Metal Slug 5 is a run and gun arcade game for the Neo-Geo, created by SNK Playmore. It was released in 2003 for the MVS arcade platform and is the fifth game in the Metal Slug series. The game was developed by Noise Factory/SNK Playmore, after Korean company Mega Enterprise had directed Metal Slug 4. It was the last Metal Slug released on the Neo Geo.
It was later ported to Microsoft Xbox and PlayStation 2 as a standalone game, and along with Metal Slug 4 as a compilation in North America and South Korea. It was ported to Microsoft Windows for a Korean release. A port was also released for the Nintendo Switch in 2018.
⭐ Review Scores
Gameplay
Metal Slug 5 is a 2D side-scrolling action shooter in which players can choose from four playable characters: Marco, Tarma, Eri, or Fio, each tasked with completing five missions while battling numerous enemies.
The game features various vehicles for players to control, including the Slug Mariner submarine, the Slug Flyer aircraft, and the newly introduced Slug Gunner robot. Metal Slug 5 introduces gameplay mechanics such as dual-wielding weapons and the ability to slide while shooting. The game supports two-player cooperative play and allows players to replay completed missions.
Plot
A year after the events of Metal Slug 4, a special disc that contains deep and intricate secrets about the Metal Slug project is stolen by a mysterious group called the Ptolemaic Army, whose specialty lies from within archaeological excavation and espionage. Marco and Tarma of the Peregrine Falcon Strike Force follow in hot pursuit against the group and in the process are joined by Eri and Fio of SPARROWS. Together once more, the quartet investigate the shrouded objective of the Ptolemaic Army, who over time grows more powerful as they are joined by a mysterious masked man and his followers. At the end of the game, the Ptolemaic Army summons a giant demon as the final boss, which after a long battle is forced to leave Earth thanks to the heroes.
Reception
Metal Slug 5 received mixed to positive reviews from critics. It received very positive scores from players, with an average of 8.1 on GameSpot for the PS2 version and 8.4 for the arcade version.
Notes
References
External links
- Official website
- Metal Slug 5 at GameFAQs
- Metal Slug 5 at Giant Bomb
- Metal Slug 5 at Killer List of Videogames
- Metal Slug 5 at MobyGames
Gamer24h Editor's Take
Metal Slug 5 has made quite a name for itself in the gaming world, captivating us with its distinctive atmosphere and compelling gameplay dynamics. Thanks to Noise Factory, SNK Playmore's meticulous craftsmanship and SNK Playmore, Mega, Ignition Entertainment <small>(PS2)</small>, HAMSTER Corporation <small>(PS4/Switch/Xbox One)</small>'s strong presentation, the high production quality is evident in every moment of the game. Masterfully blending Run and gun mechanics with modern standards, the game's fluid gameplay makes hours fly by unnoticed. With an overall score of 71, it delivers an enjoyable experience well above average. If you're looking for an absorbing world and satisfying mechanics that pull you right in, this game might be exactly what you've been searching for.