People

Manabu Takemura

Metal Slug animator

Manabu Takemura led the animation team at Nazca Corporation, creating Metal Slug's legendary sprite work that set new standards for 2D animation in video games.

neo-geoarcade artistanimatorsnk 1965–present

Overview

The fluid, expressive animation of Metal Slug didn’t happen by accident—it required exceptional artists working at the peak of their craft. Manabu Takemura and the Nazca animation team created sprites with personality, weight, and charm that remain benchmarks for 2D game art decades later.

Fast facts

  • Company: Nazca Corporation, later SNK.
  • Speciality: Character animation.
  • Notable work: Metal Slug series.
  • Legacy: Industry animation benchmark.

Metal Slug animation

ElementAchievement
Frame countExceptionally high per action
Character weightPhysics-aware movement
Enemy varietyDistinct personality per type
Death animationsDarkly comedic detail

Animation philosophy

PrincipleApplication
ExaggerationAmplify readable motion
AnticipationWind-up before action
Follow-throughMomentum continuation
Secondary actionEnvironmental reactions

Technical constraints

LimitationSolution
Sprite memoryEfficient frame reuse
Colour limitsStrategic palette choices
ProcessingOptimised draw calls

See also