Metal Slug (1996 video game)

{{about|the 1996 arcade game|the PlayStation 2 game|Metal Slug (2006 video game)|the series|Metal Slug}}

{{Infobox video game

| title = Metal Slug

| image = Metal Slug arcade flyer.jpg

| developer = Nazca Corporation{{efn|Sega Saturn port developed by Ukiyotei.}}

| publisher = SNK

| producer = Takashi Nishiyama

| designer = Kazuma Kujo
Meeher

| programmer = Atsushi Kurooka
Kenji Andō
Shinichi Hamada

| artist = Akio Oyabu
Kazuhiro Tanaka
Takeshi Okui

| composer = Takushi Hiyamuta

| series = Metal Slug

| platforms = Arcade, Neo Geo AES, Neo Geo CD, Sega Saturn, PlayStation

| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|19 April 1996}}|Arcade{{vgrelease|WW|19 April 1996}} Neo Geo AES{{vgrelease|WW|24 May 1996}} Neo Geo CD{{vgrelease|WW|5 July 1996}} Sega Saturn{{vgrelease|JP|4 April 1997}} PlayStation{{vgrelease|JP|7 August 1997}}}}

| genre = Run and gun

| modes = Single-player, co-op

| arcade system = Neo Geo MVS

}}

{{nihongo foot|Metal Slug|メタルスラッグ|Metaru Suraggu|also known as Metal Slug: Super Vehicle-001 at the title screen|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1996 run and gun arcade game developed by Nazca Corporation and originally released by SNK for the Neo Geo MVS arcade system. Set in 2028, players control Peregrine Falcon Strike Force soldiers Marco Rossi and Tarma Roving as they seek to overthrow a coup d'état by the Rebel Army, led by Donald Morden.

Metal Slug was conceived by the same staff who created several titles at Irem that shared a similar presentation, such as In the Hunt and GunForce II. The core concept during development was a simple yet exciting side-scrolling shooter, with an easy control scheme and visuals inspired by the works of Hayao Miyazaki. Gameplay was originally more slow-paced, with players controlling the titular tank instead of soldiers across shorter, less complex missions with a darker atmosphere. The project was heavily overhauled after poor responses during location tests, and the game's length was extended at the request of SNK to make it more attractive to console players, while incorporating more platform elements into its design.

Upon its release, Metal Slug garnered positive reception from players and critics, who lauded its sense of humor, its fluid hand-drawn animation, and fast-paced two-player action. The game was subsequently ported to other platforms by third-party developers, with varying changes and additions from the arcade original. It was later included on compilations and re-released through download services for other systems. The game's success led to a franchise with multiple sequels, remakes and spin-offs, beginning with Metal Slug 2, released in 1998.

Gameplay

File:NEOGEO Metal Slug (Metal Slug - Super Vehicle-001).png

Metal Slug is a run and gun game reminiscent of Contra where players assume the role of captain Marco Rossi and lieutenant Tarma Roving of the Peregrine Falcon Strike Force, shooting constantly at a continual stream of enemies in order to complete each mission.{{cite web|last=Rasa|first=Chris|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/metal-slug/|title=Metal Slug|publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101|date=October 4, 2017|access-date=2020-10-21|archive-date=2020-02-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217225218/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/metal-slug/|url-status=live}} At this point, players confront a boss, who is usually considerably larger and tougher than regular enemies. On the way through each level, players can find numerous weapon upgrades and the eponymous tanks. Known as the SV-001 and SV-002, the tanks increase the player's offense and add considerably to their defense.

In addition to shooting, players can perform melee attacks by using a knife.Metal Slug user's manual (Neo Geo AES, US) The player does not die by coming into contact with enemies, and correspondingly, many of the enemy troops have melee attacks. Much of the game's scenery is destructible, and occasionally, this reveals extra items or power-ups. During the course of a level, the player encounters prisoners of war (POWs), who, if freed, offer the player bonuses in the form of random items or weapons. At the end of each level, the player receives a scoring bonus based on the number of freed POWs. If the player dies before the end of the level, the tally of freed POWs reverts to zero. Getting hit by enemy fire, colliding against solid stage obstacles or falling off-stage will result in losing a life and once all lives are lost, the game is over unless players insert more credits into the arcade machine to continue playing.

There are a total of six missions taking place across locations such as forests, garrisoned cities, snowy mountain valleys, canyons, and military bases. The vast majority of enemies are soldiers equipped with weaponry befitting their specific role. There are several mechanized enemies, such as tanks, mobile artillery, aircraft, armored personnel carriers and technicals. Much of the game's humor comes from how the enemies are depicted; the player often encounters them as they are sunbathing, roasting food over a fire, or conversing. They tend to scream loudly if they see the player, and often try to either run away or fight back.

