Metal Slug Tactics is XCOM merged with arcade pixel shooting action

Metal Slug Tactics
(Image credit: Namco Bandai)

A 90s arcade classic made a surprise return at the Summer Game Fest 2021 showcase. The Metal Slug franchise is returning for Metal Slug Tactics, a new turn-based title based on the run-and-gun shoot-em-up hit.

Taking the pixel-art anime styling of the original series, and mixing it with the grid-based, isometric tactical gameplay of the likes of XCOM, it’s set to release on PC, with no word yet on a console version.

With cover-based shooting, vehicular power ups and the series trademark humourous violence, it’s looking like a fast-paced not-to-serious take on the turn-based strategy genre.

Turn-based renaissance

For fans of games like XCOM, it’s been a solid few years. As well as the excellent XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2 and XCOM: Chimera squad, the likes of Wargroove and Pathway have been keeping the genre alive. Now all we need is an Advance Wars sequel for Nintendo Switch and we’re set.

As for Metal Slug, this will be the first all-new title in the franchise (not including re-releases and anthologies) since 2009’s Metal Slug XX.

We’ll have all the news straight from Summer Game Fest 2021 and E3 2021 on TechRadar, so keep locked in for more news.

Gerald Lynch

Gerald is Editor-in-Chief of iMore.com. Previously he was the Executive Editor for TechRadar, taking care of the site's home cinema, gaming, smart home, entertainment and audio output. He loves gaming, but don't expect him to play with you unless your console is hooked up to a 4K HDR screen and a 7.1 surround system. Before TechRadar, Gerald was Editor of Gizmodo UK. He is also the author of 'Get Technology: Upgrade Your Future', published by Aurum Press.

Read more
The player engages a flying drone enemy in Metal Eden.
Metal Eden is an exhilarating mix of Doom and Ghostrunner, and my hands-on preview left me craving more
A close up of Naked Snake holding binoculars in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3 remake - everything we know
New Metal Gear Solid Delta screenshot from the State of Play stream.
Turns out the leak was accurate - Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater releases in August this year and the inner PS2 gamer in me cannot wait
The protagonist Aska in Metal Eden.
Sci-fi shooter Metal Eden might be the coolest new game from the latest State of Play
Big Boss stands beside two if his soldiers
Metal Gear Solid 6 - everything we know so far
The landscape in Atomfall.
Atomfall art director breaks down the survival game's condensed Lake District setting: 'It wasn't so much about how far you travel, but how many things you see along the way'
Latest in Consoles & PC
Nintendo Music teaser art
Nintendo Music expands its library with songs from Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Tetris
Image of Naoe in AC Shadows
Assassin's Creed Shadows is hands-down one of the most beautiful PC ports I've ever seen
Image of AC Shadows cover art & Steam Deck
It's not perfect, but Assassin's Creed Shadows' performance is impressive - it runs smoothly on the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally
Steam Deck OLED in limited edition white color
With a single update SteamOS could turbocharge handheld PCs – here's how
Samus Aran leaping through space
Metroid Prime 4 tipped to be at the heart of April's Nintendo Switch 2 deep-dive
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 expected to have AI upscaling and I can't wait to finally play Tears of the Kingdom with upgraded graphics
Latest in News
Waze voice control
Waze is ditching Google Assistant for Gemini on iOS, and for good reasons
Apple Watch Ultra 2 displaying a step count and distance
Using a smartwatch could be a game-changer for people with diabetes, new research suggests
Focal Bathys MG
Focal just upgraded its audiophile noise-cancelling wireless headphones with even better sound, better noise cancelling, and a way higher price
A PC gamer celebrating, sat in a gaming chair in front of a monitor
Windows 11’s Game Bar gets a fresh coat of paint, plus a tweak to work better on handhelds – and I like the direction Microsoft’s heading in here
NHS
NHS IT supplier hit with major fine following ransomware attack
A business woman looking at AI on a transparent screen
Most businesses are now fully embracing AI - but aren't always protected against the risks