Fans of the classic side-scrolling shooter Metal Slug are in for a treat this fall as Metal Slug Tactics is slated to debut on the Nintendo Switch. This game represents a fresh spin on the beloved series by infusing tactical RPG elements into its traditional run-and-gun gameplay. Announced back during E3 2021, the game had encountered a series of delays and had been quiet on updates until recently. Now, with a new trailer and a confirmed release timeframe, excitement is building once more.
Metal Slug Tactics retains the core of what made the original series popular but shifts the perspective to an isometric view, transforming the game into a strategy-based battlefield. Players will assemble a team from a pool of iconic Metal Slug characters, each bringing unique skills essential for overcoming the challenges posed by the game's tactical combat scenarios. This shift from action-packed shooting to strategic planning offers a refreshing new take on Metal Slug's gameplay.
The developers have paid keen attention to the visual design, embracing detailed pixel art that pays homage to the aesthetic of the original series. The game's graphical fidelity is complemented by a dynamic soundtrack composed by Tee Lopes, known for his work on Shredder’s Revenge and Sonic Mania. The music promises to enhance the intense, adrenaline-pumping action scenes, ensuring that the nostalgia factor is dialed up to the maximum.
As for the game mechanics, Metal Slug Tactics introduces a roguelite progression system. This means players can expect considerable replayability as each defeat serves as an opportunity to refine strategies and improve performance. The game features a whopping 110 hand-crafted maps and 20 different mission types, promising a variety of challenges and scenarios. Players will need to strategically manage a roster of nine iconic characters and utilize a diverse arsenal comprising 36 different weapons and 176 weapon modifications.
These elements allow for extensive customization and strategic arrangements, essential for conquering the tougher foes and iconic bosses pulled straight from the Metal Slug universe. The strategic depth is further expanded with 36 loadouts and combos, providing countless ways to tackle each challenge.
Here is a brief peek into the aesthetics and gameplay of Metal Slug Tactics from its latest trailer:
