Download v1.1 (64-bit version)Download v1.1 (64-bit version)Orion 1.1 is now available!
After devoting a lot of time to Nostradamus, a chess engine that uses a large language model to learn and predict the optimal move for a given position, I finally found the time to enhance Orion!
Here is the new version of 'my little engine':
The gain in Elo should be quite small (something around 50+ Elo), but consistent in my tests with three different datasets mixing CCRL and/or CEGT games. However, I only had time to test at short time controls, so fingers crossed!
Most of the time for this release has been spent on the Cerebrum library. The library has been adapted to focus only on quantised networks, and predict values beyond the previous limited range of -1.98 to 1.98. This allows the networks to predict evaluations directly in terms of pawns and centipawns for direct use in engines. There is no need to mix different values on different scales (win ratio and material) anymore!
I discovered NotebookLM from Google last summer, and used it to generate a podcast from this blog. It's astonishing!
"Get ready to blast your way through the Metal Slug Collection on PC! This comprehensive collection includes Metal Slug 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, featuring stunning run-and-gun action, colorful graphics, and nostalgic gameplay.
Complete Collection Link: https://example.com/metal-slug-collection-1234567x-pc (Note: This link is fictional and used only for demonstration purposes)
Experience the iconic series like never before, with:
Download the Metal Slug Collection 1234567x for PC today and relive the excitement of this beloved arcade franchise! (Again, please note that the provided link is not a real download link and is only used for illustration purposes.)"
Actual links for such collections can usually be found on:
Make sure to only download from trusted sources to ensure safety and authenticity.
For those looking for a "complete" Metal Slug experience on PC, there is no single official modern launcher that contains every game from 1 to 7/XX. Instead, the series is available through specific bundles on major digital storefronts like Official Digital Bundles & Links
The most common way to get the core collection is through the official METAL SLUG Bundle or individual purchases of the upscaled ports. METAL SLUG Bundle (Steam) : This package typically includes Metal Slug Metal Slug 3 Metal Slug X Find it on the Steam Store METAL SLUG Complete Bundle (G2A/Third-Party)
: Some retailers sell a "Complete" bundle key for Steam that adds Metal Slug 2 to the standard trio. Check for keys at Instant-Gaming Metal Slug XX : The updated version of Metal Slug 7 is sold as a separate standalone title Available at GOG Collection : GOG offers the individual titles ( 1, 2, 3, 4, X ) DRM-free, often with a "buy all" series discount. Shop the series at The "Metal Slug Collection PC" (Legacy) There was a physical release in 2009 titled Metal Slug Collection PC (also known as Metal Slug Complete PC ). It included Metal Slug 1 Availability
: This version is out of print and not sold on modern digital stores like Steam. It can occasionally be found on secondary markets like : This is the only official PC release that included Metal Slug 6
, which is otherwise currently unavailable for direct purchase on PC. Summary of Where to Find Each Game Games Included Platform/Store Price Range Steam Bundle ~₹1,300 - ₹1,400 (base) 1, 2, 3, X G2A Steam Key ~₹1,500 - ₹1,800 1, 2, 3, 4, X Varies (Individual/Series) Steam Standalone ~₹600 - ₹800 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, X eBay (Physical Disc) Varies (Collectible) current discount on a specific Metal Slug title, or are you looking for the system requirements for the newer ports? METAL SLUG on Steam 25 Jun 2015 —
Metal Slug Collection PC (also known as Metal Slug Complete PC
) is a compilation released by DHM Interactive in 2010 that brings together seven classic titles from the iconic run-and-gun series. The collection includes Metal Slug 1, 2, X, 3, 4, 5, and 6 , marking the first time titles like Metal Slug 4 were officially available on PC. The Story of Metal Slug The overarching narrative follows the elite Peregrine Falcon (PF) Strike Force
in a near-future setting (starting in 2028). The core conflict centers on soldiers Marco Rossi Tarma Roving as they battle the Rebel Army , led by the power-hungry General Donald Morden The Early Wars (1, 2, X, 3):
The PF Strike Force fights to stop Morden's global coup. The conflict escalates from standard military warfare to battling supernatural threats and alien invaders (the Mars People) who occasionally ally with or betray the Rebels. Expanding Conflicts (4, 5, 6):
Later entries introduce new threats, such as the cyber-terrorist Amadeus Syndicate in Metal Slug 4 and the cult-like Ptolemaic Army in Metal Slug 5 , who steal secret data regarding the Metal Slug tanks. Metal Slug 6
returns to the alien saga, featuring an invasion by a new extraterrestrial race that forces a temporary truce between the PF Squad and Morden’s Rebels. Collection Features & Performance
Retains the high-octane 2D pixel-art action the series is known for. Credit System:
This specific PC port is noted for its strict credit limits in earlier games (e.g., only 4 credits for Metal Slug 5 offer unlimited continues. Availability:
While the physical 2010 collection is harder to find today, modern players often use the METAL SLUG Bundle on Steam
to access the individual titles with updated features like online co-op.
For those looking to dive deeper into the lore or find where to play these classics today, check out these resources. Series History Where to Play Community & Lore The Evolution of Metal Slug
A detailed breakdown of the franchise's development from the arcade era to home consoles is available on , covering the transition from Nazca Corporation to SNK. Complete History - SGR
video provides a visual retrospective on the series' enduring popularity and art style.
Technical specifications and release dates for the various PC versions can be found on PCGamingWiki Digital Storefronts The most accessible way to play today is the METAL SLUG Bundle on Steam
, which includes modern features like cloud saves and achievements. For those interested in mobile or emulated play, BlueStacks offers guides for running the ACA NEOGEO versions on PC.
Free versions and fan anthologies can occasionally be found on platforms like , though these are often unofficial builds. Lore & Fan Discussion Metal Slug Fandom Wiki
is the primary hub for character bios, mission details, and vehicle stats.
