METAL SLUG X
METAL SLUG X
Game
Game2014
METAL SLUG 3
Developer SNK CORPORATION, Dotemu
Metal Slug 3 is a 2000 run and gun video game developed and published by SNK for the Neo Geo arcade and home systems. It is the sequel to Metal Slug 2/Metal Slug X. The music of the game was developed by Noise Factory. The game adds several features to the gameplay of the original Metal Slug and Metal Slug 2, such as weapons and vehicles, as well as introducing branching paths into the series. It received generally… From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
189 reactions from 4 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Lemmy, Mastodon) · newest Oct 31, 2026 · last updated Nov 1, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
83
LovedLoved
84 positive · 17 negative
95% range 75–89%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 84 | 17 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 35 | 3 | 43 |
| Lemmy * | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Mastodon * | 0 | 0 | 2 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
3,018 of 3,446 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
85% recommend · 96 yes, 17 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 113 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Very Positive (8,264 of 9,207 positive).
Players praise the game's chaotic fun, great art, and nostalgic value. [1][2][3] Some reviewers report technical issues like lag and slowdown in this port. [4][5][6]
Liked
Representative posts
- [4]
Fantastic game, but I can't recommend this port. Lots of lag and slowdown, especially in multiplayer during heavier scenes. It makes certain parts of the game that are normally really intense instead really chuggy and slow. Makes for a lesser experience when you're showing it to a friend who's playing for the first time.
- [1]
“Isn’t the caterpillar route the real charm of this game? It’s basically the meta.” We lucked out getting it for $3.99 on a Steam sale, but it's worth way more for how fun it is, and just the massive amount of art that went into this thing...and it has an easy mode if you're new to it like us. I can see replaying this game a LOT just to experience all it's great atmosphere, combined with the great gameplay, music …
- [3]
20 years ago , METAL SLUG was the first game ever i played in my life , on an arcade machine , 2006 i really had nothing back then so i was saving up all the week to only go play METAL SLUG 1 for a couple times. alot more to be told but i will keep it to myself, everything changed, but the memories still are the same. i will buy & add every metal slug game to my collection because it really means something for me, …
- [8]
🕹️ Gameplay: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📖 Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🎨 Visuals: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🎵 Music: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🔄 Replayability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ❤️ Enjoyment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Metal Slug 3 is easily my favorite of the Metal Slug games I played so far. The gameplay is just as fun, chaotic and creative as ever, with a great variety of enemies and vehicles. The story is once again told through visual storytelling, but it is easy to understand and works well without relying on dialogue. …
- [2]
Wonderful art style, incredible story, and cool characters. It's simply beautiful. Happy 30th anniversary.
Summarised from 34 of the 184 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 11, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
85% of the 113 Steam reviewers we collected recommend METAL SLUG 3. The complaint that keeps coming up: port has lag and slowdown issues. Deal-breaker or nitpick?
Critics, per Wikipedia
Upon its initial appearance, Metal Slug 3 received generally positive reviews. Most of its subsequent ports and re-releases have also seen good reviews. On GameRankings, the PS2 version has a score of 76.78% based on nine reviews, the Xbox version 75.71% based on sixty-four reviews, the Xbox 360 version 78.46% based on thirteen reviews, and the iOS version 74% based on five reviews. On Metacritic, the Xbox version has a score of 76 out of 100, based on fifty-six reviews, the Xbox 360 version 78 based on twelve reviews, and the iOS version 76 based on five reviews. In his review of the game for the Xbox, IGN's Hilary Goldstein scored it 6.8 out of 10, feeling that as an arcade shooter, the…
From the “Reception” section of Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Critic context only — not part of the audience score.
Reactions
60 of 189 · most liked first“Isn’t the caterpillar route the real charm of this game? It’s basically the meta.” We lucked out getting it for $3.99 on a Steam sale, but it's worth way more for how fun it is, and just the massive amount of art that went into this thing...and it has an easy mode if you're new to it like us. I can see replaying this game a LOT just to experience all it's great atmosphere, combined with the great gameplay, music and sound FX, again and again. So unless you can't appreciate a fun action shoot…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i think one of my favorite maneuvers by any boss from any game ever is when Jupiter King, from Metal Slug 3, grabs an implausibly large ICBM from its chest cavity and instead of doing anything clever, it just slams it nose-first into the floor
positive · AI labelView post →You know I’m on that Neo-Geo cabinet playing Metal Slug 3, Samurai Shodown 2, and Blazing Star
neutral · AI labelView post →"Union Tank" Boss from "Metal Slug 7". I've only ever Played Metal Slug 3 but I generally love the tank, mech and vehicle designs from that game series. That said, I don't think this model does the amazing sprite work in those games much justice but an attempt was made 😅.
