The game uses a 2D side-scrolling viewpoint across five missions where players run, jump, shoot, and throw grenades while battling waves of enemies. Vehicles such as the SV-001 return, and stages include branching paths, hidden POWs, and collectible cards. Rescuing prisoners and collecting cards can raise your life capacity, making progression partly tied to exploration and replay. Boss fights require pattern reading, positioning, and careful weapon use.

Marco Rossi

One of the series' signature heroes, balanced and easy for most players to handle.

Tarma Roving

A veteran soldier known for strong combat ability and mechanical expertise.

Walter Ryan

A new character introduced in this installment as part of the mission team.

Tyra Elson

A new female protagonist added specifically for this entry.

Rescue as many POWs as possible and explore alternate paths to gather more cards and supplies, since card bonuses greatly improve survivability later on. In crowded enemy sections, advance slowly and eliminate elevated gunners and grenade-throwers first. Try to preserve vehicle durability for heavy mid-stage resistance and boss encounters. During boss fights, learn the attack loop and attack only from safe crouch or jump windows.

Tips

Replay earlier missions to complete card sets and boost your maximum life.

Tips

Grenades are extremely effective against clustered enemies and some boss weak points.

Tips

Alternate routes often contain more POWs and items, but they are usually more dangerous.

User Reviews

It captures the explosive feel of Metal Slug surprisingly well on a handheld.

User Reviews

The card system gives the game more replay value than a standard arcade-style run.

User Reviews

The scale is smaller than the arcade entries, but the core action remains solid.