On November 5, Metal Slug Tactics will launch on multiple platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch. There’s especially exciting news for Xbox players, as “Team Green” will be able to play Metal Slug Tactics on day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. The game, which would otherwise cost €24.99, will be available as part of the Game Pass subscription, making it even easier for fans to jump into the action.
Reviving Metal Slug
Metal Slug Tactics is a fresh take on SNK’s classic Metal Slug franchise, trading in the usual side-scrolling action for a tactical, turn-based approach. The game is a collaboration between IP owner SNK, publisher Dotemu and developer Leikir Games. Dotemu, known for reviving retro-inspired games, has successfully brought a number of iconic franchises back to life. They released highly celebrated titles like Streets of Rage 4, which received wide praise for its authentic style and DLC updates, and Windjammers 2, a faithful revival of the arcade classic. With Metal Slug Tactics, Dotemu aims to maintain that retro charm while introducing a new layer of strategy that fans of the series may not have expected.
Leikir Games
Leikir Games, a respectable developer, handled the actual development of the game. Their very diverse portfolio includes games like Rogue Lords, a dark-themed roguelike that lets you control famous villains from folklore and literature. They also created Isbarah, a fairly well received bullet-hell platformer. Leikir’s feel for genre-blending make them a fitting choice to reimagine the Metal Slug series. They blend the original’s explosive action with a more methodical, tactical gameplay format, should suit them very well.
This release also signals broader ambitions for SNK, the company that owns Metal Slug and many other iconic game franchises. It is save to assume that SNK plans to revive more of its dormant IPs. They hold a nostalgic place in gaming history with a steady fan base that are still active gamers that surely would love more bemusing projects like this.
This article proofread with AI assistance.
