I still remember the first time I encountered Metal Slug back in the arcade days - the chaotic explosions, the ridiculous enemy designs, and that satisfying feeling when you finally beat a particularly tough boss. That's why when I heard about Metal Slug Tactics, I approached it with both excitement and skepticism. How would this run-and-gun classic translate to turn-based strategy? Well, after spending about 40 hours with the game across multiple playthroughs, I can tell you it mostly works, and it's currently available as part of several gaming subscription services without requiring any additional payment beyond your existing subscription.
What really surprised me was how well the developers managed to capture that signature Metal Slug chaos within a turn-based framework. Remember those moments in the original games where you'd be dodging bullets while rescuing POWs and collecting weapon power-ups? Tactics recreates that beautifully through its clever gameplay mechanics. Each mission becomes this delightful puzzle where you're positioning your units, considering line of sight, and setting up combo attacks while still maintaining that signature series charm. The character animations alone are worth the price of admission - though in this case, there's no additional price if you're already subscribed to services like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass.
Here's where things get interesting though - and where my personal experience might help you decide if this is worth your time. The roguelike elements add this fantastic layer of unpredictability that keeps each run fresh. I've had sessions where everything clicked perfectly - my units leveled up exactly when needed, the perfect weapons dropped at the right moments, and I cleared three missions in a row without losing a single soldier. Then there were other runs where RNG just hated me. I remember one particularly brutal attempt where I lost my best unit to a completely random critical hit from a basic enemy, effectively ending that run right there. This brings me to my main criticism - sometimes it feels like your tactical decisions matter less than the random elements, which can be frustrating when you're trying to plan several moves ahead.
The progression system is where Tactics really shines in my opinion. Unlike many strategy games that can feel punishing, here you're always making some progress. Even failed runs contribute to your overall advancement through permanent upgrades and new unlockables. I've found that after about 15-20 hours of gameplay, you'll have access to most of the core content, which feels like a sweet spot for this type of game. The weapon variety is impressive too - from the classic Heavy Machine Gun to more exotic options like the Laser Gun, each with distinct tactical advantages.
Where the game stumbles a bit, in my view, is with some of its outdated design tropes. The difficulty spikes can be jarring, particularly around the third mission in each campaign. I've had multiple runs where I was cruising through the first two missions only to get completely walloped by the third. The boss fights, while visually spectacular, sometimes rely too heavily on pattern memorization rather than strategic adaptation. There's one particular boss - I won't spoil which - that took me six attempts to beat, and not because my strategy was poor, but because I needed to learn its exact attack sequence through repetition.
What keeps me coming back despite these flaws is that undeniable Metal Slug charm. The pixel art is absolutely gorgeous, with each character and enemy oozing personality. The sound design perfectly captures that classic arcade feel while adapting to the slower pace of a tactics game. And those moments when everything comes together - when you set up a perfect chain of attacks that wipes out an entire enemy squad in one turn - are genuinely thrilling. It's in these moments that Tactics feels like a true successor to the series rather than just a spin-off.
Having played through the entire campaign three times now, I'd estimate the core experience takes about 25-30 hours to complete, with another 20-30 hours of content if you want to unlock everything and master the higher difficulty levels. The game does an excellent job of introducing new mechanics gradually, so even if you're new to turn-based strategy games, you won't feel overwhelmed. That said, veterans of the genre will appreciate the depth hidden beneath the colorful exterior.
If you're someone who enjoys strategy games but misses the lighthearted fun of classic arcade titles, Metal Slug Tactics strikes a compelling balance. It's not perfect - the random elements can sometimes undermine your carefully laid plans, and some design choices feel dated. But when it works, which is most of the time, it delivers a uniquely chaotic and satisfying tactical experience. The fact that you can access it through various subscription services without additional cost makes it an easy recommendation for both Metal Slug fans and strategy enthusiasts looking for something different. Just be prepared for those moments when luck matters more than skill - it's all part of the Metal Slug experience, just reinterpreted for a new genre.