Which version of Metal Slug is on this page?
It is the original 1996 Neo Geo arcade game, not a later Saturn, PlayStation, mobile, or anthology port. The campaign contains the first game's six missions.
Metal Slug (1996 Arcade)
Play the original 1996 Neo Geo arcade Metal Slug, a compact run-and-gun campaign built around precise movement, rescued POWs, limited-ammo weapons, and the SV-001 tank. This guide explains the original three-button controls, mission rhythm, vehicle tradeoffs, and the version boundary before the later sequels expanded the formula.
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Overview
Nazca Corporation created the first Metal Slug for SNK's Neo Geo arcade hardware in 1996. Marco Rossi and Tarma Roving fight through six missions against General Morden's rebel army, rescuing prisoners and recovering the SV-001 prototype tank along the way.
On foot, the basic pistol has unlimited ammunition, while rescued POWs and item carriers provide limited-ammo upgrades such as the Heavy Machine Gun, Rocket Launcher, Shotgun, and Flame Shot. A close enemy triggers a knife attack, and rescued POWs only count toward the end-of-mission bonus if the player reaches the checkpoint without dying.
The Metal Slug tank adds armor, a rapid Vulcan cannon, and limited shells. Jump exits the vehicle; pressing Jump and Fire together launches a Metal Slug Attack that sacrifices the tank in a forward charge. The original arcade input uses one joystick and three action buttons rather than the expanded layouts of later home collections.
Controls
- Arcade joystick
- Move left or right, crouch, and aim upward
- A button
- Fire the handgun or current weapon; fire the Vulcan cannon in the SV-001
- B button
- Jump on foot or leave the SV-001
- C button
- Throw a grenade on foot or fire a tank shell in the SV-001
Before you play
- Free POWs from a safe angle, then protect the rescue count. Dying removes every POW collected since the last checkpoint, so a risky bonus is rarely worth losing a strong end-of-mission tally.
- Use the unlimited pistol on isolated soldiers and save limited ammunition for armored targets, dense formations, and bosses. Picking up the same special weapon can refill its ammunition.
- Treat the SV-001 as both firepower and one layer of protection. Leave it before a dangerous collision, or use Metal Slug Attack only when the vehicle is about to be lost and the forward explosion can hit a valuable target.
- Watch high ledges and windows while moving. The joystick can aim upward, and clearing elevated threats early prevents crossfire from building as the screen scrolls.
Known limitations
- This is the original 1996 Arcade release, so it does not include the galleries, mission-select options, or other extras added by later home ports and collections.
FAQ
What is the objective in Metal Slug?
Advance through each mission, defeat General Morden's forces, rescue POWs, use temporary weapons and vehicles, and destroy the boss at the end of the stage.
What are the original Metal Slug arcade controls?
The arcade game uses a joystick plus A to fire, B to jump, and C to throw grenades. In the SV-001, those buttons operate the Vulcan cannon, exit, and main cannon. Check the player key guide for the current keyboard mapping.
How does the POW bonus work?
Rescued POWs can award items immediately, but their mission-end count is lost when the player dies. Reach the checkpoint alive to preserve the rescue bonus.
Can two players play Metal Slug?
The original arcade release supports two-player cooperative play. The controls listed here describe one arcade control set.