A surprising but welcome reveal at Summer Game Fest event this week was Metal Slug Tactics. The game is taking the iconic SNK shoot 'em up series Metal Slug and transforming into that tactical RPG space popularized by games like Final Fantasy Tactics and Disgaea. This is pretty big departure from a series that has classically been a side-scroller defined by twitch reflex gameplay and fast-paced action. Fans of the series and tactics RPGs have already seen a lot to like about the game, and it seems like SNK is banking on capturing both sets of fans' nostalgia.
Metal Slug Tactics was announced this week alongside a trailer showing off some gameplay and 90's cartoon-styled cinematics. The game is maintaining an aesthetic that really mirrors the one found in its old-school shooters. 2D sprites are shown utilizing a myriad of the different weapons and vehicles that have long defined Metal Slug. In an era where remakes of classic games and indie games with retro elements and visuals can often be very successful, it might be the perfect time for Metal Slug Tactics. This game could easily capture fans both longing for a new Metal Slug experience, and players looking for another tactics RPG to dive into.
Metal Slug Tactics Banking On Nostalgia Might Be a Solid Move
The trailer for Metal Slug Tactics dives into pure retro nostalgia almost immediately. Series' mainstay Marco is the first to appear in the trailer; an animated cinematic of him leaping into battle alongside a synth soundtrack right at home in an arcade. Marco is shown in the first gameplay moments moving across a rooftop towards a group of SYNC troops before lobbing a grenade. Another mainline Metal Slug mechanic seems to also be at play, as one of the POWs that usually hand out upgrades after being rescued is seen tied up against the wall of a building. While not much is known about the mechanics of the game yet, clearly this has a similar function in Tactics.
Just how Metal Slug Tactics will handle the adaptation to turn-based tactical gameplay hasn't really been shown yet. It's likely to lean more towards Metal Slug's core mechanics, which is still exciting. Tactics RPGs are usually fairly difficult, but so was classic Metal Slug. It's easy to picture each stage of Metal Slug Tactics starting out with basic equipment and players having to rescue captured soldiers in order to obtain upgrades. This mechanic would make sense for veteran Metal Slug fans, and roguelite fans as well. However if Metal Slug Tactics wants to capture fans of other tactics titles like Disgaea, some kind of persistent growth will be necessary.
Not much is known about Metal Slug Tactics but fans are already excited to learn more. Metal Slug has a surprising amount of lore behind it to build from, so it'll be interesting to see where SNK decides to take the game. Imagining a full class or job system for the game, somewhere along the lines of Final Fantasy Tactics, is definitely entertaining.
However, if there is some kind of skill/level/class system in Metal Slug Tactics, it would probably more closely resemble the one in Gears Tactics where certain story characters fit into defined classes with a list of abilities to obtain. That model would probably fit better in this case, and it remains to be seen if the game will feature recruitable soldiers. Either way Metal Slug Tactics was a welcome surprise at Summer Games Fest and many fans are looking forward to more info.
Metal Slug Tactics is in development for PC.