Metal Slug: The Story of the Geniuses Behind the Game | NexusPlay
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Metal Slug: The Story of the Geniuses Behind the Game

How ex-Irem rebels founded Nazca Corporation, built a tank-only prototype, and created Metal Slug — the run-and-gun masterpiece that defined SNK's Neo Geo legacy.

Metal Slug: The Story of the Geniuses Behind the Game
TL;DR — Key Points
  • Metal Slug was created by ex-Irem developers who left the company in 1994 and founded Nazca Corporation, drawing on their experience with R-Type and GunForce II.
  • The original game had no human soldiers — the tank was the only playable character, but dismal location-test results forced a last-minute redesign that introduced Marco and Tarma.
  • SNK acquired Nazca after seeing the game's potential, turned it into the flagship title of the Neo Geo, and the series survived SNK's 2001 bankruptcy through fan preservation and countless re-releases.
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Metal Slug gameplay on the Neo Geo MVS arcade board — the classic run-and-gun action that made the series a legend.
Metal Slug gameplay on the Neo Geo MVS arcade board — the classic run-and-gun action that made the series a legend.
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The SV-001 tank — the vehicle that was originally the entire game, before playtesting changed everything.
The SV-001 tank — the vehicle that was originally the entire game, before playtesting changed everything.
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Marco and Tarma in action — the human soldiers added after location testing transformed the game from a tank simulator into a run-and-gun classic.
Marco and Tarma in action — the human soldiers added after location testing transformed the game from a tank simulator into a run-and-gun classic.
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Where to Play Metal Slug Today

The best way to experience the original Metal Slug trilogy is through the Metal Slug Anthology, available on Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PC via Steam and GOG. If you want the most authentic experience, the games are also available individually on Steam with online leaderboard support — 'Heavy Machine Gun' has never been more accessible.

Who developed the original Metal Slug?
Metal Slug was developed by Nazca Corporation, a small studio founded in 1994 by former Irem employees. After the game's success, SNK acquired Nazca and retained the team to develop subsequent entries in the series through Metal Slug 3.
Why did the Metal Slug developers leave Irem?
The Irem team left in 1994 due to frustration with the company's creative inactivity during a market downturn. Led by Yoshihiko Kodo, they formed Nazca Corporation to pursue their own vision, drawing on years of experience with arcade titles like R-Type and GunForce II.
Was Metal Slug originally a tank-only game?
Yes. The prototype featured only the SV-001 tank as the playable element, with different characters than the final game. Poor location-test results led the team to add human soldiers Marco and Tarma, creating the hybrid tank-and-infantry gameplay the series is famous for.
What happened to Metal Slug after SNK went bankrupt?
SNK filed for bankruptcy in 2001, and the team behind Metal Slug disbanded. The IP passed to Playmore Corporation (later SNK Playmore, then SNK), which kept the series alive through compilations, digital re-releases on Steam and GOG, and new mobile entries like Metal Slug: Awakening.
Where can I play Metal Slug today?
Metal Slug is available on Steam, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and mobile platforms. The Metal Slug Anthology collects the first six games in one package and is the best starting point for new players.

Official Trailer

Metal Slug: The Story of the Geniuses Behind the Game

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Game Info
Metal Slug

Metal Slug

Developer
Nazca Corporation
Publisher
SNK
Release Date
April 19, 1996
Platforms
Arcade · Neo Geo AES · Neo Geo CD · PlayStation 3 · PSP · Wii · PC · iOS · Android
Genres
Run and Gun · Shooter · Platform · Arcade
IGDB Rating 82/100
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NexusPlay Staff
Gaming journalists covering the latest in reviews, hardware, guides, and industry news.
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