Development

Metal Slug was developed by most of the same team that previously worked on several projects at Irem, such as In the Hunt and GunForce II, before departing from the company and forming Nazca Corporation.{{cite tweet|number=523628845362970625|user=PG_kurooka|title=Latest The Wonderful 101. Oldest GunForce2, MetalSlug1 RT @HokutoAndy: @PG_kurooka Other than Korra, what video games have you worked on?|date=2014-10-18|access-date=2020-04-08|lang=ja|archive-date=2019-12-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214091809/https://twitter.com/PG_kurooka/status/523628845362970625|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}{{cite book|last=Senno|first=Aki|title=開発者インタビュー|work=Metal Slug Attack Art Book (メタルスラッグアタック公式アートブック)|publisher=SNK|date=16 October 2020|pages=1–200|language=ja}} Kawai and Takashi Nishiyama served as chief development manager and producer, respectively.{{cite video game|title=Metal Slug Anthology|developer=Terminal Reality|publisher=SNK Playmore|date=December 14, 2006|platform=Wii|level=Interview}} ([http://www.mslugdb.com/main/interviews/msanthology/ Transcription] by Metal Slug Database. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070226154045/http://www.mslugdb.com/main/interviews/msanthology/|date=2007-02-26}}).{{cite web|last=Leone|first=Matt|url=http://www.1up.com/features/the-man-who-created-street-fighter|title=The Man Who Created Street Fighter|work=1UP.com|publisher=IGN|date=December 14, 2011|access-date=2020-04-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103143919/http://www.1up.com/features/the-man-who-created-street-fighter|archive-date=2012-01-03|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Kazuma "Kire-Nag" Kujo and Meeher acted as co-designers.{{cite web|url=http://shmuplations.com/metalslug/|title=Metal Slug – 1999 Developer Interview|website=shmuplations.com|access-date=2020-06-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191125034817/http://shmuplations.com/metalslug/|archive-date=2019-11-25|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|url=https://www.retrogamer.net/retro_games90/the-making-of-metal-slug/|title=The Making Of: Metal Slug|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=98|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=January 2012|pages=24–31|access-date=2020-04-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608174624/https://www.retrogamer.net/retro_games90/the-making-of-metal-slug/|archive-date=2019-06-08|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite book|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|title=Kazuma KUJO|work=The Untold History of Japanese Game Developers|volume=2|publisher=S.M.G. Szczepaniak|date=4 November 2015|pages=322|isbn=978-1518818745}} Shinichi "Hamachan" Hamada, Kenji "Andy" Andō, Atsushi Kurooka (currently of PlatinumGames), T. Yokota, H. Yamada and "Pierre" Takada worked as programmers.{{cite video game|title=Super Vehicle-001 Metal Slug|developer=Nazca Corporation|publisher=SNK|date=1996|platform=Arcade|level=Staff roll}}{{cite book|title=Games 96-09: Metal Slug: Super Vehicle-001; Interviews: Kazuma Kujo; Interviews: Takushi Hiyamuta; Interviews: Atsushi Kurooka; Interviews: Shinichi Hamada & Takeshi Okui; Interviews: Andoh Kenji|work=Metal Slug: The Ultimate History|publisher=Bitmap Books|date=11 November 2019|pages=70–111, 390–394, 395–402, 403–406, 407–414, 423–427|isbn=978-1-9993533-5-3}} Artists Akio Oyabu,{{cite web|author=Bitmap Books|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/birth-of-the-cool-how-the-king-of-fighters-came-to-be|title= Birth of the cool: How The King of Fighters came to be — The ultimate history of an iconic series|work=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|date=June 25, 2022|access-date=2022-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626163317/https://www.eurogamer.net/birth-of-the-cool-how-the-king-of-fighters-came-to-be|archive-date=2022-06-26|url-status=live}} Susumu, Kazuhiro "Max.D" Tanaka, Tomohiro, Takeshi Okui (currently of Monolith Soft) and Kozo were responsible for the pixel art.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/arcadia-119-april-2010#page/n24/mode/1up|title=AKIO|magazine=Monthly Arcadia|issue=119|publisher=Enterbrain|date=April 2010|pages=23–25|lang=ja}}{{cite magazine|title=SNK|magazine=Famitsu|issue=1545|publisher=Gzbrain|date=July 26, 2018|lang=ja}} ([http://www.onemillionpower.com/snk-40th-anniversary-talking-to-the-snk-creators-that-made-history/ Translation] by One Million Power. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223213831/http://www.onemillionpower.com/snk-40th-anniversary-talking-to-the-snk-creators-that-made-history/|date=2019-12-23}}).{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Martin|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pro-gear-spec-reminisicing-about-snks-90s-vision-of-the-future|title=When the arcade came home: a short oral history of the Neo Geo — The future is now|work=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|date=May 25, 2021|access-date=2022-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626074858/https://www.eurogamer.net/pro-gear-spec-reminisicing-about-snks-90s-vision-of-the-future|archive-date=2022-06-26|url-status=live}} Composer Takushi "Hiya!" Hiyamuta scored the soundtrack.{{cite podcast|host1=James Brunner|host2=Brian Mosley|url=https://pixelatedaudio.com/turfmasters/|title=Neo Turf Masters with Takushi Hiyamuta – PA69|publisher=Pixelated Audio|date=December 2016|access-date=2020-10-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213182525/https://pixelatedaudio.com/turfmasters/|archive-date=2016-12-13|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|last1=Varenne|first1=Olivier|last2=Arrault|first2=Joël|last3=Gorges|first3=Florent|url=https://coinoplegacy.com/hiya-linterview/|title=HIYA! L'interview|work=Coin-Op Legacy|date=April 7, 2020|access-date=2021-10-29|lang=fr|archive-date=2021-10-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029184800/https://coinoplegacy.com/hiya-linterview/|url-status=live}} The team recounted the project's development process and history through various publications.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/neogeofreak0017#page/n78/mode/2up|title=メタルスラッグ&開発者インタビュー|magazine=Neo Geo Freak|issue=17|publisher=Geibunsha|date=October 1996|pages=76–79|lang=ja}} ([http://shmuplations.com/metalslug/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191125034817/http://shmuplations.com/metalslug/|date=2019-11-25}}).{{cite book|title=Metal Slug 開発者インタビュー|work=メタルスラッグ公式ガイドブック|series=プレイステーション必勝法スペシャル|publisher=Geibunsha|date=September 1997|pages=92–95|language=ja|isbn=978-4766928389}} ([http://randomhoohaas.flyingomelette.com/msmia/1/index.html#media Translation] by Random Hoo Haas. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913184352/http://randomhoohaas.flyingomelette.com/msmia/1/index.html#media|date=2019-09-13}}).{{cite magazine|last=Yamamura|first=Tomomi|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202008/03202933.html|title="大切なことはアイレムと『R-TYPE』に教わった"『メタルスラッグ』プログラマー濱田慎一氏が語るアイレムのあのころ、ナスカのあのころ【ゲームの思い出談話室・第3夜】|magazine=Famitsu|publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage|date=3 August 2020|access-date=2020-08-03|language=ja|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200803150400/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202008/03202933.html|archive-date=2020-08-03|url-status=live}}

