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Game Information

Game Title: Metal Slug Tactics

Platforms:

• Xbox Series X/S (Nov 5, 2024)
• PlayStation 5 (Nov 5, 2024)
• Nintendo Switch (Nov 5, 2024)
• PC (Nov 5, 2024)
• Xbox One (Nov 5, 2024)
• PlayStation 4 (Nov 5, 2024)

Trailer:

• Metal Slug Tactics - Release Date Trailer
• Metal Slug Tactics - Reveal trailer

Developer: Leikir Studio

Publishers: Dotemu, Gamera Games

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 78 average - 64% recommended

Metacritic - 78 average based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic Reviews


Analog Stick Gaming - Jeff M Young - 8 / 10

Metal Slug Tactics is gorgeous, it may have some entry-level appeal in how its tactics are concerned, but the fundamentals are solid and the gameplay is remarkably satisfying. With a ton of mods, weapons, and characters to unlock, I look forward to what additional runs may offer for my enjoyment of the game going forward. While I do wish there were more areas to break up the level variety, Metal Slug Tactics is nonetheless a joyous experience that is good to the last round.

CGMagazine - Jordan Biordi - 9 / 10

Leikir Studio combines the fast paced Run & Gun action with tactical turn-based gameplay in Metal Slug Tactics!

COGconnected - Jaz Sagoo - 70 / 100

Leikir Studio has successfully reimagined a classic franchise for a new genre, and despite some issues with system clarity, the addictive gameplay loop offers a fun and innovative twist on tactical strategy.

Cerealkillerz - Nick Erlenhof - German - 7.5 / 10

Metal Slug Tactics is just as visually and design-wise charming as the other offshoots, but this time it takes you into a very sophisticated tactical system with roguelike elements. Unfortunately, some of the gameplay is a little too forced and detracts from the fun, and it's not easy either, but the motivation to keep unlocking new things and completing just this one map will keep you hooked.

Console Creatures - Matt Sowinski - 8 / 10

Metal Slug Tactics is a solid tactical strategy roguelite that does a lot right. The battles are mainly fun, with characters that all feel different and a gorgeous art style. It adapts the roguelite elements well, making each run feel different depending on the characters, weapon loadouts, encounters, and areas that players move through. While not every encounter is as fun as the next, it takes the Metal Slug series in a fun new direction.

Console-Tribe - Simone Cantini - Italian - 65 / 100

Transforming a pure action brand like the classic SNK Playmore games into a strategic title was a challenging task with Metal Slug Tactics, and Leikir Studio partially missed the mark. The strategic experience, which replicates the run-and-gun tones of the main chapters, is hindered by the roguelike nature of the production. While fun in the short term, excessive repetitiveness quickly emerges after a few runs, significantly diminishing the game's appeal. Without a more layered and expansive gameplay, it may soon tire those not looking for a quick, bite-sized experience.

GameGrin - Alana Dunitz - 9.5 / 10

Metal Slug Tactics' move from the arcade to a tactical RPG has turned out better than I ever expected, this game is both challenging and rewarding to play.

God is a Geek - Lyle Pendle - 8 / 10

It's got a hell of a steep learning curve, but once you learn the ropes Metal Slug Tactics is a wonderful tactics game full of nostalgia.

IGN - Charlie Wacholz - 8 / 10

Metal Slug Tactics lives up to its stone-cold classic namesake from SNK’s golden era with its painstakingly detailed pixel art, head-bopping soundtrack, and snappy structure. It magnificently translates the run-n-gun series into its first turn-based tactics game, but doesn’t sacrifice substance for cheap nostalgia, either.

Kakuchopurei - Jonathan Leo - 70 / 100

This strategy title offers some neat-yet-short challenges, a replayable roguelike structure that lets you mix and match new units as well as tons of unlocks and Metal Slug backstory lore to uncover, as well as features a slew of new mechanics that other future strategy titles should borrow from. [...] Metal Slug Tactics is a strange entry in the series, but a fresh and welcoming one indeed.

Noisy Pixel - Yuna Briggs - 9 / 10

Metal Slug Tactics doesn't quite reinvent the strategy genre, but it does offer up a lot of addictive, explosive, and satisfying action. The core of the Metal Slug series lies comfortably within this new genre, along with plenty of familiar sights, sounds, and characters that will please fans. It's a great take on turn-based strategy and one that feels distinctly true to its roots.

PC Gamer - Dominic Tarason - 76 / 100

A smart, stylish adaptation that beats the odds to capture Metal Slug's spirit in another genre, with a few irritating bugs

PSX Brasil - Portuguese - 70 / 100

Quote not yet available

Pizza Fria - Francesco de Souza Beghelli - Portuguese - 9.5 / 10

Metal Slug Tactics was a pleasant surprise, exceeding expectations in several aspects. The wide variety of gameplay mechanics and the replayability are remarkable, providing an experience that goes beyond a simple tribute to the past.

