Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance

"Metal Gear Solid 2 still stands strong"

I was never able to submit a review for the original Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty because it was over flooded with them before I could submit. So now I am giving you a review for it's new and expansion version recently released on the XBOX, Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance. Substance is essentially a port of the original MGS2 game from the Playstation 2, but consists of so many extra levels, and features, that it's a Metal Gear fans' dream come true. The game play, and controls work very well on the XBOX system. While some have complaints about a slowdown flaw during areas with heavy water, and/or rain, I don't even really notice it. This is a minor detail, and the game itself without the extras makes up for it entirely. If I could come up with an explanation of the slow down, it would have to be because they crammed so much stuff onto one disc that it's having a hard time keeping up with all the information. Substance has THAT much in it. The VR missions just seem to go on forever, and they truely challenge your skills as a Metal Gear player.

I must say that I liked the use of color for the VR missions in the original Metal Gear Solid: VR missions released on PSX, over the the ones used in Substance, but that's just a matter of perspective. The gameplay of the VR missions stands strong, and are extremely more fun than they were on the previous version. Some stages will be tough to master, especially if you're trying to get that top score. Sometimes it'll make you want to get up, and just smash the tv, or break your XBOX in half, but hey, that's what games are for. =)

Now on to the ranks...

Storyline: 10/10
Substance still consists of the same Sons of Liberty storyline, that was on the PS2 version, so it's nothing new to some people. However, it still remains to be a truly awesome storyline. The plot it self has kept me, and others like me talking for months on what means what, and the possibilities. There are more twists then a pretzel, but it's cool and enjoyable to be a part of nonetheless. Not only is the S.O.L. story in Substance though. There are also the 5 Snake Tales, which take place in sort of an alternate universe, that have no impact on what happened in S.O.L. They are all fun, and creative however.

Graphics: 10/10
Beautiful. Just beautiful. They were beautiful a year ago on the PS2, and they still amaze me with the attention to detail on the XBOX as well. The VR mission graphics are nothing special, but those are not supposed to look real. Character models, and locations still have a very rich look to them all. Some of the most realistic environments made to this date I think.

Sound: 10/10
Voice overs were some of the best used in a video game I think. While they are they same voices from the PS2 version, they are worth mentioning because they are in this game as well. Sound effects are very precise, and the music is even better. Harry Gregson Williams' score for this game is awesome. You only hear music like this used for movies, and it truly fits the game well. I hope any later Metal Gear game continues with score such as what was used in this game.

Controls: 9/10
Very similar to the PS2 controls, but I must admit they were easier to get used to on the PS2 alot more than they are on the XBOX. To get into first person view, you must push in the left stick, and instead of going back to normal view when you let go, it stays there until you press it again. It has been hard getting used to the new control after using the PS2 controller for so long, but it's still very simular.

Fun Factor: 10/10
This game has so much in it, that you'll be spending alot of hours having fun with this game. Being a true metal gear fan, testing my abilities in the VR missions has been very enjoyable. Frustrating sometimes, but still lots of fun.

Overall: 10/10
Some XBOX owners may disagree, because the recent Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell has stolen some of the excitement away from Substance this fall, but overall I think, and will always think that Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance is the better game. No other game can have such captivating storyline and game play as Metal Gear Solid 2. Splinter Cell may have the game play when it comes out, but it'll never have the great story, and history as metal gear. XBOX owners are very lucky to have this game on their system now.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/07/02, Updated 11/07/02