Metal Slug 5 (2003)

This Metal Slug entry marks another explosive entry in SNK’s legendary run-and-gun franchise, maintaining the series’ trademark blend of chaotic action, expressive 2D animation, and tongue-in-cheek humor. This time, the story revolves around the Peregrine Falcon Squad’s battle against a mysterious cult known as the Ptolemaic Army, who have stolen confidential data related to the “Metal Slug Project.”

While the plot is mostly a backdrop for nonstop carnage, it adds a slightly darker and more mechanical tone compared to earlier, more lighthearted titles. Gameplay remains fast, precise, and incredibly satisfying, every shot, explosion, and enemy encounter feels weighty and responsive. The new “slide” move adds a small but meaningful twist to the classic formula, giving players a new way to dodge bullets and close gaps.

The introduction of the Slug Gunner, a heavily armed, transformable vehicle, provides another layer of variety to the familiar formula. Visually, it is as impressive as ever, showcasing SNK’s mastery of pixel art. The backgrounds feature detailed industrial complexes and jungle ruins, animated with the series’ usual flair. The soundtrack leans into heavier rock influences, matching the game’s grittier tone and keeping the adrenaline high throughout the campaign.

However, the game’s biggest drawback is its brevity, it feels noticeably shorter and less polished than previous entries like Metal Slug 3 or 4. Some stages lack the branching paths and imaginative set pieces that defined the earlier titles, and the boss fights, while flashy, don’t quite reach the same level of creativity. Still, this game delivers what fans expect: intense, over-the-top action wrapped in gorgeous 2D animation. It may not be the most ambitious or memorable chapter in the series, but it’s a solid and entertaining ride for anyone who loves classic arcade shooters.

Platform:

Neo Geo Arcade version.

Graphics/Sound:

It's the same kind of awesome as all the previous games, visually it might surpass most of Metal Slug 4s settings, especially the final boss looks great

Gameplay:

It's still the same Metal Slug gameplay, and a lot of the time it feels like some gameplay elements that you only had briefly in earlier games were picked up to get some extra scenes. They introduced the sliding mechanic if you push down and jump at the same time. I have read people are having problems with it, but we didn't when playing through it.

Difficulty:

The game was also easier than Metal Slug 3 for me, although the last boss was challenging. As always playing through this with two players makes it much more fun, and less hard.

If you have played the first 4 games there is not many surprises here. Even while it feels like "more of the same", it's still a great game, and since the games in the Metal Slug series aren't very long, one can easily play through several games in one fun evening.