"MGS vets may not be missing much, but it's still a good tune-up for MGS4."

The Metal Gear Solid series is one of the most well-done series in video game history. Each game excelled in graphics (for their time) and in storyline, being one of the most intricate storyline to hit the gaming market. With the release of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots imminent in June, it seemed right that a collection to show how the series got to this point would be released. And we have it, the Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection. Without further ado, let's get started.

First of all, let's look at what you get with the box set. Most obviously, you receive Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance and Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence. The second disc of MGS3: Subsistence is not in the packaging, unfortunately, so you miss out on a few extras, but it's fine, you still get your money's worth in that regard. Every game has a new case (including a PS2-similar case for MGS), as well as a re-designed instruction manual. The artistic direction for each individual case fit each game's particular ambiance, both front and back. All of this is very well done, and is very pleasing as well.

Now for the games themselves. Let's start at the beginning, with Metal Gear Solid. Nothing is changed, which for those who love nostalgia, is good, although this could be seen as a negative, at least if you were expecting something new in the game. The graphics have really aged in 10 years, and for someone new to this game, may be hard to get over. Of course, graphics can't change the fun of the game, as well as the gripping storyline. The controls aren't bad, but if you've played one of the later games in the series lately, you might have trouble with the lack of first person (I know I did). Despite the fact that sound quality has aged, it isn't as much of an aging as you'd think; the lower bit rate is highly noticeable, but it's easily tolerable when the voice acting and the music is as good as it is. The outdated graphics might get to newer gamers, but nonetheless, gamers new to the series shouldn't look over this installment, as it is still a gem of the PS1's glory.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance probably is the best done out of all of the collection. All of the features included in the original release of Substance are here: Snake Tales, VR Missions and MGS Skateboarding, just to name a few. You'd think 7 years could age a game, but even now, MGS2 is still beautiful. There are obvious flaws (guns still look somewhat blocky, some textures aren't as well done as they are now) but those can be easily forgotten. Although looked down upon by some, the story of the game is amazing, takes some thought, but well progressed. There might be plot points that might have seemed confusing to a newcomer to the series because of a lack of MGS1 knowledge, but this package pretty much eliminates that.

Having not played this in a long time, I must say, I forgot that the game included as much cut scenes as it did. This could be deemed tedious to some, but remember, they can be skipped (although shouldn't be), and the game should not be tossed aside for that sole reason. Another reason that gamers had disdain for the game was Raiden. Sure, he isn't Snake, but his character drives the storyline greatly, and his character is very well done. The extra features of the game add more playtime to the game, and are challenging as well once you get deep into the mini games. Overall, this inclusion has made me the most satisfied, never having played Substance myself.

Last, but certainly not least, is Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence. It's missing the second disc, meaning you'll miss out on extra missions, Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, and the now defunct Metal Gear Online. It's disappointing, but acceptable. Now, the game itself is beautiful as well, more so than MGS2. The lighting, and the jungle environment are really well done graphically, and the character models are a bit more detailed than MGS2. You'll be following Naked Snake in this installment, which is important, you get to play as the soldier that was the DNA basis of the Snake triplets. As well, the game being a prequel, it fills in some plot holes as well (albeit adding a few more). Voice acting isn't as well done as the last two games, but then again, you're looking at a decrease from exceptionally amazing to greatly above average, so there's not much to complain about. Camoflauge and survival add another dimension of gameplay, you have to change camo to fit your environment, and catch food to eat as well. You might also get injured as well, and will have to use various medical items to fix these wounds, varying on what you've got. In my opinion, this is the best of the series to this point, but the lack of the second Subsistence disc is a small disappointment.

All in all, this collection is best for the audience new to the series. Gamers with all three games already need not run to the stores to grab this, you wouldn't be missing much, but for $30, you could consider it. Everything they changed is relatively well done, and the games speak for themselves. The collection itself gets an 8/10, there are a few flaws, and not much has been added, but nonetheless, still does enough justice to the series.

Pros:
+ New case designs
+ Substance/Subsistence inclusion
+ All three MGS games easily accessible

Cons:
- MGS1 has aged
- No second disc to Subsistence
- Those with all three games already need not worry about the collection

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/31/08

Game Release: Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection (US, 03/18/08)