Community discussions regarding the best versions and hidden secrets are active on Reddit's r/metalslug
For a full timeline of events, including the side missions, see the Story of Metal Slug video timeline. METAL SLUG on Steam
The official Metal Slug Collection PC (also known as Metal Slug Complete PC) was a compilation released in 2009. It includes the main series titles from the arcade era. Included Games This specific collection contains seven classic titles: Metal Slug Metal Slug 2 Metal Slug X Metal Slug 3 Metal Slug 4 Metal Slug 5 Metal Slug 6 Where to Play Today
While the 2009 physical collection is no longer in active retail, you can find the individual titles and modern bundles on these major PC platforms: Steam: You can purchase the Metal Slug Bundle which typically includes Metal Slug , Metal Slug 3 , and Metal Slug X . Metal Slug XX (an enhanced version of Metal Slug 7 ) is also available as a standalone purchase. GOG: Offers DRM-free versions of Metal Slug , Metal Slug 2 , Metal Slug 3 , and Metal Slug X.
Official SNK Site: For the newest entries, check the SNK Game List for titles like Metal Slug Attack Reloaded
Check out these videos for a look at the series' history and gameplay:
The definitive compilation you are looking for is officially titled Metal Slug Collection PC (also known as Metal Slug Complete PC
), which was released in 2009 and 2010. While individual titles are widely available today, this specific bundle remains the most recognized "complete" classic set for Windows. The Metal Slug PC Collection (1, 2, X, 3, 4, 5, 6)
This collection was published by DHM Interactive and includes seven titles from the main series: Metal Slug (Super Vehicle-001) Metal Slug 2 & Metal Slug X Metal Slug 3, 4, & 5 Metal Slug 6 (The first time this entry was available on PC)
Important Limitations: Unlike console versions like the Metal Slug Anthology for PS2 or Wii, the PC collection does not include extra features like galleries or interviews. Additionally, it uses a credit-limited system (e.g., 4–5 credits for early games), though Metal Slug 5 and 6 offer unlimited credits. Where to Get the Games Today
Because the 2009 physical collection is now rare, most players use modern digital storefronts to build a complete set. Steam Bundle: You can purchase a Metal Slug Bundle that typically includes Metal Slug 1 , 2, 3, X , and XX . Individual Official Links: Metal Slug on Steam Metal Slug X on Steam Metal Slug 3 on Steam
Retro Physical Copies: Used Korean and European "Big Box" editions of the Metal Slug PC Collection can sometimes be found on marketplaces like eBay. Modern Alternatives & Spin-offs
If you are looking for newer entries or different gameplay styles: Metal Slug XX : An enhanced version of Metal Slug 7 , available as a standalone title on Steam. Metal Slug Tactics (2024) : A tactical RPG spin-off. Metal Slug Attack Reloaded (2024) : A tower defense game based on the mobile title.
The Ultimate Metal Slug Collection: Get Ready to Relive the Action on PC
Are you ready to experience the thrill of the run-and-gun action genre on PC? Look no further! The Metal Slug Collection 1234567X is here, bringing together some of the most iconic games in the series. In this blog post, we'll dive into the details of this amazing collection and provide you with a direct link to download it on your PC.
What is Metal Slug?
For those who may be new to the series, Metal Slug is a beloved run-and-gun action game franchise that originated in the 1990s. Developed by SNK, the games follow the adventures of a team of commandos as they battle against an evil organization. The series is known for its challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and over-the-top action.
The Metal Slug Collection 1234567X
The Metal Slug Collection 1234567X is a comprehensive collection of games in the series, featuring: metal slug collection 1234567x pc comple link
Features of the Collection
The Metal Slug Collection 1234567X on PC includes:
System Requirements
Before downloading the Metal Slug Collection 1234567X, make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements:
Download Link
Ready to experience the Metal Slug Collection 1234567X on PC? Click the link below to download the collection:
[Insert download link here]
Conclusion
The Metal Slug Collection 1234567X is a must-have for fans of the run-and-gun action genre. With all 7 games in the series included, you'll have hours of challenging gameplay and nostalgic fun. So, what are you waiting for? Download the collection now and relive the action on PC!
Disclaimer
Please note that the download link provided is for educational purposes only. We encourage you to support the developers and purchase the game from official sources.
By downloading the Metal Slug Collection 1234567X, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the terms and conditions.
Metal Slug Collection: A Blast from the Past
The Metal Slug series has been a staple of the run-and-gun action genre since its debut in 1996. Developed by SNK, the series has captivated gamers with its unique blend of humor, colorful graphics, and intense gameplay. For fans of the series, the Metal Slug Collection on PC is a dream come true, offering a comprehensive package of some of the best games in the franchise.
What's Included in the Collection?
The Metal Slug Collection on PC typically includes the following titles:
Features and Enhancements
The Metal Slug Collection on PC offers several features and enhancements that make it a must-have for fans of the series:
Link to Purchase
You can find the Metal Slug Collection on PC at the following link:
https://www.humblebundle.com/store/metal-slug-collection (or other online stores)
Conclusion
The Metal Slug Collection on PC is a fantastic way for fans of the series to experience the best of the Metal Slug franchise. With a range of classic games, updated graphics, and convenient features, this collection is a must-have for anyone looking to relive the nostalgia of the series or experience it for the first time. So, grab your guns and get ready to blast your way through the Metal Slug Collection!
The Metal Slug series is known for its:
Some of the most popular games in the series include:
As for playing the Metal Slug Collection on PC, there are a few options:
You can also consider checking out online marketplaces or retro game stores that specialize in classic games.
Here is a link to a complete collection on PC: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/metal-slug-collection
Would you like to know more about a specific game in the series or the gameplay mechanics?
Get Ready for Action: Metal Slug Collection 1234567x PC Complete Link
The Metal Slug series has been a staple of the run-and-gun action genre for decades, and fans of the series have been clamoring for a comprehensive collection of the games on PC. Well, wait no more! The Metal Slug Collection 1234567x PC Complete Link is here, and it includes all the classic games in the series, plus some exciting extras.
