Test of Metal Slug Tactics on PS5 by jeuxvideo.com

An original idea in addition to being clever

Metal Slug Tactics is a turn-based strategy game with some role-playing elements. Characteristics very different from what made the series successful on arcades at the end of the 90s. It was then composed of two-dimensional shooting games, belonging to the sub-genre of shooting games that is run' n’gun. And as its name suggests, we had to run and distribute bullets into the heads of our opponents in a military context very inspired by the character of Rambo.

On paper, combining something as dynamic as run'n'gun with a genre that goes hand in hand with patience and reflection is not easy. But Leikir and Dotemu bring a clever idea to the table and make Metal Slug Tactics an interesting game.

Like several tactical games of the genre, Metal Slug Tactics uses the grid system for its confrontations. We move each character (maximum 3) on this checkerboard within the limit of their available movements. The more the character moves, the more adrenaline he recovers : the equivalent of mana points or ability points, which therefore allows him to carry out special attacks. The game therefore encourages the movement of its units through the different maps. A system that is all the smarter because it relies on other things: it is possible to take cover to suffer less damage, and it is sometimes obligatory. It is also possible to interact with the environment (like spring leaves) or to synchronize with teammates to carry out multi-player attacks. Synchronization is, in this regard, essential for anyone wishing to complete the game and sometimes requires a few minutes of reflection to think about their positioning and their adrenaline points. In short, what we expect from a tactical RPG.

Run'n'gun that runs in a loop

For fans of roguelite and turn-based games, Metal Slug Tactics is inspired by one of the references of recent years, Into The Breach. Each part of the game is constructed in the same way: you must choose your squad of three characters maximum, each having a different set of equipment. Marco specializes in synchronizations. Fio can be seen as a support character while Eri is mostly played, at least initially, as an area damage specialist.

Once the squad is composed, it is time to set off on an adventure to repel the desire for conquest of General Morden: the antagonist of the saga since its beginnings. At the beginning of his attempt (also called run), you must then choose one region from three. Each of them has its distinct characteristics but all have the same functioning: after three missions completed, the boss of the area comes to put an end to the exploration. Once the latter is defeated, a kind of ephemeral camp is set up and it is possible to reload your weapons or improve your skills before attacking the next region.

Each run is constructed in the same way in a fairly repetitive manner. The missions per region alternate between escort, destruction of enemy buildings or execution of targets. The bosses do not provide a necessary dose of refreshment to the extent that the most effective method of defeating them is to concentrate our squad's attacks on their faces. Overall, therefore, the gameplay remains essentially identical.

A principle that is blocked in substance and form

It is therefore in the form that we can derive satisfaction from playing Metal Slug Tactics. Through each run, successful or not, it is possible to recover special currency allowing you to buy new equipment from the protagonists. This equipment is not stronger, it just offers a different way to play. As an example, Eri can swap her grenades for a more melee set. It is also possible to purchase additional mods for weapons, modifiers improving them during a run.

Once again, purchasing these resources in the starting hub allows you to unlock them during a game and have a chance of stumbling upon them. Metal Slug Tactics is therefore much closer to a roguelike than to a roguelite where it is the variety of gameplay that takes precedence over the imposed challenge. This is evidenced by the lack of specific vulnerability among enemies or overall progression throughout the game.

Please note, technical problems on PlayStation 5 do not suggest players should test things. Like the boss gameplay below (captured after the game's release), the loading times are far too numerous for a game of this type.. It happens that an action as simple as moving is systematically punctuated by a loading of around ten seconds. Enough to reinforce the idea of ​​putting down the controller and moving on to something else.

Finally, we must still highlight the excellence of the creative direction involved in Metal Slug Tactics. The soundtrack and the artistic work are excellent and it is impossible to fault them for anything.

Conclusion