Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Metal Slug X refines the classic run-and-gun formula of its predecessor by introducing a richer arsenal and more dynamic encounters. New weapons such as the Iron Lizard and Enemy Chaser add tactical variety, encouraging players to experiment with different load-outs on the fly. The Super Grenade and Drop Shot, in particular, reward precision and timing, letting you clear out clusters of foes with satisfying explosive impact.

The level design has been tweaked to accommodate these additions, featuring more hidden prisoners to rescue and bonus items to collect. Twilight and dusk environments not only look stunning but also affect visibility and pacing, forcing you to adapt your strategy when shadows stretch across the battlefield. Increased enemy counts and altered placements keep even veteran players on their toes, as familiar sections suddenly feel fresh and challenging.

Vehicle segments remain a highlight, but you’ll notice subtle changes in the new SV-001II and other transports. These tweaks make riding the Metal Slug feel more responsive and deadly, especially when combined with the stronger explosive force of many weapons. Boss encounters benefit from these enhancements too, turning fights that once felt rote into high-stakes showdowns where every shot counts.

Graphics

Visually, Metal Slug X is a feast for retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The hand-drawn sprites are as vibrant as ever, but the remix introduces new animation frames for twilight and sunset stages, giving each level a distinct atmosphere. Subtle adjustments to backgrounds—such as darker clouds on dusk levels or glowing horizon lines at dawn—make revisiting classic stages feel like discovering them anew.

The increased enemy density doesn’t hamper performance; instead, it makes each scene feel outrageously alive. Explosions are now more elaborate, with larger blast radii and cascading debris that swirl across the screen. These graphical flourishes enhance the sense of chaos and reward skilled play, since nailing a perfectly timed grenade feels more visually impactful than ever.

Weapon effects have also been beefed up. The Stones upgrade adds a metallic sheen to projectiles, while the Iron Lizard unleashes crackling energy arcs that light up darkened skies. Even the UI received a facelift, with clearer icons for newly added power-ups and an updated HUD that keeps you informed without obscuring the action.

Story

The narrative in Metal Slug X follows the familiar arc of the Peregrine Falcons on a globe-trotting mission to thwart General Morden’s latest coup. While the overarching plot remains straightforward, the enhanced version sprinkles in new environmental storytelling elements during twilight and dusk missions. Crumbling ruins and smoldering battlefields at sunset add emotional weight to otherwise routine objectives.

Rescuing prisoners has always been a core mechanic, and Metal Slug X expands this by placing more captives in harder-to-reach spots. Each successful rescue now feels like a small triumph, especially when it reveals lore snippets or quirky character animations. These micro-moments elevate the story, reminding you that behind every explosion lies a human cost.

Enemy chattering and soldier banter have been subtly remixed in the soundtrack, giving voice actors fresh lines that hint at Morden’s evolving plans. Though the tale itself doesn’t deviate dramatically from Metal Slug 2, these new audio and environmental cues make the stakes feel just a bit higher. It’s a testament to how small changes can enhance immersion without altering the core narrative.

Overall Experience

Metal Slug X strikes a remarkable balance between old-school charm and modern refinement. Every element—from the remixed soundtrack to the beefed-up explosive effects—works in concert to deliver a more polished and replayable package. Veterans will appreciate how familiar levels have been invigorated, while newcomers can dive straight into a perfected version of what made the series legendary.

The game’s pacing feels finely tuned: no sooner do you master a new weapon than the next stage throws a fresh twist at you, be it an altered vehicle section or a night-time ambush. This ever-shifting tempo keeps sessions exciting, making it difficult to put the controller down. With more prisoners to save and secret power-ups tucked away, replay value skyrockets.

Ultimately, Metal Slug X stands as a stellar example of how to enhance a classic without reinventing it. The improvements are meaningful but never overbearing, preserving the series’ trademark humor and frantic action. Whether you’re on your first run or your fiftieth, Metal Slug X delivers an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride that remains as compelling today as it was decades ago.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10