: The 1996 masterpiece that started it all. It is celebrated for its incredibly detailed hand-drawn animations and chaotic, humorous combat.

: Known for its "Striker" system, allowing players to call in teammates for assists, adding a deep layer of combo potential.

: A visually stunning side-scrolling shooter (shmup) famous for its "pre-rendered" 3D-style sprites and intense scoring mechanics.

: Widely considered the "dream match" of the series. It features a massive roster and perfectly balanced mechanics for competitive play.

: A refined "remix" of Metal Slug 2 that fixed slowdown issues and shifted enemy placements for a tighter experience.