Push Square - Scott McCrae - 8 / 10

From the moment it was announced Metal Slug Tactics was a winner in our eyes. Marrying the SNK classic with the turn-based tactics genre is a golden idea on paper. Hearing it’s a roguelike in the vein of Into the Breach was the coup de grâce for this game being anything but a banger. And we’re happy to say it lives up to those lofty expectations.

RPG Fan - Jerry Williams - 66%

Metal Slug Tactics tends to play it safe while simultaneously encouraging players to not play it safe. With few bells and whistles, everything just feels slightly different, rather than a mind-blowing change in gameplay.

Saving Content - Scott Ellison II - 4 / 5

Metal Slug Tactics being a turn-based tactics roguelike was an unlikely deviation from the series’ norms, but it pays off incredibly well. There’s deep and flexible tactical experience here offering dozens of hours of gameplay. It’s tough but fair as you work through the campaign, and really satisfying when you’re able to clutch a victory in a single battle, or an entire run. Metal Slug Tactics is inventive, clever, and most of all in service of the legacy of the series – now it’s your turn to take up arms.

Shacknews - Will Borger - 8 / 10

It nails the run-and-gun feel of Metal Slug, and somehow transforms that into a tactics game, and that’s a hell of an accomplishment. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got an itch, and the only salve is another run.

TechRaptor - Austin Suther - 6 / 10

There's a decent, tactical experience in Metal Slug Tactics, but the roguelite elements and repetition that stems from that make things feel old too quickly. Messy, confusing UI and infrequent bugs also hinder this title from reaching its true potential.

The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 7 / 10

Metal Slug Tactics is a new take on the legendary franchise that puts side-scrolling action aside for a more in-depth tactical approach. While the combat and roguelike systems are highly engaging, they still suffer from many bugs that prevent this game from reaching greater heights.

Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 8.5 / 10

Metal Slug Tactics is an excellent adaptation of the franchise to an entirely new genre. It doesn't play anything like the older Metal Slug games, but in some ways, it still does. It's fast paced, engaging, and frequently funny and clever. The core mechanics are instantly engaging and a genuine delight to experience. Perhaps the only real complaint I can think of is that the roguelike style might not be for everyone, but even that is true to the style of the original arcade games. Both fans of the franchise and those who can't tell a Metal Slug from a Metal Gear will find a lot to like in Tactics.

XboxEra - Jesse Norris - 8.3 / 10

This type of game has a ceiling it can normally hit. It’s a lower-budget genre-bending revival of a beloved but older IP. Leikir Studio has managed to find an excellent blend of old and new. While it can be insanely difficult on hard, it’s just the right amount of punishing on normal.

ZTGD - Terrence Johnson - 7 / 10

Quote not yet available

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

The game is also out right now on Steam, and I presume it’s releasing on the other platforms today as well.

 

[adamsapple]

About what I expected.

Should be launching on Game Pass any hour, today.

 

[diffusionx]

roguelite elements

 

[Punished Miku]

SRPG roguelike is a bizarre decision. Looks promising though.

 

[AJUMP23]

I have always liked the Metal Slug Sprite style. But I don't think I want a tactics game from them.

 

[Ceadeus]

So there's a big learning curve. The graphics alone make me want to get it, I'll be waiting for these son of a bitch limitedrun to release their switch version.

 

[Lucifers Beard]

I was really looking forward to this one, but I just couldn't get on with the demo. I don't know what it was, just a bit meh. Love the art style though!

 

[JPSLotus97T]

Huge Slug fan, but not sure about this one.

Looks like an interesting concept, just not sure if I want to play this at the moment. But I might wait till it goes on sale and grab it as a play later game. Do love the graphics though, nice to see they didn't try to reinvent the wheel with the visuals on this.

 

[panda-zebra]

This will be the last game I ply on base ps5, really looking forward to getting stuck in tonight.

 

[Rran]

It's a cool game so far, but I agree with the reviews that mention the learning curve. Dunno if it's just my inexperience with the genre but I'm getting my goose cooked in this right now. It also has performance issues, at least on Switch. But I'm eager to play more; the battles are tactical and fun when I can wrap my head around them and the art/sound is great.

ProTip: ALWAYS KEEP MOVING. If you stay still, you die. The more you move, the more Dodge you get, which protects you significantly from each attack.

 

[cireza]

They made this a roguelike ? I swear these days people can't be happy with a strong campaign with good replayability coming from various character builds.

No, everything needs to be some bloated, tedious and repetitive roguelike shit

Will probably support because they seem to have put some good effort in this, but I am disappointed by the news.

