# Metal Slug Advance - A GBA Run and Gun Spin-Off *Metal Slug Advance*, released in November 2004 (Japan) and December 2004 (North America/Europe) by SNK Playmore, is a run and gun shooter for the Game Boy Advance. A spin-off in the *Metal Slug* series, it introduces new recruits Walter Ryan and Tyra Elson (not Marco, Eri, Tarma, or Fio, who appear only as cameos on cards). Set during a survival training drill on a remote South Pacific island, the mission turns real when General Morden’s Rebel Army invades, capturing recruits and building a base. Featuring five missions with branching paths, it introduces a life bar system and a card collection mechanic (100 cards). With vibrant 8-bit pixel art and a chiptune soundtrack, it received generally favorable reviews (Metacritic: 78/100) for its faithful *Metal Slug* gameplay but was criticized for its short length and lack of multiplayer. ## Why Play Metal Slug Advance? *Metal Slug Advance* delivers classic *Metal Slug* action with a health bar replacing traditional lives, where food items restore health and instant-death traps (e.g., pits, crushing) send players to checkpoints, losing collected cards and prisoners. The card system adds depth, with 100 collectible cards found by shooting backgrounds or rescuing POWs, offering upgrades (e.g., Weapon Clip, Super TNT), stat boosts, or lore about the series. Five missions, including a secret Dungeon in the Final Mission, feature branching paths and tough bosses like Cabracan and Formor. Gameplay lasts 2-3 hours (5-7 for completion with all cards), making it a compact yet replayable experience for retro ROM and shooter fans, though the lack of co-op and high difficulty may deter some. ## Game Features - Play as Walter Ryan or Tyra Elson across 5 missions with branching paths - Use handguns, grenades (20 per mission), and weapons like Shotgun, Rocket Launcher - Collect 100 cards for upgrades (e.g., Grenade Clip, Army Knife), lore, or Slug unlocks - Pilot Slugs like Metal Slug and Slug Gunner (unlocked via cards) - Health bar system; food restores health, instant-death traps reset to checkpoints - Experience authentic GBA gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Play Metal Slug Advance Online Lock and load today! Our website, Classic Joy Games, lets you play *Metal Slug Advance* instantly with no downloads, optimized for modern browsers using GBA emulators. Alternatively, enjoy it on sites like Arcade Spot or EmulatorGames.net, or find renewed copies on eBay/Amazon ($209.99 renewed, per recent listings). Ideal for fans of retro ROMs and run and gun shooters! Note: For emulation, use mGBA or VisualBoyAdvance for optimal performance; some slowdown may occur with heavy enemy waves. Join players worldwide and enjoy *Metal Slug Advance* on Classic Joy Games. Start your mission now and stop Morden’s invasion to prove your Peregrine Falcon mettle!