Saturn port of the iconic Nazca/SNK run-and-gun. Slightly less fluid than Neo Geo but the essentials are there: humor, unbridled action, detailed sprites. Undeniably one of the console's best 2D action games.
Your verdict
Category
Action4 players12+
Co-op
Description
2D run and gun featuring Sergeant Marco and the Super Vehicle-001 Metal Slug. Published by SNK, released in Japan in 1997. Six missions with exceptionally rich hand-drawn animations, prisoners to rescue for bonuses, collectible vehicles including the Slug, varied weapons and simultaneous two-player mode. Saturn port of the first Metal Slug with minor visual adjustments.
Metal Slug - Super Vehicle-001 review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Pixel art of extraordinary finesse, hilarious animation and backdrops teeming with detail: every screen overflows with life and humour. The graphic density and the readability of the action stand as an absolute benchmark of the run-and-gun. This virtuosity of hand drawing has never been equalled on the platform.
An anthology of a cult run-and-gun, the compilation gathers nervy military themes blending rock, jazz and supercharged fanfares. Each mission pulses with a frantic energy perfectly in tune with the on-screen chaos. This sonic generosity, retro and rousing, brings back all the panache of the SNK series.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
Advancing while machine-gunning everything that moves, freeing prisoners and setting off explosions galore: run-and-gun reaches here a snappy, hilarious perfection. The pixel animation of rare finesse and the ever-present humour elevate a frantic action. With two players, the gleeful chaos never lets up. A genre monument whose impact remains intact today.
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Difficult"
Lifespan
"Average"
Technical info
💾0,42 GB📅24/04/1997
Published by SNK
Metal Slug - Super Vehicle-001 (Saturn) price, value & rarity
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
Japan exclusive Saturn port of Metal Slug Super Vehicle-001, distributed by SNK in April 1997 as a Rev A revision, a faithful Neo Geo conversion that requires the SNK 1 MB RAM expansion cartridge to avoid truncating the animation. SNK Japan run was short, jewel case with intact obi and dedicated 1 MB expansion cartridge, and the founding status of the first Metal Slug makes it for SNK Saturn enthusiasts a central archive object. Complete with obi and expansion cart clearly sought after.
Memorable bosses
Each mission ends on an oversized war machine, hand-drawn with rare animation finesse: jointed tanks, armored helicopters and mobile fortresses. Under heavy fire, dodging the salvos while hunting the weak point demands nerve and reflexes. The sparkling humor and lavish detail make these clashes a pixel feast that's still as lively as ever.
Is Metal Slug - Super Vehicle-001 still worth playing in 2026?
A Saturn adaptation of the famous SNK run and gun, Metal Slug Super Vehicle-001 offers a horizontal shoot of absolutely exceptional pixel art beauty with its offbeat humour and explosive action. The sublime art direction, two player cooperative mode and precise handling make it an absolute run and gun reference on Saturn. The RAM cartridge is needed for Neo Geo faithfulness. For anyone fond of Metal Slug, an absolutely essential recommendation today still truly here indeed for any returning newcomer.