Metal Slug was first playable during a location test at Osaka, and was later showcased to attendees at the 1995 Amusement Machine Show from 13 to 15 September.{{cite magazine|title=33rd Amusement Machine Show - ネオジオ|magazine={{ill|Game Machine|lt=Game Machine|ja|ゲームマシン}}|issue=503|publisher={{ill|Amusement Press, Inc.|lt=Amusement Press, Inc.|ja|アミューズメント通信社}}|date=September 15, 1995|page=9|lang=ja}}{{Citation needed|date=October 2020}} The plot was similar to the final version, but revolved around Regular Army members Phil Gene and Michiko Nakajima controlling the SV-001 and SV-002 prototype tanks instead.{{cite magazine|last=Neko|first=Ise|url=https://archive.org/details/gamest0151/page/238/mode/2up|title=紹介 - メタルスラッグ|magazine=Gamest|issue=151|publisher=Shinseisha|date=September 30, 1995|pages=238–239|lang=ja}}{{cite magazine|last=Sasaoka|first=Jockey|title=紹介 - メタルスラッグ|magazine=Gamest|issue=152|publisher=Shinseisha|date=October 15, 1995|pages=212–213|lang=ja}}

Release

File:Musée Mécanique 222.JPG

Metal Slug was first released by SNK for the Neo Geo MVS arcade system on 19 April 1996, followed by the Neo Geo AES on 24 May.{{cite web|url=http://neogeomuseum.snk-corp.co.jp/english/catalogue/|title=Title Catalogue - NEOGEO MUSEUM|publisher=SNK Playmore|date=2010|access-date=2020-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035857/http://neogeomuseum.snk-corp.co.jp/english/catalogue/|archive-date=2018-08-28|url-status=dead}} The North American AES release has since become one of the more expensive titles on the platform, with copies of the port fetching over US$20,000 on the secondary video game collecting market.{{cite web|last=Reichert|first=Nick|url=http://www.racketboy.com/retro/the-rarest-and-most-valuable-neo-geo-games|title=The Rarest & Most Valuable Neo-Geo Games|publisher=Racketboy|date=April 27, 2020|access-date=2020-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209210829/https://www.racketboy.com/retro/the-rarest-and-most-valuable-neo-geo-games|archive-date=December 9, 2019|url-status=live}} On 5 July 1996, a Neo Geo CD version of the game was released, featuring a "Combat School" mode that allowed players to revisit previously-played missions with new objectives.

