The Best Way to Catch Up on Metal Gear Solid!
The Metal Gear Solid series has been one of the most critically and commercially successful series of all time. The first title is credited with essentially creating the stealth action genre, and many attribute the success of series like Splinter Cell and Rainbow Six to the precedent set forth by the Metal Gear series. This series is truly classic among game fans. And while many people around the world have played this classic series, many have not. And for those who have never been able to get around to enjoying this series, there is now a way to enjoy all three of the main console entries in the series for under $30: the Metal Gear Solid: Essential Collection.
I, much to the chagrin of many of my fellow co-workers, have never delved into the world of Metal Gear Solid. Unfortunately I was rather young when the first title hit, and I never could say I had much interest in the sequels. But it was always on my gaming “to-do” list, and I was very excited to play these games consecutively over a period of three intense days.
One very important thing to note right off the bat is that these discs are in their original format. That means that the original Metal Gear Solid title is in it’s original PlayStation black disc format, so if you are planning on playing these titles on a PlayStation 3, make sure yours is one of the 20, 60 or 80 GB models that are backwards compatible. But if you’re playing on a regular PlayStation 2, then you should be good to go, as long as you have an original PlayStation memory card.
Now that you know all about the technical specs, how does the gameplay hold up? Well, as one of the previously uninitiated Metal Gear Solid elite, I can say without nostalgic bias that the gameplay in these games is extremely fun and engaging. The first Metal Gear Solid, which was originally released over ten years ago, has a very simple stealth based action system that definitely has a larger focus on the natural hiding aspect then the rest of the series. It has some pretty awesome level design as well, and holds it’s own among modern games for its unique combination of strategy, stealth, and of course, gunplay. The original Metal Gear Solid is also a really great title because of its very involved story. The story in Metal Gear Solid revolves around Snake, an ex-armed forces member who gets himself into several dangerous situations involving an extremely dangerous nuclear device: the Metal Gear. But this story isn’t only about Snake’s missions. In addition to Snake, there are a whole host of secondary characters with very developed backgrounds whom you’ll end up caring a lot about. The story also takes some very interesting twists and turns that you never see coming. I can definitely see why the original Metal Gear is considered such a masterpiece. If you have never played the original for whatever reason, this title is worth the price of the collection.
And although the original Metal Gear is definitely the most important entry in the series, I have to say that my favorite Metal Gear Solid title has to be Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. The version that is included in the collection is actually Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance. This is essentially a director’s cut of the original title, and has several extra missions and some unlockable material. Metal Gear Solid 2 continues the story of Snake and takes place almost directly after the events of the second title. The Metal Gear Solid story reaches a fever pitch in this title and every level seems to bring some new or interesting revelation to light. And even though the story is an excellent part of Metal Gear Solid 2, the upgraded battle options are what made this title really stand out in my opinion. While the initial Metal Gear Solid had a great battle system, it definitely feels a little basic to a modern audience. But Metal Gear Solid 2, despite being nearly seven years old itself, definitely feels more on par with modern games, and features more acute controls, better weapons, and squad-based play.
The final entry in the Metal Gear Solid series that is included in this collection is Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence. This is the extended edition of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, although it curiously doesn’t include the second special features disc that came with the original. But lack of special features aside, Metal Gear Solid 3 definitely feels like the most in-depth entry in the series. The story is a prequel to the entire series, and the game marks the first in the series to feature a truly open world, and was the first in the series to have camera control and advanced enemy A.I.
The gameplay is also much more in-depth, and there’s definitely a lot more to do with Snake in Metal Gear Solid 3 then there was in previous games. It marks the introduction of the stamina bar, and for the first time you’ll have to find food to give Snake in order for him to survive. And while many applauded this more intricate approach, I miss the simplicity of the first two games. But I suppose Metal Gear Solid 3 is probably the most modern of the three games, and current-gen players will probably find quite a lot to love in this last-gen title.
If you have never played the Metal Gear Solid series, this collection gives you the perfect chance to catch up on one of the best series in game history. And even if you have played the series before but perhaps missed an entry or two, you will still definitely get some value out of this $30 set. The only qualm that I have with the Metal Gear Solid: Essential Collection is that it doesn’t have any bonus material for fans that may already own all three of these great titles. But I suppose you can’t ask for too much when you’re offered three classic games for such a great price. And of course, with the much anticipated final entry in the series, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, on its way, fans will definitely get what they want in due time. Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection is basically only for people who are new to the series or have missed some of it. But for this select group of people, Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection is a must buy!
RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 4.6 Graphics
Each entry represents some of the best graphics of their time. And while it might have been nice to see some graphical upgrades for the Essential Collection, there is definitely something to be said for playing a game the way it was created. 4.5 Control
Controls work very well, although using the O button as the primary confirmation button feels a little weird. 4.8 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Sound in both games is great. Voice acting in particular definitely excels. 4.0 Play Value
If you have never played the metal Gear Solid franchise or only have one or two of these titles, then you must pick up this box set for the value MSRP of $29.99. However, if you already have the set, there is no new content and as such, no real reason to invest in this title. 4.6 Overall Rating – Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.
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