Continuing this line of sequels without the original team, Metal Slug 5 is a sequel that feels entirely different from Metal Slug 4. It bares many things that MS4 lacked, but lacks in other ways as well.

A lot of the stages feel a bit barren, as if there must've been more planned for the areas, but the game was rushed out to meet a deadline (which is what happened). There's a lot more unique enemies that aren't 'just' recycled sprites this time, and I appreciate a plot detail that the PF Squad is going against an army separate from the Rebel Army they're used to fighting. Thus, the soldiers and all the vehicles look noticeably different. Really cool!

The music is also pretty damn great. It almost feels too good for this game, that's a bit boring. A lot of enemy confrontations are considerably pathetic, and most of the bosses feel like a chore to defeat. They lack unique patterns that are fun to understand, and have many moves that render them invincible for a set amount of time.

All-in-all, this game definitely had better budget and resources than Metal Slug 4, making it a smidge better of an experience, but still nothing compared to the franchise's glory days.