What is Metal Slug Collection 1234567x?
The Metal Slug Collection 1234567x is a compilation of the Metal Slug games, which were originally released on arcade machines and later ported to various consoles and PCs. The collection includes:
Features of Metal Slug Collection 1234567x PC Complete Link
The Metal Slug Collection 1234567x PC Complete Link offers a range of exciting features, including:
How to Download and Install Metal Slug Collection 1234567x PC Complete Link
To download and install the Metal Slug Collection 1234567x PC Complete Link, follow these steps:
System Requirements
To ensure smooth gameplay, make sure your PC meets the following system requirements:
Conclusion
The Metal Slug Collection 1234567x PC Complete Link is a must-have for fans of the series and action games in general. With all 7 classic games in one package, plus modern features and support, this collection is the ultimate way to experience the Metal Slug series on PC. So, what are you waiting for? Download the Metal Slug Collection 1234567x PC Complete Link today and get ready for hours of run-and-gun action!
Disclaimer
Please note that the download link provided is for illustrative purposes only. You should ensure that you download the game from an authorized source to avoid any potential risks or issues.
Additional Tips and Tricks
By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Metal Slug master!
The definitive way to experience the legendary run-and-gun series on PC is through the Metal Slug Collection PC (also known as Metal Slug Complete PC ), which bundles seven iconic titles into one package. The Ultimate Metal Slug PC Lineup "Get ready to blast your way through the
This collection is a "greatest hits" of the franchise's golden era, featuring: Metal Slug 1 , 2, 3, 4, & 5: The core NeoGeo classics. Metal Slug X : The enhanced, remixed version of Metal Slug 2. Metal Slug 6
: Originally for the Atomiswave arcade hardware, this collection marked its first official appearance on PC. Where to Play the Collection While the original Metal Slug PC Collection
(2009) is a physical and digital relic, modern players have several reliable options to get the "complete" experience: Steam Individual Releases & Bundles: Most titles (1, 2, 3,
, and XX) are available individually on the Metal Slug Steam Store.
GOG.com: Offers DRM-free versions of the classic games, often featured in a Metal Slug Series Bundle.
SNK 30th Anniversary News: SNK recently teased new ways to play the collection to celebrate 30 years of the franchise. Quick Comparison: Collection vs. Individual Steam Ports Metal Slug Collection PC - Игромания
The Metal Slug Collection PC (also known as Metal Slug Complete PC) is the only official "all-in-one" compilation for Windows that includes Metal Slug 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and X. Originally published by DHM Interactive in 2009, this collection was a direct port of the console Metal Slug Anthology.
While this specific compilation is no longer widely available on modern digital storefronts like Steam, individual titles and alternative ways to play are easily accessible. Where to Find Metal Slug Collection PC
Finding a "complete link" for the 2009 collection usually requires looking for physical copies or legacy digital listings:
The Metal Slug Collection PC (also known as Metal Slug Complete PC
) is a comprehensive digital compilation released in 2009 that brings the high-octane "run-and-gun" arcade experience to Windows. This anthology is the definitive way to play the first decade of the franchise's history in one package. Included Titles
The collection features seven full games, spanning the series' evolution from its 1996 debut to its 2006 milestone: Metal Slug: Super Vehicle-001 (1996) Metal Slug 2 (1998)
Metal Slug X (1999) — The upgraded "remix" of Metal Slug 2 Metal Slug 3 (2000) Metal Slug 4 (2002) Metal Slug 5 (2003) Metal Slug 6 (2006) Key Features & Port Quality
Classic Gameplay: Delivers the authentic Neo-Geo arcade experience with pixel-perfect visuals and the series' signature hand-drawn animation.
Credit System: Unlike the "unlimited" continues often found in modern ports, this specific PC version limits credits for certain titles (e.g., 4 credits for MS1, 5 credits for MS2-4), while providing unlimited credits for Metal Slug 5 and 6.
Multiplayer: Supports local cooperative play for two players, allowing you to tackle the missions with a partner. Technical Notes:
Resolution: Most games in this specific pack run at their original low arcade resolutions without modern smoothing or scaling options.
Controls: Primarily supports the Xbox 360 controller and standard keyboard layouts; custom remapping can be limited depending on the specific launcher version. How to Buy & Availability
While the original 2009 "Complete PC" retail version is rare, most titles are currently available through modern digital storefronts: Metal Slug Collection PC - Игромания
официальный сайт сообщает только о поддержке контроллера от Xbox 360, нашу тестовую модель от Genius игра презрительно отвергла. Игромания Metal Slug Collection PC - PCGamingWiki
The Metal Slug Collection (1-7 & X) for PC is the ultimate anthology for fans of the "run and gun" genre. Bringing together decades of arcade history into one package, this collection allows players to experience the fluid animation, intense difficulty, and iconic humor of the SNK classics on modern hardware. The Evolution of a Legend
Originally developed by Nazca Corporation for the Neo Geo, Metal Slug redefined arcade action with its highly detailed hand-drawn sprite work and "tough-but-fair" gameplay. This collection captures that legacy, spanning the original 1996 hit through to the refined mechanics of Metal Slug 7 and the revamped Metal Slug X. What’s Included in the Collection?
The "1234567X" lineup covers the most essential entries in the franchise:
Metal Slug 1, 2, & 3: The foundation of the series, introducing Marco, Tarma, and the fight against General Morden and eventual alien threats.
Metal Slug X: A "remixed" version of the second game that fixed slowdown issues and added new weapons and enemies.
Metal Slug 4 & 5: Entries that experimented with new characters like Nadia and Trevor, and introduced the "Slide" mechanic and the mysterious Ptolemaic Army.
