SNK is preparing to celebrate 30 years of explosive arcade action with METAL SLUG ULTIMATE COLLECTION, a huge new compilation bringing together some of the most memorable entries in the beloved run-and-gun series.
Set to arrive in 2027, the collection will give both longtime soldiers and newcomers the chance to experience the franchise across Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.
And this isn’t simply a handful of the better-known games bundled together. SNK is going back through the series’ history to assemble a particularly comprehensive package, complete with a rather intriguing extra for collectors and Metal Slug obsessives. if you’ve recently been playing Metal Slug Tactics, we’d suspect this is going to appeal.
At A Glance
- Collection: METAL SLUG ULTIMATE COLLECTION
- Developer/Publisher: SNK Corporation
- Release: 2027
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam
Ten Metal Slug Experiences In One Collection
METAL SLUG ULTIMATE COLLECTION brings together the mainline arcade games from the original 1996 release through to METAL SLUG 7, while also making room for the Game Boy Advance’s METAL SLUG ADVANCE.
The full lineup consists of:
- METAL SLUG
- METAL SLUG 2
- METAL SLUG X
- METAL SLUG 3
- METAL SLUG 4
- METAL SLUG 5
- METAL SLUG ADVANCE
- METAL SLUG 6
- METAL SLUG 7
- METAL SLUG Location Test Version
That final entry could prove particularly fascinating for dedicated fans. The Location Test Version was never officially released, making its inclusion an unusual piece of Metal Slug history alongside the more familiar titles.
Classic Chaos With Modern Conveniences
While the collection is clearly designed to celebrate Metal Slug’s past, SNK isn’t expecting everyone to tackle these games exactly as they did decades ago.
Quality-of-life features include quick save and quick load functionality, while a rewind option will allow players to reverse the action by a few seconds when things inevitably go wrong. That’s likely to be particularly welcome for newcomers getting acquainted with the series’ famously frantic action.
There will also be Score Attack and Time Attack options for those looking to squeeze more life out of the games, alongside online rankings where players can compete for bragging rights.
Time To Hit The Combat School
Combat School Mode is also making an appearance, providing a more approachable way for new players to learn the controls and techniques needed to survive.
Away from the action, a substantial gallery and museum will offer a look at logos, artwork and other visual material connected to the individual games. It should give the collection more of a historical feel rather than simply functioning as a digital shelf of old releases.
A Fitting 30th Anniversary Salute
Metal Slug first stormed into arcades in 1996 and quickly became known for its distinctive pixel art, chaotic action and memorable sense of humour. Three decades later, METAL SLUG ULTIMATE COLLECTION looks ready to give that history the kind of celebration it deserves.
The inclusion of nine established games alongside a rare Location Test Version makes this an especially interesting package for existing fans, while the modern features could make the series considerably easier to approach for anyone discovering it for the first time.
METAL SLUG ULTIMATE COLLECTION launches in 2027 on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.
