Metal Slug Advance vs Metal Slug 5
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Metal Slug Advance brings the iconic arcade shooter to handheld devices with crisp 2D graphics and fast‑paced combat. Players control the elite squad as they blast through enemy lines, rescue hostages, and unleash a barrage of weapons in a comedic wartime setting. The game retains the series' signature humor and over‑the‑top explosions while adding new power‑ups and level designs tailored for portable play, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh experience for both veterans and newcomers.
Metal Slug 5 delivers the fast‑paced, side‑scrolling shooter experience that fans love, featuring detailed pixel art, explosive enemies, and a variety of vehicles to commandeer. Set in a war‑torn world, the game blends intense combat with a tongue‑in‑cheek sense of humor, keeping the action fresh across its multiple stages. The title supports both solo play and cooperative multiplayer, allowing friends to team up and tackle the battlefield together. With its blend of platforming, adventure, and comedic warfare, Metal Slug 5 remains a nostalgic yet engaging entry in the series.
- Faithful recreation of the Metal Slug feel
- Wide variety of weapons and vehicles
- Humorous and engaging visual style
- Responsive handheld controls
- Classic Metal Slug gameplay
- Two‑player co‑op mode
- Variety of weapons and vehicles
- Humorous and colorful visuals
- Limited to single‑player experience
- No modern online features
- Short overall campaign length
- Repetitive level design in places
- Limited enemy AI sophistication
- Average critical reception
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataMetal Slug Advance is the safer, critically acclaimed default with an 89/100 score, whereas Metal Slug 5 offers two-player co-op despite a lower critic score of 50/100. The main trade-off is choosing between a higher-rated single-player handheld experience or a lower-rated cooperative arcade experience at the same price point.
Key differences
- •Multiplayer: Metal Slug Advance is strictly single-player, while Metal Slug 5 features a two-player co-operative mode.
- •Critical Reception: Metal Slug Advance has a significantly higher critic score of 89/100 compared to Metal Slug 5's 50/100.
- •Release Timeline: Metal Slug 5 was released in November 2003, whereas Metal Slug Advance was released in November 2004.
- •Developers: Metal Slug Advance was developed by Noise Factory, while Metal Slug 5 lists both Noise Factory and SNK Playmore as developers.
- •Key Features & Weapons: Metal Slug Advance features a robust weapon upgrade system and collectible medals, while Metal Slug 5 highlights new weapons like the flamethrower and laser rifle.
Gameplay & fun factor
Metal Slug Advance achieves a much higher critic score of 89/100 compared to Metal Slug 5's 50/100.
Platform availability
Not specified in the provided facts for either product.
Price & value
Both games cost the exact same MSRP of $19.99 as a one-time paid purchase.
Multiplayer / co-op
Metal Slug 5 includes a two-player co-operative mode, whereas Metal Slug Advance is limited to single-player.
Content & replayability
Metal Slug Advance features collectible medals that unlock bonus stages and extra content, alongside a weapon upgrade system.
Difficulty & accessibility
Metal Slug Advance features responsive controls optimized specifically for handheld play to ensure precise shooting and movement.
Graphics & performance
Metal Slug Advance is praised for its faithful recreation and responsive handheld controls, aligning with its 89/100 score.
Choose Metal Slug Advance if…
Solo players wanting a highly-rated, feature-rich handheld experience with weapon upgrades and bonus stages.
Choose Metal Slug 5 if…
Gamers specifically looking for a two-player co-operative arcade shooter experience with new weapons.
Common questions
Do both games cost the same price?
Yes, both Metal Slug Advance and Metal Slug 5 have an MSRP of $19.99 (Paid, One-time).
Can I play Metal Slug 5 with a friend?
Yes, Metal Slug 5 includes a two-player co-operative mode, unlike Metal Slug Advance which is single-player only.
Which game received better reviews from critics?
Metal Slug Advance received much higher critical acclaim with a score of 89/100, compared to Metal Slug 5's score of 50/100.