METAL SLUG X

About

METAL SLUG X is a single player and multiplayer casual platformer game with a anime theme. It was developed by Dotemu and was released on October 2, 2014. It received positive reviews from players.

“METAL SLUG X”, a masterpiece in SNK’s emblematic 2D run & gun action shooting game series, still continues to fascinate millions of fans worldwide to this day for its intricate dot-pixel graphics, and simple and intuitive game controls. One of the most highly praised titles in the series among Metal Slug fans for its refined balance and game volume, heads out to the Steam gaming platform! Feature…

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86%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,209 reviews

gameplay54 positive mentions

optimization8 negative mentions

Classic and highly nostalgic arcade run-and-gun gameplay with tight controls and extreme fun both solo and co-op.
Outstanding 2D pixel art, animations, and iconic soundtrack that have aged very well and add character and humor.
Offers multiple difficulty settings, online and local multiplayer support, and gameplay variations that enhance replayability.

Poorly optimized port with frequent lag, input delay, frame drops, and audio issues making gameplay frustrating and sometimes unplayable.
Persistent bad controller support causing unresponsive or erratic controls especially during intense action or in multiplayer.
The game is relatively short and lacks extra content found in other versions, reducing overall replay value for casual players.

gameplay
130 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
54%
4%
Metal Slug X delivers fast-paced, frenetic run-and-gun gameplay with refined mechanics, new weapons, and varied enemies that enhance replayability and maintain the series' classic arcade challenge. While highly praised for its tight controls, engaging multiplayer, and nostalgic pixel art, some players note occasional slowdown and input lag in certain ports, which can disrupt the otherwise smooth experience. Overall, it's considered one of the strongest entries in the series, offering short but addictively challenging gameplay that appeals to both newcomers and longtime fans.
- “Metal Slug X refines the classic run-and-gun formula with tighter gameplay, new weapons, fresh enemy types, and even more chaotic boss fights.”
- “The addition of new weapons and vehicles, such as the 'slug flyer' and 'slug gunner,' provides fresh gameplay experiences, enhancing the game's replayability.”
- “The gameplay is tight, the levels are varied and interesting, and the difficulty curve is the smoothest out of all of the original Metal Slug games.”
- “Lag spikes plague the game at any resolution, and severe input delay ruins the flow of gameplay.”
- “Massive slowdowns and unresponsive controls, especially in the last mission, severely impact gameplay.”
- “Maybe it just didn't age well, but the graphics feel very cheap, controls are uncomfortable, and the overall gameplay dynamic is very primitive.”
story
129 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
88%
2%
Metal Slug X features a simple, fast-paced storyline focused on battling enemies across six varied missions, with minimal narrative depth and largely serving as a backdrop for the action. While some find humor and charm in its absurd and nostalgic arcade-style progression, others note the short length and lack of additional content in this port compared to versions like the PS1 release. Overall, the story functions more as an excuse for gameplay rather than a complex plot, complemented by co-op play and dynamic mission variety.
- “Believe it or not, Metal Slug actually has a fairly well thought out storyline, and while there is no in-game dialogue that progresses this feature, it is up to the player to interpret the majority of what is happening by being aware of what is going on within each mission.”
- “There's a wider variety of enemies and places to fight; every mission feels completely different and there's a nice twist in the final mission that had me laughing pretty hard.”
- “With the help of two new characters, Eri and Fio, you have to once again stop Morden and his army in their quest to take over the world.”
- “Story is okay-ish, but the lack of content is my only issue since you can finish each game in less than 90 minutes.”
- “Sadly it being a port of the arcade version also means it doesn't include the combat school or another mission extra modes, making this an inferior version to the PlayStation 1 port.”
- “The story is simple... kill everyone, kill a boss and go home at the end of the mission.”
graphics
95 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
56%
3%
The graphics of Metal Slug X are widely praised for their beautiful, detailed pixel art and smooth animations that have aged remarkably well, retaining a strong nostalgic and charming retro aesthetic. While some performance issues and lack of modern graphical enhancements or upscaling options are noted, the game's distinctive hand-drawn 2D style, vibrant characters, and iconic art direction continue to captivate fans and newcomers alike. Overall, its visuals are considered a high watermark for arcade side-scrolling shooters and a key element of the game's enduring appeal.
