Review by George Bailey
When Metal Gear Solid was released for the Sony Playstation back in 1998, it was like nothing that had been seen before in video gaming with movie style cinema graphics and deep tale about terrorism and genetic manipulation. Indeed, the story is about as big as the game and both are deeply integrated with each other. It was like nothing that had came before it and was the first true stealth game that launched a whole new genre. It also launched a new gaming hero, Solid Snake-our agent with the mullet and sneer. So finally, it has been released in an updated version for the Nintendo GameCube and it's a great title to add to
the GameCube library.
Game Play
Since the basis of any stealth game is sneaking around, MGS is built around and in, the nuances of it. Basically it's sneaking past guards, collecting things (weapons, ammo, gadgets and rations for health), and finally, after viewing numerous cut scenes having a boss battle to end each section. Along the way the story and extensive cut scenes sweep you along.
There are a lot of for example, walking in snow will leave tracks that a guard and spot and seek you out. Of course you can use this to your advantage to sneak back up on the guard and knock him out. There are dirty books about so you can drop one of those to distract a guard or tap on a wall to draw them over. This is part of the genus of the game--there are all kinds of things you can do to sneak past guards and get around things, despite the linear nature of the game. This makes for some interesting replay value.
Another mainstay of any Metal Gear game is the codex. It's a radio communications tool to get information on where you need to go or find help in time of need. It can also be one of the more annoying parts of the game! Frequently popping up at inopportune times like in the heat of a firefight. Its saving grace is that the codex is a useful tool for saving games, and thankfully, you can save at whatever point in the game you want.
The newer additions to this remake include features brought over from MGS2. Solid Snake can now shoot in first person view (but not move), drag limp bodies into lockers, use a tranquilizer gun, hang from rails, and jump into a crawl. There are always lots of things to do in MGS. Guards can be taken in by a knock of the head,
stun grenade, a tantalizer dart, a bullet and so forth.
The enemy AI is excellent, as good as its younger sibling, MGS2 in that regard. The game shows off its highly stylistic nature when a guard thinks he's heard something a question mark will appear over his head. He'll then proceed to come in your direction. If you are well hidden, he eventually gives up and goes back to his routine. If he spots you an explanation mark appears over his head-you're in deep do-do. Unlike the other popular stealth game, Splinter Cell, the game mechanics are forgiving should you screw up.
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Graphics
Certainly the graphical upgrade to MGS is outstanding compared to the original, with its low texturing and polygon count. Even still, it's not the best that the GameCube can display. The
anti-aliasing has been turned off, which gives a slightly jaggy look to things. Everything does look good--just don't get up too close to see the blurry textures. It features the standard look of the sequel to this game, Metal Gear Solid: Sons of Liberty, with greenish-gray tones and industrial architecture. Although I think MGS2's graphics looked better than this MGS update. The frame rate is a bit unstable even while running at 60 fps it hardly stays sheltered at that speed. Thankfully, everything is very nicely modeled with the highly detailed (and animated) character models being a standout. Snake looks cool as ever with his bandana flipping about and peering around corners to spot enemies. The texturing is very nice as well and gives everything a gritty/stained and used look. Other effects, such as lighting, blood, smoke, etc., all appear very realistic.
As stated earlier in this review, there will be lots of cut scenes to watch, which help to illustrate the story. There are times when these mini-cinemas will seem like an overused feature but it does help break up the game play a bit. The cinematography is superb and with the helping hand of celebrated Japanese film director Ryuhei Kitamura, the composition and camera angles are professionally done and some of the best cut scenes you'll see in a video game.
I've found the camera/viewing system in MSG to be a lot different than other third person action games. Depending on where Snake is in an environment the view can go from overhead to full body close up in a flash. Still, it's better than most games and is overall quite effective-just different. If you want to look at things in great detail then there is first person view using the Z button. You can shoot in this mode as well although it is kind of awkward to hold down the Z while you are shooting with the A button.
Sound
Another standout part of the game is the sound. All of the sounds effects are nicely done and there are lots of ambient sounds and music, which picks up when the action does. The voice acting is superb with the voice work rerecorded especially for this newer version of MGS.
In Closing
MGS has gotten some mixed reviews of late. I think many critics wanted a more substantial upgrade. Even if MGS is not the upgrade some were hoping for, it is still one great game to play and has aged well over time. It might not be worth your money for a replay if you've played it to death on a PS1 years ago, but if you have no experience with it then you are in for a real treat. A game with great depth and replay value, that draws you into its story and makes you a part of it. Sure, it may not share the hyperrealism of Splinter Cell but at least you don't have to get killed 20 times to
get from point A to point B. Stealth action for fun--who can beat that?
4 out of 5
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