neutral · AI labelView post →Metal Slug 3 (メタルスラッグ３) by SNK is a retro game for arcades and Neo Geo from 2000.
neutral · AI labelView post →The only game I’m unsure of is this one. Matt thinks it might be Makaimura since it’s in the “platformer” section next to a Metal Slug 3, but I have my doubts Man, bsky compression sucks for pixel art
neutral · AI labelView post →Fantastic game, but I can't recommend this port. Lots of lag and slowdown, especially in multiplayer during heavier scenes. It makes certain parts of the game that are normally really intense instead really chuggy and slow. Makes for a lesser experience when you're showing it to a friend who's playing for the first time.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Birthday Schedule!! Wed: Metal Slug 3!! The next in the Super Vehicle series! Sat: Arcade Games!! Two arcade game compilations from my childhood on the N64: Namco and Midway! Sun: Birthday Quizshow Let's Go!! DigitalBasic and Eltrioch join me in Pentachils' game of skill and smarts!
neutral · AI labelView post →Wonderful art style, incredible story, and cool characters. It's simply beautiful. Happy 30th anniversary.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →There's a version of Silksong that's a linear stage-based action platformer with a bunch of secret alternate routes, ala Metal Slug 3, that get you different subweapons/moves over the course of a given <3 hour run. It is the best game ever made
positive · AI labelView post →I think UMAD was actually the first time I played Metal Slug 3 because they happened to put it on the candy cab that was on ST and 3S earlier in the day. Sick game. I feel like it's a lot "scarier" than the first two if that makes sense? A lot more supernatural stuff and blood and gore for sure.
positive · AI labelView post →You get to ride an elephant. Intense stuff.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Idiotic idea: game that is a boss rush, until you hit the final and it becomes a regular stage that's 30 minutes long like Metal Slug 3 and the final boss isn't a boss, it's a goal post you have to clear that kills you in one hit and sends you back to the beginning of the final stage if you fuck up.
neutral · AI labelView post →Metal Slug 3 builds on everything from the earlier games and adds bigger levels and more crazy moments. There are lots of secrets and different paths, which keeps things interesting. It can be really hard, but that’s part of the fun.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Metal Slug 3 lost to the unwashed asses game. 😔
neutral · AI labelView post →⚖️ MATCHING EXPECTATION: * 🟢 = Available = Fun +1 * 🔴 = Not Available = Fun -1 * Match Nothing = 0 Fun 🟢 Exciting & Fun Campaign 🟢 Fantastic Co-op / Solo Game 🟢 Incredible Sprite Animation 🟢 Score Attack for replay value 🟢 User Friendly Interface Menu 🔴 Remastered Graphics 🔴 Modern 16:9 Gameplay 🔴 Extensive Extras New Contents 🔴 Skill Tree Upgrade System 🔴 Long Hours for Single Chapter fMeter FUN fUN METER DISCOUNT COMMUNITY…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Even though this is a better port than Metal Slug 1 and X (at least it has less input lag and some more extras), I cannot recommend it. It runs poorly, with many slowdowns. Also, it's censored. Very unfortunate for Metal Slug 3 fans.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →5. X-Men The Arcade Game 4. Ms. Pac-Man 3. Marvel vs Capcom 2 2. Dance Dance Revolution A 1. Metal Slug 3
neutral · AI labelView post →Metal Slug 3 was a experience. Never really played these games until now but the game was a trip. Died a lot but unlimited continues in the ps2 port was forgiving. The music was great and the gameplay was intense. 5/5 it is worth the playthrough. #justbeatit @polykillpodcast.bsky.social
positive · AI labelView post →Good same as Metal Slug X! But playable only with 600x800 resolution, window mode. Because of ancient game engine restrictions.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Metal Slug 3 is a console game with a few arcade trappings that get in the way. If it had a life meter instead of one-hit kills, for example, it'd be a lot more fun to explore all the hidden stuff.
