Metal Slug started in arcades in 1996 via the SNK company. It soon became one of their most beloved series in their catalog, spawning tons of sequels and ports. It’s still getting re-released today via various digital arcade downloads like on Switch.Â
That said, the last main new game was in 2008 via Metal Slug 7. It has no been over a decade no since the last new entry excited fans of the run and gun genre. Still, some of these old titles still hold up when replayed today,
7 Metal Slug 6
This game released first in arcades in 2006. Besides the usual characters of Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio, this game also added Ralf and Clark. On the surface, this is one of the more wild adventures with tons of monsters and aliens to fight.Â
New weapons like the bipedal mech and donkey kart were also a blast to play. The big detraction from this game though are the graphics. The backgrounds are flat and pre-rendered making the sprites running around in the foreground look jarring.Â
6 Metal Slug 7
This is the first game to launch as a console exclusive which was 2008 for the DS. A year later it also got an updated version, Metal Slug XX, which added some stuff and took out the dual-screen functionality as it went to other consoles. Like the previous title, Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio, Ralf, and Clark are all playable.Â
Also similar to Metal Slug 6, the backgrounds still look flat but playing it on the DS’ screen made it more appealing due to the smaller ratio. The level variety overall is better than it plus for the first time, players could pilot a giant mech in a one-on-one boss fight.
5 Metal Slug 5
This game launched first in arcades in 2003. Players could choose from the usual heroes of Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio. The game begins with a cool jungle level leading into a lava temple.Â
The third mission is also a standout with the inclusion of a new bipedal robot. The final mission is pretty epic beginning with players driving a car that looks straight out of the animeLupin the 3rd, then has players control a giant spider-like robot with the final boss looking like Death incarnate as a tornado. It’s a wild game with standout moments but there are better entries.
4 Metal Slug
As stated in the intro, the series began in arcades in 1996. It was a fairly standard run and gun shooter. What made it stand out next to its competition like Contra were the sprites. From the main two heroes of Marco and Tarma to the enemy encounters, every animation was and still is beautiful.Â
The Metal Slug tanks were also a nice one up to Contra. Plus the over the top violence really stuck it to Konami’s more E rated adventures. Overall it’s not too crazy of a game but remains fun almost three decades later.
3 Metal Slug 4
This game released first in arcades in 2002. Marco and Fio returned but the other two slots were taken by Trevor and Nadia. This was their first and only appearance in the main series. The first couple levels are similar to the original game in that nothing strange happens.Â
Although the first mission does introduce the dual machine guns which cut through enemies like butter. The fifth level also adds a new Metal Slug tank that has a spiked plow on it. Overall the game is very reminiscent of the first. It is a fun run and gun shooter with not a lot of sci-fi stuff. The ending is the big standout involving a lot of food let’s say as a tease.Â
2 Metal Slug 2
This game released in arcades first in 1998. It is a bizarre twist in that many thought it was going to be just another military-focused run and gun shooter with the occasional robot. Marco and Tarma returned but this game was the first to add the two female soldiers of Eri and Fio. The game begins pretty bonkers with a camel strapped with guns.Â
It gets even wilder when mummies pop up in the second level. Players can even become mummies and still shoot enemies. There are new vehicles too like a front-facing mech and a jet. The mummies were strange but not as strange as the mutants and aliens toward the end. It is a very close second in terms of the series’ best. It should also be noted that like Metal Slug 7, this game got a revamped version called Metal Slug X.Â
1 Metal Slug 3
This game first hit arcades in 2000. Players could take on the roles of Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio. This game starts on an eleven on the ridiculous scale and ends on a one hundred. The first stage has crab and bug monsters. The second introduces zombies of all things that can even turn the players.Â
If this happens their grenade button turns instead to a literal blood cannon. There’s an underwater sub, mutant plants and the final level has players fight aliens in space. Again, it is a bonkers game and easily makes it the best in the series. Â