It also has performance issues, at least on Switch.

What an abysmal console.

 

[Closer]

Quote not yet available.

 

[Hookshot]

Didn't know this was out so soon and didn't now this was a rogue like. I don't mind them when it's a single character like Hades or Dead Cells but I bounced off Into the Breach just through annoyance with random character deaths.

 

[MagusMajul]

I am a life long fan of the Metal Slug games this is a pleasant surprise and reiteration I will buy

 

[Gonzito]

Roguelite means I am out

 

[TheDarkPhantom]

Will be picking this up within the next couple of months, I like rogue-likes, I love SRPG's. Seems like a strange combination on the surface but at least they are trying something different

 

[kevm3]

Enough of shoe-horning roguelike into everything

 

[El Muerto]

It's up on Gamepass. Downloading now

 

[MudoSkills]

This is about 2x the price I was expecting it to be. I have enough to be playing at the moment that this can wait for a heavy (machinegun) discount.

 

[LordBritish]

FREE ON GAMEPASS RIGHT NOW!

PC gamepass - 1gb install

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

I've updated the OP with more reviews and refreshed the OC and MC screenshots with newer ones.

 

[GymWolf]

Do they finally explain why marco and tarma are americans but have italian names?

 

[Futaleufu]

Do they finally explain why marco and tarma are americans but have italian names?

Tarma Roving doesnt sound very italian

 

[GymWolf]

Tarma Roving doesnt sound very italian

I didn't knew his last name, but tarma kinda sound italian

 

[Futaleufu]

I didn't knew his last name, but tarma kinda sound italian

His full name is Tarmicle Roving III
edit: and he is japanese according to the wiki

 

[manfestival]

I love the style of the game but all the reviews talking about the big learning curve is really not something I want to dip into at this time.... ugh

 

[HerjansEagleFeeder]

Please tell me there's a physical edition that won't be published by the leeches over at LRG

 

[Shtef]

I had this on whish list since day one, and i have just found its a rogue like? What the hell man, its such a waste.

 

[Rran]

Please tell me there's a physical edition that won't be published by the leeches over at LRG

Kind of, if you want the European version: https://www.gamespress.com/Metal-Slug-Tactics-the-Physical-Edition-Pixn-Love-Editions-11465

 

[Feel Like I'm On 42]

This game has the smallest font I've ever seen on Switch in handheld. If you have poor eyesight avoid.

 

[ReyBrujo]

This game has the smallest font I've ever seen on Switch in handheld. If you have poor eyesight avoid.

Snap, just bought it. I finished Trials of Mana yesterday and was doing Final Fantasy Adventure to finish the Secret of Mana series, booked this one to add to the Tactics Ogre / Front Mission queue, guess I will have to play it docked.

 

[MudoSkills]

Please tell me there's a physical edition that won't be published by the leeches over at LRG

I literally just got an email about a physical edition from LRG.

 

[Trab-Pu-Kcip]

I was really looking forward to this one, but I just couldn't get on with the demo. I don't know what it was, just a bit meh. Love the art style though!

Is there a demo?

 

[Rentahamster]

Is there a demo?

There was a few months ago. I'm not sure if it's still available. Check the Steam page.

 

[cireza]

Tried the game. It is almost impossible to read the text on the TV. Interface is tiny.

 

[Rran]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the text is microscopic. Really hope they patch that and soon, I have to scooch and squint to see everything when I'm playing docked.

 

[Punished Miku]

The difficulty balance is ridiculous. You get armor from moving max distance so you're constantly out of position or unarmored. Enemies have high HP and new enemies get dropped in the map every turn. You can't attack from a higher elevation which is a baffling decision for an SRPG. Its just a strange game. Still feels like I'm not playing it right.

Art design is generally very good.

 

[Feel Like I'm On 42]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the text is microscopic. Really hope they patch that and soon, I have to scooch and squint to see everything when I'm playing docked.

Smallest text I've ever seen in any game it's ridiculous wth were devs thinking?

 

[Miyazaki’s Slave]

This was not on my radar at all. This morning when I saw this on steam, honestly the art sold me instantly. I have always respected the work they put into the art, animation, and design for this series and it looks great in a strat setting!

Probably won't play much, but ill give it a go. I just appreciate they took the chance to try something different with the source material!

 

[TexMex]

Put about 3 hours in and absolutely loving it.

Wish I could say performance issues limited to Switch tho. I'm playing on PS5. Runs perfect, except in the big boss levels where there's tons of characters and a lot going on. And not just a little dip either, runs like ass. Hopefully they iron that out. Otherwise it's awesome.

 

[amigastar]

Put about 3 hours in and absolutely loving it.

