Metal Slug — The gameplay is similar to the Contra series games. The main difference is the presence of special military equipment in the game — Slugs. In various games in the series, it is represented by tanks, planes, submarines and combat robots. Some Slugs can be found throughout the levels, others are available from the beginning of the level. The hero of the game can get into the Slug and control it until the fuel (life points) runs out.
Another important difference from many games in the genre is that the hero does not die when touching opponents and can manage to attack with a knife, ahead of the enemy. The hero himself has no hit points and loses an attempt after any hit.