Metal Slug Tactics Review (Steam)

by Jim Smale · November 20, 2024

Metal Slug Tactics Review, Metal Slug Tactics brings the explosive charm and nostalgic fun of the cult METAL SLUG series to the tactical scene! Get ready for an intense ride through the best of both worlds: classic arcade action and rogue-lite tactical thrills. Jump into the combat zone and revive your METAL SLUG nostalgia in a whole new way!

Metal Slug Tactics Review Pros:

Cutesy pixel art graphics.
1.51GB Download size.
Steam achievements.
Full controller support.
Graphics settings – monitor, display mode, resolution, framerate, and screenshake.
Gameplay settings – tooltip delay, screen edge panning, edge panning speed, key panning speed, and end turn confirmation.
Strategy gameplay.
Think X Com but with Metal Slug characters.
Opening optional tutorial level. You get tutorial pop-ups as you play going forward.
Two initial game difficulties – Recruit and Officer Cadet.
Four locations to unlock on the map with one The Argun Palm Desert the only one initially.
Cool little set pieces with in-game cutscenes and interactions.
The world map level is selected within each location on the map.
You get told your main and optional secondary objectives.
At a mission start you get to place your party members.
Sync attacks are where two or three party members are close by when one of them attacks and this triggers them to attack also.
You see everyone’s health bar.
Game speed option on enemy turns.
Depending on the difficulty and conditions you can sometimes reset your turns.
Earn cash in the game and spend it in the Barracks shop.
The Barracks is your hub and here you will fill it up with new recruits and new options like the shop.
When going out in a mission you can freely pick any available party members.
Handy save and quit option.
A quick undo last move button.
Earn and use revives and health packs.
There is a warning when ending your go if you have actions remaining.
Elevation plays a big part in the game.
The game world is a 3D isometric affair and you can move the cameras around freely.
Missions on the map will show a quick glimpse of the rewards available.
End of mission breakdown.
EXP is dished out to each character at the end.
Mods can be earned and equipped with weapons, primary can take two, and special weapons can take up to 3.
When a character levels up they get to choose one of three passive or special actions to equip.
It feels like no matter how bad it goes you are always either unlocking something new or are on the cusp of a new toy.
The game is run-based so every time you all die you start again but you keep all earned cash.
Mission types and locations are randomized every run.
Using the vehicles is so much fun.
Some parts of the locations can be blown up.
Cover and line of sight matter a lot in combat.

Metal Slug Tactics Review Cons:

You initially need a keyboard to enter the profile name.
Got stuck in the remapping menu with the controller a few times.
No voice work, instead it’s just text.
The game doesn’t offer much in the way of accessibility like Colourblind, or text size.
It’s a rough opening as you die way too easily, the game feels stacked against you.
The camera control is not always ideal especially when dealing with elevation.