negative · AI labelView post →20 years ago , METAL SLUG was the first game ever i played in my life , on an arcade machine , 2006 i really had nothing back then so i was saving up all the week to only go play METAL SLUG 1 for a couple times. alot more to be told but i will keep it to myself, everything changed, but the memories still are the same. i will buy & add every metal slug game to my collection because it really means something for me, Thank you for everything.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Really good conversion of an arcade classic. If you like classic Run'n'Guns like Contra, Sunset Riders or Gunstar Heroes, and wanted to check out Metal Slug - this a great way to do this. The portis designed with nicely granular challenge with multiple difficulty levels (representing the difficulty slider on the original cabinet), and ability to put a hard cap on your credits - so you can try to graudate from freeplay to 20 credits, 10 credits, down to as little as 1cc - which grants you a…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The challenge is to choose 20 games that greatly influenced you. One game per day, for 20 days. No explanations, no reviews, no particular order. #GameChallenge #Games #GameDev Day 16: Metal Slug 3
neutral · AI labelView post →Man, I love the Metal Slug games. I had a friend that used to have a Metal Slug 3 arcade cabinet and it was dope. Metal Slug is like peak pixel art.
positive · AI labelView post →45) Metal Slug 3 fun game but holy shit that final level is one of the longest arcade stages ive played
neutral · AI labelView post →Still the best and coolest arcade game of all time. Really hard though especially on a first playthrough
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game is great, just as I remember. It flows with nostalgia. The port leaves a lot to be desired. If you played it back in the day, you'll have fun.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Game that came out in 2025: Silksong But as for old game I played for the first time: there is nothing quite like Metal Slug 3
positive · AI labelView post →Topped off the night by beating Gears 3 with my partner. Like Metal Slug 3, it’s a great game that goes on for a stretch too long, and the final boss is more annoying than fun. It was still a blast, though! Looking forward to Judgement, next.
neutral · AI labelView post →My take on Silksong's difficulty (both in encounters and platforming) is that I really like it, but I think it fits better in a game with a more classic level to level structure. I'm thinking something like Rondo of Blood or Metal Slug 3, where levels have branching paths
neutral · AI labelView post →That's awesome work! ::: spoiler I think I identified all the games 1. Metal Slug 3 2. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse 3. Sonic and Knuckles 4. Mega Man Zero 5. Super Mario 3 6. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 7. Kirby's Dream Land 3 :::
neutral · AI labelView post →My recommendations: - Anodyne ([Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.Anodyne.mobile) | [Humble Bundle](https://www.humblebundle.com/store/anodyne) | [Humble Widgets](https://www.humblebundle.com/widget/v2/standalone/anodyne/Sndn9sjSnlz)) - Chloe Playtime ([Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09QBZ3D6R) | [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rmstudios.chloee)) - Codemancer…
neutral · AI labelView post →Another game from my JP PS1 collection, because why not? This was a recent pickup. I've only played Metal Slug 3 at length, but as I really liked it, I just knew I had to check out the others. I also like the cover art. Unusual font choice for the disc...but it fits, somehow! 😂
positive · AI labelView post →*frantically scans for Eri and/or Fio* ...Well I have to recommend one my favorite Neo Geo game, Metal Slug 3, even though they first appeared in Metal Slug 2 and most of the series since.
positive · AI labelView post →Had a funny dream last night, where I was just looking up old video game ads in magazines, but all the ads were like the most obvious and basic things you could say for a game. "METAL SLUG 3! The hit sequel to Metal Slug 2 is here!" "Mario's about to Party for the 5th time!" "There's 10 Mega Men."
neutral · AI labelView post →If you love the series and feel nostalgic, I don't recommend this game. It doesn't work, and if it does, it feels like you're playing GTA 5 on a phone from 2013.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Basically I already said most of things I had to say in past reviews of Metal Slug like the first 2 games, this one is not much different but I truly felt a bit more fluent the movement and shooting compared to the titles before this one, also it has more achievements to get but is not that hard once you get used to the game itself, I have nothing much to say but give it a try and enjoy it as you can, is such a classic.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I've been grinding Metal Slug 3 for a few days now on the Vita. Gorgeous game, but it's brutal. The final mission is simply too much, definitely sours the experience, this should have been more focused. Bombastic, but on repeat playthroughs you realize that the spectacle wasn't worth it.
