Summary
Although theMetal Slugfranchise is renowned for its run-and-gun coin-guzzling nature, SNK’s 32-bit fan-favorite franchise has no hindrance in dabbling with other genres. As such, even when placed within the grid-based tactical combat ofMetal Slug: Tactics, theMetal Sluggang’s robust arsenals, and characterization shine through - arguably just as expressive and gung-ho as before.
Ranging from cover-art classics such as Marco Rossi, and newer additions to the gun-toting gang like Trevor Spacey and Leona Heidern, theMetal Slug: Tacticsroster is dominated by strong personalities with even stronger battlefield abilities.
The All-Rounder Who Lacks Individual Power But Can Bolster Allies
As one oftheMetal Slugfranchise’s most recognizable protagonists, there was seemingly no doubt about his appearance in Leikir Studios' turn-based strategy spin-off. However, while his position as the gutsy squad commander of Peregrine Falcons Squad heavily inspires his role inMetal Slug: Tactics, his lack of individual strength does hamper his capability compared to some of his colleagues.
A jack of all trades, Marco can slot into most roles bestowed to him and is arguably best used when “[getting] the best out of his subordinates”. While his playstyle lacks the nuance and hyperfocus of his teammates, he excels when supporting his more tank-like or DPS-focussed allies.
8Clark Still
The Classic SNK Brawler Who Moves Himself & Enemies Into Allied Lines Of Sight
Although Clark Still’s initial fame sprouted from his integral roles inMetal Slugparent company SNK’sIkari WarriorsandThe King of Fightersseries, his stoic nature fits right in with the rest of theMetal Slugcast. Channeling his lineage before his inaugural 2006 appearance inMetal Slug 6, the “rock-solid soldier” hits hard and uses his resilient wrestling strength to slam himself & his enemies around the battleground - straight into the range of allied firepower.
However, with a somewhat limited moveset - especially in the earlier hours ofMetal Slug: Tactics- his movement-based wrestling antics are underwhelming compared to his allies' more powerful armaments, until the later stages of his upgrade tree. As a result, the time investment players can place into Clark to bring him up to par with his contemporaries is arguably better spent on his allies who start on a stronger footing.
7Nadia Cassel
A Tech-Obsessed Former Model Who Lays Destructive Traps For Her Enemies
A relatively recent addition to the Metal Slug roster, Nadia Cassel’s role asa model-turned-soldier gives her a unique perspectiveas she takes a step back from direct combat. In synergy with this idea, Nadia’s playstyle inMetal Slug: Tacticsrevolves somewhat solely around the tactical positioning of not only herself but also her traps and gadgets.
The “sugar-fuelled … gadget lover” reinforces and rewards the clever baiting of enemy combatants, and the destructive results are not only enjoyable to watch but also to set up in the first place. However, while her combative prowess is not to be smirked at, the fact that strong-armed firepower can achieve somewhat similar results does leave her playstyle seemingly outclassed by some of her allies.
A Hard-Hitting SNK Veteran Who Can Lay Down Impressive Damage In One Strike
Having made appearances ina whole host of SNK franchises; fromIkari WarriorsandThe King of FighterstoT.A.N.K; before joining theMetal Sluggang, Ralf Jones' place in SNK history is undoubtedly strong. While his position withinMetal Slug: Tactics' roster is similarly solid, he truly comes into his own with his unique ‘Vulcan Punch’ ability.
In “[charging] the enemy like a raging bull”, Ralf’s Vulcan Punch is distinctive due to its place as an attack with one of the single-greatest damage outputs inMetal Slug: Tactics. Taking into consideration Ralf’s unique position as a seemingly literal one-man army due to his Vulcan Punch ability, alongside his standard set of stats across the board, he is an ally players would arguably be overtly worse off without.
5Leona Heidern
A Relative Newcomer To The Metal Slug Series With Aura-Fuelled Abilities
Within the somewhat grounded bounds ofMetal Slug: Tactics' character roster, the inclusion of Leona Heidern - who has been a consistentmember of theKing of Fightersseries since its third installment, and can wield supernatural abilities - is somewhat bizarre. Only appearing in theMetal Slugseries once beforeTactics, in DLC for 2009’sMetal Slug XX, Leona’s relative obscurity does not stop her from being a supremely competent character.
While she keeps her “true capacities close to her chest”, her ability to conjure mirrored ‘Afterimages’ of herself to confuse her enemies is overwhelmingly powerful in the perfect situation. However, while she is a very competent assailant before any upgrades, players will seemingly have to spend a fairly significant period invested in her to achieve her full potential - yet, the time spent is arguably worth it.
4Tarma Roving
A Familiar Face From Metal Slug’s Past Who Can Lay Down Damage Out Of Harm’s Way
As aMetal Slugalumni from the series' first title, Tarma Roving’s cool yet sarcastic attitude is carried seamlessly over into the more strategic focus ofMetal Slug: Tactics.With a deep focus on movement, reinforced by his abilities and attack reach, Tara can effectively “[rip] through the battlefield” with ease.
As a result of his unique relationship withMetal Slug: Tactics' Dodge mechanic, Tarma can remain effectively untouchable while still laying down some solid damage on one turn. Couple that with his focus on Area Of Effect damage, and players using Tarma can seemingly lay down firepower while switching to a more defensive position on the fly.
3Fio Germi
The Versatile Virtuoso From Metal Slug’s Past Who Can Adapt On The Fly
A staple face oftheMetal Slugfranchisesince its second entry, Fiolina Germi has also made recurring cameo appearances in SNK’s fighting seriesThe King of Fighters.Aligning with her enthusiastic yet resourceful personality, Fio excels at “keep[ing] foes at arm’s length” while remaining able to diversify her playstyle to suit situations as they arise.
With a vast pool of Special Actions at her disposal, Fio’s loadouts and playstyle can be altered to outfit her for whatever situation the battlefield calls for. Bolstered by her abilities' focus on the symbiotic relationship with her comrades, players can utilize Fio’s playstyle to not only lay down some impressive firepower independently, but can assist her allies in seemingly any form of engagement.
2Eri Kasamoto
A Series Veteran With An Explosive Penchant For Pyrotechnic Barrages
With a timid personality, and having been part of theMetal Slugroster since 1998, Eri Kasamoto’s role inMetal Slug: Tacticscould have been that of a simple dose of fan service with little substance. Yet her destructive playstyle defines her asone of the title’s most useful combatants, as she “wreak[s] havoc from on high” with her beloved pyrotechnic arsenal.
In utilizing loadouts and abilities that prioritize the use of explosives, Eri allows players to achieve extremely unique angles on enemies while also permitting multiple attacks on the same turn. Bolstered by the versatility of her aforementioned loadouts, Eri can seemingly achieve effective destruction of the entire enemy infantry in fewer turns than arguably any of her allies.
1Trevor Spacey
A Champion Powerhouse Who Exhibits An Almost Unfair Level Of Damage Output
WhileMetal Slug: Tactics' roster is anything but boring or helpless, it’s arguably superfluous to mention that any ofits other characters are anywhere near as powerful as Trevor Spacey.First appearing in 2002’sMetal Slug 4, the computer prowess of Trevor is shown inTacticsas he utilizes the power of some “ethically dubious nanotechnology”.
With extensive offensive abilities and extremely high damage par the course, Trevor can even dupe enemy combatants to fight one another. However, even though players can seemingly sit back and watch enemies tear each other apart, Trevor allows for some truly astonishing damage output. By taking advantage of Trevor’s low Adrenaline cost for abilities, and secondary effects allowing him to attack multiple times, players can transform Trevor into effectively a ‘one man army’.
