This Metal Slug entry continues SNK’s beloved run-and-gun series with its trademark blend of explosive action, hand-drawn 2D animation, and over-the-top humor. Developed by Mega Enterprise and Noise Factory after SNK’s bankruptcy, the game aims to capture the chaotic spirit of its predecessors while introducing a few new twists.

The gameplay remains fast, fluid, and satisfying, you mow down waves of enemies, rescue POWs, and commandeer vehicles in a series of beautifully detailed stages. The controls are as tight and responsive as ever, making every dodge and counterattack feel rewarding. It also introduces a new scoring system that encourages riskier, high-speed play, along with two new playable characters, Nadia Cassel and Trevor Spacey, who add some freshness to the roster.

Visually, the game sticks to the vibrant, cartoonish art style the series is known for, with expressive animations and chaotic explosions filling the screen. However, longtime fans will notice that many sprites and backgrounds are recycled from earlier entries, giving it a slightly less polished feel compared to other entries in the series. The soundtrack delivers plenty of energy but doesn’t quite reach the iconic level of the earlier titles.

While this game doesn’t push the series forward in any major way, it remains an enjoyable and challenging shooter that captures the essence of arcade excitement. For fans looking for more of the same run-and-gun chaos, it’s a solid if somewhat familiar, installment in the legendary franchise. There is no excuse to skip this one, even though it is one of the weakest entries in the franchise.