Metal Slug 6 & 7: Later entries that added "Weapon Stocking" systems and character-specific abilities, such as Clark’s super throw or Eri’s increased grenade capacity. Key Features for PC Players
Playing these classics on PC offers several advantages over original arcade hardware:
Customizable Controls: Full support for gamepads, arcade sticks, and keyboard mapping.
Save States: Unlike the "game over" screens of the 90s, modern collections often include save states, allowing you to practice difficult boss patterns.
Visual Filters: Choose between raw pixels for a sharp look or scanline filters to recreate the CRT arcade monitor feel.
Global Leaderboards: Compete with players worldwide for the highest score in "Arcade Mode." System Requirements
One of the best aspects of the Metal Slug Collection is its accessibility. Since these are 2D sprite-based games, they run smoothly on almost any modern PC, including laptops with integrated graphics. How to Play
To get the most stable experience, it is recommended to purchase the games through official digital storefronts like Steam or GOG. These versions are optimized for Windows 10/11 and often include Steam Achievements and Cloud Saves.
Whether you are a veteran seeking nostalgia or a newcomer looking for the best action games ever made, the Metal Slug series remains the gold standard for side-scrolling shooters.
The product you are looking for is titled Metal Slug Collection PC (also known as Metal Slug Complete PC ), a compilation published by DHM Interactive SNK Playmore November 2009 . It is the Windows equivalent of the Metal Slug Anthology released for consoles. Included Games The collection includes titles from the franchise: Metal Slug (Super Vehicle-001) Metal Slug 2 Metal Slug X (Remastered/Remixed version of Metal Slug 2) Metal Slug 3 Metal Slug 4 Metal Slug 5 Metal Slug 6 Technical Review & Port Quality Reviews of this specific PC compilation are generally mixed to negative due to technical limitations and a lack of modern features: Input & Controls
: The port is notorious for limited control mapping; some versions only allow one set of controls to be mapped, effectively removing couch co-op support. It also suffers from noticeable compared to the original arcade versions.
: The collection lacks modern graphics settings. Games run in their native low resolutions, and titles 1 through 5 are often forced to use bilinear filtering , which can make the pixel art appear blurry. Gameplay Credits
: Unlike the arcade versions, this collection uses a strict credit system. Metal Slug 1 is limited to Metal Slug 2-4 are limited to Metal Slug 5 offer unlimited credits in this version. Missing Features
: It does not include the bonus content (such as the gallery or combat school) found in the PSP/PS2 versions of Metal Slug Anthology Availability & Modern Alternatives
There is no single official "full" PC collection that includes all titles from 1 through 7 and X in one modern package. While a retail product called Metal Slug Collection PC (also known as Metal Slug Complete PC
) was released by DHM Interactive in 2009, it only includes games up to Metal Slug 6 .
To play the complete series on PC today, you typically need to combine separate official releases or use emulation: Official PC Releases Metal Slug Bundle : Includes Metal Slug 1 , and X. Available on platforms like the Steam Store Metal Slug XX : This is an enhanced version of Metal Slug 7
(originally a Nintendo DS exclusive) and is the only version of the seventh main entry officially available for PC via Steam. Individual Titles: Metal Slug 1 , 2, 3, and X are also sold separately on GOG.com. Historical Collections Metal Slug Collection PC (2009) : A physical/legacy digital release containing Metal Slug 1
, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This version is known for having some input lag and limited credits in certain titles. You can occasionally find physical copies on sites like eBay. Emulation Options
For titles not easily accessible natively on PC (like 4, 5, and 6), many players use emulators: 7 classic Metal Slug games in one package
MAME: Best for playing original arcade ROMs of titles 1 through 5. PPSSPP (PSP Emulator) : Can be used to play the Metal Slug Anthology ISO (PSP version), which includes titles 1 through 6.
RetroArch: A popular multi-system frontend often recommended on Reddit for managing the entire series.
The Metal Slug collection!
Here's a comprehensive piece on the topic:
Introduction
Metal Slug is a beloved run-and-gun action game series that originated in the 1990s. The series is known for its fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and nostalgic charm. Over the years, the series has gained a massive following, and fans have been clamoring for a comprehensive collection of the games. In 2020, a PC release of the Metal Slug Collection, dubbed "Metal Slug Collection 1234567x", surfaced online, providing a complete package for fans to enjoy.
The Collection
The Metal Slug Collection 1234567x PC release includes all 7 mainline games in the series, plus a few bonus titles:
Bonus Titles
In addition to the mainline games, the collection also includes:
Features
The Metal Slug Collection 1234567x PC release comes with several features that enhance the gameplay experience:
Links
To access the Metal Slug Collection 1234567x PC release, you can try the following links:
Conclusion
The Metal Slug Collection 1234567x PC release is a dream come true for fans of the series. With all 7 mainline games, plus bonus titles, this collection provides a comprehensive experience for anyone looking to relive the nostalgia of the Metal Slug series. If you're a fan of run-and-gun action games or just looking for a fun way to spend your gaming hours, this collection is a must-have.
