SNK has launched its Metal Slug 30th anniverary project to celebrate a whopping 30 years of the franchise.

That’s right, we’ve been running and gunning with this motley crew since 1996. In fact, the first Metal Slug title debuted in arcades on April 19, 1996. There are seven numbered entries in the mainline series, with plenty of spinoffs, remakes, and even mobile editions. The series is best known for its classic side-scrolling action featuring countless enemies to shoot. Its certainly known for its ability to suck those quarters in at the arcade.

With the anniversary project, SNK is looking to “reignite and reboot” the Metal Slug franchise with several initiatives, including new games in development. A special retrospective video has been launced to help mark the franchise’s 30th anniversary. It showcases Metal Slug’s history, while teasing a new mission for fans to get excited about. Check out the video below.

What could this new mission mean? We haven’t seen a proper new entry in the series since 2009, so a Metal Slug 8 would be welcome. We’ll let you know once we have more information.

More information on the anniversary project can be found over on the official website and the team’s Twitter channel (can we still call it that?).