Metal Slug Tactics CEO Talks Roguelike Gameplay and Build Variety

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As a devoted fan with countless hours spent navigating the chaotic world of Metal Slug, I can confidently say that Leikir Studio has struck gold with Metal Slug Tactics. The shift from run-and-gun to turn-based tactics was initially met with skepticism, but this indie team has proven their prowess in creating a compelling roguelike experience that keeps me coming back for more.

Metal Slug Tactics presents a fresh viewpoint on the well-known run-and-gun shooter franchise, not just metaphorically but also literally due to its isometric perspective. As a roguelike turn-based tactics game, Metal Slug Tactics deviates from traditional franchise elements to captivate players; therefore, the indie team at Leikir Studio aimed to create engaging turn-based gameplay within a roguelike structure that would keep gamers coming back for more.

As a devoted fan, I recently found myself captivated by an enlightening conversation between Aurelién Loos, CEO of Leikr Studio, and Game Rant. The crux of their discussion revolved around a common hurdle that roguelike developers confront: crafting a game that maintains player engagement in the long run despite the inherent repetitiveness of the genre’s conventions. The very essence of roguelikes lies in the concept of starting anew, yet the widespread appeal of these games proves there are numerous strategies to keep gamers hooked from one run to the next. In the case of Metal Slug Tactics, an abundance of build and mission variety were the secret ingredients that kept me coming back for more!

Build and Squad Variety Makes Metal Slug Tactics Playthroughs Unique

In Metal Slug Tactics, you’ll find nine distinct characters, each offering unique abilities and playstyles that can be customized through weapon selection, upgrades, and roguelike enhancements. The strategic depth lies in discovering and combining these character builds effectively within a three-member squad, providing a rich gaming experience as players tinker with team configurations and gear.

Example of a rephrased version: One recently designed character we introduced is Nadia, who excels at manipulating battlefield machinery. Her abilities include summoning robots and other tactical maneuvers, making her playstyle predominantly defensive. I personally favor this strategic approach in a tactical RPG, as it aligns with my preferred style of gameplay. Contrastingly, there’s Tarma or Ralf – characters that require an aggressive playstyle due to their traits. Ralf is particularly designed for close-quarters combat, encouraging players to charge into the fray, flank enemies, and engage them at short range, since his skills are primarily focused on close combat.

In Metal Slug Tactics, each character has their unique strategies. However, the real diversity comes from combining three characters in new ways. The way a player employs one character can shift significantly when paired with another. Modifying the team setup to address issues encountered during previous missions is crucial for successful gameplay in Metal Slug Tactics, as Loos put it.

Absolutely, your characters exhibit distinct personalities. For instance, some characters are heavily focused on managing the battlefield, manipulating their position and that of their adversaries, among other aspects. The unique aspect arises when you assemble a team of three characters. What makes it exciting is experimenting with various character and power pairings within your team. I believe by the end of development, we likely spent around 200-300 hours playing the game, continuously trying out different combinations of characters and powers.

Varying Mission Objectives Keep Metal Slug Tactics Players On Their Toes

Moreover, Loos pointed out that the mission design offers a diverse range of tasks. The sub-goals within each mission can be unpredictable, ensuring that players won’t face the same sequence of objectives every time they play. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the game’s already vast building options, as the effectiveness of identical squad compositions may vary significantly during a roguelike campaign due to the different challenges encountered.

Each mission comes with various sub-goals that can be somewhat unpredictable, altering your approach to the mission significantly. For instance, if you’re required to eliminate a particular character or complete the stage within a specific number of turns, your strategy changes drastically. We strive to offer numerous strategies for combat in a specific map, keeping gameplay fresh and engaging. The game features multiple map layouts, each unique, not all of which are immediately accessible. As you progress through different difficulty levels, more layouts become available.

Many strategy game enthusiasts are drawn to turn-based tactics games because each mission functions like a captivating puzzle. Remarkably, the roguelike design of “Metal Slug Tactics” offers an outstanding method for consistently presenting new strategic puzzles to solve.

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2024-11-13 14:24