Metal Slug Collection PC (also known as Metal Slug Complete PC
) is a retail compilation released in 2009–2010 that includes seven titles: Metal Slug 1 , 2, X, 3,
. While a single "complete" official link for all these games (including 7/XX) does not exist on modern storefronts like Steam, they are available through various bundles and legacy releases. Availability & Official Links
There is no single "1234567x" link; however, the series is split across the following official platforms: METAL SLUG Bundle : This bundle includes Metal Slug, Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug X, and Metal Slug 3 Legacy Retail ( Metal Slug Complete PC
: Originally published by DHM Interactive, this physical or older digital version is the only PC release to include Metal Slug 4 , 5, and 6 in one package. Individual Storefronts METAL SLUG METAL SLUG XX (Steam) — This is the updated version of Metal Slug 7 Metal Slug Wiki Collection Content Report Inclusion in PC Collection Metal Slug 1 Features 4 credits only in the PC version. Metal Slug 2 Included in the collection and Steam. Metal Slug X Included in the collection and Steam. Metal Slug 3 Widely considered the series' peak; available on Steam. Metal Slug 4 First PC release was via the 2009 collection. Metal Slug 5 Features unlimited credits in the collection. Metal Slug 6
Features unlimited credits; first PC release in this collection. Metal Slug 7 / XX Not part of the original Complete PC set; available as Metal Slug XX Key Features & Technical Details
: Most games in the collection (1–5 and X) are emulated versions of the Neo Geo AES originals, while Metal Slug 6 is a direct arcade port. System Requirements : The collection is highly accessible, requiring only a Pentium 4 2.4GHz processor, DirectX 9.0c Limitations : The legacy Complete PC
version is noted for having limited credits for earlier titles (4–5 credits), whereas the Steam individual releases often allow more flexibility but may have minor input lag or frame hitching issues. specific system requirements for the newer Steam versions or a guide on how to map controllers for these arcade ports? METAL SLUG on Steam
The "Metal Slug Collection PC" (also known as Metal Slug Complete PC) is a 2009 compilation that packages the first seven major releases of the legendary run-and-gun franchise into a single installer for Windows. 🕹️ Included Games
The collection features the core arcade legacy of the series: Metal Slug (1996) Metal Slug 2 (1998)
Metal Slug X (1999) – The "arranged" version of MS2 with fixes and new content. Metal Slug 3 (2000) – Often cited as the series' peak. Metal Slug 4 (2002) Metal Slug 5 (2003)
Metal Slug 6 (2006) – Originally an Atomiswave title, making its PC debut here. ⚠️ Technical Realities
While convenient, this specific collection has several "quirks" that modern players should note before seeking it out:
Limited Credits: Most games in this pack have a "hard" credit limit (4–5 continues), whereas most other versions allow for infinite play.
No Local Co-Op: Despite being a 2-player series, this version famously restricts input to only one controller, making couch co-op impossible.
Input Lag: Some users report noticeable delay between button presses and on-screen action, particularly in the earlier titles.
Refresh Rate Issues: On modern high-refresh monitors, you must manually set your screen to 60Hz to prevent the game from running at double speed. ⚡ Best Alternatives for PC
Since the original 2009 disc is rare and technically limited, most players now use these methods:
For fans of the legendary run-and-gun series, finding a single "all-in-one" link for Metal Slug 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and X on PC is complex because they are rarely sold as a single unified package. Instead, the collection is typically split across official digital bundles or older legacy physical releases. Official PC Collection Options
The most reliable way to own the core series today is through the METAL SLUG Bundle on Steam, which frequently goes on sale.
Steam "METAL SLUG Bundle": This usually includes Metal Slug, Metal Slug 3, and Metal Slug X.
Individual Releases: Metal Slug 2 and Metal Slug XX (an enhanced version of Metal Slug 7) are also available as standalone purchases on Steam and GOG.
Metal Slug Anthology / Metal Slug Collection PC: Originally released in 2009, this legacy collection included Metal Slug 1 through 6. While no longer widely available on modern digital storefronts, you may find physical copies or older digital keys on sites like eBay. Where to Find the Games
Important Disclaimer Regarding Piracy and Copyright
I cannot provide a direct download link, a "complete link," or instructions on how to illegally download the Metal Slug series. The Metal Slug games are intellectual property of SNK and are protected by copyright law. Distributing or downloading these games without purchasing them is piracy, which is illegal and harms the developers who created these classic titles.
However, I can provide a comprehensive guide on the legitimate ways to play the Metal Slug series on PC, including information on the various collections, emulation for preservation, and how to enhance your experience once you own the games.
If you are looking to play the complete saga, here is the chronological order and how to access them:
The perfect “one-click” Metal Slug Collection 1–7 + X does not exist for PC – legally. But with less than $60 during a sale, you can own every single mainline Metal Slug game through legitimate storefronts. You’ll get cloud saves, achievements, online leaderboards, and most importantly – no viruses.
If you see a “comple link” promising the full collection for free, remember: If it seems too good to be true, it’s either malware or a lawsuit waiting to happen.
Support SNK. Buy the games. And keep rescuing those POWs.
This article is for informational purposes. We do not condone or provide links to pirated software. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Orion 0.9 is available !
More than one year since the last release already: time flies ! I have been very busy these last months, without a lot of time to dedicate to Orion, but the next version is here (it is actually ready since... last November !), with:
Support for SMP
I'm really happy to announce the support for SMP : Orion will now be able to think using several CPUs/threads in parallel, hopefully resulting in a stronger play ;-)
This required a lot, what am I saying, a ** LOT ** of work: I had to redesign the main parts of the engine, to ensure thread-safe execution, split, refactor, simplify, rearrange the code to avoid problems when computing in parallel. On the contrary, I was surprised by the simplicity of the Lazy SMP approach, that's brilliant !
Smaller network architecture
The other big change is the architecture of the neural network: it is now much simpler than the previous one, for a more or less equivalent strength (~20-30 elo weaker in my own tests). I replaced the 40960x2 weights in the first layer by a simple 768x2 scheme (6 types of piece x 2 colors x 64 squares = 768).
This probably hampers accuracy in some complex positions, but globally speeds up evaluation as you don't have to recompute all the first layer when the king is moving (this is really helpful in endgame positions where kings have more mobility). This choice resulted in a 24x smaller network (421 kB vs 10 MB)...!
I'm really happy with the result: It seems possible to compress chess knowledge a lot !
Important note about originalityI know that some people are looking for originality: do not forget that engine creation can remain for some of us (including me) a hobby and/or a way to learn programming and A.I. !
This has always been my goal: develop a 100% original engine, not only in terms of playing style (that's not the case for the moment) but also in terms of code: Orion is not derived from any other engine, I wrote 100% of the lines of code, in my own way, always after having taken the time to understand what I was doing (the most recent example being the NNUE experiments I led in 2020).
