Metal Slug dominated the arcades in the late 90’s and early noughties and this gamer spent many tokens and lock-ins glues to the Metal Slug cabinet. There was something so satisfying about the artwork, frantic gameplay, and just the right amount of humour weaved into the series that made it such an amazing experience to play. The good news for Switch owners and Metal Slug fans, is that there are 10 Metal Slug titles on the platform, and since I haven’t used my 8-BitDo Arcade stick enough, I decided to Slug it out through the entire series to rank which are the best Metal Slug games.
I feel my ranking may be a bit controversial as well, as I know my Attack Reloaded Review ruffled some feathers, I encourage you to share your thoughts on what your favourite title is and hope you enjoy this video of Metal Slug – Ranked.
Metal Slug 1st Mission
Kicking off the list with the Neo Geo Pocket version of Metal Slug 1st Mission, this portable version might be one best saved for the die-hard fans only. It’s challenging in its own unique way, giving you a health bar and a limited amount of continues as you slug it out over a variety of boss missions. It still has boss fights, vehicles, and weapon power-ups. It’s still fun for sure, but loses a lot of the charm the mainstream series has due to the technical limitations of the game. The Switch Port also sticks to the original handheld screen size, making things a bit hard to see.
This also leads us to the next portable version of the game…
Metal Slug 2nd Mission
Metal Slug 2nd Mission follows the 1st portable game in this list but does have some improvements like a dedicated grenade button. The mission structure is a bit more enjoyable but unfortunately suffers the same fate as the game that came before it. It’s not like these are bad games by any means, but just don’t have the same fluidity and rush of the other games.
There’s just one more Mobile port on this list, and that’s coming up next…
Metal Slug Attack Reloaded
My first Divisive entry on the list, Metal Slug Attack reloaded really failed to leave its mark with me in my review earlier this year. It was a mobile game originally that was given a second chance at life by removing the microtransactions, but unfortunately, it left behind the grind. Attack Reloaded doesn’t follow the standard side-scrolling action and opts to focus on deck building in a range of missions across the globe. While to me, the gameplay failed to hit the mark, everything else was there from the gorgeous artwork, fantastic music, and series humour. In my opinion, it just didn’t work. There have been a few updates since then, so I will revisit it to see what’s new. For those looking for a more AFK-style game, Attack Reloaded might be up your alley.
Now onto the first entry in the mainstream series.
Metal Slug 5
Released in 2003, it keeps the series’ signature 2D side-scrolling gameplay, packed with intense shootouts, crazy vehicles, and over-the-top explosions. This time, you’re up against a new enemy force, as well as classic enemies, and the game introduces some cool new features like the “Slug Gunner,” a powerful new vehicle, and unique power-ups. The graphics are just as colourful and detailed as you’d expect, with tons of fun enemies to blast through. It’s everything fans love about Metal Slug—action, humor, and chaos—wrapped up in a great co-op experience in the Arcade Classics range on Nintendo Switch
Metal Slug 3
Metal Slug 3 stands out as one of the most beloved entries in the series, so I know having it mid-way on the list might upset some. Released in 2000, this game takes everything that made Metal Slug great and cranks it up to the next level. The game introduces wild new features like the ability to transform into zombies after being hit by alien spores, and it’s full of bizarre, memorable bosses and levels that have multiple paths to explore. Whether you’re blasting through jungles, battling alien invaders, or taking down massive tanks, Metal Slug 3 brings a ton of variety and surprise to the table. My only real complaint is the final mission which took around 30 minutes and it felt like it was full of cheap moments designed to cheat you out of credits. Let me know if you disagree, but that final mission felt more like “Metal Slog” for me.