In Japan, the game was released on the Sega Saturn on 4 April 1997,{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://sega.jp/fb/segahard/ss/soft_licensee3.html|title=セガサターン対応ソフトウェア（ライセンシー発売）- 1997年発売|encyclopedia=SEGA HARD Encyclopedia|publisher=Sega|date=2020|access-date=2020-10-21|lang=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320230533/https://sega.jp/fb/segahard/ss/soft_licensee3.html|archive-date=2020-03-20|url-status=live}} followed by the PlayStation on 7 August;{{cite web|url=https://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps00950.html|title=メタルスラッグ|work=PlayStation Official Site Software Catalog|publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment|date=2020|access-date=2020-10-21|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021145314/https://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps00950.html|archive-date=2020-10-21|url-status=live}} the Saturn port was developed by SNK, while the PlayStation port was developed by Ukiyotei. Despite the software market at the time being dominated by polygon-based games, ports of Neo Geo titles for both the Saturn and PlayStation had sold well in Japan, motivating SNK to produce ports of Metal Slug as well.{{cite magazine|last1=Levy|first1=Stuart|last2=Semrad|first2=Ed|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AEGM_US_094.pdf&page=88|title=Special Feature - '97 Tokyo Toy Show|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=84|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=July 1996|pages=86–88}} To retain the frames of animation from the arcade version, the Saturn port used newer compression techniques, inter-level loading and a 1 MB RAM expansion cartridge.{{cite magazine|last=Leadbetter|first=Richard|url=https://archive.org/stream/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_020#page/n21/mode/2up|title=Coming Soon - Metal Slug|magazine=Sega Saturn Magazine|issue=20|publisher=EMAP|date=June 1997|pages=22–25}} The Saturn port was available in two revisions: 1.002 and 1.005, which included some minor bug fixes. Both ports feature the "Combat School" mode from the Neo Geo CD release, while the PlayStation version features "Another Story", a new mode consisting of plot-based minigames, and an art gallery featuring concept art.

A Game Boy Advance port was announced to be in development, but was ultimately never released.{{cite web|last=Turner|first=Benjamin|url=http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/metal-slug-anthology/708612p1.html|title=Metal Slug Round-up - Pop in for an update on SNK's premier action game series|work=GameSpy|publisher=IGN|date=May 13, 2006|access-date=2020-10-21|archive-date=2019-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505121658/http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/metal-slug-anthology/708612p1.html|url-status=live}} In 2006, Metal Slug was included alongside its arcade sequels as part of Metal Slug Anthology for the Wii, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable. It was later released for PC in 2009 (as Metal Slug Collection PC), and later for the PlayStation 4 in 2020 by Limited Run Games; the latter version was an emulated iteration of the arcade version, without additional game modes or content featured in previous home releases.{{cite web|last=Yang|first=Louise|url=https://www.siliconera.com/metal-slug-anthology/|title=Metal Slug Anthology|work=Siliconera|publisher=Curse LLC|date=January 3, 2007|access-date=2020-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024010631/https://www.siliconera.com/metal-slug-anthology/|archive-date=2020-10-24|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Wong|first=Alistair|url=https://www.siliconera.com/metal-slug-anthology-and-toaplan-shooters-return-with-ps4-releases/|title=Metal Slug Anthology and Toaplan Shooters Return With Limited Run Releases|work=Siliconera|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|date=September 12, 2020|access-date=2020-10-21|archive-date=2020-09-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914230353/https://www.siliconera.com/metal-slug-anthology-and-toaplan-shooters-return-with-ps4-releases/|url-status=live}} In 2008, Metal Slug was included as part of SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 for Wii, PlayStation 2 and PSP, and was also released by D4 Enterprise for the Wii's Virtual Console.{{cite web|last=Clements|first=Ryan|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/07/snk-arcade-classics-vol-1-hands-on|title=SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 Hands-on - Sixteen Neo Geo games on one disc. Epic|work=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=April 7, 2008|access-date=2020-10-21|archive-date=2016-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112150930/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/07/snk-arcade-classics-vol-1-hands-on|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/UQ-qWYX77RdpwPbIZzsizZDK76LqSd_v|title=Two WiiWare Games and Two Virtual Console Games Added to Wii Shop Channel|publisher=Nintendo|date=May 26, 2008|access-date=2020-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528034323/https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/UQ-qWYX77RdpwPbIZzsizZDK76LqSd_v|archive-date=2008-05-28|url-status=live}} In 2010, a version by M2 for the NEOGEO Station service was published by SNK Playmore on PlayStation Network.{{cite web|last=Laatz|first=Adam|url=https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2010/12/08/neogeos-20th-anniversary-commemorative-project-neogeo-station-announced-for-playstation-network/|title=NEOGEO's 20th Anniversary Commemorative Project 'NEOGEO Station' Announced For PlayStation Network|work=PlayStation.Blog|publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment|date=December 8, 2010|access-date=2020-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218060120/https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/12/08/neogeos-20th-anniversary-commemorative-project-neogeo-station-announced-for-playstation-network/|archive-date=2010-12-18|url-status=live}} In 2012, a wireless version was released by DotEmu for iOS and Android.{{cite web|last=Jiménez|first=Roberto|url=https://www.levelup.com/noticias/204598/Metal-Slug-llega-a-dispositivos-iOS-y-a-Android|title=Metal Slug llega a dispositivos iOS y a Android - Revive un gran clásico en tu móvil con sus nuevas características|work=LevelUp|publisher=BuscaCorp|date=December 13, 2012|access-date=2020-10-21|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021161053/https://www.levelup.com/noticias/204598/Metal-Slug-llega-a-dispositivos-iOS-y-a-Android|archive-date=2020-10-21|url-status=live}}

