I was not expecting theMetal Slug franchiseto transition to the strategy game musical style as well as it did .
SNK ’s classic action - platformer arcade serial publication is a high - vigor , bombastic shoot ’em up utter for quick strike of destructive gaming goodness . Strategy games are inherently much slower - pace than Metal Slug typically was , so I was n’t sure if Leikir Studio and Dotemu could effectively make the genre jump with this franchise . I ’m well-chosen to be proven wrong .
Metal Slug Tacticsis an excellent example of the connective tissue paper between action and scheme game . This is a scheme secret plan that encourages participant to be on the move and constantly attack , and its roguelite construction harks back to the series ’ arcade theme . Metal Slug fans need not worry about this revival misunderstanding the series ’ appeal .
From action to strategy
There ’s little to write home about withMetal Slug Tacticsnarrative , as it ’s just about characters from previous Metal Slug andIkari Warriorsgames once again carry on General Morden ’s military unit . This was never a story - focused enfranchisement , so that ’s not a big stack . The look and palpate ofMetal Slug Tacticskept me around running after political campaign . Metal Slug Tacticsexpertly replicate the aesthetics of SNK ’s arcade classic with gorgeous pixel art and close sound aim .
The developer had to get more creative to stay true to Metal Slug on the gameplay front . Metal Slug Tacticsis a roguelike where players fight down through four regions . Players complete three missions within each region before facing off against a powerful boss . This structure lends itself to bite - sized gambol , like the colonnade classics . While most strategy games require hours of dedicaton to a play session , I have no problem booting up Metal Slug Tactics to get a quick level or run in when I have some spare time .
Once you ’re actually on a deputation , Metal Slug Tacticsstill stays faithful . Each unit goes into a discharge with a unique loadout of two weapon and special skill . Outside of your unit ’ health , Adrenalin is the most important stat to keep cartroad of . epinephrine for each building block is generated as they move aroundMetal Slug Tactics’grid - based battleground . Move as far as you’re able to with a unit ; you might build up enough epinephrine to use a powerful skill . Stay where you are and you wo n’t get that benefit , but you may have a clear shot at an enemy .
Keep moving
The adrenaline organization makesMetal Slug Tacticsthe rarified strategy game where the best pick is to run and gun . I was overleap out on a powerful resourcefulness if I was n’t moving units each turn . The Florida key to success inMetal Slug Tacticsis to keep moving and attacking while maximizing the result of synchronous attacks , cover , and other inactive bonuses for each unit . Then , each mission puts a whirl on this with its specific objectives , which can roam from killing every enemy to destroying a convoy to keep at least one unit alert for five turns .
chief also mix thing up with unparalleled , devastating tone-beginning formula . It ’s not on the level of something likeInto the Breach , but each level essentially becomes a mystifier to solve . I had to memorise how to use and where to move my units most effectively each bend so I could maximize their offensive potential and minimize damage . I was dodge and weaving between enemies with my social unit much more boldly than I ever would in a scheme plot likeFire Emblem EngageorXCOM 2 .
All of that makesMetal Slug Tacticsa refreshing scheme game , and it ’s also what keeps it in line of business with the series ’ intent philosophies . Metal Slug is a serial where the practiced thing players can typically do is run and gun without taking critical , game - ending damage . While that ’s dim-witted to do in a platformer , Metal Slug Tactics ’ finds a way to lend oneself that feeling to a strategy secret plan and stands out triumphantly .
Pepper in the mid - run and between - flow upgrade and other systems befitting of a roguelike , andMetal Slug Tacticsis also vastly replayable . When I first heard about SNK making a new Metal Slug secret plan , something likeMetal Slug Tacticswasn’t what I had in mind ; gratefully , I ’m now grateful that this was made .
Metal Slug Tacticsis available now for PC , PlayStation S4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X / S , and Nintendo Switch . It ’s also part of theXbox Game Pass Ultimate catalog .
