Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Metal Slug Advance distills the classic run-and-gun action of the arcade originals into a portable format without losing any of its signature intensity. From the moment you step onto the battlefield, you’re thrust into non-stop combat: dodge enemy fire, toss grenades, and commandeer the iconic “Slug” vehicles to plow through waves of foes. The pacing is relentless, ensuring that every level feels like a pulse-pounding mission rather than a mere corridor of enemies.

One of the standout features in this GBA entry is the introduction of special E-cards. As you rescue allied soldiers, they hand you these collectible cards that can be redeemed back at base for ammo upgrades, weapon enhancements, and even new power-ups. This light progression system gives you an extra layer of strategy—deciding whether to stockpile cards for a major boost or spend them as soon as you get them to weather tougher enemy onslaughts.

The game offers two distinct characters to choose from, each with slightly different stats and weapon load-outs. Whether you prefer a balanced approach with steady firepower or a more explosive style with faster grenades, the choice affects your strategy on the battlefield. Controls are tight and responsive, making jumps, slides, and vehicle maneuvers feel intuitive—though the sheer number of on-screen explosions can occasionally challenge even seasoned players.

Graphics

On the Game Boy Advance hardware, Metal Slug Advance delivers vibrant, hand-drawn pixel art that rivals many home-console shooters. Each level is richly detailed, from crumbling cityscapes to jungle hideouts, and the backgrounds scroll smoothly as you dash across the screen. The color palette pops, giving enemies and explosive effects that classic cartoonish flair the series is known for.

Character sprites and enemy designs maintain the franchise’s exaggerated style—soldiers stumble back in dramatic fashion when hit, and bosses loom large with over-the-top animations and attack patterns. Even the small “Slug” vehicles are rendered with impressive detail, rocking side to side as they roll and unleashing their cannons with satisfying recoil effects.

Performance on the GBA is generally solid, with a stable frame rate that keeps action sequences clear and readable. Occasional slowdowns occur when dozens of bullets and grenades fill the screen, but these moments only heighten the sense of chaos rather than detract from it. Overall, the presentation does an exceptional job of capturing the spirit of the arcade originals in a handheld package.

Story

Metal Slug Advance opens with a straightforward rescue narrative: your allied troops have been captured by enemy forces, and you’re the sole warrior brave enough to mount a daring retrieval. The story may not win literary awards, but it serves its purpose as a backdrop for the explosive action that follows. It’s classic Metal Slug fare—high stakes, simple motivations, and plenty of reasons to blow things up.

Throughout the campaign, cutscenes bookend each chapter, showing your hero’s determination and the enemy’s underestimation of your abilities. While dialogue is minimal—mostly grunts, exclamations, and brief text boxes—it effectively conveys the urgency of the mission. You feel the desperation as the battlefield grows more treacherous with each passing level.

The true charm of the story lies in its sheer cinematic flair: surprise ambushes, dramatic boss reveals, and enemy weaponry that becomes increasingly bizarre. From mechanized tanks to towering war machines, every encounter feels like a mini boss battle. The narrative may be simple, but it constantly propels you forward, eager to see what strange foe awaits in the next stage.

Overall Experience

Metal Slug Advance is an outstanding addition to the portable shooter genre, offering everything fans love about the series in a handheld format. Its balance of run-and-gun gameplay, collectible E-cards, and two-character choice gives it replay value far beyond a single playthrough. Short load times and quick checkpoints make it perfect for gaming on the go.

While newcomers might be overwhelmed by the barrage of enemy fire, the game’s intuitive controls and generous item drops ensure that you never feel hopeless. The progression system tied to E-cards provides a satisfying sense of growth, rewarding exploration and thorough rescue missions with tangible upgrades. For veterans of the Metal Slug franchise, these tweaks inject fresh layers of depth; for series newcomers, they add an accessible entry point.

In the landscape of GBA shooters, Metal Slug Advance stands out as a must-play. It captures the chaotic fun and visual charm of its arcade predecessors while introducing innovations that make the handheld experience uniquely engaging. If you’re looking for non-stop action, memorable boss fights, and a handheld game that feels as grand as its console counterparts, this is one slug you won’t regret hopping into.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10