Wish I could say performance issues limited to Switch tho. I'm playing on PS5. Runs perfect, except in the big boss levels where there's tons of characters and a lot going on. And not just a little dip either, runs like ass. Hopefully they iron that out. Otherwise it's awesome.

Cool, sounds good. Will have to try it out myself, soon.

 

[Danny Dudekisser]

"Roguelike" is a massive turn-off. I'll give the game a shot if people end up really liking it, but that's just about the least appealing word they could've applied to this genre.

 

[Ceadeus]

The difficulty balance is ridiculous. You get armor from moving max distance so you're constantly out of position or unarmored. Enemies have high HP and new enemies get dropped in the map every turn. You can't attack from a higher elevation which is a baffling decision for an SRPG. Its just a strange game. Still feels like I'm not playing it right.

Art design is generally very good.

Damn, it sounds difficult as hell. Do you get a ranking after a mission? Is permadeath a thing?

 

[Danjin44]

METAL SLUG makes an explosive return! Dive into this dynamic tactical RPG with a roguelite

God WTF is up with indie devs obsession with “roguelite”? Especially these days when I have much better choice for SRPG like Unicorn Overlord and Triangle Strategy.

 

[John Bilbo]

The difficulty balance is ridiculous. You get armor from moving max distance so you're constantly out of position or unarmored. Enemies have high HP and new enemies get dropped in the map every turn. You can't attack from a higher elevation which is a baffling decision for an SRPG. Its just a strange game. Still feels like I'm not playing it right.

Art design is generally very good.

Yeah the game design just didn't click with me. And I got the same feeling that I didn't know if it was my fault or something to do with the game.

I'll try it again one day with more patience.

 

[Punished Miku]

Damn, it sounds difficult as hell. Do you get a ranking after a mission? Is permadeath a thing?

It is difficult, but I think I'm missing something. No permadeath. It's basically small SRPG maps almost like Into the Breach or something, but bigger than that. They can be cleared in 10 min or less. And you travel from one stage to the next until you die, then you wind up back at the base and try and power up and do it again.

 

[Ceadeus]

It is difficult, but I think I'm missing something. No permadeath. It's basically small SRPG maps almost like Into the Breach or something, but bigger than that. They can be cleared in 10 min or less. And you travel from one stage to the next until you die, then you wind up back at the base and try and power up and do it again.

Okay! Then once you die, do you unlock any permanent upgrades to help along the next run?

 

[Punished Miku]

Okay! Then once you die, do you unlock any permanent upgrades to help along the next run?

I believe so, but I only did a few runs and I don't recall really being able to get a lot yet. Last time I died I got some med pack upgrade thing. I'm still very early in the game. It has potential, but the difficulty balance is genuinely surprising.

The tutorial even says if you're maxing your move ranges out you should be taking 0 damage on almost all attacks, and I'm clearly not pulling that off. My defense seems too low and my offense seems too low lol. I'm going to watch some videos of people clearing stages.

 

[Rran]

The difficulty balance is ridiculous. You get armor from moving max distance so you're constantly out of position or unarmored. Enemies have high HP and new enemies get dropped in the map every turn. You can't attack from a higher elevation which is a baffling decision for an SRPG. Its just a strange game. Still feels like I'm not playing it right.

Art design is generally very good.

It's a steep learning curve. But I like it, even though I'm not good at it.

I've watched a few tips videos, and it seems like the three big takeaways are these:

1) Like in Doom '16, you have to always keep moving. You can get at least +2 Dodge when moving the max amount, often more if a character gets extra dodge from stuff like elevation changes, and that subtracts 2 from every attack applied (whether enemy or friendly fire). You can get beefier defense from taking cover--that is, stopping your unit in the blue squares next to some objects--so you'll often end with 2 Dodge and 2 Defense, making anything that deals 4 or less damage deal nothing. Moving around also grants you Adrenaline which you'll need for special moves.

2) Use sync attacks often. Try to position your trio so that 2 or even all 3 of them line up and share targets. This combined with the first point means that you're frequently looking for the best positioning each turn rather than pushing a linear forward front or turtling up defensively like in some other strategy games. Sync attacks basically give you free damage. If you attack one target with each character with no sync attacks, it'd do 4 [Marco] + 4 [Eri] + 2 [Fio] total. But if that same target was in the crosshairs of all three of your characters, you'd end up tripling that damage for a total of 30, just because of your positioning. And that's just considering the basic weapons for each character. Remember that Eri's explosives can go over other characters' heads and change elevations so it's easier to activate her sync attacks.

3) Use your special moves wisely. These use up the Adrenaline resource but Adrenaline is easy to replenish if you're moving a lot for Dodge. Adrenaline is basically like MP in this game, and you'll want to very frequently use the special moves to get an upper hand. Don't neglect them! Some give you extra actions, some deal extra damage, etc.

Good luck!