neutral · AI labelView post →As of today, Breath of Death VII (2011) is the 456th best game of all time according to me, directly below Metal Slug 3 and directly above Recettear: An item Shop's Tale. It is part of Tier 44. There are 48 tiers and 539 games in the list. #PixelRankings
neutral · AI labelView post →17) Metal Slug 3 I love the whole Metal Slug series, but this game is undoubtedly my favorite and my pick for the peak of the series. Some of the best levels, the best vehicles and the stealth storytelling is really excellent. Unmatched arcade brilliance.
positive · AI labelView post →Done with my chest and legs workout, which means I'm done with my workout week. It also means I'm done with Metal Slug 2 OST. Now, I'm working out to the Metal Slug 3 OST. This game series has a lot of good music.
positive · AI labelView post →the epic sequal to a game that was truly great in the arcades. i highly recommend it
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Can't say it's my favourite, the Doc Robot stages + Wily's Castle makes the second half of the game feel like a gauntlet. It's like too much Mega Man (Metal Slug 3 has the same issue). The Proto fights are also really lame. Still pretty solid game, but yeah - not one of my favourites. [2/3]
neutral · AI labelView post →🕹️ Gameplay: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📖 Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🎨 Visuals: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🎵 Music: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🔄 Replayability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ❤️ Enjoyment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Metal Slug 3 is easily my favorite of the Metal Slug games I played so far. The gameplay is just as fun, chaotic and creative as ever, with a great variety of enemies and vehicles. The story is once again told through visual storytelling, but it is easy to understand and works well without relying on dialogue. The 90s pixel-art visuals have aged surprisingly well, especially thanks to…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I do hope this game has some Metal Slug 3 freaks because that will always be true Metal Slug to me
neutral · AI labelView post →One of the best games ever made. If you haven't played it, i feel bad for you.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'll just say it's my favorite, although I haven't had the chance to play the later games that aren't on Steam yet. Seriously, SNK, why?
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Metal Slug 3 is let down by that mask boss which takes forever to defeat. And the last mission, while incredible, goes on FOREVER
neutral · AI labelView post →Online coop repeatedly just crashed our games so... Doesn't work.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This ended up being way harder than I thought it'd be, looking at every game I've played like "is there any good antagonist?" Also had Metal Slug 3 as best retro game then realised it came out in 2000 and refused to admit that's retro.
neutral · AI labelView post →Metal Slug 3 continues to be an absolutely legend of a game.
positive · AI labelView post →IMO best of the series. Works flawlessly on Stem Deck.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The stream was OK...sort of. I only played one game because the game, Gaiapolois, while good, is REALLY LONG. Like slightly longer than Metal Slug 3 long. I will pick up the other game tomorrow, maybe. I was raided by @delaneyvalentine.bsky.social (thank you again). www.twitch.tv/corey_v_assi...
neutral · AI labelView post →🔴 LIVE 🔴 Ahh been meaning to play this game for a while now! So why not play it now? Metal Slug 3! Live now on Twitch! But first, I got some news about Aurora's health, so I'll be taking some time to talk about that. www.twitch.tv/shopistar #ShopiStream #VTuber #ENVTuber #IndieVTuber #VSky
neutral · AI labelView post →DO NOT BUY! Nothing kills nostalgia more than loading up your favorite arcade game and having to play it as if it were being streamed to you by a modem from the 90´s. You can literally type in "Play Metal Slug Online" anywhere on the web and you will get better emulation from your internet browser at no cost.. Glad I bought cheap on a key site because the emulation is garbage. So bad you will teleport across the screen due to how many frames have been missed. Even Metal Slug X which resolves…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Highly fun with a friend ! Bring back old school games for entertainment! It was very enjoyable :)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Sadly a lot of indie enjoyers and even devs spit on the idea of a pixel art game looking any less than Third Strike or Metal Slug, except if you're trying to capture a specific retro aesthetic as hard as possible. I used to see the Metal Slug 3 crab boss posted way too many times a few years ago
neutral · AI labelView post →Metal Slug 3 feat. my dad I have not grown as a person in the past 18 years This game is still a nightmare
negative · AI labelView post →Metal Slug 3 is my favorite of the series. I love how the final level escalates and changes. I didn't realize it's about half the length of the entire game! It caps off so well with you fighting the Mars People brain leader while falling out of the mothership back into the atmosphere.
positive · AI labelView post →
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