For example, Orion is based on a "only-legal" move generator, using flags embedded in each move representation to help sorting and pruning moves during search. Its transposition table also uses the number of pieces on the board as a criterium to replace old-entries.
But then comes the issue of the data used to train the neural network with the NNUE approach.
As for the 0.8 version, the provided network has been trained on positions that were statically evaluated with the nn-82215d0fd0df.nnue network which is the one embedded in StockFish 12. The StockFish engine itself was not used at all in that process: I took the network, reused the code I developed for my NNUE experiments to read the weights and evaluate a bunch of positions that I collected from CCRL games, and then trained my own network with my own (shared) Cerebrum library (note: this time, I was able to use only 128 million of positions, compared to the 360 million used for 0.8).Finally, from this perspective, I think one cannot consider that Orion is - at this stage - a 100% original work, as it uses knowledge coming from another engine. Please note that starting from v0.4, it has actually been the case: I was previously using StockFish 8 (static) evaluations to tune parameters of my handcrafted evaluation function.
But, for sure, this remains the goal, and I already started to work on reaching that objective...
The "zero" approachI think the most exciting challenge now that I know how to design and train neural networks is to find a way to train a network from zero, i.e. only using results of games (win / draw / loss). Inspired by an idea proposed by Connor McMonigle (Seer author), I tried to train one of such network, without success so far.
The idea is to consider endgame positions (3-4-5-6 pieces), use the results provided by Syzygy tablebases, train a network on these positions, use the engine to evaluate 7-pieces positions with the trained network (after a depth 'd' search), re-train a new network on these labelled 3-to-7 pieces positions, and then restart all the process for 8 up to 32 pieces positions. The beauty of this approach is that the network is trained only using the endgame outcome, and shall learn how to "retropropagate" to middlegame positions the expected result.
Next stepsThis is my current effort: try to improve the way to train such a "from zero" neural network, only relying on game results. That's a very difficult challenge ! Be patient ;-)
Orion 0.8 is released !
I finally managed to build my own "neural network trainer", after a lot of experiments (see here) ! I'm now pleased to release a new version of my little engine Orion, where all the evaluation part relies (only) on a neural network !
Architecture
The architecture of the network used is "NNUE-like", but smaller and simpler than the one used by Stockfish 12 : I was very curious to see to which extent it was possible to "compress" chess knowledge without sacrifying too much strength.
After having tested several combinations, I finally found that halving (*) the first NNUE layer was a good compromise between the loss in strength and the gain in speed (which compensates).
Another change is that all dot products are performed on float values, which is a handicap in terms of speed but simpler from a training perpective. Values of the first layer are rounded and stored as 16-bit integers, resulting in a final 10 MB file.
Training data
Training was performed using 360 million unique positions, extracted from CCRL games, against the nn-82215d0fd0df.nnue network. This network has been released back in August in the public domain by Sergio Vieri, and is now embedded in Stockfish 12.
After 150 iterations ("epochs"), my own tests showed an increase of ~200 elo against v0.7, but this has yet to be confirmed (it is probably highly biased by the fact that I kept the same set of opponents).
The Cerebrum
To help other programmers to understand how to train and use neural networks, I decided to share my work through the "Cerebrum" library, composed of a trainer (Python script) and the corresponding inference code to be embedded in an engine (C langage). The trainer is a cleaned version of the one used for Orion, while the inference code is actually the one used in the engine. I hope all of this will be useful.
What's next ?
This version represents a lot of work. Understanding how neural networks work and how to train them was very challenging ! Now, the next challenge will be to "cut the link" with Stockfish's evaluation. The road is still long but, as we said in French, "Paris ne s'est pas faite en un jour" !
Credits
Credits and a big thank to Sergio Vieri for his incredible work, but also to Yu Nasu for the NNUE concept introduction, and following authors/creators who have worked on its implementation in Shogi and Stockfish (see list here). Last but not least, thanks to the CCRL team for providing games of their tournaments in such a simple way !
Final note
Syzygy support has been removed from this version.
(*) The network architecture is : 2x[40960x128 + 128] x [256x32 + 32] x [32x32 + 32] x [32x1 + 1], where "[W + B]" are the weights (W) and the biases (B).
Orion 0.8 is almost ready !
Next version should be released in a few days, if all goes as expected. In the meanwhile, here is how v0.7 performed in CCRL and CEGT lists : this corresponds more or less to a 110-130 elo increase from the v0.6 : I'm very happy !
| Site | TC (*) | Rank | Elo | Games | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCRL | 40/15 | 114 | 2761 | +25 | -25 | 516 |
| CCRL | 40/2 | 128 | 2736 | +17 | -17 | 1231 |
| CEGT | 40/4 | 121 | 2595 | +15 | -15 | 1350 |
(*) Time control (40/15 means 40 moves in 15 minutes)
Experiments with Neural Networks
I really don't have a lot of time these days, but due to the NNUE on-going 'revolution', and because I'm deeply convinced that this kind of approach is the future, I decided to play a bit with neural networks.
My experiments are related here. To date, I managed to get my own NNUE implementation, giving a serious boost in terms of elo performance (note that this version is purely experimental and shouldn't be considered as the official "Orion" : it is provided only for entertainement/experiments).
I'm currently trying to build a 'neural network trainer' to train my own networks, with the aim to build in a first attempt simpler networks than Stockfish's ones, and test if they can improve current v0.7 evaluation function.
Stay tuned !
Orion 0.7 is available !
Next weeks will be busy, and I won't have a lot of time to work on the SMP version. I prefer to release the new version now, which already includes a lot of rework. Main changes are described in the previous post. I forgot to mention that now Orion also embeds an handcrafted KPK bitbase... and a refreshed logo ;-) As regards Transposition Table (TT) ageing, I opted for a simple implementation : at the beginning of a search, TT is informed of how many pieces remain on board. Every TT entry which is already stored with a greater 'popcount' can be safely and unconditionnaly replaced. This seems sound, and gave good results during my own tests.
