Title: Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 Brings Classic Stealth Action to Next-Gen Consoles
Release date: October 24, 2023
Platform reviewed: PS5
Availability: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Konami’s iconic Metal Gear Solid series is back with a bang in Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1. This comprehensive collection brings together the first five games in the franchise, offering nostalgic fans and new players alike a chance to experience the groundbreaking stealth action that made the series so influential.
The collection includes Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. While these are re-releases rather than full remasters, the games still maintain their original gameplay mechanics while receiving slight visual enhancements.
Each game in the series delivers a unique blend of stealth and explosive action, placing players in the shoes of a super-spy infiltrating enemy strongholds. From terse radio calls to intense combat encounters and encounters with towering mechs, Metal Gear Solid games offer a riveting gameplay experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
For newcomers, the collection introduces them to the influential nature of the Metal Gear Solid games, which have mostly aged well and are still worth playing today. The earlier top-down installments, Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2, boast a retro charm that indie games today try to replicate. Metal Gear Solid, though showing its age, still offers a challenging and rewarding stealth experience. Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3 build upon the mechanics of their predecessors while introducing more forgiving detection systems and intricate stealth action.
One of the standout aspects of the Metal Gear Solid games is their tight and engaging gameplay. The combat mechanics, reminiscent of titles like Hitman, feature location-based damage and strategic approaches to eliminate enemies. Accidental occurrences, such as disabling a response team with an improvised grenade or incapacitating a guard with a stray bullet, add an unpredictable element to the gameplay. Furthermore, Metal Gear Solid 2’s tanker prologue remains an iconic example of how game mechanics and atmosphere intertwine seamlessly.
However, the controls in some of the games may pose a challenge. Maneuvering while having the weapon ready requires players to hold two face buttons simultaneously, making aiming cumbersome. This design choice discourages combat and encourages players to rely on stealthier approaches.
Metal Gear Solid games excel in providing players with a wide range of options and intricate interactions within the gameplay. For instance, the iconic cardboard box serves not only as a hiding spot from enemies and surveillance cameras but also a means of transportation and even a disguise to fool wolves. These simple yet complex gameplay systems create a sense of depth and immersion.
Enemy AI, while predictable in their preset paths, still provide a challenge that keeps players engaged. Unforgettable moments, like the radar turning off in Metal Gear Solid 2 to reveal a squad cornering the player character, evoke a surge of adrenaline rarely matched in games of its time. Additionally, the relatively short runtime of each installment ensures a fast-paced and immersive experience, keeping the player hooked until the credits roll.
Metal Gear Solid games are known for their intriguing storytelling, blending spy fiction, conspiracy theories, and supernatural elements. The writing team manages to deliver twists that feel earned, even in the face of absurdity. However, the games do suffer from archaic elements, such as instances of inappropriate behavior towards female characters—issues that fans have often dismissed as quirks of the series creator, Hideo Kojima.
Despite minor flaws, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 remains a must-have for fans of the series and anyone seeking an immersive and unforgettable stealth action experience. With its release on multiple platforms, including next-gen consoles, players can now embark on a nostalgic journey or discover the magic of Metal Gear Solid for the first time.
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