Metal Slug Code: J revives SNK's beloved run-and-gun series for iOS and Android

Metal Slug appears to be back from the dead thanks to SNK and Pokemon Unite (COD and PUBG Mobile, too) developer TiMi Studios. Metal Slug Code: J will bring the beloved series' side-scrolling action to iOS and Android in the hopefully not-too-distant future, and first impressions from today's gameplay trailer are fairly positive.

To my eyes, the new visual style isn't too bad at all – it certainly feels like a Metal Slug game. Some of the environments seem a little familiar, though this doesn't appear to be a standard remake. Maybe they've just pulled bits and pieces of levels from the earlier games?

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The important thing is that the run-and-gun action remains intact. The trailer shows off what we can expect in terms of the touchscreen controls, with an on-screen thumbstick and plenty of skill-specific buttons. I don't doubt that it will, at the very least, be super functional.

It's also important to note that Code: J is only a working title, and before anyone starts grumping about the next Metal Slug game being designed for mobile, just remember that SNK has its own console entry in the works.

As I say, though, Code: J isn't something to be sniffed at, especially given that TiMi Studios has a solid track record when it comes to bringing beloved IPs to mobile. So give the gameplay a watch and see what you make of it. You'll find today's full press release available here.