- “The art style is amazing, gorgeous pixel art, awesome character design, the music is fantastic, the controls and game mechanics are simple but top notch, the animations are incredible even for random NPCs, lots of easter eggs, lots of hidden stuff.”
- “This game is a true tribute to the retro era: incredible 2D graphics, smooth animation, and superbly designed levels create an immersive atmosphere.”
- “Originally introduced to the series by Metal Slug 2 (my favourite of the series) I quickly fell in love with the Metal Slug series for many reasons, chiefly its addictive gameplay but also its comical sense of humour and the absolutely amazing pixel graphics which I still rank as the greatest pixel art I've ever seen in motion.”
- “Maybe it just didn't age well (I'm not sure how old this particular version is), but the graphics feel very cheap, controls are uncomfortable, and the overall gameplay dynamic is very primitive.”
- “Terrible performance, visuals are blurry at modern resolutions, and the input lag is unforgivable.”
- “As expected, the pixel graphics aren't upscaled to the desired resolution (like in every modern pixel graphics game), and everything looks just awful.”
music
61 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
56%
5%
The music in Metal Slug X is widely praised for its energetic, iconic, and fitting soundtrack that enhances the game's fast-paced, action-packed atmosphere. While the original compositions are celebrated for their urgency and nostalgic appeal, some ports suffer from poor sound emulation causing audio glitches and diminished quality. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout element that complements the gameplay and visual style remarkably well.
- “The soundtrack is particularly noteworthy, perfectly complementing the combat scenes and setting the pace for the entire playthrough.”
- “The music is iconic, featuring a mix of intense and whimsical tracks that perfectly match the game's tone.”
- “Not to mention the brilliant soundtrack, which has everything from upbeat, frenzied tracks to laid back, jazz inspired scores.”
- “Metal Slug X is a timeless classic but this port sucks; the sound emulation is completely bonkers and ruins all of the beautifully crafted music for each stage.”
- “The music and audio issues are completely screwed up to the point of being grating on the ears.”
- “Music is broken most of the time, sounds like an amateur punk band without any sense of rhythm.”
humor
37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in Metal Slug X is praised for its quirky, satirical, and often absurd style, featuring funny enemy animations, witty character expressions, and humorous situations that lighten the fast-paced, intense gameplay. This blend of slapstick, parody (notably of dystopian and nazi tropes), and visual gags adds a unique charm and timeless appeal, making the game both entertaining and memorable.
- “This skewed sense of humor, combined with its frenzied gameplay, gives the game a unique flavor and makes it one of the best side-scrolling shooters out there.”
- “Animators packed humor into enemy reactions and idle poses.”
- “Each mission is packed with diverse enemies, interactive objects, and great humor, with iconic bosses leaving a lasting impression.”
optimization
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
63%
27%
The game suffers from widespread optimization issues, including frequent lag, stuttering, input lag, and frame rate drops, especially during intense or crowded scenes. While some versions or remixes show slight improvements, overall performance remains inconsistent and poorly optimized, detracting from the experience despite solid nostalgia and gameplay. Controller support and menu navigation also face problems, and fixes or patches are recommended for smoother play.
- “It refines the structure of “Metal Slug 2” by improving performance and enemy distribution.”
- “It improves on the performance issues found in the original Metal Slug 2 and adds new content and features.”
- “Well, here we have an awesome classic - everything runs smoothly, it offers great controller support and it's simple and funny from its very beginning.”
- “A very poor port plagued with input loss and stuttering/lag not present in other emulations.”
- “As I wrote in the review of the first game, it should be really fun and good but it's not: the porting is atrocious with frequent lag, stuttering, and slowdowns, making the game feel terribly unresponsive and awful to play.”
- “Terrible performance, blurry visuals at modern resolutions, and unforgivable input lag.”
replayability
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
50%
12%
Replayability for this game is generally considered high due to its short length, challenging difficulty, and addition of new features like weapons, multiplayer modes, and achievements that keep gameplay fresh. While some note limited incentive to replay once mastered, many praise its tight pacing and cooperative modes for encouraging repeated playthroughs. However, it may offer less replay value compared to similar arcade titles, making it best suited for fans and those seeking a quick, skill-based experience.
