Retro Games Zone

Metal Slug X - Super Vehicle-001 (NGM-2500)(NGH-2500)

What is Metal Slug X - Super Vehicle-001 (NGM-2500)(NGH-2500)?

Released in 1999 for the Neo Geo MVS arcade system, this is SNK's definitive revision of Metal Slug 2, polishing nearly every rough edge of the original. Players control Marco Rossi and Tarma Roving during the Peregrine Falcon Strike Force's campaign against General Morden, engaging in blistering side-scrolling combat that defined late-90s arcades.

  • A Masterful Director's Cut
    This isn't a simple re-release. The game completely overhauls Metal Slug 2, drastically reducing slowdown, boosting graphical effects with vibrant new explosions, altering enemy placements, and adding entirely new boss phases for a much more fluid and aggressive experience.
  • Satirical World War II Pixellated Warfare
    The iconic art style mixes chunky, expressive sprites with absurd military hardware, creating a uniquely chaotic battlefield. You'll see parodies of everything from zombie outbreaks on Mission 2 to an underground train chase, all rendered with cartoonish glee that makes the violence hilarious rather than grim.
  • Vehicle-Centric Mayhem
    While the run-and-gun is solid, the true joy comes from finding one of the 'Slugs.' Operating the main SV-001 tank with its jump ability, zipping in the Slugnoid, or hijacking the Camel feels distinct and transformative, turning you from a vulnerable soldier into an explosive powerhouse—though you're never invincible.
Metal Slug X - Super Vehicle-001 (NGM-2500)(NGH-2500)

Why choose Metal Slug X - Super Vehicle-001 (NGM-2500)(NGH-2500)?

For fans of the series, this version completely supplants the original thanks to its technical superiority and rebalanced design. It maintains the series' brutal yet fair arcade challenge while being far less frustrating, which gives it a fantastic gameplay loop that encourages risk over pure memorization.

  • The Pinnacle of 16-bit Era Sprite Animation
    Every frame oozes character. When you rescue a POW and they cheer, ride the fat Zombie Slug in Mission 5, or watch the Rebel soldiers' exaggerated death animations, it’s a masterclass in hand-drawn pixel art that few games, even modern ones, have matched for sheer expressiveness.
  • Genuine Short-Burst Arcade Thrills
    Unlike modern lengthy campaigns, a full run of Metal Slug X can be done in under an hour but will drain multiple credits from a newcomer. Getting that 1CC clear after weeks of practice provides a concrete, tangible sense of skill progression that arcade legends were built on.
  • Co-op Chaos at its Purest
    Playing with a friend isn't just a bonus; it's a different game. Frantically competing for power-ups, bombing each other by accident, and coordinating to tackle massive bosses like the Tetsuyuki and Hozuki creates stories you'll talk about long after you're done playing.

How to play Metal Slug X - Super Vehicle-001 (NGM-2500)(NGH-2500)?

It's a simple concept with hidden depth: learn your weapon spray patterns, when to hold or tap fire, and always, always be aware of how jump arcs work to dodge bullet patterns. Your first job is survival, but your real goal is mastering the ballet of grenades, jumps, and vehicle switches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Metal Slug X - Super Vehicle-001 (NGM-2500)(NGH-2500)