Metal Slug Attack Reloaded Review – Combining a Classic and Tower Defense

Just over a month ago, SNK announced and released Metal Slug Attack Reloaded for consoles and PC. It is now available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch and PC via Steam.

The original which went by the name Metal Slug Attack was previously shut down in 2023. The mobile game expertly combined the franchise’s signature 2D sprites and colorful environments with intuitive controls, making it ideal for on-the-go gaming. Now, Metal Slug Attack Reloaded elevates this beloved tower defense experience to consoles, offering a larger and more exciting version than ever before!

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MISSION START!

Metal Slug Attack Reloaded maintains the series’ tradition of exaggerated, often humorous storytelling. The narrative features the familiar protagonists – Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio – as they battle General Morden’s forces and new antagonists. Dialogues deliver the story, with many references to the series’ history. My main gripe is the lack of voice acting in this game.

However, I still believe the story of Metal Slug Attack Reloaded is both a nostalgic tribute to the series’ past and an exciting new chapter that expands its lore and stakes. It provides a rich and engaging backdrop for the game’s intense action, filled with memorable characters, thrilling set-pieces, and a mix of humor and drama that keeps players invested from start to finish.

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Time to Go Pew Pew

As mentioned, Metal Slug Attack Reloaded is a tower defense game, diverging from the traditional action gameplay. The core mechanics blend real-time strategy and tower defense elements, offering a more intricate and engaging experience.

In Metal Slug Attack Reloaded, players must deploy various units with unique abilities and manage resources efficiently to repel enemy waves. Each unit has distinct strengths and weaknesses, and the game’s strategic depth comes from selecting the right combination of units and deploying them at the optimal time. Players must balance offensive and defensive strategies, using limited resources to maximize their battlefield effectiveness.

For instance, deploying a regular soldier costs 30 AP (Action Points), while deploying a tank requires 180 AP. Alternatively, you can enhance the Action Point recovery speed, which also consumes several APs per upgrade. This strategic element is something players will consistently enjoy in the game.

Metal Slug Attack Reloaded features dozens, if not hundreds, of stages in its campaign mode. However, one significant issue with the game is the sudden difficulty spikes. You might encounter an easy stage, only to find the next one so challenging that it forces a complete strategy overhaul. Despite this, the challenge adds to the fun and keeps players engaged.

Metal Slug Attack Reloaded also has a multiplayer feature to fight with other players, you can fight online with players around the world, or locally with your friends. Since this game has progress that can be pushed through grinding, we recommend that you pay attention to the progress of your units and account so that you are not too disappointed when faced with other players.

Progression

Units

Each faction has its own unique units, which can be leveled up using MSP earned by grinding in the Campaign mode. Since each character has attributes like HP, ATK, and Defense, the level of a unit is crucial, not just the strategy employed.

Moreover, the game features an extensive roster of units, allowing players to collect up to 300 different units from the Metal Slug franchise. This can be overwhelming initially, but it adds significant depth to the strategic element, given the dozens or even hundreds of stages players will encounter.

WE NEED MORE MEN!

To get all the units, you can’t just get them through the campaign, but must go through a gacha system called Call to Arms. Here, players can summon units with Normal or Rare rarity using Medals earned through the Campaign or completing a quest or achievement.

If you get the same character more than once, you will get a material that will be useful to Evolve the character similarly to Constellations and Eidolons in Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail respectively. Evolve not only increases stats, but can reduce AP (Action Points) of units. This is essential because the faster you can get your units out in the arena, the more likely you are to win by overwhelming the enemy.

Visuals

Metal Slug is renowned for its distinctive and high-quality classic art style, and Metal Slug Attack Reloaded faithfully upholds this tradition. The game features vibrant, detailed 2D visuals for characters, vehicles, and environments. The sprite work showcases impressive attention to detail, with each character and enemy meticulously animated to bring the battlefield to life. This combination of classic artistry with modern technology creates a visual experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh, appealing to long-time fans and new players alike.

The dedication to maintaining the series’ signature aesthetic while incorporating contemporary enhancements results in a unique and engaging visual presentation.

CONTINUE?!

Metal Slug Attack Reloaded successfully blends the classic gameplay of the Metal Slug series with new strategic elements, creating a familiar yet fresh experience. The game requires players to manage resources, upgrade units, and deploy them strategically, adding depth to the traditional action-packed formula. Despite concerns about gacha mechanics and the need for grinding, the game’s depth, variety, and nostalgic charm make it compelling for both longtime fans and newcomers. The vibrant 2D art style stays true to the original series, enhancing the nostalgic appeal while incorporating modern technology.

Reviewed on PS5.