Metal Slug Tactics gives SNK’s action shooter a tactical twist
In an admittedly surprising announcement during the kickoff of Summer Game Fest, SNK, DotEmu, and developer Leikir Studio are working on a new strategy RPG based on SNK’s classic Metal Slug series.
“Metal Slug Tactics reunites Marco, Eri, Fio, and Tarma as they lead the Peregrine Falcon Squad into a new battlefield through dynamic, strategic combat,” the announcement reads. “Players wield classic METAL SLUG weaponry, leveraging skill trees, perks, and a super attack-fueling adrenaline system to outwit and demolish flanks of the series’ signature villains.
“Metal Slug Tactics’ challenging missions build levels from different combinations of hand-crafted terrain tiles, keeping battle layouts unpredictable and ensuring clashes are won through calculated strategy rather than memorization. Roguelite elements make missions highly replayable and victories feel truly earned, but should a cunning squad or fiendish boss persevere, rounds are quick to jump back into.”
DotEmu is no stranger to bringing back classic gaming franchises, having worked on projects such as Streets of Rage 4, the remake of Wonder Boy The Dragon’s Trap, and the upcoming Windjammers 2. As well, the legendary Tee Lopes will be providing original music for the game.
Sadly for some of us (like me), Metal Slug Tactics is currently only announced for release on PC—though I can’t imagine the game not coming to consoles at some point.
Mollie got her start in games media via the crazy world of gaming fanzines, and now works at EGM with the goal of covering all of the weird Japanese and niche releases that nobody else on staff cares about. She’s active in the gaming community on a personal level, and an outspoken voice on topics such as equality in gaming, consumer rights, and good UI. Check her out on Twitter and Mastodon.