Metal Slug 2: Reliving the Run-and-Gun Chaos

Remember the days of pumping quarters into an arcade cabinet, dodging pixelated bullets, and laying waste to entire armies with ridiculous weaponry? If so, then the chaotic, hilarious, and utterly brilliant world of Metal Slug is likely etched into your memory. Following up on the groundbreaking original, Metal Slug 2: Super Vehicle – 001/II arrived in 1998, upping the ante in almost every conceivable way.

While the original set the stage for SNK's iconic run-and-gun series, Metal Slug 2 took things to a whole new level of absurdity and action. It expanded the roster, introduced wild new vehicles and transformations, and threw even more detailed, explosive pixel art onto the screen. It wasn't perfect in its initial arcade release, but its legacy, particularly through its enhanced version, is undeniable.

The Core Gameplay Loop: More Mayhem, Same Metal Slug Heart

At its core, Metal Slug 2 retains the frantic, side-scrolling shooter action that defined the first game. You run, you jump, you shoot everything that moves, and you try desperately not to die in one hit (unless you're riding a vehicle). Your trusty heavy machine gun is always there, but finding weapon upgrades is key to survival and high scores.

Melee attacks are still your last resort up close, and interacting with the environment – shooting barrels, destroying structures – often reveals hidden items or prisoners. Speaking of prisoners...

• Rescuing POWs: Freeing the captured soldiers rewards you with score bonuses and often powerful weapons like the Shotgun, Heavy Machine Gun, or Rocket Launcher. Try not to die before the mission ends, or their count resets!

The formula was familiar, but Metal Slug 2 packed it with fresh ideas.

New Recruits and Old Foes: The Story of MS2

The plot picks up two years after the first game. The seemingly defeated General Morden is back, and it's up to the Peregrine Falcons squad to stop his renewed rebellion. This time, however, they're joined by two dynamic new members from the Special Ops Squad S.P.A.R.R.O.W.S.:

• Eri Kasamoto: A former spy and guerrilla fighter.
• Fiolina "Fio" Germi: The heir to a wealthy family and a military expert.

Marco Rossi and Tarma Roving are still here, but the addition of Eri and Fio not only doubled the playable character roster but also added new personalities and victory poses to the mix.

The story takes a bizarre turn when it's revealed Morden has allied with aliens! In a classic Metal Slug twist, the aliens eventually betray Morden and capture him, forcing the heroes into a temporary, uneasy alliance with Morden's remaining troops to fight the extraterrestrial threat. It's exactly the kind of over-the-top narrative the series is known for.

More Ways to Blast: New Weapons & Vehicles

Metal Slug 2 wasn't content with just new characters; it significantly expanded your arsenal and transportation options.

New Weapons:

• Laser Gun: Fires a continuous, powerful beam that melts enemies and vehicles quickly.
• Fire Bomb: Throws arcing projectiles that explode on impact, covering an area in flames.
• Armor Piercer: An upgrade specifically for the SV-001 tank's cannon, making shots faster and able to pierce multiple targets.

New Slugs (Vehicles):

Beyond the iconic SV-001 Metal Slug tank, MS2 introduced some fan favorites:

• Slugnoid: A bipedal walker capable of high jumps, equipped with a downward-firing cannon and forward Vulcans. Great for vertical levels!
• Slug Flyer: A VTOL aircraft armed with missiles and a forward Vulcan. Crucially, another player can ride on top, adding a layer of cooperative chaos.
• Camel Slug: Less a combat slug and more a mobile heavy machine gun platform mounted on a camel. Because why not?

These additions brought new tactical possibilities and pure, unadulterated fun to the battlefield.

When Things Get Weird: Transformations

Perhaps the most memorable new feature in Metal Slug 2 was the introduction of character transformations. Stepping into certain areas or getting hit by specific enemy attacks could drastically alter your character:

• Mummification: Get sprayed by a mummy's purple mist, and you'll turn into a slow, shambling mummy, only able to use a weak pistol and grenades. Finding an antidote is crucial!
• Becoming Fat: Eating too much food (which often drops from enemies or appears randomly) can make your character obese. While slower, your weapons become comically larger and more powerful! Fat Marco's Heavy Machine Gun is a sight to behold.

These transformations added unexpected challenges and humor, forcing players to adapt on the fly.

Metal Slug X: The Director's Cut

While the original arcade release of Metal Slug 2 was fantastic in concept, it suffered from significant technical issues, most notably crippling slowdown when the action got intense (which was often). Recognizing this, SNK released an updated version in 1999: Metal Slug X.

Built on the engine of the upcoming Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug X was essentially the definitive version of MS2. It fixed the slowdown issues, smoothed out gameplay, and added a wealth of changes:

• Increased difficulty and remixed enemy/boss placements.
• Varied times of day for stages, adding visual flair.
• New weapon variants (like the Iron Lizard and Enemy Chaser) and items.
• Remixed music and a new announcer.
• More secrets and environmental interactions.

If you played Metal Slug 2 in arcades or on later home ports, chances are you were experiencing the improved Metal Slug X. It's widely considered superior and the version that truly showcased the game's potential.

Where to Play Today

Thankfully, you don't need a working Neo Geo AES or CD console to experience the glory of Metal Slug 2 or X today. SNK has been great about porting these classics to modern platforms:

• Compilations: Both games are included in the excellent Metal Slug Anthology, available on platforms like PlayStation 2, PSP, and Wii.
• Digital Stores: You can find Metal Slug X (often listed simply as Metal Slug 2 or X) on digital storefronts like Steam, GOG, and via the ACA Neo Geo series on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
• Mobile: Both Metal Slug 2 and Metal Slug X have also been ported to iOS and Android devices.

This makes it easier than ever to jump into the action, whether you prefer playing on PC, console, or even your phone.

Why It Still Slugs Hard Today

Even decades later, Metal Slug 2: Super Vehicle – 001/II (or its enhanced twin, Metal Slug X) holds up as a masterclass in 2D run-and-gun design. Its incredible pixel art, fluid animation, over-the-top action, dark humor, and memorable boss fights create an experience that's both challenging and endlessly replayable.

It took the foundation of the original and built a bigger, crazier, and ultimately more iconic game, setting the stage for the even more complex entries that would follow. It's a true arcade legend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the main difference between Metal Slug 2 and Metal Slug X? A: Metal Slug X is an enhanced version of Metal Slug 2. Its primary purpose was to fix the severe slowdown issues present in the original arcade release of Metal Slug 2 by using the Metal Slug 3 engine. It also added new enemies, weapon variants, remixed stages, and other minor changes. Metal Slug X is generally considered the superior version.

Q: Are Eri and Fio new characters in Metal Slug 2? A: Yes, Eri Kasamoto and Fiolina Germi were introduced in Metal Slug 2, doubling the playable character roster from the first game.

Q: Where can I legally play Metal Slug 2 or Metal Slug X on modern systems? A: You can find Metal Slug X (and sometimes the original MS2) on digital platforms like Steam, GOG, the ACA Neo Geo series on Switch, PS4, and Xbox One, and as part of the Metal Slug Anthology collection on older consoles. Mobile versions are also available for iOS and Android.

Q: What are the character transformations in Metal Slug 2? A: Metal Slug 2 introduced two main transformations: Mummification (turning you into a slow mummy with limited attacks) and becoming Fat (making your character larger with comically powerful weapons). Both occur under specific circumstances in the game.