Is Metal Slug X the same game as Metal Slug 2?
No. Metal Slug X reuses Metal Slug 2's broad story and six-mission framework, but it changes enemy and boss placement, weapon distribution, timing, and many encounters.
Metal Slug X (1999 Arcade)
Metal Slug X is SNK's 1999 Neo Geo arcade reworking of Metal Slug 2, not a numbered sequel. It retains the same team and broad story while remixing enemy and boss appearances, redistributing weapons, and adding tools such as the Iron Lizard, Enemy Chaser, Drop Shot, and Big Heavy Machine Gun.
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Overview
SNK rebuilt Metal Slug 2's six-mission framework as Metal Slug X in 1999. Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio face Morden and the alien threat again, but familiar encounters arrive at different points and the revised map is designed to surprise players who memorized the 1998 original.
The new weapon set changes how crowds and armored enemies can be handled. The Enemy Chaser tracks targets, the Iron Lizard travels along the ground, the Drop Shot bounces at short range, and the Big Heavy Machine Gun increases the familiar weapon's volume of fire.
Original arcade controls remain a joystick plus Fire, Jump, and Grenade. POW preservation, ammunition management, transformations, and vehicles still matter, but copying a Metal Slug 2 route by memory is unreliable because X deliberately moves threats and resources.
Controls
- Arcade joystick
- Move, crouch, and aim upward; control the current vehicle
- A button
- Fire the current weapon or a vehicle's primary gun
- B button
- Jump on foot or leave a vehicle
- C button
- Throw a grenade or use a vehicle's limited heavy attack
Before you play
- Treat every familiar Metal Slug 2 screen as a new encounter. X relocates enemies and bosses, so pause at the edge of the screen instead of advancing on old muscle memory.
- Match the new weapon to its firing path: Enemy Chaser is forgiving against moving targets, Iron Lizard works along the ground, and Drop Shot needs space for its bounce rather than point-blank firing.
- Preserve special ammunition for clusters and armored threats. The Big Heavy Machine Gun fires rapidly enough to empty its supply before the next dangerous section if held continuously.
- Protect rescued POWs when the route is under control, but do not chase every bonus through active crossfire. One death removes the current rescue count and the weapon you were trying to preserve.
Known limitations
- This is the 1999 Arcade version of Metal Slug X, so port-specific mission-select, gallery, and achievement features are outside this version.
FAQ
Which version of Metal Slug X is on this page?
It is SNK's 1999 Neo Geo arcade release, not a later PlayStation, mobile, or anthology port.
What new weapons are in Metal Slug X?
Notable additions include the homing Enemy Chaser, ground-running Iron Lizard, bouncing Drop Shot, and the faster Big Heavy Machine Gun.
What are the original Metal Slug X controls?
The arcade game uses a joystick plus A to fire, B to jump, and C for grenades or a vehicle's heavy weapon. Check the player key guide for the current keyboard mapping.
Can two players play Metal Slug X?
The original arcade release supports two-player cooperative play. The controls above describe one arcade control set.