Metal Slug 4

Game Details:

Metal Slug 4 attempts to enhance playability by incorporating new mechanics while maintaining the series' core hardcore shooting experience. The game is set one year after Metal Slug 3, and Marco and Fio will team up with new members Nadia and Trevor to carry out missions.

The most significant improvement in this installment is the badge scoring system. In the levels, players can pick up "badges" to activate a countdown bonus time. Within this time, consecutive kills of enemies can earn increased scores, which greatly encourages players to actively attack and quickly clear the field, providing a new challenge dimension for players who pursue high scores.

Although the core gameplay remains unchanged, this installment introduces a variety of new weapons, such as the powerful dual machine guns, as well as new vehicles, further enriching the firepower configuration on the battlefield. In addition, the game also retains the series' classic hidden branch routes and transformation mechanisms. For example, players may be infected and turn into gorillas in certain situations, gaining unique attack methods, which adds humorous elements to the intense battles.

Game Guide:

The core gameplay of Metal Slug 4 lies in its badge system. To achieve high scores and smoothly clear the game, players need to shift their focus from mere survival to efficient scoring and the utilization of the new characters' traits.

I. Badge Score Combo Techniques

The badge system is the biggest difference between Metal Slug 4 and its predecessors.

1. Priority: Once the badge is picked up and the timer is activated, the player's primary goal is to kill consecutively. Do not waste time rescuing captives or looking for supplies, but proceed with the fastest speed and firepower.
2. Weapon Selection: During the combo, try to use high-rate-of-fire, wide-range weapons such as heavy machine guns (H), flamethrowers (F), or the new weapon dual machine guns (2H) to ensure that all enemies on the screen are eliminated in a short period of time.
3. Time Control: The badge's timer is limited. When the timer is about to end, if there are no enemies around, immediately look for the next badge or hidden area to maintain the continuity of the combo. Successfully achieving a high-score combo is the key to widening the score gap.
4. Special Badges: Pay attention to the various special badges in the game, which will provide different combo times or additional score rewards.

II. The Positioning and Utilization of New Characters

This installment adds two new characters, Nadia and Trevor, who replace Eri and Tarma from the series. Although their basic performance is the same, there are still subtle differences:

• Nadia: Good at acquiring items, rumored to obtain more supplies or score rewards.
• Trevor: The range or judgment of melee attacks (knife) may be different from other characters, but the overall difference is not obvious.

Old players can continue to use Marco and Fio if they are used to them. New players can try Trevor and Nadia, but it should be noted that the key to this game still lies in the management of ammunition and the mastery of vehicles.

III. Transformation and Hidden Routes

• Gorilla Transformation: In the hidden branch of the first level (usually jumping upwards or walking a specific path) and specific areas of the last level, players may be shot by researchers and turn into gorillas. The gorilla form has a very high attack power and can throw bombs, but its jumping ability is limited. When clearing monsters, the gorilla form can sometimes pass through specific areas faster.
• Branch Routes: Although the branch routes in this installment are not as complex as Metal Slug 3, they are still the key to obtaining high scores, rare weapons, or avoiding specific high-difficulty areas. Pay attention to unusual platforms, destructible walls, or areas that require precise jumps to reach in the scene, which are often the entrances to hidden branches.