Metal Slug XX PSP Review — The Ultimate Portable Run-and-Gun

Metal Slug XX on PSP: The Ultimate Run-and-Gun Experience You Can Take Anywhere

There's something deeply satisfying about a game that doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is. Metal Slug XX is pure, unfiltered arcade chaos — a run-and-gun masterpiece that takes the beloved Metal Slug 7 formula, polishes it until it gleams, and drops it right into your pocket. If you've ever wanted to mow down an army of goofy soldiers, ride a mech suit, and rescue hostages while dodging a screen full of projectiles, this is your game.

Originally released in 2009 for PSP (building on the 2008 DS title Metal Slug 7), this portable entry proved that the series hadn't lost a single step. With over 64,000 downloads on QrivitiGames alone, it's clear the community agrees — Metal Slug XX is essential PSP gaming.

What Makes Metal Slug XX Special?

The Metal Slug franchise has always been the gold standard for 2D side-scrolling shooters, and XX represents the pinnacle of the classic formula. Here's what sets it apart:

• Leona Heidern as a playable character — a PSP exclusive addition from The King of Fighters series, complete with her own Moon Slasher special attack that devastates everything in range
• Seven missions of handcrafted mayhem — from jungle warfare to underwater bases to massive fortress assaults, each level feels distinct and replayable
• The Combat School mode — a PSP-exclusive feature that adds dozens of bite-sized challenges, perfect for portable play sessions
• Co-op multiplayer via ad hoc — grab a friend with a PSP (or a second PPSSPP instance) and tear through the campaign together

The Art of Beautiful Destruction

Let's talk about what Metal Slug XX gets absolutely right: the sprite work. In an era where everyone was chasing 3D graphics, SNK Playmore doubled down on hand-drawn 2D art, and the results are stunning even today. Every explosion has weight. Every enemy soldier has personality — they'll scream, trip over themselves, and sometimes just sit around a campfire cooking fish before you rudely interrupt them with a Heavy Machine Gun.

The vehicles — or "Slugs" — are equally gorgeous. The SV-001 tank, the Slug Flyer aircraft, the towering Slug Gigant — each one transforms you from a vulnerable soldier into a screen-clearing powerhouse. There's a specific joy in hopping into a mech and watching the entire screen light up with firepower.

Gameplay That Never Gets Old

Metal Slug XX operates on a simple loop: move right, shoot everything, don't die. But within that simplicity lives an incredibly deep and rewarding experience. The game demands pattern recognition, quick reflexes, and smart weapon management.

Weapons and Power-Ups

The weapon variety keeps every run feeling fresh:

• Heavy Machine Gun (H) — the classic rapid-fire upgrade that feels like coming home
• Rocket Launcher (R) — slower but devastating, perfect for bosses
• Shotgun (S) — close-range destruction with a satisfying spread
• Laser Gun (L) — a continuous beam that cuts through lines of enemies
• Iron Lizard (I) — ground-crawling missiles that hunt enemies along the floor
• Thunder Shot (T) — electric orbs that bounce and chain between targets

Each weapon changes your approach to encounters. Do you save your Rocket Launcher ammo for the boss, or use it now to survive this overwhelming wave? These micro-decisions keep the tension high throughout every mission.

Boss Fights That Demand Respect

The bosses in Metal Slug XX are spectacular. From a massive crab mech emerging from the ocean to a towering alien mothership raining fire from above, each encounter is a choreographed dance of dodging and shooting. The final boss in particular is a multi-phase nightmare that will test everything you've learned. Expect to die. A lot. And then come back for more.

Playing Metal Slug XX on PPSSPP

The great news for modern players is that Metal Slug XX runs flawlessly on the PPSSPP emulator. The 2D sprite-based graphics mean even low-end phones can handle it without breaking a sweat. If you haven't set up PPSSPP yet, check out our complete PPSSPP setup guide for Android to get started in minutes.

A few tips for the best experience:

• Set rendering resolution to 2x or 3x — the pixel art scales beautifully
• Map the grenade button somewhere comfortable — you'll be using it constantly
• Enable save states before boss fights so you can practice their patterns
• Try the Combat School mode during short commutes — it's addictive

Who Should Play Metal Slug XX?

This game is for you if:

• You love arcade-style action with zero filler — every second of Metal Slug XX is gameplay
• You appreciate incredible 2D art and animation that puts many modern games to shame
• You enjoy mastering difficult games through repetition and skill improvement
• You want a co-op game that's genuinely fun to play with a friend
• You're a fan of classic run-and-gun titles like Contra, Gunstar Heroes, or other Metal Slug entries

If you're into action games on PSP, you might also enjoy our roundup of the best PSP action games for more recommendations in the genre.

The Verdict

Metal Slug XX isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It doesn't need to. What it does is take one of gaming's most beloved formulas and execute it with precision, personality, and an absurd amount of explosions. The Combat School mode adds genuine longevity, Leona is a fantastic addition to the roster, and the core run-and-gun gameplay remains as addictive as it was when the series debuted in arcades back in 1996.

With over 64,000 downloads and counting, the PSP community has spoken. Download Metal Slug XX and experience one of the finest action games ever made — now in the palm of your hand.

MISSION COMPLETE!