Metal Slug 5 vs Metal Slug Anthology
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

Metal Slug 5 delivers the fast‑paced, side‑scrolling shooter experience that fans love, featuring detailed pixel art, explosive enemies, and a variety of vehicles to commandeer. Set in a war‑torn world, the game blends intense combat with a tongue‑in‑cheek sense of humor, keeping the action fresh across its multiple stages. The title supports both solo play and cooperative multiplayer, allowing friends to team up and tackle the battlefield together. With its blend of platforming, adventure, and comedic warfare, Metal Slug 5 remains a nostalgic yet engaging entry in the series.
Metal Slug Anthology brings together the iconic arcade shooters of the series into a single package, celebrating the 10th anniversary with enhanced graphics and trophy support. Available on PlayStation 2, 3, and 4, it offers both solo play and cooperative action for up to two players. The compilation features all original titles, upgraded to 1080p resolution, and includes modern conveniences like trophy tracking while preserving the series' signature humor and intense warfare gameplay.
- Classic Metal Slug gameplay
- Two‑player co‑op mode
- Variety of weapons and vehicles
- Humorous and colorful visuals
- Comprehensive collection of all classic titles
- Upgraded 1080p visuals improve clarity
- Trophy support adds modern achievement tracking
- Local co‑op for two players enhances replayability
- Repetitive level design in places
- Limited enemy AI sophistication
- Average critical reception
- Limited to PlayStation platforms only
- No online multiplayer functionality
- Original arcade difficulty may be steep for newcomers
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Metal Slug 5
View all →Alternatives to Metal Slug Anthology
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataMetal Slug Anthology gives you the whole classic series with better reviews and 1080p upgrades, but only on PlayStation; Metal Slug 5 is a single, newer entry with new weapons and vehicles, priced the same.
Key differences
- •Anthology bundles all mainline Metal Slug arcade titles; Metal Slug 5 is a single standalone game.
- •Anthology runs only on PlayStation 2/3/4, while Metal Slug 5’s platform is not specified (potentially broader).
- •Critic scores differ: Anthology 75/100 vs Metal Slug 5 50/100.
- •Anthology adds 1080p visual upgrades and trophy support; Metal Slug 5 has no such enhancements mentioned.
Gameplay & fun factor
Anthology has a higher critic score (75) versus Metal Slug 5 (50), indicating stronger overall reception.
Platform availability
Anthology is confirmed on PS2/3/4; Metal Slug 5 platform not specified, so PlayStation owners favor Anthology.
Price & value
Both titles retail at $19.99, offering equal cost.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both support single‑player and local two‑player co‑operative modes.
Content & replayability
Anthology includes every mainline Metal Slug arcade game, vastly more content than the single Metal Slug 5.
Difficulty & accessibility
Anthology notes steep original arcade difficulty; Metal Slug 5 difficulty not specified, making them even.
Graphics & performance
Anthology upgraded to native 1080p resolution; Metal Slug 5 graphics details not provided.
Choose Metal Slug 5 if…
Buy if you want the newer standalone title with new weapons/vehicles and possibly non‑PlayStation platforms.
Choose Metal Slug Anthology if…
Buy if you want the complete classic series, upgraded visuals, trophies, and you play on PlayStation.
Common questions
Do both games support two‑player co‑op?
Yes, each offers local two‑player cooperative mode.
Is there a price difference?
No, both are priced at $19.99.
Which offers more content?
Metal Slug Anthology, because it bundles all mainline arcade titles.







