Metal Slug Tactics reports for duty this fall

Following its initial reveal three years ago, Metal Slug Tactics had been hit with some delays. Now it has its eyes on the prize, with publisher Dotemu and developer Leikir Studio announcing a fall 2024 release window. 

That release includes some additional platforms. PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series consoles are now in the mix along with the previously planned launch on Nintendo Switch and PC. The news served up the perfect opportunity to share a new trailer, which shows more of the lovingly crafted pixel art tactics and trademark Metal Slug shenanigans. 

If you’re looking for a way to try this out ahead of fall, a limited-time demo is planned for Steam Next Fest from June 10 through 17. 

Metal Slug Tactics has looked promising ever since it was first announced. The charm of SNK’s long-running-and-gunning series appears to be wholly intact and transplanted in an oddly fitting new genre. Tactics promises a mix of strategy gameplay with some rogue-lite progression elements, but the maps themselves are all hand-crafted. There are 110 maps in all and 20 mission types throughout the course of the campaign. 

Between all that and the numerous loadout possibilities, Metal Slug Tactics sounds like a kitchen sink attempt at taking the series into tactical territories. Throw in a soundtrack from Tee Lopes (Sonic Mania, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Streets of Rage 4) and you’ve got me ready to head out onto the battlefield right now.