Metal Slug Advance vs Metal Slug Anthology
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Metal Slug Advance brings the iconic arcade shooter to handheld devices with crisp 2D graphics and fast‑paced combat. Players control the elite squad as they blast through enemy lines, rescue hostages, and unleash a barrage of weapons in a comedic wartime setting. The game retains the series' signature humor and over‑the‑top explosions while adding new power‑ups and level designs tailored for portable play, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh experience for both veterans and newcomers.
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.
- Faithful recreation of the Metal Slug feel
- Wide variety of weapons and vehicles
- Humorous and engaging visual style
- Responsive handheld controls
- 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
- Limited to single‑player experience
- No modern online features
- Short overall campaign length
- 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 Advance
View all →
Join shrine maiden Pocky, her raccoon friend Rocky, and newcomer Becky in this action-packed handheld shooter.
Alternatives to Metal Slug Anthology
View all →
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataMetal Slug Advance offers a focused single‑player experience on handhelds, while Metal Slug Anthology bundles every classic title with co‑op and upgraded visuals for PlayStation consoles.
Key differences
- •Platform: Advance is a GBA title; Anthology runs on PS2/PS3/PS4 only.
- •Multiplayer: Advance is single‑player only; Anthology adds local two‑player co‑op.
- •Content breadth: Advance is one game; Anthology includes all mainline Metal Slug arcade releases.
- •Graphics: Anthology provides native 1080p upscaling; Advance uses original handheld resolution.
- •Critic reception: Advance scores 89/100 versus Anthology’s 75/100.
Gameplay & fun factor
Advance’s focused design and high critic score (89) suggest tighter, more polished single‑player fun.
Platform availability
Anthology runs on three PlayStation generations, offering broader console options than GBA‑only Advance.
Price & value
Both cost $19.99; Anthology includes many games, but Advance’s higher critic score may justify price for solo fans.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Anthology supports local two‑player co‑op; Advance is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Anthology bundles all classic titles, providing far more content and replay loops than a single campaign.
Difficulty & accessibility
Advance’s shorter campaign may be less daunting than Anthology’s original arcade difficulty curve.
Graphics & performance
Anthology offers native 1080p upscaled visuals; Advance remains at handheld resolution.
Choose Metal Slug Advance if…
Buy if you want a handheld, single‑player Metal Slug experience with tighter gameplay and higher reviews.
Choose Metal Slug Anthology if…
Buy if you prefer a console collection with every classic title, local co‑op, and upgraded visuals.
Common questions
Do either of these games support online multiplayer?
No; both are limited to offline play—Advance is single‑player only, Anthology only offers local co‑op.
Which option gives me more Metal Slug content for the same price?
Anthology, because it includes all mainline arcade titles in one package.
Can I play Metal Slug Advance on modern consoles?
Not specified; the facts only list it as a handheld (GBA) title.