Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Metal Slug 1st Mission delivers a pulse-pounding run-and-gun experience that stays true to its arcade roots. As part of the Peregrine Falcons, you’ll tackle 17 distinct missions, each packed with branching paths, secret areas, and hordes of enemy soldiers. The controls are crisp and responsive, allowing you to jump, crouch, and fire in any direction with ease—critical when you’re under constant fire.

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The inclusion of the Metal Slug multifunction tank and the Slug Flyer adds depth to the action. Hopping into the tank transforms the usual foot-soldier skirmish into a strategic, heavy-firepower encounter, while the Slug Flyer missions bring vertical scrolling shoot-’em-up thrills. These vehicle sections break up the ground combat nicely, ensuring the gameplay never feels repetitive.

A built-in performance ranking system and multiple stage progressions encourage replayability. At the end of each mission, you’re graded on time, accuracy, and rescue missions completed. Chasing higher rankings compels you to refine your approach—whether that means conserving ammo, hunting every hostage, or finding alternate routes through enemy territory.

Graphics

Despite the Neo Geo Pocket Color’s limited hardware, Metal Slug 1st Mission manages to capture the series’ signature hand-drawn aesthetic. Sprites are sharp and well-animated, from the fluid walk cycles of your soldier to the explosive breakup of enemy vehicles. Each frame feels alive, whether you’re dodging flamethrowers or watching a boss explode in a shower of pixel fire.

The color palette is vibrant without being garish. Earthy tones dominate the jungle sections, while desert levels are bathed in warm oranges and browns. Splashy effects—like muzzle flashes and bomb explosions—pop against more muted backgrounds, ensuring the action is always clear and easy to follow, even in intense multi-enemy encounters.

Stage design also shines visually. From ruined bunkers to coastal forts, each environment is distinct and full of small touches: collapsing walls, crumbling towers, and destructible cars add dynamism to the battlefield. Though scaled down for a handheld screen, the attention to detail remains unmistakably Metal Slug.

Story

The narrative is straightforward but effective: Colonel Bildegaarn’s tyrannical reign must end, and it’s up to the Peregrine Falcons to stop him. You won’t find lengthy cutscenes or branching dialogue here, but the game’s tight pacing keeps the story moving. Brief mission briefs bookend each level, providing just enough context without slowing the action.

Characterization is minimal but charming. Your soldier’s idle animations—saluting, wiping sweat, or tapping his helmet—inject personality during mission transitions. Enemies range from standard grunts to outrageous mechs, each contributing to an escalating sense of absurdity that’s a trademark of the Metal Slug franchise.

Rescuing captured civilians adds a secondary narrative layer. Their relief animations and enthusiastic cheers offer small rewards beyond just score points. While the overarching plot remains simple, these moments of human connection underscore the stakes of your mission—to free innocents from a ruthless dictator’s grasp.

Overall Experience

Metal Slug 1st Mission offers a remarkably complete Metal Slug package in the palm of your hand. The combination of responsive controls, varied mission types, and eye-catching sprite work keeps you engaged from start to finish. The 17 missions feel substantial, and the ranking system provides motivation to revisit favorite stages.

The in-game save feature is a game-changer for handheld play. You can turn off the Neo Geo Pocket without losing progress, making it easy to tackle missions in short bursts or marathon sessions. This convenience factor elevates the title above many arcade ports, which often rely on limited credit systems or password saves.

For fans of classic action games and newcomers seeking a portable adrenaline rush, Metal Slug 1st Mission is a must-have. It captures the spirit of the original arcade hits, delivers tight, varied gameplay, and looks fantastic on a small screen. Whether you’re chasing high ranks or simply blasting through levels, this title offers hours of satisfying run-and-gun fun.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10