Metal Slug

Metal Slug is a run and gun video game originally developed by Nazca Corporation and released on the Neo Geo arcade hardware (MVS) and the Neo Geo home console (AES) in 1996. This franchise quickly became a hallmark of the platform, combining fast-paced shooting action with highly detailed sprite-based graphics and humor. Players control members of the Peregrine Falcon Squad as they battle through various enemy forces, including rebel armies, extraterrestrials, zombies, and mummies, in an effort to prevent world domination. The game is known for its tight controls, varied weaponry, and the ability to commandeer the distinctive armored vehicle, the "Metal Slug," which adds to the frantic and dynamic gameplay.

The story premise centers on the Peregrine Falcon Squad, an elite paramilitary group tasked with stopping various threats to global security. Each level is filled with diverse enemies and creative boss fights, emphasizing both skillful shooting and strategic vehicle use. Since its debut, the Metal Slug series has expanded beyond the Neo Geo platform, appearing on multiple consoles and mobile devices, while also spawning numerous spin-offs, including a third-person shooter, tower defense games, and turn-based tactics. A fun fact about Metal Slug is that its signature slapstick humor and animated enemy reactions helped elevate it beyond typical run and gun games, earning it a dedicated cult following worldwide.