Metal Slug is available as one of the 20 pre-loaded games with the Neo Geo X, and was also included in the Neo Geo 25th Anniversary Humble Bundle, released in 2015.{{cite web|last=Hatfield|first=Don|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2464204/neo-geo-x-console-confirmed/|title=Handheld Neo Geo X Console Confirmed For Q2 Release!|work=MTV|publisher=Viacom|date=March 19, 2012|access-date=2018-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021035649/http://www.mtv.com/news/2464204/neo-geo-x-console-confirmed/|archive-date=2018-10-21|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Moscaritolo|first=Angela|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/dont-miss-the-neogeo-25th-anniversary-humble-bundle|title=Don't Miss the NeoGeo 25th Anniversary Humble Bundle|work=PC Magazine|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=9 December 2015|access-date=2020-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021141645/https://www.pcmag.com/news/dont-miss-the-neogeo-25th-anniversary-humble-bundle|archive-date=2020-10-21|url-status=live}} Hamster Corporation re-released Metal Slug for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch between December 2016 and March 2017 under their Arcade Archives series.{{cite web|last=Santana|first=Steven|url=https://www.dualshockers.com/arcade-archives-neo-geo-metal-slug-playstation-4/|title=Arcade Archives Neo Geo Metal Slug Coming to North America This Monday|work=DualShockers|publisher=DualShockers, LLC|date=November 26, 2016|access-date=2020-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316013425/https://www.dualshockers.com/arcade-archives-neo-geo-metal-slug-playstation-4/|archive-date=2020-03-16|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=Brian|url=https://nintendoeverything.com/first-metal-slug-launches-on-switch-this-week/|title=First Metal Slug launches on Switch this week|work=nintendoeverything.com|publisher=Nintendo Everything|date=March 28, 2017|access-date=2020-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328235846/https://nintendoeverything.com/first-metal-slug-launches-on-switch-this-week/|archive-date=2017-03-28|url-status=live}} The game was also recently included in the international version of the Neo Geo mini, the Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro plug and play game device and the Neo Geo MVSX table top.{{cite web|last=S. Good|first=Owen|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/10/17446056/neo-geo-mini-console-launch-date-game-lineup|title=SNK announces the 40-game lineup for the Neo Geo mini-console|work=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|date=June 10, 2018|access-date=2018-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610185425/https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/10/17446056/neo-geo-mini-console-launch-date-game-lineup|archive-date=2018-06-10|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Wong|first=Alistair|url=https://www.siliconera.com/snk-adds-two-metal-slug-games-to-the-neo-geo-arcade-stick-pro/|title=SNK Adds Two Metal Slug Games To The Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro|work=Siliconera|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|date=December 16, 2019|access-date=2020-10-21|archive-date=2019-12-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218152150/https://www.siliconera.com/snk-adds-two-metal-slug-games-to-the-neo-geo-arcade-stick-pro/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Varela|first=Ramón|url=https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/1350736939/anunciada-la-cabina-arcade-neogeo-mvsx-con-50-juegos-por-500-dolares/|title=Anunciada la cabina arcade NeoGeo MVSX con 50 juegos por 500 dólares - Se pondrá a la venta en octubre y recoge las sagas de lucha de la compañía, desde The King of Fighters a Samurai Shodown, Fatal Fury o los 'shooter' Metal Slug|work=Vandal|publisher=El Español|date=August 12, 2020|access-date=2020-10-21|language=es|archive-date=2020-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812180908/https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/1350736939/anunciada-la-cabina-arcade-neogeo-mvsx-con-50-juegos-por-500-dolares/|url-status=live}}

Reception and legacy

{{Video game reviews

|GR = (NG) 84.50%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/neo/563374-metal-slug/index.html|title=Metal Slug for NeoGeo|work=GameRankings|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=2019|access-date=2020-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012554/https://www.gamerankings.com/neo/563374-metal-slug/index.html|archive-date=2019-12-09|url-status=live}}
(iOS) 68.33%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/694087-metal-slug-1/index.html|title=Metal Slug for iOS (iPhone/iPad)|work=GameRankings|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=2019|access-date=2020-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012633/https://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/694087-metal-slug-1/index.html|archive-date=2019-12-09|url-status=live}}
(NS) 80%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/switch/207907-aca-neogeo-metal-slug/index.html|title=ACA NeoGeo: Metal Slug for Nintendo Switch|work=GameRankings|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=2019|access-date=2020-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209011211/https://www.gamerankings.com/switch/207907-aca-neogeo-metal-slug/index.html|archive-date=2019-12-09|url-status=live}}

