All paths eventually lead to the same boss battle, but the player may have different equipment, and may have rescued more or fewer POW's depending on their choice of path. If the player dies before the end of the level, the tally of freed POWs reverts to zero.Ī new feature in Metal Slug 3 is the branching path system in most missions, there are forking paths from which the player must choose one, each with their own obstacles, and each of varying length and difficulty.

At the end of each level, the player receives a scoring bonus based on the number of freed POWs. Much of the game's scenery is destructible, and occasionally, this reveals extra items or power-ups.ĭuring the course of a level, the player encounters prisoners of war (POWs), who, if freed, offer the player bonuses in the form of random items or weapons. The player does not die by coming into contact with enemies, and correspondingly, many of the enemy troops have melee attacks. In addition to shooting, the player can perform melee attacks by using a knife and/or kicking. The tank is known as the SV-001 ('SV' stands for Super Vehicle), which increases the player's offense and considerably adds to their defense. On the way through each level, the player can find numerous weapon upgrades and 'Metal Slug' tanks. At this point, the player confronts a boss, who is usually considerably larger and tougher than regular enemies.

The gameplay mechanics are the same as in previous Metal Slug games the player must shoot constantly at a continual stream of enemies in order to reach the end of each level. Arcade version screenshot, showing Eri riding the Slugnoid to battle Huge Hermit.

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