Marco Rossi
A Regular Army soldier and one of the series' principal protagonists.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Joystick | Move and aim Eight-direction movement and aiming. |
|---|---|
A | Shoot Fires the equipped weapon. |
B | Jump Jumps and can be used to enter vehicles. |
C | Throw grenade Throws a grenade in the current direction. |
Control notes
Arcade control labels can vary by cabinet, but the standard layout uses a joystick and three action buttons.
Vehicle weapons use the same arcade action controls unless the vehicle provides a distinct weapon function.
How it plays
How does Metal Slug 4 play?
Metal Slug 4 is played from a 2D side-scrolling perspective. The objective is to move through each mission, defeat enemy soldiers and machines, rescue hostages, and destroy a stage boss. Players can shoot in eight directions, jump, throw grenades, and enter or abandon vehicles.
The arcade campaign contains six missions, with branching routes and hidden areas in some stages. Defeated enemies can drop weapons such as heavy machine guns, shotguns, rockets, and other temporary power-ups. The Metal Slug and other vehicles provide armor and heavier firepower, but they can be destroyed. A timer and limited lives keep the action fast and encourage learning enemy patterns.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Metal Slug 4?
Keep moving, but pause before entering areas with heavy fire. Crouching can make it easier to attack low targets while reducing exposure.
- Save grenades for clustered enemies and bosses.
- Search suspicious scenery for hostages, weapons, and alternate routes.
- Enter vehicles when available, but leave before their armor is exhausted.
- Learn boss attack cycles rather than spending ammunition immediately.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Tarma Roving
A veteran soldier and returning playable member of the Peregrine Falcons.
Eri Kasamoto
A skilled soldier and returning playable member of the Sparrows.
Fiolina Germi
A returning Sparrows operative and playable character.
Trevor Spacey
A new playable soldier introduced in Metal Slug 4.
Nadia Cassel
A new playable soldier introduced in Metal Slug 4.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use short bursts when aiming at distant enemies to avoid wasting limited weapon ammunition.
- 2
Rescue hostages whenever possible; they can provide score and useful weapon drops.
- 3
In two-player games, avoid standing on the same line so one attack cannot hit both soldiers.
Community discussion
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