Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection

"Ever done three tens?"

From 1998 to 2005 the first three games in the Metal Gear Solid Series were released. This essential espionage action pack includes Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance(which includes the original, Sons of Liberty) and disc one of Metal Gear Solid 3 Subsistance, for a fan of espionage or action or just plain cool, this will be the essential collection for your PS2. The games revolve around 3 main characters, in MGS1, Solid Snake, in MGS2 Solid Snake and newcomer Raiden and in MGS3 Naked Snake, the original Snake. The games are highly acclaimed and if you missed out on MGS2 Substance the first time it was released or never got around to MGS1 back in '98, then this bundle is for you, with the extended versions of the games and new artwork from Shinkawa, it is a collection you won't want to miss.

-Gameplay- 9/10-
From the simplistic weapon and ration combo and over the head view back in '98 to the 3D camera with CQC and and more weapons and items then you would expect to find laying around the jungle in MGS3, the series has come a long way. For camera, the first 2 used a birds eye view, making stealth techniques necessary and peering out from behind corners was a key skill. These games were simplistic and the second one was clearly more fine tuned, switching from 3rd to 1st person view to shoot wasn't an interruption like you might expect, in fact it was perfectly integrated. The item switching is well suited for stealth action and not tedious or irritating.

In Metal Gear Solid 3, updates to the controls and camera were made available in the expanded remake, 3D camera was included as was CQC (close quarters combat) a fighting system that utilized the pressure sensitivity of the dualshock 2 to control a variety of effective lethal and non-lethal fighting moves. The weapon and item system was made more realistic giving a limit to the ones you could have at your disposal at any given time. MGS3 made most changes and are generally perceived as improvements to make the game more easily accessible to players. The system is strong and has never strayed too far from its roots. The chokehold necksnap is still one of the most satisfying video game kills I know of and planting C4 on unsuspecting soldiers provides some good laughs.

-Story 10/10-
Arguably the most cinematic series of games to date, relying heavily on cutscenes and in depth conversations to tell the story, the writing even through translation maintains depth and philosophy. The post modern lining combined with visual narration (accented in the heavily visual presentation of MGS3) is unique and unrivaled. Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3 using the technology of the Playstation 2, created stories using eye contact and facial expression. The characters are developed completely 3D, they are approached and confronted from every angle, emotionally, logically, and psychologically. The player will be sucked in and realize their decisions make the difference, how you play affects the story sometimes in a big way.

The first game in the Playstation 1 era used emotional voice acting and top of the line graphics for its time to present a story both moving and thought provoking. The plot confronts our direction and intentions as a race, or mistakes both accidental and deliberate and focuses on the fact that we make our destiny, it is not controlled by genes or DNA. Old friends returned, new friends betrayed and the premise of the next 2 games was created.

The second game deals with the advances in technology, and psychological
manipulation. Metal Gear Solid 2 created controversy for being convoluted and was accused of not being as deep as they say, the story applies to different people on different levels at different times. Artificial intelligence and dealings with our players in this game where we are simply pawns. The shock twist of a main character swap earned the game criticism, but Raiden had a purpose he was used to show contrast between the "new guy" and our rough and intense legend Solid Snake.

Metal Gear Solid 3 took the player back to 1964, just after the Cuban missile crisis. We played as Big Boss (the antagonist from Metal Gear 1 and 2 on the MSX) in his earlier days. Before he turned on his country to create a sanctuary where soldiers would always be appreciated. The game sets out to explain his change of heart, how he was used and how after war, heroes are considered expendable. The game was used to answer some questions we had from the first 2 games and also to give us more to think about and anticipate for the final installment. It juxtaposed Snake with Big Boss and explained their differences and similarities as "father and son".

-Sound and Graphics 10/10-
Harry Gregson-Williams provides the music for all of the games and the job he does is unprecedented, the scores he creates are powerful and moving. The music in each game reflects the scenery, MGS1 with dark action oriented music, the second with futuristic electrical music and the third with jungle rhythms and animal themes. His themes are memorable and grand. The voice acting is always superb and the prolific casts have included Cam Clarke, David Hayter, Jennifer Hale, Phil La Marr and Lori Alan. They provide a large percentage of the emotion and feeling of the series and succeed in bringing each character to life.

Each game has been a marvel in terms of graphics. Metal Gear Solid 1 Had fluid movements, fierce explosions and used the technology it had to make a scenic memorable environment. Leaving footprints in the snow and seeing your breath in the cold are just examples of the visual treat this game was in its time.

Metal Gear Solid 2 was one of the very early games on the PS2 and yet still holds up strongly to this day. It's smooth framerates, diverse environments and monstrous machinery made it likely the best looking game of its type at the time.

MGS3, this game created some of the best graphics ever achieved on the Playstation 2. Realistic facial expressions and amazing textures and explosions made it the best looking metal gear solid game. It made the characters come to life with the glint in their eyes...

-Replay Value and Play time 10/10 you'll want to replay them-
The game without skipping cutscenes will probably average 10 hours and that's if you're good. If you're a new player you may find yourself exploring and taking 20+ hours like I did in the games. By giving you a handful of easter eggs and unlockables each time, the games will likely have you loading up your finished file to start over and grab what you missed. In MGS1 there are costume changes and extra items, in MGS2 there are costume additions and dog tags to shake off of enemies (and friends) and in MGS3 there are challenging items to acquire and more then one way to get each one. If you really get into the series you'll be compelled to get all you can out of the games.

-Final thoughts about the Essential Collection-
Buy it, don't question, if you think the games look good but never got around to getting them open the wallet and pull out some cash. This is a series worth playing for people who want an experience like no other. This package is the perfect start point for new fans. And the illustrations look great on display.

10 out of 10 for all 3. Can you do better then that?

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/02/08

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