Metal Slug Tactics reimagines the beloved run and gun foundations of the Metal Slug franchise with a bold shift into tactical RPG territory. Developed by Leikir Studio, the game successfully fuses the series’ frenetic energy with strategic depth, inviting players to experience a fresh yet familiar journey. By setting the scene with the classic Peregrine Falcons squad facing off against General Morden’s forces, the game combines a straightforward yet engaging narrative with gameplay that demands both tactical finesse and quick decision-making.
The tactical mechanics bring a layered complexity to this new Metal Slug experience, challenging players to carefully assemble their squad from a roster of familiar characters. Each character comes equipped with unique abilities, giving players the chance to experiment with different strategies as they engage Morden’s army. The “SYNC” combo system offers an exciting twist, allowing coordinated attacks that deal massive damage when activated at the right moment. But while rewarding and accessible, the feature can feel a bit limited in flexibility, leaving some players wishing for more adaptability in the heat of combat.
In a roguelite structure, Metal Slug Tactics adds a learning curve that emphasizes progression through experience and upgrades, rewarding persistence and strategic refinement. Each defeat provides players with experience points that can be invested in team upgrades, gradually making characters more formidable with each new attempt and allowing you to get past difficulty spikes. And while the challenge level may be daunting for those less familiar with roguelike mechanics, the sense of growth keeps the gameplay loop engaging and satisfying.
Graphically, the game’s pixel art is a beautiful homage to Metal Slug’s roots, packed with intricate details that bring the world and its characters to life. Animations are impressively fluid, capturing the kinetic energy of the original series while presenting a polished aesthetic that feels perfectly suited to a tactical RPG. Combined with Tee Lopes’ dynamic soundtrack, which enhances the game’s atmosphere with a mix of high-energy tracks and more intense, dramatic tunes, the audiovisual experience is both nostalgic/”Metal Slug”-like and refreshingly new.
One area where Metal Slug Tactics stumbles slightly is in its user interface, which can feel cluttered, especially when players need to manage upgrades and character setups between missions. This somewhat disrupts the pacing, particularly for those eager to jump back into the action. While this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall experience, it’s an element that could benefit from a bit more streamlining.
Overall, Metal Slug Tactics is a brilliant homage to a classic franchise, skillfully adapting its iconic style and characters to a new genre. For longtime fans, the game delivers plenty of nostalgic nods while offering a new level of strategic depth, and tactical RPG enthusiasts will find plenty to love in its challenging yet rewarding structure. While some may need time to adapt to its roguelite elements, Metal Slug Tactics stands as a welcome addition to the series that should captivate both veterans and newcomers alike.
Score: 7.8/10
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