Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Metal Slug’s leap into 3D retains the series’ frantic, run-and-gun DNA while introducing fresh mechanics that both longtime fans and newcomers will appreciate. You’ll control Marco, Tarma, Eri or Fio from an over-the-shoulder camera, darting through destructible environments filled with crates, barrels and pesky enemy soldiers. The basic handgun you start with feels familiar, but the real fun begins when you pick up power-ups—machine guns spit bullets in all directions, flamethrowers scorch groups of foes, and rocket launchers send armored targets flying.

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Classic Metal Slug hallmarks remain intact: rescuing POWs for bonus weapons, hopping into Slug vehicles for a tremendous firepower boost, and pulling off ridiculous combos by chaining weapon swaps and explosions. The vehicle controls feel sturdy, whether you’re piloting a tank slug slowly across the ground or soaring through the sky in the helicopter variant. Each ride adds its own strategy, encouraging you to explore hidden alcoves or take alternate routes littered with extra lives and power-ups.

Where the sequel really stands out is in character progression. After each level, you’re rated on speed, accuracy, rescue count and overall chaos. These ratings translate into upgrade points you can spend on health bars, movement speed, auto-aim responsiveness or special weapon duration. This RPG-lite element spices up replays—you’ll find yourself revisiting earlier stages to max out stats and discover every secret exit.

Graphics

Transitioning Metal Slug into full 3D was no small feat, but the developers nail the series’ signature cartoonish charm with vibrant, hand-painted textures and fluid character models. Soldiers march, tanks stomp and explosions bloom with crisp particle effects, giving each battlefield a sense of weight and impact. Environments range from dusty deserts to lush jungles, each rendered in bright, saturated hues that pop on today’s screens.

Character animations are delightfully over-the-top—Marco’s reload animation, for instance, features a comical twist of the lever that never fails to bring a grin. Enemy designs are equally expressive: Oguma Corporation’s mechanized troops clank and whirr with believable detail, while boss encounters introduce towering war machines that loom menacingly in the foreground. Even minor enemies sport unique idle poses and reaction stances when you get close, making every skirmish feel dynamic.

That said, the camera can occasionally get in your way during intense firefights, especially when you’re squeezed between rubble piles or swapping in and out of Slug vehicles. Framerate dips are rare on modern hardware but can occur in the most action-packed segments. Minor quibbles aside, the visual overhaul brings Metal Slug’s trademark slapstick style into three dimensions with resounding success.

Story

Marked as the 10th anniversary sequel, the narrative picks up right where classic Metal Slug tales left off: General Morden has forged a new alliance with the ruthless Oguma Corporation, aiming to build an unstoppable private war machine. This partnership ups the ante, introducing cutting-edge weapon systems and mechanical monstrosities for our heroes to dismantle, stage by explosive stage.

Rebel soldiers Marco, Tarma, Eri and Fio remain the heart of the saga, and their banter—delivered during brief cutscenes—captures the series’ irreverent humor. One moment you’ll be sharing quips about a commanding officer’s overblown ego; the next, you’re sprinting past enemy bunkers to rescue captured comrades. These interludes are short but effective, punctuating each mission with a dose of personality and reminding you why you fell in love with Metal Slug’s tongue-in-cheek storytelling.

While the plot doesn’t venture into deep, cinematic territory, it provides just enough context to drive you forward. Each mission objective—destroy the research facility, hijack the armored train, infiltrate the offshore rig—feels purposeful. And though the stakes escalate with every level, the core vibe remains light-hearted: blow stuff up, save civilians, and thwart General Morden’s mad ambitions.

Overall Experience

Metal Slug’s 3D anniversary sequel strikes a satisfying balance between fan service and modern action-shooter design. The core run-and-gun thrills are intact, augmented by unlockable upgrades that reward exploration and skilled play. Whether you’re blasting through solo or teaming up in local co-op, the pacing never lags, and the variety of weapons and vehicles keeps each session feeling fresh.

Newcomers will enjoy the intuitive controls and straightforward mission structure, while series veterans will relish the chance to revisit iconic locales in a fully realized 3D space. The occasional camera hiccup or minor performance dip won’t dampen the overall fun, and the robust character progression system adds longevity well beyond an initial playthrough.

If you’re looking for an action-packed, humor-soaked shooter that honors its arcade heritage while embracing modern upgrades, this Metal Slug installment is a blast from start to finish. Strap in, load up on rockets, and prepare to wage war on Morden’s forces in style—your trigger finger and sense of humor will thank you.

Retro Replay Score

null/10