So, this is the second game in the past year in the Metal Slug franchise that differs from the arcade run-and-gun roots of the original. However, this one was off to a better start than Metal Slug Attack, as the first company logo was Dotemu, the same people behind the excellent TMNT beat-em-up from last year. Then, when I started the game, I was intrigued by turning this action series into a turn-based tactics game on the same level as Final Fantasy Tactics. But this soon became an afterthought as I realized I had put more than 12 hours into this game and was trying to perfect each level without losing a single guy. This will easily be one of the more underrated games of the year, and one you shouldn’t sleep on.
The decision to adapt the Metal Slug formula into a turn-based tactics game might sound strange at first. After all, this series is best known for its high-octane, chaotic gameplay, colorful visuals, and wild sense of humor. But Metal Slug Tactics takes these traits and translates them beautifully into a tactical setting. The grid-based combat is reminiscent of classics like Final Fantasy Tactics, as mentioned earlier, or XCOM, but with a unique flair that makes it distinctly Metal Slug. Each mission requires careful planning, as you position your characters across a battlefield filled with enemies, destructible environments, and strategic choke points. The game introduces a satisfying layer of depth by giving you access to unique units like Marco, Tarma, Fio, and Eri, each with their own abilities, weapons, and special moves. Marco might excel at dealing high damage up close, while Fio’s support abilities can turn the tide of battle by healing or buffing your team. One of the standout mechanics is the adrenaline system, which essentially works as a resource for performing powerful attacks or abilities. Collecting adrenaline from enemies or environment interactions ensures that every move matters and it encourages players to think ahead. This mechanic feels fresh and adds a level of intensity to each encounter. The synergy between your squad members is also crucial, as chaining attacks or positioning characters for combo moves can devastate enemy forces.
As for the visuals and sound, the game stays true to its roots by embracing the iconic pixel art style the franchise is known for. The sprites are incredibly detailed, capturing the charm and personality of the series’ characters while updating them for a modern audience. Each battlefield is brimming with life, from the bustling city streets to dense jungles and war-torn deserts. The environments feel like they’ve been ripped straight out of a Metal Slug arcade game, with tons of animated details that make the world feel alive. The animations deserve special praise. Whether it’s a tank exploding in a shower of pixels or an enemy soldier reacting comically to being defeated, the game captures the exaggerated and often humorous tone of the series perfectly. The UI is clean and intuitive, allowing players to focus on the action without being overwhelmed by information. The soundtrack is another highlight, blending familiar themes from the Metal Slug series with new compositions that fit the tactical nature of the game. It’s equal parts nostalgic and refreshing, helping to keep players engaged during longer sessions.
Then you have the difficulty, which starts off manageable but ramps up quickly, requiring players to master the mechanics and adapt their strategies on the fly. Permadeath is an option in some game modes, adding even more tension to each decision. Losing a key squad member can mean the difference between victory and defeat, forcing you to weigh the risks and rewards of every move. The game also offers a decent amount of replayability. Each level is procedurally generated to some extent, meaning that no two playthroughs are exactly the same. This randomness keeps the gameplay fresh, even after multiple runs. Additionally, unlocking new abilities, characters, and upgrades provides an incentive to keep playing. The challenge of perfecting a level without losing a single character is immensely satisfying and adds to the game’s longevity.
While Metal Slug Tactics is an impressive entry in the series, it’s not without its flaws. The procedural generation, while adding variety, can sometimes lead to uneven difficulty spikes. Certain levels may feel unfairly challenging due to enemy placements or terrain layout, which can be frustrating for players aiming for perfection. Additionally, the game’s pacing can occasionally drag during longer missions. While the tactical gameplay is engaging, some battles can feel drawn out, especially when you’re facing large waves of enemies. A fast-forward option for enemy turns would have been a welcome addition. The roster of playable characters, while iconic, feels somewhat limited. It would have been great to see more obscure characters from the Metal Slug universe make an appearance or even some new additions created specifically for this game. Hopefully, future updates or DLC will address this.
So, in the end, should you give this game a try, even if you aren’t a fan of the series? Well, yeah, because I know next to little, but I ended up sinking so many hours into this game. Despite a few minor flaws, this is easily one of the most underrated games of the year and a must-play for fans of tactical RPGs. With its combination of challenging gameplay, charming visuals, and giving me that XCOM itch I have been wanting, Metal Slug Tactics is a worthy addition to the series that deserves to be celebrated.
Score: 8 out of 10
Reviewed on Xbox Series X