Chongqing - On April 18, the iconic run-and-gun mobile game Metal Slug: Awakening will ignite its second anniversary celebration, transporting players into the neon-drenched, futuristic landscape of Chongqing, China.
In collaboration with the Western International Communication Centre (WCICO), this special update will fuse the game's signature explosive action with the city's "8D Magic" cyberpunk aesthetic and rich cultural heritage.
The Chongqing hotpot and alleys in the new Metal Slug (Photo/Metal Slug Awakening)
A legacy of arcade legend
The Metal Slug series has been a cornerstone of arcade gaming for nearly three decades, renowned for its fluid pixel animations, over-the-top weaponry, and satirical anti-war themes. Popularized by SNK, the franchise has captivated generations of Chinese players with its chaotic battles against rogue armies, alien invasions, and giant mechs. Metal Slug: Awakening continues this legacy on mobile, blending classic side-scrolling action with modern enhancements.
Chongqing's cyberpunk playground
The anniversary update transforms the battlefield into a hyper-stylized version of Chongqing, where players will navigate Hongya Cave's dazzling stilted houses bathed in neon hues, Chongqing's iconic gravity-defying monorail passing through skyscrapers, the historic Eighteen Steps, and the Yangtze River Cableway, reimagined as a war zone in the game. In addition, a new "Weapon Master Challenge" mode will spice up the combat with hotpot-themed power-ups and Sichuan opera-inspired visual effects, ensuring the classic Metal Slug chaos gets a fiery Chongqing vibe.
The new Metal Slug game features a floating stage with Sichuan Opera elements (Photo/Metal Slug Awakening)
Exclusive anniversary content
The anniversary celebration introduces Leona's "Hundred Faces Blade" skin, a cyberpunk homage to Sichuan Opera, where traditional face-paint motifs clash with futuristic armor.
Meanwhile, the "Sichuan Opera Arena" serves as a floating holographic battleground, where players deploy squads amid glowing neon and digital theatrics. The main hub, "Bayu Battlefront," reimagines Chongqing's streets with floating opera masks, bubbling hotpot supply stations, and noodle shops, creating an immersive cultural playground.
The new character has visual elements of traditional Chinese clothes (Photo/Metal Slug Awakening)
This update isn't just about bullets and explosions - it's a virtual tourism and cultural experience, showcasing Chongqing's unique blend of natural beauty and urban futurism. By integrating real-world landmarks into gameplay, Metal Slug: Awakening bridges gaming and cultural exploration, offering players a taste of the mountain city's vibrant traditions while blasting through enemies. Mark your calendars for April 18 and dive into this explosive fusion of arcade action and cyberpunk style!
"Metal Slug: Awakening" is available now on iOS and Android.
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