}}

Metal Slug garnered positive response upon its initial release.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/neogeofreak0025#page/n130/mode/1up|title=NF編集部にまる - ネオジオゲームㇱインレビュー: メタルスラッグ|magazine=Neo Geo Freak|issue=25|publisher=Geibunsha|date=June 1997|pages=124–128|lang=ja}} In their issue from 1 June 1996, Japanese magazine Game Machine listed the game as the seventh most-popular arcade game for the previous two weeks.{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - TVゲーム機ーソフトウェア (Video Game Software)|magazine={{ill|Game Machine|lt=Game Machine|ja|ゲームマシン}}|issue=519|publisher={{ill|Amusement Press, Inc.|lt=Amusement Press, Inc.|ja|アミューズメント通信社}}|date=June 1, 1996|page=21|lang=ja}} In the United States, it was one of the top ten highest-grossing arcade games of 1996.{{cite news|url=http://www.next-generation.com/news/121796b.chtml|title=Top Ten Arcade Titles for 1996: According to a recent report, both Sega and Namco had three of top ten grossing arcade titles in 1996|work=Next Generation|publisher=Imagine Media|date=December 17, 1996|access-date=2021-10-17|archive-date=1997-04-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970418202309/http://www.next-generation.com/news/121796b.chtml|url-status=dead}} The Neo Geo, iOS and Nintendo Switch versions hold a 84.50%, 68.33% and 80%, respectively, on the review aggregator GameRankings. It was included in the 2010 book 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die.{{cite book|last=Mott|first=Tony|title=1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die|publisher=Quintessence Editions Ltd.|date=2 August 2010|isbn=978-1-74173-076-0}} According to Famitsu, the "SNK Best Collection" re-release of Metal Slug on PlayStation sold over 8,064 copies in its first week on the market.{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search|title=Game Search|website=Game Data Library|access-date=2020-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424035430/https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search|archive-date=2019-04-24|url-status=live}} The PC port sold 156,631 digital copies worldwide on Steam.{{cite web|url=https://ricedigital.co.uk/the-best-selling-japanese-games-on-steam/|title=The top 100 best selling Japanese games on Steam|work=Rice Digital|publisher=Rice Digital Ltd.|date=July 9, 2018|access-date=2020-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827160232/https://ricedigital.co.uk/the-best-selling-japanese-games-on-steam/|archive-date=2020-08-27|url-status=live}}

Electronic Gaming Monthly heavily criticized the game's unfair difficulty and one-hit deaths, remarking that playing through the arcade version requires an inordinate amount of quarters, while the Neo Geo AES version's lack of an option for limited continues means players of all skill levels can complete it in a single sitting, with no motivation to play again or improve one's skill at the game. However, the four reviewers also concurred that the game is fun, chiefly due to its smooth and humorous animations.{{cite magazine|last1=Smith|first1=Shawn|last2=Hsu|first2=Dan|author-link2=Dan Hsu|last3=Boyer|first3=Crispin|last4=Williams|first4=Ken|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AEGM_US_084.pdf&page=28|title=Review Crew - Neo•Geo: Metal Slug|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=84|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=July 1996|page=28}} GamePro{{'}}s Major Mike agreed that the Neo Geo version suffers from low longevity, with too few levels and a complete lack of replay value, and also criticized the slowdown in the game, but Mike approved of the graphics, music, and arsenal of weapons, and summarized the game as "a soldier-slamming, side-scrolling, tour de force that dwarfs recent side-scrolling Neo shoot-em-ups, including the system's strongest platform offerings like Cyber-Lip and Top Hunter."{{cite magazine|last=Mike|first=Major|url=https://archive.org/stream/GamePro_Issue_085_August_1996#page/n67/mode/2up|title=ProReview - Neo•Geo: Metal Slug|magazine=GamePro|issue=95|publisher=IDG|date=August 1996|pages=66–67}} AllGame{{'}}s Brett Alan Weiss and Kyle Knight praised its unique hand-drawn visual style, refined gameplay, simple controls, intense action, humor and replay value but criticized the game's slowdown when many objects are present on-screen, the overall length and found the music to be average. In conclusion, Knight regarded the title as one of the best side-scrolling shooters on Neo Geo.{{cite web|last=Weiss|first=Brett Alan|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=10517&tab=review|title=Metal Slug (Arcade) – Review|work=AllGame|publisher=All Media Network|date=1998|access-date=2020-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115112133/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=10517&tab=review|archive-date=2014-11-15|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|last=Knight|first=Kyle|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=17029&tab=review|title=Metal Slug (Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System) – Review|work=AllGame|publisher=All Media Network|date=2007|access-date=2020-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115224406/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=17029&tab=review|archive-date=2014-11-15|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Jeuxvideo.com{{'}}s nuktos praised the colorful graphics, humor, gameplay and sound design but criticized its short length.{{cite web|author=nuktos|url=https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00015589-metal-slug-test.htm|title=Test de Metal Slug sur NEO par jeuxvideo.com|work=Jeuxvideo.com|publisher=Webedia|date=August 24, 2011|access-date=2020-10-19|language=fr|archive-date=2020-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206200740/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00015589-metal-slug-test.htm|url-status=live}}

