Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance

"A great package that no xbox owner should resist"

When Metal Gear Solid 2 came out on PS2 last year it was one of the most celebrated game releases in history. It was also one of the greatest games in history, mixing great action and stealth gameplay with incredible graphics. The fanbase for Metal Gear Solid 2 on the PS2 was huge and it became one of the best games, if not the best game on PS2 to date. Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance might not have as big of a fanbase as Metal Gear Solid 2 did on PS2, and it might not have gotten near as much attention, but that doesn't mean its not twice as good.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance is an incredible game. There is so much to see and do, tons of extras and many secrets to unlock. There is no doubt that this game is a lot of game, having almost filled a compltete DVD 9 ROM (the xbox disc).

Game Includes:
- The Complete Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty Game.
- 350+ VR Missions.
- 100+ Alternate Missions.
- 5 Snake Tales
- Unlockable Characters and Game Modes.
- Casting Theater.
- Boss Survival Mode.

(Also features in-game dolby digital).

Gameplay (10)
This game is fun, no doubt about it. And when I said that there was a lot of game in this game, I wasn't joking. For example, there are 350+ VR missions in the game. If you took an average of 2 minutes per VR mission, not counting the amount of time you spend retrying a stage, or trying to get the high score, it will take you about 12 hours to complete! So just by that you should know that you're in for a heck of a time. I'm not going to spoil the suprise of finding out what all of the extras include, so you'll have to find out for yourself. As far as the story goes, just read a review for the PS2 game, because thats the only thing the two games have in common. Then add points for sound and graphics.

Graphics (10)
This game looks good, and on xbox, looks better. What more can I say? The xbox version came with higher resolutions and some bump mapping in certain places.

Sound (10)
The entire game sounds as if in a movie. The musical score was comped by Harry Gregson-Williams, who did the music for movies like Armageddon and The Rock. Overall good sound effects make for a great game. Use sound to your advantage during gameplay as well.

Value (10)
I wish I could give a much higher score here. Even if it was just a straight Metal Gear Solid 2 port, then it would be a must buy. But adding tons of extras with improvements over the original, this game is already a classic. When one of the best games ever made gets an overhaul like this, you know its not something to look pass.

Basically what I'm trying to say is that you should buy this game if you even have the slighest interest in action or stealth gaming. The game itslef, the extras, the modes, the insanity. Buy... This... Game...

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/08/02, Updated 11/08/02