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Building the Metal Slug Tactics Website — A Tactical Twist on a Classic Franchise
When I found out I’d be working on the website for Metal Slug Tactics, I couldn’t have said “yes” fast enough. As a fan of Dotemu’s work — from Streets of Rage 4 to TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge — I knew they had a real knack for reviving classic franchises with respect, style, and serious polish. And now they were bringing that magic to Metal Slug — but with a twist.
This wasn’t the chaotic run-and-gun formula fans were used to. Metal Slug Tactics was a bold, grid-based reimagining of the series — and the website needed to help introduce that new direction while keeping everything grounded in the spirit of the original.
The Mission
The goals for the site were clear:
Reveal the game with a strong first impression that felt both nostalgic and new
Highlight the core gameplay mechanics, especially the tactical combat shift
Support trailers, press materials, and store links
Set a visual tone that bridged the gap between old-school pixel art and modern tactics presentation
Handle announcement traffic from major showcase events
It needed to land with impact — both for longtime Metal Slug fans and new players seeing the franchise for the first time.
Design & Direction
Mike Heald at Fully Illustrated handled the design, and as always, it was spot on. The design leaned heavily into pixel art styling, clean grid layouts, and UI elements that felt like they could’ve come straight from an arcade cabinet — but reinterpreted with a modern interface in mind.
The design gave me a great foundation to build something lightweight, flexible, and visually striking.
The Build
For the tech stack, I went with:
Nuxt 3 — for performance and flexibility during a major announcement push
Storyblok — so the Dotemu team could manage all game content, trailers, and future updates
Netlify — for fast, global deployment and stress-free launches
This setup gave us fast page loads, SEO-friendly content, and a backend that could easily support new sections as the game developed.
Key Features
A visually rich homepage with the announcement trailer, key art, and CTA
A Features section to break down gameplay mechanics, character abilities, and tactical systems
A Media & Press Kit area with assets for journalists and creators
Platform and store links across PC and consoles
Responsive design built for announcement-day traffic and mobile browsing
Every component was modular and built with reusability in mind — ideal for adding dev logs, DLC info, or new trailers as the game evolves.
Why It Was Special
I grew up on Metal Slug — quarter-munching madness, ridiculous animations, and over-the-top boss fights. Seeing it transformed into a tactical strategy game was both unexpected and incredibly exciting. Getting to help introduce this new take on the franchise, with a studio like Dotemu at the helm, was a genuine highlight.
This wasn’t just a website — it was a key part of launching a new chapter in one of gaming’s most iconic series.
Final Thoughts
Working on Metal Slug Tactics was the perfect mix of nostalgia and new energy. The site helped introduce something familiar but fresh, and I’m proud to have helped create a launchpad that reflects both the legacy and the future of the franchise.
Check out the site here: metalslugtactics.com
If you’re reviving a classic or launching a fresh spin on a fan-favorite, I’d love to help build a site that delivers the same energy online.