Metal Slug Tactics’ New Take on Retro Classic

Proven Retro Experts Dotemu Join Leikir Studio, Veteran Metal Slug Developers from SNK in Reflection on an All-time Classic’s Next Chapter

A new video diary released today for Metal Slug Tactics, a grid-based tactical RPG adaptation of SNK’s iconic run-and-gun series Metal Slug. Key personnel from publisher Dotemu (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Streets of Rage 4) and developer Leikir Studio (Rogue Lords, Synergy) join veteran developers from SNK to reflect on the franchise’s foundation, as well as Metal Slug Tactics’ bold new take on it. Metal Slug Tactics will release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Steam later this year.

The video opens with veteran Metal Slug development staff reminiscing about the franchise’s history and timeless run-and-gun action. Footage features original hand-drawn art and gameplay from prior titles as well as a look ahead to Metal Slug Tactics, delving into the series’ identity and how the upcoming tactical RPG retains that signature excitement—in fresh ways.

This in-depth exploration of the original Metal Slug games as well as Metal Slug Tactics shares new perspectives on how Dotemu and Leikir Studio’s collaboration is rooted in a lifelong shared love for the series. The teams are diligently working together to ensure Metal Slug Tactics’ adaptation of Metal Slug’s beloved world intuitively and authentically recalls the characters, atmosphere, and rewarding battles that established the original run-and-gun outings as one of the most timeless universes in gaming, all while introducing a satisfying new way to fight as series stars Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio.

Metal Slug Tactics is both a respectful homage to an all-time classic and an imaginative new way to celebrate the renowned series, channelling Metal Slug’s timeless aesthetic through gorgeous pixel art and fluid animation. The game’s highly replayable battlefields pair shuffled layouts from hand-crafted sectors of terrain with subtle roguelite elements, pushing players to adapt and overcome unpredictable clashes as they master dynamic, strategic combat.

Wield classic Metal Slug weaponry, leveraging skill trees, perks, and a super attack-fuelling adrenaline system to outwit and demolish the flanks of the series’ signature villains. The action is backed by an original soundtrack featuring music from Tee Lopes (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Sonic Mania, Streets of Rage 4’s Mr. X Nightmare DLC). Metal Slug Tactics is wholly developed by Leikir Studio with support from Dotemu and access supplied by IP owner SNK.