- “The addition of new weapons and vehicles, such as the 'slug flyer' and 'slug gunner,' provides fresh gameplay experiences, enhancing the game's replayability.”
- “[*] New features like Steam achievements, trading cards, online/offline multiplayer, and leaderboards all add replayability, breathing fresh life into a classic experience.”
- “Metal Slug X is essentially a much better and more refined version of Metal Slug 2 with less enemy bloat, better enemy designs, and a much tighter pace that makes this game far more replayable.”
- “Limited replayability: once the game is mastered, there may be little incentive to replay as the experience remains largely the same.”
- “This game does not have as much replay value as Ikaruga; although both are short arcade games, Ikaruga offers significantly more replayability.”
- “I can't recommend this game at full price, not because of a bad port, but because it lacks substantial replay value.”
atmosphere
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The game boasts a rich, immersive atmosphere that vividly captures the retro arcade experience through its detailed 2D graphics, smooth animations, and distinctive stage designs. Its memorable soundtrack and sound effects perfectly complement the action, enhancing the intensity and uniqueness of each mission. Overall, the lively visuals and audio elements combine to create an electrifying and authentic nostalgic ambiance.
- “This game is a true tribute to the retro era: incredible 2D graphics, smooth animation, and superbly designed levels create an immersive atmosphere.”
- “The game's music and sound effects are also top-notch, adding to the atmosphere.”
- “Each stage has its own atmosphere and iconic art style of the MS series.”
stability
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
63%
Stability is inconsistent, with frequent freezes and control issues, especially when the screen is crowded or multiple keys are pressed simultaneously, which hampers multiplayer enjoyment. However, some users report smooth performance on certain setups, including low-powered PCs and the Steam Deck.
- “Definitely worth buying for solo play or coop with a friend, runs great on Steam Deck too.”
- “Certainly a fun time, runs great on my low powered Windows 8 computer, and it's definitely a better buy than putting money into Metal Slug 2.”
- “Gave a gift copy to a friend and runs great on my rig with no problem.”
- “With that out of the way, this is unacceptable and the constant freezes kind of suck the fun out of this classic.”
- “Port runs poorly, staggers, and freezes when the screen gets crowded.”
- “Also, if you hold down more than two keys at once (for instant jump, right, and fire), your character freezes up and utterly fails to respond.”
emotional
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional experience of the game is mixed, with some players feeling frustration while others appreciate its unique gameplay mechanics that reduce direct harm from enemies, creating a distinctive challenge. Additionally, the game features heartfelt moments and personal revelations that add emotional depth to the overall experience.
- “It pains me to have an experience with this game that made me feel frustrated and upset rather than happy and challenged.”
- “He admitted his homosexuality while slaying tangos at 6:00am and it was a crazy emotional coming forth for him.”
- “All of this plus a truly heartfelt ending.”
grinding
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Grinding in the game is noted as occasionally tedious, especially during solo boss fights where weapon pickups are scarce, sometimes forcing players to lose lives to obtain better gear. However, some achievements offer less grindy challenges, providing a balance for players.
- “Bosses can get tedious playing solo; weapon pickups during these portions can be very stingy, often leaving players dropping a life just to get the heavy machine gun or grenades.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “I'd like a little more challenge at least, although there are less grindy achievements like MS3's 'play as X character 100 times' achievements.”
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The character development in Metal Slug X is highlighted by its exceptional and distinctive character design, complemented by impressive animations even for minor NPCs, contributing to the game's unique and engaging experience.
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization is seen as pay-to-win, making the game feel empty once spending is no longer a limitation. However, some cash grab elements, like the final fight, still provide satisfying and clever gameplay moments.
- “And it's still a pay-to-win game with the monetization removed, so when you have infinite money it just feels rather empty.”
- “The final fight is a cash grab, but it's so satisfying when you see the enemy troops and realize they are there to help you!”