Metal Slug 4 is an arcade-style shooting game where players control new characters, Nadia Cassel and Trevor Spacey, to stop the organization Amadeus from taking over the world's military computers with a new virus. The game features classic gameplay, six new vehicles, and the Metalish System, which allows players to earn bonus points by rapidly shooting enemies within a given time limit after collecting certain emblems. The goal is to prevent Amadeus's evil ambition and save the world.