OneMetal.com game REVIEW:
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection

We’ll get the biggie out of the road. I warn fans of the Metal Gear Solid games that the original PSOne title that made the franchise a household name is not part of the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection. The internet is full of reasons, but before you go off and write a letter of complaint to Konami or Hideo Kojima himself, let’s take a little look as to why the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is still an essential purchase.

Metal Gear Solid 2 : Sons of Liberty

Happy tenth birthday MGS 2! Yes, it’s been ten years since we yawned our way through confusing political cut-scenes and raised an eyebrow at the blonde-haired effeminate leading man Raiden. Despite critical success back in 2002, the game divided Metal Gear fans and ever since has been considered probably the weakest in the series. Set two years after the first game, MGS 2 continues Solid Snake’s quest to rid the world of the mobile nuclear warhead launching mecha known as Metal Gear, while his old nemesis Revolver Ocelot tries to take it back for himself and his associates, the Patriots.

If Snake can grow to love him, why can't you?

The HD treatment has certainly helped MGS 2 but it’s by no means perfect. The special effects are rather jumpy at times, the colour scheme is still made up of bland greys and oranges and the lip-syncing is well off for the most part. However, for all it’s imperfections, there are still those of us who have grown to accept MGS 2. Once you get your head around the conspiracy theories and political agendas, the story line is rather enjoyable, even if it does mean skipping a cut-scene or two in order to speed the whole thing up. It has plenty of replay value with the dog-tag collecting side mission and the inclusion of the Substance edition’s Snake Tales. For the die-hard MGS fans only, or worth a bash if you’re preparing yourself for Metal Gear Rising’s eventual release.

3.5/5

Metal Gear Solid 3 : Snake Eater

Acting as a prequel to the entire series and originally on Playstation 2, MGS 3 is set during the Cold War and provides the much needed back-story required to understand the Metal Gear saga as a whole. Making use of a new camouflage system and improved CQC melee combat controls the game was received critical acclaim as was a refreshing return to form for the series. The game introduced Naked Snake to the franchise, a character whose legacy would overshadow the entire future of the plot. His mission is to rescue a Russian nuclear scientist from renegade Soviet faction, Cobra Unit. However, when Snake’s mentor, The Boss, defects to the enemy, it becomes a race against time to stop Cobra Unit from causing World War 3.

The HD make-over has done wonders for Snake's complexion

Let’s face it – MGS 3 always looked good for it’s age and the HD remake only improves on that. Character models look a lot smoother, whilst special effects no longer look like overexposed photographs. Despite the removal the multiplayer (let’s face it, who played it anyway?), the game still retains some of it’s Subsistance features, namely the original Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 from the eighties. But all of the above is a bonus when compared to absolutely fantastic story that makes MGS 3 what it is. Take notice George Lucas, that’s how a prequel is done!

5/5

Metal Gear Solid : Peace Walker

A PSP exclusive from 2010, Peace Walker is set around ten years after Snake Eater and focuses on Big Boss’ band of mercenaries, Militaires Sans Frontières, and bridges the gap between the Naked Snake and Solid Snake story lines. Hired by a KGB “professor” to aid Latin American rebels in reclaiming their nations for themselves, Snake uncovers a CIA plot to create a mobile nuclear deployment system and decides to put a stop to it.

"Stick 'em up!"

Whilst maintaining the core Tactical Espionage Action at the heart of Metal Gear, Peace Walker is a refreshing take on the franchise. Mission based, players can opt to play as Snake (a necessity for the main story missions) or as another member of the Militaires Sans Frontières for side missions. As you accomplish each mission, experience points are rewarded which can be used to upgrade your weaponry and technology, as well as improve your off-shore base which acts as a hub for the entire game. Co-op plays a big part of the game and while story-based missions can only be a solo effort, the side missions make for some entertaining scenarios as you and your friends sneak, distract and shoot your way to victory. The controls have been updated to suit the dual stick layout of the 360 and the PS3 which become second nature, if only after a rather difficult learning curve for those used to the other games.

Graphically cut from the same cloth as Snake Eater, the only differences are the cut-scenes, which are made up of beautiful illustrations, rather like an animated comic book, with a few Quick Time Events to keep you focused on the story. I’m not usually a fan of these QTEs, but perhaps if previous games in the series (*cough* MGS2 *cough) had used these then I wouldn’t have dozed off, so bravo to Peace walker for keeping me entertained. Rather than the HD remastering being the sex-appeal of Peace Walker, I reckon most gamers will have sold their PSP long before this little gem came out so now Metal Gear fans finally have the chance to complete their collection.

4/5

Bottom Line

Putting aside the missing first game, the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is excellent value for money whether you are new to the franchise, or just looking to get reacquainted with your favourite characters.