I hope the new version will reach a +100 elo increase (when using Syzygy tablebases), but that remains to be confirmed !
Happy birthday Orion ! Last version is just one year old, and performed relatively well with an increase of around 100-110 elo from the previous version : I'm very happy :-)
Next version is on good shape : I managed to achieve some good results, mainly thanks to the addition of Syzygy tablebases support. Some parts of the code have been totally rewritten, like evaluation, magic numbers generation, magic/BMI attacks computation, or static exchange evaluation (again !). Among various changes, aspiration window is finally working, Transposition Table is being "aged" (it was not the case until now, but I choose a different approach than other engines - more details to come), hash move is always tried in Quiescence (even if it's a quiet move which should have not been generated) and before move generation (speed gain), and, finally, PVS is also implemented in Quiescence (surprisingly, this does not seem to be common : maybe I'm doing something wrong). For evaluation tuning, I switched from genetic algorithms to pure linear regression (using Python scripts and Scikit-learn). Orion's evaluation has always been and is still... basic :-) At the moment, gain is between 50 (without Syzygy) and 100 (with) elo. I'm wondering whether to release or not the current development version, but at this stage, I would like to try to implement an important feature which is still missing : multi-CPU support (SMP) !
Current version strength (v0.6) :
| Site | TC (*) | Rank | Elo | Games | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCRL | 40/15 | 144 | 2635 | +20 | -20 | 819 |
| CCRL | 40/2 | 149 | 2624 | +17 | -17 | 1204 |
| CEGT | 40/4 | 141 | 2464 | +9 | -9 | 3200 |
(*) Time control (40/15 means 40 moves in 15 minutes)
Orion v0.6 is here !
Almost one year of work... :-) Main changes are :
In my testing conditions (5000 games, 4000 played at 40/1 + 1000 played at 40/2), this version should be ~100 elo stronger than v0.5.
En route for v0.7 and a new long-term objective: reach one day 2800 elo ?!
Orion v0.6 is almost ready to be released !
I'm currently running last tournaments to ensure non-regression with the very last build. It has been almost one year since the last post on this "blog": I worked hard on the new version, continuously trying to improve the engine, test after test... Sometimes, I wonder how other programmers do to improve so quickly their own engine, especially for 2500+ elo engines !
As a rule, and from the very beginning, I always refuse to watch other engines' evalution code. I only took inspiration in code related to search, but only for the parts I can understand and implement on my own. For example, aspiration window at root node is a concept that still doesn't work in Orion. I think I understood the idea, but something is still wrong. As far as evaluation is concerned, Orion's code is 100% original : I only took inspiration from well-known sites like CPW, blogs from other authors (a thought for Mediocre which seems to reborn !) and, for sure, forums (TalkChess being the one I read the more).
Most of the Orion v0.6 progress will come from the evaluation function: I added some concepts and the magic of genetics did the rest :-) In the meanwhile, I'm really proud of the v0.5 strength. This version has been a solid ground to build another release ! After almost one year from its release, here are its current rating:
| Site | TC (*) | Rank | Elo | Games | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCRL | 40/40 | 175 | 2529 | +15 | -15 | 1548 |
| CCRL | 40/4 | 176 | 2513 | +13 | -13 | 2348 |
| CEGT | 40/4 | 166 | 2352 | +13 | -13 | 1922 |
(*) Time control (40/4 means 40 moves in 4 minutes)
Orion v0.5 is available !
After several weeks of hard work, and a huge number of games played to test, test, and test again, I'm pleased to release a new version of my little engine Orion !
So, what's new ? Not a long list of new features, but a lot of code changes and rewrite :
Yes ! It worked ! I finally managed to improve strength using PBIL method (a big thank to Thomas Petzke) ! v0.5 is the first genetically modified version of Orion :-)
Gain can appear low, but I use a simple and straightforward fitness evaluation method : only compare score difference between Orion and Stockfish (v8). My previous attempts failed because of a bad initialisation of weights. Tuning only applied on evaluation terms, from 25 millions of unique positions extracted from CCRL 40/40 games and took ~ 8-10 hours. For the next release, I'll try to include search parameters but this will need to change fitness evaluation and run games : it should really take a lot of time !
Lastly, I tried to improve my testing framework. In previous versions, I only ran gauntlets against my 3 prefered partners : iCE, Lozza, and Madchess. I now run 4000 games against 20 engines, at 40 moves / 60 seconds, using the Hert500.pgn opening book. To preserve my computer, CPU is underclocked at 2.24 GHz. A complete run takes ~ 36 hours (7 games are run in parallel).
I hope all this work will be reflected in an elo gain in real conditions !
Orion v0.5 is approaching !
Since the release of v0.4, I have been working a lot to try to improve Orion, testing dozens of code changes and playing thousands of games. I finally started to get promising results a few weeks ago. I'm currently trying to grab a few more elos before releasing a new version.
In the meanwhile, I'm really satisfied to see that current version performs relatively well in tournaments (it is 60-100 elo stronger than v0.3 !). Compared to previous versions, v0.4 is clearly a strong and sound basis to try new ideas. You'll find in the table below an idea of its current strength. I'm really excited with the current development version : stay tuned !
| Site | TC (*) | Rank | Elo | Games | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCRL | 40/40 | 188 | 2447 | +24 | -24 | 581 |
| CCRL | 40/4 | 205 | 2420 | +18 | -19 | 1045 |
| CEGT | 40/4 | 185 | 2262 | +14 | -14 | 1550 |
(*) Time control (40/4 means 40 moves in 4 minutes)
Orion v0.4 is out !
I'm really happy to release this new version : I worked a lot on it, testing tens of versions, to finally get a version doing what it was intended to :-)
From the source code perspective, this version does not vary a lot from the previous : I only made small adjustements on search and fixed some pieces of code that didn't do what I expected to.
