Metal Gear Solid HD Collection Review for Xbox 360

System: Xbox 360, PS3
Dev: Kojima Productions
Pub: Konami
Release: November 8, 2011
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Tobacco

What you're really paying for here, though, are the stories. These games have exceptional storylines filled with unexpected twists and turns, as well as anime-style over-the-top details. Revolver Ocelot having Liquid Snake's arm grafted onto him, allowing Liquid to possess his body? Yup. That's Metal Gear. Now, many have called the Metal Gear stories convoluted and hard to follow—some going as far as to say nonsensical—and I guess those are fair accusations. But that doesn't mean these plotlines aren't incredibly well-written, or that they won't entertain you from start to finish.

The big question now: "What's in the box?"

Metal Gear Solid HD Collection Screenshot

Well, for starters, the HD Collection comes with Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. MGS 2 and 3 are the Substance and Subsistence editions, respectively, meaning each is bursting at the seams with extras. In fact, MGS2 alone comes with enough content to justify the $50 price tag. It includes the entire Sons of Liberty story, more than 350 alternate and VR missions, and Snake Tales, a non-canonical series of side stories for Solid Snake that attempt to make up for his diminutive role in the main story. MGS3 isn't as beefy, but it includes the original two MSX Metal Gear titles: Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake.

Peace Walker is the skimpiest here, but it does include co-op missions and a deathmatch-style versus mode. However, considering this collection launched the same day as Modern Warfare 3, and just a week after Uncharted 3, it's going to be pretty hard to enjoy Peace Walker's multiplayer. It's nice that it was included, but it's a far cry from any of the other multiplayer offerings on the shelf right now.

The bottom line: If you've never played these classics, you owe it to yourself to run out and pick up a copy this instant. If you've played them before, this is a budget-priced return to some of the most influential video games ever made. Either way, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is $50 you won't regret spending.

By Josh Wirtanen
CCC Editor / Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.9

Graphics
You'll tell just by looking at them that these games are from a past era. But they look much better than the original versions, and Peace Walker's comic book cutscenes look fantastic.

3.5

Control
The controls are sadly outdated. Peace Walker feels more modern, but suffers from some awkward aiming.

4.7

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Excellent. The Metal Gear sounds we know and love, great voice acting, and an iconic score.

4.9

Play Value
Five entire games and heaps of extras. How much more could you possibly fit on one disc?

4.6

Overall Rating - Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

The MGS franchise is one of the most important game series of all time with multi-million unit sales globally, and countless awards honoring the vision of Hideo Kojima, a true video game icon.

The first time these groundbreaking MGS titles are availablein full High-Definition with revamped graphics, menu systems, and much more.

Play as a new fan or a veteran of the Metal Gear Solid universe and experience some of the greatest gaming design, storytelling, and presentation of all-time.

Three full Metal Gear Solid games featuring endless hours of gameplay within the single-player campaigns.

Online multiplayer modes featured in MGS Peace Walker for even greater replay value to extend the experience further. Go online in multiplayer modes, as well as Co-Op mode.

Enjoy smooth, precise controls with right analog stick formatting and Force Feedback.

See the games like you never have before, with the frame rate boosted to 60 fps and graphics enhanced to 720p.