Metal Slug Turns 30 — And SNK Is Rebooting the Mission

For three decades, Metal Slug has been the loudest, wildest, most delightfully chaotic run‑and‑gun series in gaming — and now SNK is officially pulling the pin on something big. To celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, the company has launched a full‑scale revival project, complete with a dedicated website, new social channels, and a teaser that has fans buzzing about what’s coming next.

This isn’t just a commemorative campaign — it’s a reboot mission. SNK has confirmed that new games are in development, marking the first major push toward a traditional mainline entry in nearly 20 years. The teaser, stamped with the phrase “Mission Reboot,” hints at a return to the series’ classic roots while opening the door to fresh ideas and modern twists.

For longtime fans, this feels like a long‑overdue homecoming. The original 1996 arcade release became legendary for its hand‑drawn sprites, absurd humor, and over‑the‑top enemy designs — from aliens to mummies to giant walking trains. Even as the series experimented with tactics‑style spin‑offs and mobile adaptations, players kept craving that unmistakable run‑and‑gun energy.

Now, with SNK spotlighting the franchise again and teasing multiple projects, the stage is set for a new era of Metal Slug. Whether you grew up feeding quarters into an arcade cabinet or discovered the series through compilations, this anniversary celebration feels like the start of something explosive.