Elden Ring vs Metal Slug 3
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Elden Ring is a challenging open-world action RPG that brings FromSoftware’s punishing combat into a vast, explorable land conceived with George R. R. Martin. It rewards curiosity and mastery with deep build variety and cryptic, atmospheric storytelling.
Metal Slug 3 delivers fast‑paced, side‑scrolling shooter action that builds on the beloved series’ signature humor and over‑the‑top explosions. Players blast through diverse environments, rescue hostages, and collect an arsenal of wild weapons while enjoying crisp pixel art and a catchy retro soundtrack. The game supports both solo and cooperative play, letting friends team up locally or online to tackle branching paths, massive boss encounters, and hidden secrets. Its blend of arcade intensity and comedic sci‑fi themes makes it a timeless staple for action‑shooter fans.
Around $59.99; Shadow of the Erdtree expansion sold separately.
- Massive, rewarding open world
- Incredible boss design
- Huge build freedom
- High replay value
- Highly replayable with multiple level paths
- Extensive weapon variety keeps combat fresh
- Co‑op mode enhances social gaming experience
- Retro graphics and soundtrack evoke classic arcade feel
- Very difficult, steep learning curve
- Little hand-holding
- Performance issues at launch on some platforms
- Limited to two‑player co‑op, no larger multiplayer options
- Some difficulty spikes may frustrate casual players
- Original release platform constraints affect modern controller support
What reviewers say
Elden Ring Reviews
4.0 (2)Love it
Sunk way too many hours into Elden Ring. Massive, rewarding open world. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Fun with caveats
Picked up Elden Ring recently. Upside: high replay value. Downside: very difficult, steep learning curve.
Metal Slug 3 Reviews
No reviews yet.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataElden Ring offers a deep, challenging open‑world RPG experience at a higher price and difficulty, while Metal Slug 3 provides a cheap, fast‑paced arcade shooter with co‑op fun and lower difficulty.
Key differences
- •Genre and gameplay depth: open‑world action‑RPG vs. 2‑D run‑and‑gun shooter.
- •Price: Elden Ring around $59.99 (expansion sold separately) vs. Metal Slug 3 $19.99 one‑time.
- •Multiplayer: Elden Ring has no co‑op; Metal Slug 3 supports two‑player co‑op.
- •Content volume: Elden Ring massive world and replay value vs. Metal Slug 3 limited levels but branching routes.
Gameplay & fun factor
Elden Ring provides extensive build freedom, hidden dungeons, and demanding combat, offering deeper long‑term engagement.
Platform availability
Elden Ring runs on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox; Metal Slug 3 only listed for its original release platform.
Price & value
Metal Slug 3 costs $19.99 one‑time, far cheaper than Elden Ring’s ~ $59.99 price point.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Metal Slug 3 includes two‑player co‑op; Elden Ring has no co‑op mode.
Content & replayability
Elden Ring’s massive open world, hidden dungeons, and high replay value outweigh Metal Slug 3’s branching levels.
Difficulty & accessibility
Metal Slug 3’s arcade difficulty is lower and more approachable than Elden Ring’s steep learning curve.
Graphics & performance
Elden Ring features modern 3D graphics (despite launch performance issues); Metal Slug 3 uses retro pixel art.
Choose Elden Ring if…
Players seeking a deep, challenging open‑world RPG and willing to invest time and money.
Choose Metal Slug 3 if…
Players wanting an inexpensive, quick arcade shooter with two‑player co‑op.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper to buy?
Metal Slug 3 costs $19.99 one‑time; Elden Ring is around $59.99 with a separate expansion.
Do either of these support co‑op play?
Metal Slug 3 supports two‑player co‑op; Elden Ring has no co‑op mode.
Which title is more suitable for a beginner?
Metal Slug 3 has lower difficulty and simpler controls, making it more beginner‑friendly than Elden Ring.