Metal Slug vs Metal Slug Advance
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Metal Slug is a side‑scrolling shooter that debuted in 1996, delivering fast‑paced combat, quirky characters, and iconic vehicle battles. Its pixel‑perfect graphics and memorable sound design have made it a staple of arcade nostalgia. The game supports solo play, co‑operative missions, and competitive modes across multiple platforms, allowing both newcomers and veteran players to experience its chaotic battlefield fun.
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.
- Fast‑paced, addictive gameplay
- Iconic pixel art and sound design
- Robust co‑op experience
- High replay value with secrets
- Faithful recreation of the Metal Slug feel
- Wide variety of weapons and vehicles
- Humorous and engaging visual style
- Responsive handheld controls
- Limited modern features
- Difficulty spikes in later stages
- Repetitive enemy patterns after multiple playthroughs
- Limited to single‑player experience
- No modern online features
- Short overall campaign length
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Alternatives to Metal Slug
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Alternatives to Metal Slug Advance
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataMetal Slug is the safer default for its lower price, co-op support, and higher replay value, while Metal Slug Advance trades multiplayer for a robust weapon upgrade system and slightly higher critic score.
Key differences
- •Metal Slug offers a two-player cooperative mode, whereas Metal Slug Advance is limited to single-player.
- •Metal Slug costs $9.99, which is half the $19.99 price of Metal Slug Advance.
- •Metal Slug Advance features a robust weapon upgrade system for fire rate, damage, and ammo, while Metal Slug uses temporary power-ups like rapid fire and invincibility.
- •Metal Slug features eight distinct levels, whereas Metal Slug Advance includes collectible medals that unlock bonus stages.
Gameplay & fun factor
Both offer classic run-and-gun action with responsive controls, but Advance features permanent weapon upgrades while the original uses temporary power-ups.
Platform availability
Not specified for either game.
Price & value
Metal Slug costs $9.99, making it cheaper than Metal Slug Advance at $19.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Metal Slug includes a two-player cooperative mode, whereas Metal Slug Advance is limited to a single-player experience.
Content & replayability
Metal Slug has eight distinct levels with secrets and high replay value, while Metal Slug Advance suffers from a short overall campaign length.
Difficulty & accessibility
Metal Slug Advance has a higher critic score of 89/100 compared to Metal Slug's 85/100, though Metal Slug has late-stage difficulty spikes.
Graphics & performance
Metal Slug Advance features responsive controls optimized for handheld play and a faithful recreation of the feel.
Choose Metal Slug if…
Players wanting a cheaper game with a two-player cooperative mode and high replay value.
Choose Metal Slug Advance if…
Solo players wanting handheld-optimized controls and a robust weapon upgrade system.
Common questions
Can I play either game with a friend?
Metal Slug includes a two-player cooperative mode, whereas Metal Slug Advance is limited to a single-player experience.
Which game is more affordable?
Metal Slug has an MSRP of $9.99, while Metal Slug Advance is priced at $19.99.
How do the weapon systems differ between the two games?
Metal Slug Advance features a robust weapon upgrade system to enhance fire rate, damage, and ammo capacity, while Metal Slug uses collectible temporary power-ups.