Metal Slug: Awakening is the latest iteration of the classic Metal Slug franchise, adapted for mobile platforms with enhanced graphics and modern gameplay. Developed by TiMi Studio (a subsidiary of Tencent Games) in collaboration with SNK, the game was released globally for Android and iOS devices in 2023–2024. It marks an evolution of the Metal Slug series, combining nostalgic elements with modern features such as PvP multiplayer, a campaign mode, and 3D side-scrolling graphics.
History and Background of Metal Slug
The Metal Slug franchise first gained popularity in the 1990s as an arcade game with distinctive pixel-art graphics, side-scrolling shooter gameplay, and iconic characters like Marco, Tarma, and Fio. The series is known for its action-packed themes, unique enemies (including aliens and robots), and distinctive humor.
Metal Slug: Awakening attempts to revive that legacy by enhancing the gameplay experience without losing its original identity.
Key Features of Metal Slug: Awakening
A. Modern Side 3D Graphics
Metal Slug: Awakening features 3D graphics while maintaining the classic side-scrolling style. Metal Slug: Awakening. Character animations, gunfire effects, and explosions are modernized yet colorful and characteristically Metal Slug.
B. Classic Characters and Vehicles
Legendary characters like Marco Rossi, Eri, Tarma, and Fio remain, as do iconic vehicles like the SV-001 (Metal Slug tank), which can be used in missions.
C. Various Gameplay Modes
- Story Mode (Campaign): Players follow the main story while facing various enemies and bosses.
- PvP Mode: 1v1 and 3v3 online PvP arenas are available.
- Boss Raid Mode: Players can work together to defeat giant bosses in team co-op mode.
- Exploration Mode: A semi-open world mode for exploration and item acquisition.
D. Upgrades and Customization
Each character can be leveled up, given new weapons, and equipped with various items and unique skills.
E. Gacha and Hero Collection System
Like other mobile games, there is a gacha system to get new characters, rare weapons, and vehicles.
Main Characters & Weapon Licenses
Each character in Metal Slug: Awakening has a licensed weapon that can be activated to unlock special skills or debuffs. Characters are categorized into tiers: Basic (blue), Excellent (purple), and Rare (orange).
- Marco – Heavy Machine Gun & Gatling Gun
- Eri – Flame Shot & Shotgun
- Fio – Sniper Rifle & Bazooka
2. Excellent (3 weapons)
- Nadia – Freeze Gun, Flame Shot & HMG
- Tarma – Sniper, Boxing Gun & Bazooka
- Haran – Freeze Gun, Saw Launcher & HMG
- Gru – Shotgun, Flame Shot & Boxing Gun
- Eva – Sniper, Shotgun & Saw Launcher
3. Rare (3 weapons)
- Trevor – Shotgun, Boxing Gun & Saw Launcher
- Scarlett – Sniper, Bazooka & Flame Shot
- Lyla – Gatling Gun, HMG & Freeze Gun
There are many different types of weapons in Awakening, each with its debuff effects and strategic benefits. Here’s a summary of the main ones from the official guide and community forums.
1. Debuff-Based Weapons
- Weak Debuff: Heavy Machine Gun, Gatling Gun, Saw Launcher
- Ignite (Burn): Flame Shot, Shotgun
- Wound: Bazooka, Sniper Rifle, Boxing Gun
- Freeze: Freeze Gun
2. Popular Legendary and Meta Weapons
- Skyripper (Gatling, Weak): Suitable for Lyla, Marco, and Nadia
- Howler (Shotgun, Ignite): Ideal for Trevor, Gru, and Eri
- Kepri Glory (Saw Launcher, Weak): Supports Nadia and Marco
- Moltor (Flame Shot, Ignite): Suitable for Nadia and Marco
- Terra Shrill (Bazooka, Wound): Good for Scarlett, Tarma, and Fio
- Icebound Deity (Freeze Gun, Freeze): Only suitable for Haran
Competitive Aspects and eSports
Metal Slug: Awakening is starting to enter the realm of competitive mobile gaming, with the presence of features:
- Ranked PvP mode, similar to the ranking system in Mobile Legends.
- Small-scale tournaments in Southeast Asian countries (primarily the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia).
- Support from a passionate retro gaming community.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Slug: Awakening
Advantages of Metal Slug: Awakening
- Classic nostalgia with a modern twist.
- Smooth 3D graphics that remain light on mid-range phones.
- Plenty of character and vehicle options.
- Various game modes: PvE, PvP, and co-op.
- Suitable for both casual and hardcore gamers.
Disadvantages Mof etal Slug: Awakening
- Indonesia: Active communities on Discord and Facebook. Many local YouTubers review and livestream.
- Thailand and the Philippines: Several local tournaments have been held.
- China: An initial version was released there under the name “Metal Slug: Code J.”
This game has huge potential in the future, especially if it supports cross-platform mode or official eSports mode.
Conclusion
Metal Slug: Awakening is a modern evolution of the legendary classic series. Combining nostalgic elements with contemporary features, the game has successfully captured the attention of both old and new players. Its diverse game modes, distinctive characters, and enhanced visuals make it one of the best side-scrolling games on mobile platforms today.
While it still needs improvement in terms of balancing and monetization, Metal Slug: Awakening has great potential in the competitive world of mobile gaming and could even become part of the future eSports scene.
