It's been quite a long time since SNK's classic arcade run-n-gun Metal Slug has been prominent on a major gaming system/platform. It looks like fans will have to wait a little longer to experience the latest game in the series, Metal Slug Tactics. Publishing right has been tasked by SNK and the studio DotEmu (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, Streets Of Rage 4, Windjammers 2) along with development handled by Leikir Studio (Rogue Lords, Wondershot).

Dotemu has released a statement on Twitter, announcing development is being pushed back beyond 2022.

Marco, Eri, Fio, and Tarma are tinkering away to make #MetalSlugTactics as explosive as possible on release, but the squad needs a bit more time in the shop to prepare for the battles ahead. See you in 2023!

Granted, Metal Slug Tactics never had an established or projected street date. Its development has likely been shakier since the reveal trailer in 2021. Many projects have met the decision to postpone release dates in 2022, and that list continues to grow.

Metal Slug Tactics is planned for release in 2023 for PC and the Nintendo Switch.