It’s been a long time coming, but Dotemu has confirmed that Metal Slug Tactics will launch on November 5, 2024, on PC, Switch, PS4/5, and Xbox Series X|S. Fans of tactical strategy games and the beloved Metal Slug franchise are eagerly awaiting this release, which promises to blend the iconic series' charm with new tactical gameplay.
Not only that, they’ve also revealed that three Ikari Warriors characters will be added to the mix: Clark Still, Ralph Jones, and Leona Heidern. While many players might not envision these characters landing on their teams, it's interesting to note their connection to the Metal Slug universe. Leona, for instance, previously appeared as DLC in Metal Slug XX.
It’s been a bit of a protracted wait for Metal Slug Tactics. It was first announced at the 2021 Summer Games Fest, and development was quiet for a long time as the developers juggled multiple projects. Back in June, a demo of the game was released, which I found enjoyable. Initially, it took some time for the gameplay to click with me, but now I see how well the Metal Slug universe has adapted to a turn-based tactical strategy format.
The game does have a strong roguelite feel. Players will navigate through regions battling bosses and earning permanent upgrades. This design choice emphasizes skill-based gameplay, as leveling up your units is not an option. While I don’t mind the roguelite elements, they do give me pause, as they can sometimes lead to frustrating experiences.
Honestly, I’d play just about anything with Fio in it, so I’m already on board! However, this month has been incredibly busy, and the start of next month looks similarly packed. I’ll likely get to Metal Slug Tactics eventually, even if it’s not right away.
Metal Slug Tactics will officially launch on November 5, 2024, and will be available on PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Additionally, a physical edition will be released later on, catering to collectors and fans of physical media.
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