The Metal Slug series is legendary in the run-and-gun genre, a pixelated ballet of explosions, silly animations, and challenging action. But when Metal Slug 4 arrived in 2002, developed by Mega Enterprise and Noise Factory under SNK's supervision, it landed a little differently with fans. It wasn't quite the seamless continuation many expected after the stellar Metal Slug 3.
Let's dive back into this particular entry, explore what it brought to the table, why it's sometimes considered the "black sheep," and whether it's still worth blasting through today.
What is Metal Slug 4?
Released for the Neo Geo arcade system and later ported to consoles, Metal Slug 4 was the first main entry not solely developed by the original SNK team (SNK had gone through significant changes). It aimed to continue the frantic pace and visual flair the series was known for, pitting players against a new terrorist organization led by Amadeus.
While it retained the core gameplay loop – shoot everything, rescue prisoners, pilot vehicles (Slugs!) – it introduced some notable changes and felt slightly different from its predecessors.
Stepping Onto the Battlefield
If you've played a Metal Slug game before, you'll feel right at home with the basic controls: jump, shoot, grenade. Metal Slug 4 kept this simple, effective formula.
Key gameplay elements included:
- New Characters: Replacing the iconic Marco and Tarma as default starters were Trevor Spacey and Nadia Cassel. Don't worry, Fio and Eri are still playable!
- The Item Shop System: A short-lived mechanic where collecting medals could unlock items or weapons, adding a slight strategic layer that wasn't universally loved.
- New Slugs: Naturally, new vehicles like the Metal Crow (a jetpack) and the Forklift made appearances, alongside returning favorites.
- Familiar Enemies, New Faces: While many enemy sprites were reused, there were new bosses and mini-bosses to challenge players.
The pacing felt a bit faster to some, perhaps less exploratory than Metal Slug 3, focusing more on constant action.
The Cast of Characters
One of the most noticeable changes in Metal Slug 4 was the introduction of Trevor and Nadia.
- Trevor Spacey: A fresh-faced recruit with moves inspired by Marco.
- Nadia Cassel: Another new recruit, known for her unique melee attack.
While they fit the Metal Slug aesthetic, some long-time fans missed the familiar banter and character dynamics of the original crew.
The Reception: A Black Sheep?
So, why the mixed feelings about Metal Slug 4? Several factors contributed:
- Recycled Assets: A significant amount of sprites, animations, and even level elements were pulled directly from previous games, leading to a sense of déjà vu.
- Shorter Length: Compared to the epic, branching paths of Metal Slug 3, MS4 felt considerably shorter and more linear.
- New Mechanics: The Item Shop system wasn't a hit with everyone, and some felt the new Slugs or bosses weren't as memorable.
- Development Context: Knowing it wasn't made by the core SNK team influenced some perceptions, fair or not.
This isn't to say Metal Slug 4 is bad. It's still a competent, fun run-and-gun game with the signature Metal Slug charm. It just struggled to live up to the incredibly high bar set by its predecessors, particularly the masterpiece that was Metal Slug 3.
Revisiting Metal Slug 4 Today
Want to experience Metal Slug 4 for yourself and form your own opinion? Luckily, it's available on modern platforms.
You can often find it included in collections like the Metal Slug Anthology (available on platforms like GOG or PlayStation) or the Metal Slug Collection on Steam. These compilations are fantastic ways to own and play multiple games in the series legally on modern PCs and consoles.
Alternatively, for the purists, the arcade version is playable via emulation (like MAME), though acquiring the necessary ROMs requires owning the original arcade board.
Playing it now, away from the immediate hype and comparison to MS3, allows you to appreciate its unique aspects and enjoy the solid gameplay it does offer.
Final Thoughts: Is it Worth Playing?
Absolutely! While Metal Slug 4 might not reach the legendary status of Metal Slug 3 or the original, it's still a valuable part of the series history. It offers more of that satisfying pixelated action, introduces some interesting (if divisive) ideas, and lets you experience the full evolution of the franchise.
Whether you're a completionist wanting to play every entry or just a retro gamer looking for some explosive fun, giving Metal Slug 4 a shot is a great way to spend an afternoon. Don's let its reputation deter you – jump in and see if it clicks with you!
Got questions about Metal Slug 4?
Q: Who are the new characters in Metal Slug 4? A: The main new playable characters introduced are Trevor Spacey and Nadia Cassel.
Q: Is Metal Slug 4 considered a main game in the series? A: Yes, it is considered the fourth main installment, despite the change in primary development teams.
Q: Is Metal Slug 4 available on modern consoles? A: Yes, it is typically included in Metal Slug collections available on platforms like Steam, PlayStation, and GOG.
Q: Why do some fans dislike Metal Slug 4? A: Common criticisms include recycled assets from previous games, a shorter length, and divisive new mechanics like the Item Shop system, especially when compared to the highly regarded Metal Slug 3.
