Publisher Dotemu took to Twitter along with developer Leikir Studio to announce that Metal Slug Tactics has been delayed to 2023. The exact release date or further details about the development process has not been shared yet.

"Marco, Eri, Fio, and Tarma are tinkering away to make Metal Slug Tactics as explosive as possible on release, but the squad needs a bit more time in the shop to prepare for the battles ahead. See you in 2023!" reads the announcement. It is comprehensible that the developer team needs additional time to polish the game to deliver the smoothest experience at its launch. Given that Leikir Studio has never worked on such a big IP before, living up to the expectations will not be an easy task for the French-based team.

The newest entry in the legendary Metal Slug series after more than a decade, Metal Slug Tactics, was first revealed at last year's Summer Game Fest event with a release date for sometime in 2022. However, solid fans of the classic IP will have to wait until next year to get their hands on Marco Rossi to protect his world from the iconic villain, General Donald Morden.

Metal Slug Tactics is a turn-based, tactical RPG set in the original METAL SLUG universe, where The Petegrine Falcons battle against Donald Morden to bring peace to the world. Marco, Eri, Fio, and Tarma will be the four playable characters, each having unique weapons and war minds. The game aims to offer dynamic battles supported by simultaneous attacks against robotic foes, making the combat more tactical rather than beat'em up style. Additionally, players will be able to call their reinforcements to join the action when it is necessary. According to the developers, Metal Slug Tactics will have huge replayability with a batch of missions and challenges.

Metal Slug Tactics joined the list of delayed games coming this year, including Marvel's Midnight Suns, Replaced, Forspoken, and Pragmata. But fans can now add the game to their wishlist on Steam. It is unknown when the strategic RPG will release in 2023 at the time of writing, but in the meantime, make sure to check out the latest gameplay trailer above.