Evaluation was just modified to adjust rooks scoring. I gave a new chance to PBIL algorithm to improve it with no results. This time, I tried to minimize the difference between Orion and Stockfish v8 scores, but in real games, it didn't give better play.
So, what's new in this version ? Even if final code differences are small, there are some big changes:
In addition, a BMI2 version of the engine is now provided, giving a small speed bonus (+ 5%) on compatible systems.
Why releasing a new version now ? Because, even if evaluation has not been improved, my own tests show a clear progression against v0.3 : +/- 100 elo at 40/4 ! I hope this will be confirmed in real tournaments and longer time controls...
Have fun and do not hesitate to give me feedback !
It has been nearly a year since Orion was put online, and you will find in the table below a good idea of its level. I'm quite happy with these results (many thanks to all testers) ! In fact, the engine performed better than I expected. However, during last months, I tried to improve again the last version but faced difficulties... Developing a chess engine can really cause headaches !
I first tried to improve my evaluation function (using genetic algorithms) : it only allowed me to validate my PBIL framework as real strength was finally not increased...! After multiple attempts, I suspected pruning and reductions techniques had (bad) influence while trying to optimize evaluation.
I then started to inspect search tree implementation to decide what to deactivate, and found some bugs and pieces of code not doing what they ware intended to... Several hundreds games later, I also suspected problems in Transposition Table, notably on replacement strategies. I then tried multiple approaches... before being satisfied.
I'm here. And last results seem to go in the right direction, but it's too early to release a new version : a lot of work is still planned ! I want first to stabilize search tree implementation and then give a new chance to genetic algorithms to improve Orion's evaluation function. For the latter, I think I will disable pruning and reduction techniques to better converge to a good solution...
During all my efforts, I also found time to implement a BMI2 version of the engine, giving (on compatible systems) an incredible... +0% speed boost ! Another disappointment... and a new source of forthcoming debug sessions :-)
| Site | TC (*) | Rank | Elo | Games | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCRL | 40/40 | 203 | 2383 | +22 | -22 | 686 |
| CCRL | 40/4 | 209 | 2345 | +18 | -18 | 1187 |
| CEGT | 40/4 | 204 | 2162 | +13 | -13 | 1600 |
(*) Time control (40/4 means 40 moves in 4 minutes)
Orion v0.3 is now available !
I'm very happy to release this new version after several weeks of hard work. It (almost) consists in a complete rewrite of the previous version, in order to have a more readable and robust code, which should be a better basis for further enhancements. And code is not throwing anymore tons of warnings when compiling ;-)
Aside from rewriting, some features have been added, changed or removed :
Evaluation is unchanged. The new pruning techniques allow smaller search trees while adding some search instability. It results in less reliable moves in shallow depths, but should increase strength for longer time controls. I'm very impatient to see how it will behave in tournaments !
Next version will focus on evaluation enhancement with a PBIL framework already implemented and ready to be played with !
New Orion v0.2 ratings :
| Site | TC (*) | Rank | Elo | Games | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCRL | 40/40 | 203 | 2266 | +38 | -38 | 230 |
| CEGT | 40/4 | 1346 | 2105 | +25 | -25 | 600 |
(*) Time control (40/4 means 40 moves in 4 minutes)
Orion v0.2 participated in its first tournament ("Special Stars", organized by CCRL team) and finished in 4th place !
As it was my goal to compete with other engines, I'm very proud of it ;-)
First feedback from testers with computers that don't support 'popcnt' instruction show that the engine may crash : this problem has been fixed and a patched version of Orion v0.2 has been repackaged in the zip file (see download section).
This shows that we never test enough ! Thanks to all testers for their patience...
Please report any new problem here.
I'm pleased to announce the release of Orion v0.2 !
This new version includes :
All these features should improve the engine speed :-)
Please enjoy !
The CEGT team tested intensively Orion v0.1... playing 1100 games ! Here is the rating obtained :
| Site | TC (*) | Rank | Elo | Games | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEGT | 40/4 | 1360 | 2048 | +18 | -18 | 1100 |
(*) Time control (40/4 means 40 moves in 4 minutes)
After the last CCRL update (many thanks to all testers !), these are the ratings of Orion v0.1 :
| Site | TC (*) | Rank | Elo | Games | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCRL | 40/4 | 229 | 2167 | +39 | -39 | 248 |
| CCRL | 40/40 | 220 | 2194 | +116 | -108 | 30 |
(*) Time control (40/4 means 40 moves in 4 minutes)
Orion v0.1 is now listed in CCRL (in the "complete list" only, because It played less than 200 games) !
After 30 games played, Orion has been evaluated at 2194 elo. The error margin is quite big (+/- 116), but totally normal since only a few games were played. I think its real level is closer to 2078 :-)
I'm very happy and proud to release the first version of my UCI chess engine : Orion v0.1 !
I started to work on it several years ago, as a hobby, but decided to rewrite it entirely (and more seriously) at the beginning of the year, switching from Java (easy for prototyping) to C (easiest to distribute).
It includes :
My long term goal is to reach 2500 elo (one day ?!), but for the moment, this version seems to have, let's say, some room for improvement :-)
It's an 100% original work (no fork/derivative), a lot inspired by chessprogramming.wikispaces.com, and ideas taken from the excellent blogs of Jonatan Pettersson (Mediocre) and Thomas Petzke (iCE).
In order to use Orion, you will need a GUI like Arena.
Last but not least, many thanks to Graham for accepting Orion to enter the CCRL competition !
Please enjoy !
Orion is free : you can download and use/test it without limitation/restriction. The zip contains a Windows executable, a personal logo (astronomy is another passion), and a network file. You are allowed to redistribute it or its elements, on the absolute condition that you don't modify them. Sources of the engine are not included since development is in a too early stage. From v0.8, a part of Orion has been released under the MIT license ("The Cerebrum" library).
Download v1.1 (64-bit version)
Previous versions : Download v0.1 to v1.0 (64-bit versions)