Noise Factory Co. Ltd. was a Japanese game development studio closely associated with SNK's Neo Geo platform. The company is best known for developing the beat 'em up Sengoku 3 and co-developing the run-and-gun shooter Metal Slug 4, contributing to the acclaimed Metal Slug franchise.
Established by former industry veterans, the studio took over key intellectual properties during a critical restructuring phase for their publishing partners. The developer's involvement with the
Metal Slug franchise began as a collaborative effort to keep the series active, leading to their primary development role on
Metal Slug 4. This entry maintained the signature hand-drawn sprite art and chaotic gameplay of the original
Metal Slug, while introducing new playable characters and scoring mechanics to the series.
Simultaneously, the company revitalized the historical fantasy setting of the
Sengoku series. Their work on
Sengoku 3 overhauled the combat system of the earlier
Sengoku titles, introducing complex chain combos and refined weapon mechanics that distinguished it from its predecessors. Through these projects, the studio maintained the high-quality 2D arcade aesthetic of both the
Metal Slug and
Sengoku brands. The company eventually transitioned into audio production and mobile development before quietly fading from active game production, leaving a legacy defined by its stewardship of these classic arcade properties.