The Sega Saturn port was well received for being a faithful arcade conversion, but critics noted that the game would not work without the 1MB RAM expansion cartridge.{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3ASaturnPower_UK_02.pdf&page=78|title=Saturn Power Import - Sega World: Metal Slug|magazine=Saturn Power|issue=2|publisher=Future plc|date=July 1997|page=78}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_030#page/n67/mode/1up|title=Import Review - Metal Slug|magazine=Sega Saturn Magazine|issue=30|publisher=EMAP|date=April 1998|page=68}} Computer and Video Games{{'}} Steve Rey praised the weapon selection, attention to detail, humor and two-player mode.{{cite magazine|last=Rey|first=Steve|url=https://archive.org/stream/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_189_1997-08_EMAP_Images_GB#page/n75/mode/2up|title=Sega Saturn - Review: Metal Slug|magazine=Computer and Video Games|issue=189|publisher=EMAP|date=August 1997|pages=76–77}} A reviewer from Next Generation reviewed the Saturn port, stating that "in the end, Metal Slug is not a game players will really obsess over. However, the easy and exciting gameplay will have players returning to it often, which is probably why SNK decided to bring it to the States".{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/NextGeneration32Aug1997#page/n118/mode/1up|title=Finals - Saturn - Metal Slug|magazine=Next Generation|issue=32|publisher=Imagine Media|date=August 1997|page=117}} Readers of the Japanese Sega Saturn Magazine voted to give the Saturn iteration an 8.6305 out of 10 score, ranking at the number 185 spot.{{cite book|author=Dreamcast Magazine|url=https://segaretro.org/images/a/a3/SnGwSISDRZK_Book_JP.pdf|title=セガサターン (Sega Saturn Magazine): 読者レース Final|work=サターンのゲームは世界いちぃぃぃ! ~サタマガ読者レース全記録~|publisher=SoftBank Publishing|date=March 2000|pages=8–15|language=ja|isbn=978-4-79731173-0|access-date=2020-10-19|archive-date=2018-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030044108/https://segaretro.org/images/a/a3/SnGwSISDRZK_Book_JP.pdf|url-status=live}} A reviewer of NowGamer criticized the PlayStation conversion for its lack of replay value aside from Combat School mode, however he praised the gameplay for being fun in short-term.{{cite web|url=http://www.nowgamer.com/reviews/playstation/7319/metal-slug|title=Reviews - PlayStation: Metal Slug|work=NowGamer|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=August 7, 1997|access-date=2020-10-19}}

When Metal Slug was re-released on the Virtual Console in 2008, IGN{{'}}s Lucas M. Thomas scored it 8.5 out of 10, and awarding it an "Editor's Choice" badge.{{cite web|last=M. Thomas|first=Lucas|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/30/metal-slug-review|title=Metal Slug Review - SNK's original arcade action classic|work=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=May 30, 2008|access-date=2020-10-19|archive-date=2019-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504122305/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/30/metal-slug-review|url-status=live}} Eurogamer{{'}}s Dan Whitehead wasn't quite as impressed. Despite praising the original game, Whitehead was critical of the port, criticizing the lack of support for online multiplayer, in comparison to the Xbox Live release.{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Dan|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/virtual-console-roundup_9|title=Virtual Console Roundup - Metal Slug, Cho Aniki, Puyo Puyo 2, Break In|work=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|date=May 12, 2008|access-date=2020-10-19|archive-date=2019-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504122308/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/virtual-console-roundup_9|url-status=live}} Nintendo Life{{'}}s Marcel van Duyn praised the sprite work, visuals and fast-paced music.{{cite web|last=van Duyn|first=Marcel|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/neogeo/metal_slug|title=Metal Slug Review (Neo Geo) - Overthrow General Morden and win back the stolen weapon!|work=Nintendo Life|publisher=Nlife Media|date=May 10, 2008|access-date=2020-10-19|archive-date=2020-01-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107215309/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/neogeo/metal_slug|url-status=live}} Slide To Play{{'}}s Andrew Podolsky commended the iOS release for being an enjoyable and fast-paced arcade shooter in addition to its visual presentation, but recommended Metal Slug 3 instead, as he noted that the title was more simple, shorter and lack the gameplay features compared with later entries in the Metal Slug franchise.{{cite web|last=Podolsky|first=Andrew|url=http://www.slidetoplay.com/review/metal-slug-1-review/|title=Metal Slug 1 Review|work=Slide To Play|publisher=Slide To Play, Inc.|date=December 18, 2012|access-date=2020-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016044041/http://www.slidetoplay.com/review/metal-slug-1-review/|archive-date=2013-10-16|url-status=live}} 148Apps{{'}}s Carter Dotson heavily criticized the iOS version for its control scheme but praised its graphics and sound, as well as the gameplay and replay value.{{cite web|last=Dotson|first=Carter|url=https://www.148apps.com/reviews/metal-slug-1-review/|title=Metal Slug 1 Review|work=148Apps|publisher=Steel Media|date=January 2, 2013|access-date=2020-10-19|archive-date=2019-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101074157/https://www.148apps.com/reviews/metal-slug-1-review/|url-status=live}} Nintendo Life{{'}}s Damien McFerran praised its graphics and humor, although McFerran noted that its overall simplicity compared to later titles in the Metal Slug series may be seen as a shortcoming.{{cite web|last=McFerran|first=Damien|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/metal_slug_neogeo|title=Metal Slug Review (Switch eShop / Neo Geo) - The original Super Vehicle|work=Nintendo Life|publisher=Nlife Media|date=April 19, 2017|access-date=2020-10-19|archive-date=2020-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624013609/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/metal_slug_neogeo|url-status=live}}

