Metal Slug X: Super Vehicle – 001

Metal Slug X: Super Vehicle - 001

Overview & History

Released by SNK in 1999 for the formidable Neo Geo AES hardware, Metal Slug X: Super Vehicle - 001 is not merely a sequel, but an ultimate, definitive remix of the arcade classic Metal Slug 2. Conceived as a corrective measure to resolve the notorious frame-rate drops and severe slowdowns that plagued its predecessor, Metal Slug X completely overhauled the internal code while injecting an intoxicating rush of new weaponry, remixed enemy placements, pallet-swapped nighttime and desert environments, and a blistering soundtrack. Set against a backdrop of global military conspiracy, players once again join the Peregrine Falcon Strike Force—comprising Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio—as they embark on a relentless crusade to thwart the tyrannical General Morden and his newfound extraterrestrial allies. SNK squeezed every ounce of raw processing power out of the 16-bit Motorola 68K and custom graphics co-processors to deliver some of the most fluid, hand-drawn pixel art and wildly expressive animation ever witnessed in arcade gaming history.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Mechanically, Metal Slug X is a masterclass in frantic, arcade-style run-and-gun action coupled with unforgiving coin-op difficulty. Players navigate side-scrolling stages using a standard sidearm pistol, supplemented by a rotating arsenal of chaotic, screen-clearing ordnance picked up from liberated prisoners of war (POWs) and high-value crates. The weapon roster introduces devastating additions like the Iron Lizard, the Enemy Chaser, and the catastrophic Super Grenade, alongside the classic heavy machine gun, shotgun, and laser rifle. Movement mechanics go beyond basic running and jumping; players can execute melee knife attacks at close range, duck to evade heavy artillery fire, and toss explosive hand grenades with adjustable trajectories. The titular 'Metal Slug'—the iconic SV-001 all-terrain tank—returns with devastating firepower, allowing players to crush infantry under its treads, unleash vulcan cannon fire, and perform a kamikaze 'Metal Slug Attack' before leaping clear of the vehicle as it detonates. Furthermore, Metal Slug X introduces hilarious status ailments; consuming too much food causes characters to balloon into supersized powerhouses with enhanced melee attacks, while exposure to mummification curses turns players into sluggish ghouls who can only spit anti-zombie gas until cured by a rare holy water vial.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause