Metal Slug (series) facts for kids

Metal Slug (Japanese: メタルスラッグ, Hepburn: Metaru Suraggu) is a super fun series of video games created by a company called SNK. These games are famous for their exciting "run and gun" action. They were first released on the Neo Geo system.

The Metal Slug games are known for their amazing, detailed 2D pixel art. They also have a reputation for being quite challenging! Players love the fast-paced action and the unique humor found throughout the series.

What is Metal Slug?

Metal Slug is a type of game called a "run and gun" shooter. This means you control a character who runs through levels, shooting lots of enemies. You'll face soldiers, tanks, planes, and even strange creatures. The goal is to defeat a bad guy named General Morden and his army.

How to Play the Game

In Metal Slug, you usually play as one of the main characters like Marco, Tarma, Fio, or Eri. You move from left to right, blasting everything in your way. As you play, you can pick up different weapons like heavy machine guns, shotguns, and rocket launchers. These weapons help you take down bigger enemies and bosses.

You also rescue prisoners of war (POWs) along the way. When you save them, they often give you power-ups or special items. Sometimes, they even help you fight for a short time!

The Famous Metal Slug Vehicle

One of the coolest parts of the game is the "Metal Slug" itself. This is a small, powerful tank that you can jump into and drive. It has a strong cannon and a machine gun. The tank can even jump and crouch, making it very useful for dodging enemy attacks. There are other vehicles too, like planes, submarines, and even giant robots, each with its own special abilities.

Characters and Story

The main heroes of the Metal Slug series are part of a special forces team called the Peregrine Falcon Squad. Their mission is to stop General Morden, a rebel leader who wants to take over the world. Morden often teams up with aliens or other strange forces, making the battles even crazier!

Meet the Heroes

• Marco Rossi: He's the main character and a skilled soldier. He's usually the first choice for players.
• Tarma Roving: Marco's best friend and a genius mechanic. He's great with vehicles.
• Eri Kasamoto: A tough and agile female operative. She's good at close combat.
• Fio Germi: Another strong female character from a rich family. She's very good with heavy weapons.

These characters work together to fight Morden's army across different environments. You'll battle through cities, deserts, jungles, and even ancient ruins.

Art Style and Humor

The graphics in Metal Slug are a big reason why people love it. Even though it's 2D pixel art, it's incredibly detailed and smooth. The characters and enemies have funny animations, and there's a lot of humor in the game. For example, enemies might make funny faces when they get hit, or your character might turn into a mummy or a zombie! This mix of intense action and silly moments makes the game unique.

Why Metal Slug is Popular

Since its first release in 1996, Metal Slug has become a classic. It's loved for its:

• Exciting Gameplay: Fast-paced shooting and challenging levels.
• Amazing Graphics: Detailed and expressive pixel art.
• Co-op Mode: Many games in the series let two players team up, which is a lot of fun.
• Unique Humor: The silly animations and situations add to the charm.

The series has appeared on many different game systems over the years, showing how popular it remains.

Images for kids

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  Characters of Metal Slug.

See also

In Spanish: Metal Slug para niños