and Dotemu, who have crafted a unique and engaging strategy experience that stays true to the spirit of Metal Slug. If you’re a fan of the series, or simply enjoy a good strategy game, Metal Slug Tactics is a must-try. It’s available now for PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, and is also part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate catalog.
