Metal Slug PS1 box art

PlayStation · Action

Metal Slug

Certified classic Co-op

SystemPlayStation
Released1997
GenreAction
DeveloperUkiyotei
PublisherSNK
Players1 player
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
SeriesMetal Slug
LegacyCertified classic · legacy score 19

Released for the PlayStation in 1997, Metal Slug is an action game developed by Ukiyotei and published by SNK.

It landed about 2 years into the PS1's life. Other notable PS1 releases from 1997 include Grand Theft Auto, Final Fantasy VII and Duke Nukem 3D. Among the 160 PS1 action games in our database, it ranks #4 by legacy score.

It is part of the Metal Slug series; on the PS1 you can also try Metal Slug 2 and Metal Slug X. The series also appears on other systems with Metal Slug 7 (DS) and Metal Slug Advance (GBA).

This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you want to experience one of the PS1's defining games

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Metal Slug is like

Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.

Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.

Metal Slug gameplay screenshot on PS1
In-game screenshot (PS1)

Metal Slug walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Metal Slug.

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Playing PS1 games today

PS1 games range from quick arcade racers to 60-hour RPGs. A selection is available through PlayStation Plus Premium, and if you own the discs you can play your backups in an emulator such as Rec0m88.

Metal Slug FAQ

When did Metal Slug come out on the PS1?

Metal Slug was released for the PlayStation in 1997.

Who made Metal Slug?

It was developed by Ukiyotei and published by SNK.

Is Metal Slug multiplayer?

No. Metal Slug is a single-player game.

How long does Metal Slug take to play?

As an action game, Metal Slug typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Metal Slug on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

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