Metal Slug Tactics Delayed to 2023

A stunning announcement of a famous IP’s return happened last year in the shape of Metal Slug Tactics, a strategic RPG modeled by SNK’s venerable 2D action franchise.

It didn’t take long for fans to warm up to the comeback of the popular brand, particularly since it comes from the publisher of Streets of Rage 4 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge.

Initially, fans were startled that the long-dormant series had shifted genres. Although the game was supposed to be out later this year, Dotemu has recently revealed that Metal Slug Tactics will now not be available until 2023.

Before it joined SNK Corporation in 1996, Nazca Corporation created the original Metal Slug series as a 2D action series.

As they repel military, extraterrestrial, and zombie assaults, a group of troops is followed in the television series.

Run-and-gun platforming and shoot-em-up elements make up the gameplay of the series, which is most known for its meticulously detailed pixel graphics, distinguishing it from its debut.

The first game in more than 13 years, Metal Slug Tactics, was initially shown during the Summer Game Fest Kick-Off in 2021.

Leikir Studio, a French studio renowned for independent games like Rogue Lords and Wondershot, is working on the game.

Focus Interactive, a European publisher, purchased the studio in February 2022. Dotemu, a publisher, was also purchased in August 2021.

Metal Slug Tactics’ gameplay was shown during a Nintendo-hosted Indie World event in August 2021, and its availability on PC and the Nintendo Switch was formally announced.

Metal Slug Tactics has been fairly silent after this incident, with little to no updates until 2022. Dotemu revealed that Metal Slug Tactics had been postponed till 2023, along with new game art. No other release information was given.

The DioField Chronicle and Tactics Ogre: Reborn have been confirmed for release in 2022, so RPG fans still have a lot to look forward to this year despite the delays for Metal Slug Tactics and Firaxis Games’ planned Marvel’s Midnight Suns that were revealed earlier this week.

It’s important to remember that many creators are reluctant to release games with a military theme, particularly comedic ones, because of the continuing Russo-Ukrainian War.

This is why Nintendo and WayForward’s Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp, initially scheduled to release in April, has been postponed indefinitely and probably won’t even come out in 2022.

Giving Metal Slug Tactics more time in the oven can only be good, considering how strong the gameplay teases have been.

In any case, it is shaping up to be a thrilling and unique combination of tactical RPG gameplay with the distinctive visual flare that SNK’s renowned franchise is known for.