METAL SLUG XX is a 2D run-and-gun action shooter developed by SNK. Players control one of seven soldiers through intense side-scrolling stages filled with enemies, vehicles, and large bosses. The game emphasizes precise shooting, grenade throws, and vehicle combat while navigating branching paths that reward exploration and skill.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around running forward, shooting waves of infantry and armored foes, and switching between standard weapons and heavier armaments. Each stage features varied terrain, traps, and enemy placements that encourage repeated attempts to discover alternate routes. Players collect power-ups and ride iconic Slug vehicles that transform combat options, from tanks to aircraft and even an ostrich mount in certain sections. Character abilities add variety, with Leona Heidern delivering close-range slashes via her Moon Slasher technique alongside the standard roster of Marco, Tarma, Eri, Fio, Ralf, and Clark.
Controls focus on movement, jumping, shooting, and grenade deployment, keeping the action fast and responsive. Hidden paths throughout the seven missions open up different enemy encounters and item placements, extending play sessions beyond a single linear run. The hand-drawn pixel art and animated explosions maintain the series' signature chaotic energy across every level.
Game Modes
The primary experience consists of the seven-mission campaign, where players progress through branching stages and face escalating threats. Local co-op supports two players sharing the same screen for simultaneous runs. Combat School serves as a dedicated challenge hub with over seventy mini-games and trials that test specific skills such as survival, item collection, and combat efficiency. Clearing these trials unlocks ranks, culminating in the demanding Super Devil rank, and grants access to a supportive satellite ability for main missions.
Achievements track progress across the campaign and Combat School, providing additional goals for completionists. No online multiplayer or drop-in features appear in the available version, keeping the focus on solo or local sessions.
Characters and Progression
Seven soldiers stand ready at the start, each with distinct strengths that influence strategy during runs. Leona joins the roster immediately with her unique melee option, removing any prior barriers to accessing her full moveset. Promotion through Combat School ranks improves performance by adding the satellite assist, which deploys during missions to support the player against overwhelming odds. This system ties directly into the main campaign, encouraging players to balance story progression with side challenges for better tools.
Is It Worth Playing?
METAL SLUG XX delivers concentrated run-and-gun action suited to players who enjoy short, high-intensity stages with strong replay value through hidden routes and Combat School trials. Local co-op adds a social layer for two players tackling the same missions together. The game runs on PC with upscaled visuals supporting higher resolutions, though some users have noted occasional performance quirks in older reports. Those seeking classic 2D shooter mechanics with branching paths and character variety will find a focused package that emphasizes skill and experimentation over lengthy campaigns. It suits fans of the genre looking for immediate, arcade-style sessions rather than ongoing live-service content.
