Based on SNK’s side-scrolling shoot ’em up series, Metal Slug Tactics reimagines its action as a turn-based tactical RPG. There are multiple characters to select for teams, whether the P.F. Squad or the recently revealed Ikari Warriors. By positioning allies close together, they can execute Sync attacks, though you’re also encouraged to reposition and take advantage of unique abilities.

Interestingly, Metal Slug Tactics is akin to a rogue-like. You can upgrade weapons and skills at outposts throughout the campaign, but it’s back to the beginning after your squad wipes. For more information, check out what critics think of the title on Metacritic. The PC version currently has a 78 Metascore based on 22 reviews.

The Ikari Warriors consist of Clark Still, Ralf Jones and Leona Heidern. You’ve likely seen them in The King of Fighters series, but they starred in their own series before arriving in Metal Slug 6. Each has unique skills, like Leona’s ability to create decoys out of defeated enemies for a turn (who can participate in Sync attacks).

Ralf is good at close-quarters combat and charging at enemies, while Clark can soak up damage and inflict status damage over a wide area. By carefully coordinating them, players can wipe out enemies in one fell swoop, making it easier to achieve bonus objectives like receiving less than a certain amount of damage.

Alongside Xbox, Metal Slug Tactics will also be available for PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC on November 5th.

Dotemu and developer Lekir Studio have announced that Metal Slug Tactics will be releasing on November 5, just a couple of weeks from now. A new trailer offers glimpses of the game’s roguelite tactical gameplay, while also showcasing some of the iconic Metal Slug characters that will star in the game.

With familiar elements in different characters and arcade elements coming together with new tactical RPG gameplay, Metal Slug Tactics is certainly continuing to make intriguing promises. Check out the trailer below for more details. 

When it launches on November 5, Metal Slug Tactics will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. 

Though the rogue-like tactical RPG is a ways off, PC players can download a limited-time demo from June 10th to 17th when Steam Next Fest returns. However, the extent of its content remains to be seen. The story sees players assembling a team to take on long-running villain Morden.

Along with a new SYNC mechanic for simultaneous attacks between team members, you can call in all kinds of explosive backup, including the Metal Slug tank. Metal Slug Tactics promises 20 mission types with 110 hand-crafted maps, 36 weapons, 176 weapon mods, nine playable characters and 36 loadouts. Stay tuned for more details on the demo when it goes live next week.

Now, to no one’s surprise, a delay has been officially confirmed by developer Lekir Studio in Metal Slug Tactics’ official Discord server (via @gatoray_kof on Twitter). As confirmed by the developer, the tactics game will now release sometime in 2024. A specific release date hasn’t been announced.

“2023 is now coming to a close and many of you have been waiting for an update on Metal Slug Tactics,” the developer wrote. “In our tireless efforts to make the game worthy of the Metal Slug franchise, and of your expectations, we have decided to release Metal Slug Tactics in 2024.”

Currently, PC and Nintendo Switch are the only platforms Metal Slug Tactics has been officially announced for. It remains to be seen whether PlayStation and Xbox One versions will also be announced prior to launch.

Metal Slug Tactics release date annoucement from official discord#MetalSlugTactics pic.twitter.com/J0hmdN59J7

— Gatoray (ガト) (@gatoray_kof) December 16, 2023

In a recent tweet, the publisher said, “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!” This can mean anything, from more polish being required to significant development work remaining. Either way, we’ll have to wait.

Metal Slug Tactics offers turn-based combat with Marco, Eri, Fio and Tarma available as playable characters. Missions are procedurally generated, and new sections of a stage are added on the fly, upping the challenge significantly. Regular foes await along with bosses but players can use the SVX-15D Slugnoid mech for additional firepower, the Sync mechanic for simultaneous attacks and Super Attacks. Stay tuned for more details and gameplay in the coming months.

https://twitter.com/Dotemu/status/1557714507614519296

Leikir Studio, developer of the upcoming turn-based tactics RPG Metal Slug Tactics, has been acquired by Focus Entertainment, it’s been announced. The publisher says it’ll make use of the developer’s “significant technical know-how” with “several new production lines with various art directions – stylized
3D, pixel-art and 2D.”

Leikir Studio president and founder Aurélien Loos said, “We are happy to join the Focus Group because it is an important step for the growth of our studio. This acquisition validates our multi-production strategy and will allow us to reach new qualitative and creative heights. This is a great recognition for the work accomplished by our teams over the past several years”

Focus Entertainment president Christophe Nobileau said, “Following Deck13, StreumOn, Dotemu and Douze-Dixièmes, it is with great pleasure that we welcome a fifth studio to the Focus Group. We are constantly looking for new talents capable of growing and supporting the ambitions of our Group, and Leikir Studio, headed by Aurélien Loos, is a choice acquisition to achieve this objective.”

Leikir Studio’s Metal Slug Tactics – which, incidentally, is set to be published by Dotemu – will launch sometime in 2022 for PC and Nintendo Switch.

Focus Home Interactive is delighted to announce the acquisition of @LeikirStudio, a studio of talented creators known for producing quality titles such as Metal Slug Tactics.

We can’t wait to work together to bring you new amazing games!

More info: https://t.co/xNFQzvkYSz pic.twitter.com/23ThyOZn1W

— Focus Entertainment (@Focus_entmt) February 14, 2022

Characters like Marco, Fio, Tarma and Eri are also showcased along with the SVX-15D Slugnoid mech. Though strategy is key, Metal Slug Tactics also offers some roguelike elements (with new sections of a stage literally dropping in, complete with enemies). Players can accumulate experience from battles and acquire stronger weapons and perks to gain an edge.

Along with simultaneously attacking targets with the Sync mechanic, there’s also the Adrenaline bar which can unleash super attacks. With a strong amount of replay value, procedurally generated missions and tough challenges, Metal Slug Tactics looks like it will be a great addition to the Switch’s library. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

As you may have guessed, Metal Slug Tactics is turn-based strategy game, blending the series’ trademark look, style, and action with a more deliberate and thoughtful gameplay style. The game’s Steam page touts RPG mechanics, roguelike elements with procedurally generated maps, returning characters (several of whom are also featured in the announcement trailer), the sort of challenge you’d expect from a Metal Slug game, and more.

The story sees Donald Morden returning to the limelight to stag a coup against the World Government, after which it falls to the Peregrine Falcons to stop him.

Metal Slug Tactics is announced just for PC for now. Right now, no release date has been confirmed.

Cyanide, known for the Styx series and upcoming Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood, is co-developing a new rogue-like title with Leikir Studio. It’s called Rogue Lords and sees the player controlling the Devil who enlists a team of evil entities to spread, well, evil. The is in development for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch and releases this Fall.

The evil entities you’re commanding aren’t your standard run of the mill demons. You’ll have the likes of the White Lady, Dracula, Bloody Mary and so on. After assembling teams of Disciples, the player sends them into turn-based battles. Losing will see all progress wiped and the beginning of a new run.

However, since you’re playing as the Devil, there’s a way to cheat and turn the game in your favour. It’s an odd mix of mechanics but we can dig it. In a recent press release, Cyanide artistic director Camille Lisoir said, “Rogue Lords is a game we came up with several years ago with Jérémie Monedero, the Game Director. We are delighted to see the project become reality. We have fantastic synergy with the talented team at Leikir Studio and we can’t wait to reveal our diabolical world.”

Stay tuned for more details on Rogue Lords in the coming months. There certainly seems a lot to discuss.