Metal Slug Tactics has been delayed into 2023

Taking another turn or two

Marco and the crew will be going on a tactical adventure a bit later than expected. Dotemu and Leikir Studio’s Metal Slug Tactics is delayed, and now aiming for a 2023 launch.

In a statement on social media today, Dotemu says the team needs a little extra time.

“Marco, Eri, Fio, and Tarma are tinkering away to make Metal Slug Tactics as explosive as possible on release, but the squad needs a bit more time in the shop to prepare for the battles ahead. See you in 2023!”

The news also came with a new piece of artwork, which is at least pretty rad.

Marco, Eri, Fio, and Tarma are tinkering away to make #MetalSlugTactics as explosive as possible on release, but the squad needs a bit more time in the shop to prepare for the battles ahead. See you in 2023! @LeikirStudio x @Dotemu
🎨Artwork by @AngryangryD pic.twitter.com/JRKqpnvUQp

— Dotemu 💾 (@Dotemu) August 11, 2022

All’s fair in love and tactics

The combination of SNK arcade series Metal Slug and a healthy heaping of tactics was revealed during last year’s Summer Game Fest kick-off stream. Made in partnership with SNK, the game’s a collaboration between Leikir Studio and well-known makers of arcade-style games and retro revivals, Dotemu.

The new Tactics entry will follow Marco and the gang through battle after battle. It’s got the distinct Metal Slug look, but from an isometric, Into the Breach-style perspective. Metal Slug Tactics will also apparently have some perks and skill trees to work with, though we haven’t seen too much of the actual game at this point. The project’s been largely quiet, aside from a trailer or two.

I’ve dumped countless quarters into Metal Slug machines over the years, and I’m a big fan of tactics games, so I’m primed to dig this one. Dotemu has built up some goodwill over the years too. While I was hoping to get hands-on with Metal Slug Tactics this year, we’ve not been hurting for good strategy games in 2022 anyways. Pushing Metal Slug out to 2023 only means we’ll have even more tactics to look forward to next year, too.