Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance (PlayStation 2, 2003)

Metal Gear Solid is a franchise loved and loathed by gamers all over. It has some of the best production values, well developed characters and cinematic qualities. It may go under fire for it's methodical stealth based approach but it's a formula that has been a signature of the series since it's humble beginnings in 1987. I would go so far as to say that Metal Gear(1987) for the MSX is the first stealth-action game ever made. So how has the series evolved in fourteen years? Well for one they added a new camera angle which totally transformed the way the game is played. In the past, Metal Gear games relied on an onscreen radar to aid you in getting the drop on your enemies. Now you can simply go into first person view and scan your surroundings yourself. If you've been following the Metal Gear series up to this point you might be saying: "But londin123, I was able to do that in Metal Gear Solid(1999) for the playstation. What makes this so different?

You have a good point Mr. Long Time Fan. You see, though you could view things in a first person view, you could not interact with it the way you do. Okay so it really just boils down to shooting things but there is some incentive to using the first person. Of course there's precision aiming and damage points. In other words, shoot a gaurd in the arm and you won't be able to aim with both arms. Shoot him in the leg and he limps, shoot him in the head and well....you get the point.

With all these pluses, where are the minuses? Well Metal Gear Solid 2 is a point in the series where the storyline begins to betray its audience. The story ends on an open note where nothing really comes to any real conclusion. I suppose this was meant to add to its cinematic flair but if that was the case, there could have at least been an ending. Oops, I just spoiled it for you; sorry.

Point is, it's not for everybody. It's a one player game for one person so forget about ever throwing a "Metal gear Solid" party: that's what Halo is for. I myself have been a fan of Metal Gear Solid since 1999 and as a fan I find little to hate with multiplayer being the exception.

If I were you I would not even buy this as Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance is a far superior package. It's the same game with a large collection of extra missions(250+) that are sure to hold your attention for months after you beat the initial game. It might cost a little more money but hey, that's the price you pay for quality or quantity depending on who you talk to(check out a Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance review).

On a scale of 1 to 10 I give Metal Gear a 9 out of 10. The storyline may dissapoint because of it's lack of closure and some of the conversations between characters run a bit long but overall it is an experience every type of gamer can enjoy. Story buffs or hardcore gameplay types will find a lot to like. l Besides, if you're aware of Playstation 3's upcoming title Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots than you should consider playing this so when 4 comes out you'll know what's going on. If you have played Metal Gear Solid 3 but none of the other Metal Gear games then you owe it to yourself to play this and Metal Gear Solid 1 for the original playstation; there is a lot going on in the Metal Gear series.
-londin123