Metal Slug 4
Metal Slug 4, released in 2002, serves as a bit of a “best of” for the series, bringing together familiar elements while introducing a few new touches. It keeps the classic side-scrolling action fans expect, with new enemies, vehicles, and characters to choose from, introducing Trevor & Nadia to the series. The game also revisits many of the series’ iconic locations as well as the usual intense shootouts and large-scale boss battles. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, Metal Slug 4 is a solid entry that feels like a tribute to the series’ past while still offering enough new content to keep things interesting. I particularly liked how the missions felt stitched together instead of random encounters, and the pacing of the levels felt balanced.
Metal Slug X
Metal Slug X, released in 1999, is an enhanced version of Metal Slug 2, with a few key changes that make it stand out. It keeps all the fast-paced, side-scrolling action and classic chaos fans love, but tweaks the gameplay to improve the experience. The game addresses some of the slowdown issues that plagued Metal Slug 2, making for smoother gameplay. It also adds new weapons, more challenging enemies, and a few reworked levels, giving players fresh ways to tackle the action. In some levels, bosses were switched out for new and returning fights, as well as adding some mid-boss fights with interesting twists. While it stays true to the original, Metal Slug X offers a refined version of the formula, making it a solid pick for both newcomers and long-time fans.
Metal Slug Tactics
I’m so glad I got to finally play Metal Slug Tactics for review a few weeks back as it is a bit of a departure from the traditional Metal Slug formula. The game shifts to a tactical, turn-based strategy style, giving fans of the series a new way to experience the action. Set in the same world with familiar characters, Metal Slug Tactics combines the series’ signature humour and chaotic combat with strategic planning. Players control a squad of soldiers, using positioning and special abilities to defeat enemies in grid-based battles using movement to accumulate adrenaline and coordinate synch shot attacks. While it may be short with only 3 levels, the Rogue-like nature warrants multiple playthroughs to experience everything the game has to offer. Boss fights are a particular standout, offering unique challenges often making the only chance for survival to deploy a Slug on the battlefield. The game’s visuals are still colourful and full of personality, keeping the spirit of Metal Slug intact while offering a fresh twist for those looking for a more thoughtful, tactical challenge.
Metal Slug 1
Where it all began, Metal Slug blasted its way into arcades in 1996 and features its amazing pixel art style. The game laid the groundwork for everything that came after, with tight controls, fluid animations, and that signature over-the-top, run-and-gun action. The weapon variety is simple but satisfying, heavy machine guns, grenades, and rocket launchers, the awesome shotgun, plus the iconic Metal Slug tank that’s become a staple of the franchise. Sure, other games may have gone bigger, have more variety and wild, memorable moments, but Metal Slug 1 stands strong as the foundation of the series. Its balance of difficulty, playability, and chaotic fun is what makes it one of the best, earning it the #2 spot on this list
Metal Slug 2
Metal Slug 2 is often considered the peak of the franchise, and for good reason. It takes everything that made the first game great and amps it up to an entirely new level. The gameplay is more refined, with smoother mechanics, more weapons, and the introduction of new vehicles, like the “Slug Flyer,” that add fresh dynamics to the action. But what truly sets Metal Slug 2 apart is its variety—crazy new enemies, massive, memorable bosses, and a wider range of environments that keep things interesting. The “mummy” transformation is iconic, and honestly, isn’t that an amazing mission? Then they followed it up with the train… brilliant! The visuals are packed with even more detail and personality. The level design is also tighter, offering the right balance of challenge and fun without feeling unfair. It’s the perfect blend of everything the series is known for: fast-paced, explosive action with just the right touch of chaos and humour. Metal Slug 2 isn’t just the pinnacle of the early games; it’s the one that refined the formula into something nearly perfect, making it the best in the series.
So there you have it. Did I get the list right? If not, let me know what you would have as number 1. I’m really surprised that they haven’t released Metal Slug 6 on the system since it was on the Wii version of the Metal Slug Anthology, although, I don’t think it will release on this iteration of the Switch now. I guess we will wait and see… Until then, I’m going to add some more credits to my Arcade Classics games and slug it out. Mission… Complete!