Metal Slug spawned a series of six sequels, a remake and four spin-offs.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/GamesTechMagazine/GamesTech%2011#page/n51/mode/1up|title=Dossier: Neo Geo Y SNK — Metal Slug|magazine=GamesTech|issue=11|publisher=Ares Informática|date=July 2003|pages=54|lang=es}}{{cite magazine|author=Setsu|url=https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=310&num=8830&album=oui|title=Dossier - SNK Neo Geo|magazine={{ill|HardCore Gamers (magazine)|lt=HardCore Gamers|fr|FJM#Publications}}|issue=14|publisher={{ill|FJM Publications|lt=FJM Publications|fr|FJM}}|date=October 2003|pages=4–14|lang=fr}} Marco Rossi appears as a playable character in the tag-team fighting game NeoGeo Battle Coliseum.{{cite web|url=https://as.com/meristation/2005/12/26/avances/1135580580_007621.html|title=NeoGeo Battle Coliseum|work={{ill|MeriStation|lt=MeriStation|es|MeriStation}}|publisher=PRISA|date=December 6, 2011|access-date=2020-11-24|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124185253/https://as.com/meristation/2005/12/26/avances/1135580580_007621.html|archive-date=2020-11-24|url-status=live}} Several developers have also created games similar to Metal Slug such as Demon Front,{{cite magazine|last=Thorpe|first=Nick|url=https://www.retrogamer.net/retro_games00/demon-front/|title=The Unconverted: Demon Front|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=138|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=February 5, 2015|page=74|access-date=November 23, 2020|archive-date=August 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814231526/https://www.retrogamer.net/retro_games00/demon-front/|url-status=live}} CT Special Forces,{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Craig|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/01/15/ct-special-forces-2|title=CT Special Forces - Nearly two years since it was completed, the US version's available|work=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=January 14, 2004|access-date=2020-11-23|archive-date=2016-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506051245/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/01/15/ct-special-forces-2|url-status=live}} Alien Hominid,{{cite web|last=Davis|first=Ryan|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/alien-hominid-review/1900-6113553/|title=Alien Hominid Review - There truly isn't anything else quite like Alien Hominid on consoles today|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=November 18, 2004|access-date=2020-11-23|archive-date=2019-07-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707151043/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/alien-hominid-review/1900-6113553/|url-status=live}} Commando: Steel Disaster,{{cite web|last=Ciolek|first=Todd|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2008-08-13|title=The X Button - Revolutionary Jargon|publisher=Anime News Network|date=August 13, 2008|access-date=2020-11-23|archive-date=2020-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106022416/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2008-08-13|url-status=live}} Apocalypse Max: Better Dead Than Undead,{{Cite web |last=Slater |first=Harry |date=2012-10-05 |title=Apocalypse Max |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/apocalypse-max-better-dead-than-undead/apocalypse-max/ |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=www.pocketgamer.com |language=en}} and Mercenary Kings.{{cite web|last=Hancock|first=Patrick|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-mercenary-kings-272700.phtml|title=Review: Mercenary Kings - I just can't WAIT to be king|work=Destructoid|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|date=April 1, 2014|access-date=2020-11-23|archive-date=2020-09-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928030852/https://www.destructoid.com/review-mercenary-kings-272700.phtml|url-status=live}}

Notes

References

External links

{{Official website|https://www.metalslug10th.com/english/history/series1/index.php}}
[https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/arcade/562622-metal-slug Metal Slug] at GameFAQs
[https://www.giantbomb.com/metal-slug-super-vehicle-001/3030-6941/ Metal Slug] at Giant Bomb
[https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8675 Metal Slug] at Killer List of Videogames
[https://www.mobygames.com/game/metal-slug-super-vehicle-001 Metal Slug] at MobyGames