Metal Slug 2001

About

Metal Slug 2001 is a side-scrolling shooter for the Game Boy Color built by BBD using tools from the Neo Geo Pocket Color games. It follows the same chaotic formula of rapid fire, explosive jumps, and over-the-top enemy encounters. Players control a squad of soldiers through six stages filled with tanks, robots, and occasional giant boss creatures. The game retains the fast-paced action of the series but adapts it to the Game Boy’s smaller screen with simplified controls and reduced visual detail. The game stands out for its aggressive pace and inclusion of characters from later Metal Slug entries despite being based on the first two Pocket Color titles. While the graphics and audio are noticeably more basic than the original arcade games, the portability and direct handling of weapon switches and mid-air attacks make it a brisk experience. Released at the end of the GBC’s lifespan, it remains a curiosity among fans for its unlicensed status and technical limitations.