: The titular "Metal Slug" tanks provide a temporary power fantasy, allowing players to soak up damage and dish out heavy artillery. The collection introduces various "Slugs," from camels and elephants to fighter jets and submarines. Arsenal Variety

For gamers of a certain era, the mere mention of the word "MISSION" triggers a Pavlovian response: the frantic strumming of a nylon guitar, the roar of a heavy machine gun, and the satisfying explosion of a pixelated tank. The Metal Slug series is not just a run-and-gun franchise; it is a pinnacle of 2D pixel art and arcade design.

This is generally considered a decent entry point for newcomers. It offers a "buy the bucket" approach, saving money compared to buying titles individually. However, the Steam Anthology still inherits some of the legacy code issues from older ports. The emulation is serviceable, but it lacks the advanced customization found in modern emulators.

: Widely considered the series' peak, featuring branching paths, underwater missions, and space combat.

The gameplay loop is deceptively simple: move right, shoot everything, and rescue POWs. However, the depth lies in the variety:

: A digital alternative often found on retailers like Gamivo that packs Metal Slug 1 , and 3 .