# Metal Slug: 1st Mission - A Pocket-Sized Neo-Geo Run and Gun *Metal Slug: 1st Mission*, released in May 1999 (Japan) and later in North America and Europe by SNK for the Neo-Geo Pocket Color, is a run and gun shooter and the first *Metal Slug* game for a handheld. A spin-off from the main series, it introduces a nameless Super Soldier (Peregrine Falcon Squad recruit) tasked with stopping General Morden’s Rebel Army across 16 short missions, plus a final boss fight. Players wield a handgun, grenades, and power-up weapons (e.g., Heavy Machine Gun, Rocket Launcher) while piloting a simplified Metal Slug tank. Featuring crisp 8-bit pixel art optimized for the Neo-Geo Pocket Color’s screen and a chiptune soundtrack, it includes a life bar system and a continue option. Though simpler than arcade titles, it’s praised for its portable *Metal Slug* experience but criticized for its short length and lack of multiplayer. ## Why Play Metal Slug: 1st Mission? *Metal Slug: 1st Mission* brings the series’ run and gun chaos to a handheld with tight controls and 17 compact stages, including varied environments (e.g., jungles, caves, airfields) and bosses like Colonel Bildeaux. The life bar system allows multiple hits, with health restored by food or medkits, and death sends players to checkpoints with limited continues. Weapons like Flame Shot and the Metal Slug’s cannon add variety, though the game lacks the series’ signature vehicles like Slugnoid. Its short playtime (1-2 hours main story, 3-5 for completion) and charming visuals make it a must-play for retro ROM and *Metal Slug* fans, but the absence of co-op and simpler mechanics may underwhelm compared to *Metal Slug 2* or *X*. ## Game Features - Play as a Super Soldier across 17 missions (16 stages + final boss) - Use handgun, grenades, and power-ups like Heavy Machine Gun, Rocket Launcher - Pilot a simplified Metal Slug tank with cannon attacks - Life bar system; restore health with food/medkits, limited continues - Navigate varied stages with platforming and boss battles - Experience authentic Neo-Geo Pocket Color gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Play Metal Slug: 1st Mission Online Lock and load today! Our website, Classic Joy Games, lets you play *Metal Slug: 1st Mission* instantly with no downloads, optimized for modern browsers using Neo-Geo Pocket Color emulators. Alternatively, play via sites like EmulatorGames.net or find physical copies on eBay/Amazon (priced $50-$150 for cartridges). Ideal for fans of retro ROMs and portable shooters! Note: For emulation, use RetroArch with the Beetle NGPC core or Mednafen for optimal performance; some slowdown may occur in busy scenes. Join players worldwide and enjoy *Metal Slug: 1st Mission* on Classic Joy Games. Start your mission now and crush Morden’s rebellion to kick off the handheld *Metal Slug* legacy!