Parents' Guide to Metal Slug Attack

While this action packed game is designed for fast-paced play, some of the game's complexity can hold players back. Metal Slug Attack gives players some autonomy to make choices when preparing for battle -- selecting a hired mercenary, for instance, and a tank, which can allow them to strategize. But with the considerable amount of elements involved, you may need to patiently endure some trial-and-error guesswork to figure out what options are best. But even if they don't want to dwell on all the particulars, the gameplay offers entertaining action experiences. Players can tap on soldiers to tag them in and tap on them again to make them shoot, or hit a Battle button to engage multiple fighters. Weapons discharge loudly, and smoke billows up from areas that have been hit as you advance toward the opponent's base.

The confrontations move quickly at first, but eventually feature longer scenes with more terrain to cover and additional challenges. The visuals aren't gory -- fallen participants generally fade away quickly, without any focus on their injuries -- but some parents may not be too crazy about the generally violent theme. There are a few other issues -- the ability to friend and potentially connect with other users through chats, for instance, and sexualized female characters who seem contradictory with the battle motif also appear at points. The game's focus on frequently purchasing items as you advance to use in battles is another concern. While you'll earn a significant amount of in-app currency from playing, even with ample resources, the amount of battle gear that's available and helpful to buy could cause you to feel like you need to spend real-world money to play. Due to those factors, parents may want to participate in or at least monitor kids' time on the app -- which could also provide an opportunity to discuss how to potentially utilize critical thinking skills in battle-related decision-making.