Metal Slug Ultimate Collection Brings 10 Games and a Mythical Lost Build to Xbox

A piece of actual, mythical arcade lore is officially coming to our living rooms, and I am losing my mind. SNK is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its legendary run-and-gun franchise with the announcement of the 'Metal Slug Ultimate Collection' for Xbox. Producer Shiro Mukaide confirmed the bundle will feature ten curated games spanning the series' arcade, console, and handheld history.

The absolute crown jewel of this collection is the inclusion of the 'location test build' of the original 1996 'Metal Slug'. For decades, this unreleased public prototype was basically a ghost story whispered on retro forums. Now, players can experience it on a home console for the very first time.

The details

• Platform: Xbox (available to wishlist on the Xbox Store)
• Games Included: 10 titles from across the series' arcade, console, and handheld history
• Special Feature: The unreleased 1996 'location test build' of the original 'Metal Slug'
• Gameplay Supports: Rewind, quick save/load, infinite ammo, mission selection, and layout customization
• Release Date: The Metal Slug Ultimate Collection is slated for a 2027 release; pricing details have not been specified

What is the location test build?

Historically, location tests were extremely limited arcade runs used by developers to gauge public reaction and hunt for bugs before a game's final print. Because these builds were routinely wiped or discarded, the original 'Metal Slug' location test version became a holy grail of lost gaming history. According to Mukaide, this marks the first time this rare, unreleased version will be playable on home consoles.

What modern features are included?

To make thirty years of notoriously brutal arcade difficulty manageable, the compilation introduces several modern conveniences. Players can customize button layouts, toggle rapid-fire speeds, adjust difficulty settings, and use gameplay support features like a rewind option alongside quick save and load states. An option for infinite weapon ammo and a mission select screen will also be available.

For extra replayability, the compilation features Combat School Mode, where an in-game instructor’s dialogue shifts depending on your performance. The package also packs in score and clear-time rankings, a replay viewer, a visual gallery, and a dedicated sound player, though SNK notes that available features and modes will vary by individual title.