Arcade · 2000
Metal Slug 3
Metal Slug 3 pushes Neo Geo hardware to its peak with multi-branching missions, diverse vehicle slugs, and memorable zombie transformations.
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ArcadeMetal Slug 3
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Try a related playable game
- Metal Slug XArcade · Another game or edition in this series
- Metal Slug 2Arcade · Another game or edition in this series
- Metal Slug - 1st MissionNeo Geo Pocket Color · Another game or edition in this series
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Start the game, then use its on-screen direction pad and action buttons. If they are hidden, choose Show touch controls above the game. Turn your phone sideways for more room; use Fullscreen when your browser supports it.
Use the on-screen Select / coin button before Start.
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Control panel
Arcade controls
Arrow keys move · V inserts a coin in coin-operated games · Enter starts · Z / X / A / S are action keys.
A compatible gamepad can be used after launch.
Keyboard layoutOpen / close
MOVE
Up arrowLeft arrowRight arrowDown arrow
Action
AXZS
Start a coin-operated game
- Launch the player and click inside the game screen.
- Press V to insert a coin, then Enter to start.
- If the game has its own selection menu, follow the on-screen prompts.
Default Player 1 keys are shown. If you changed them or use a gamepad, check the player’s control settings.
System: Move the pointer over the game screen to reveal the player toolbar, or tap its menu button on touch devices. Use the toolbar for save and load states, fullscreen, and control settings.
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Launch the game to check save-state support.
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Import an OLDGAMES backup on this same game page, then launch and choose Resume saved game. Older .state files use the player’s Load State menu.
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- After launching, reveal the player toolbar by moving the pointer over the game screen or tapping its menu button.
- Choose the save-state download option when available and keep the file.
- To restore it, launch the same game and choose the load-state option. Check the restored progress before replacing an older backup.
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About Metal Slug 3
Metal Slug 3 pushes Neo Geo hardware to its peak with multi-branching missions, diverse vehicle slugs, and memorable zombie transformations.
Branching routes and tactical status transformations
Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio battle through expansive campaigns featuring branching terrain paths and transforming status effects. Getting infected by zombies reduces movement speed and replaces standard grenades with an enormous, screen-clearing blood vomit that grants invincibility during its animation. Underwater, aerial, and subterranean routes feature specialized slug vehicles like the Slug Mariner and Elephant Slug, each demanding mastery of independent vehicle physics and dismount invulnerability.
Vehicle dismounts and route survival tactics
Branching routes radically alter difficulty and score. In Mission 1, taking the underwater submarine path pits you against tough giant eels but rewards you with heavy munitions; staying on the surface boat is quicker but swarms you with air strikes. Mastering the dismount hop (pressing jump and down simultaneously while inside a vehicle) gives a split-second invulnerability window to bypass fatal enemy bullet curtains.
The authentic Neo Geo arcade release
This is the arcade Neo Geo MVS release. For the intermediate campaign that bridged the first sequel and this sprawling entry, revisit Metal Slug X; it shares the vehicle physics but keeps a linear mission structure.
Background and mechanics: Wikipedia game reference.
SNK Neo Geo Metal Slug 3 arcade technical archive · Outlines the 708-megabit cartridge scale and branching mission design.
Secret Codes & Cheats
Check the edition and timing requirements before entering a code. Button names refer to the emulated controller; use your assigned keyboard or controller inputs.
Mission Select (Arcade Service Mode)
Enable Dipswitch 1-2 / Soft Dip OptionIn the Neo Geo MVS operator settings, enabling stage select permits jumping straight into any of the 5 sprawling missions from the player character roster screen.
Secret Elephant Battery Route (Mission 2)
Take Lower Cave Path in Zombie ValleyIn the cavern section of Mission 2, drop down through the pit into the icy catacombs to discover the hidden Elephant Slug equipped with shock battery ammunition.
Playing this edition
Where are the controls?
The control panel below the game screen shows this edition’s keys. Click inside the game before using your keyboard.
How do I save or change controls?
Open the player menu for the options available in this emulator. Save support varies by game and player; see the playing help for more guidance.
Where can I find more games like this?
Browse Action games across systems, or stay with the Arcade catalogue. Related picks below explain how each game connects.
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