Metal Gear Solid

I'm going to start by saying that I only got this and the other two games because I was so confused in MGS4. But I'm so glad I got this. It is definitaly one of the best games and one of the best games I've played. Everything about it is superb. The boss battles, the story, the characters, everything. (Though the dialouge can be a bit cheesy). The only thing I have to say against this game is the camera angle and graphics. I've been used to playing PS3 games with their amazing graphics, so when I saw this it came as a bit of a shock. I've played other PS1 games around the same year with better graphics, so I'm a bit surprised with how bad this games graphics were. But by no means does it take away from the experience of the game.

The camera angle, on the other hand, took away from the experience, only if a tiny bit. It gets realy annoying when you enter another section of a room and the camera jumps to another angle, when all you want to do is control it and move where you want it to.

But one thing I really loved about this game is how much you care for the characters. I found myself trying to get through the infuriating torture scene when you have to hammer the O button unfairly fast just to save Meryl. *SPOILER* I've also played the ending where you find Meryl dead, and it's just really upseting. I never care so much about game charceters. *SPOILER*

So overall, this game is great in every way and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves stealth/action games.

When this game first came out and I played it I did not think too highly of it since I was used to action games and did not understand the espionage part of it. But after recently buying the compilation with the game is in it, I realize all that I was missing even 10 years after its release.

Of course, the graphics are not on par now days but it features some of the best for its time. The way the game is set up it is revolutionary- sexy ladies, Snake smokes so you can see the lazers, Psycho Mantis- nuff said (don't want to create any spoilers for those whom didn't play the game) but the way to beat him would stump anyone the first time through since it involves messing with your playstation hardware literally or else he is invincible.

Though there are adult themes and bloody scenerios but that's why this game is rated Mature. But the way this game is set up, it is still a classic and a blast to play and replay.

In many ways I always liked playing the original Playstation since the amount of games that were must-plays to the undiscovered gems always seemed plentiful so you never felt like you didn't buy a machine for at most, 5 or 6 games. Metal Gear Solid was quite a fun and intriguing release and it brought a more cinematic telling into the stories and although short and plotwise it can get into philosophy-speak a bit too often (though at least it's easier to swallow than Sons of Liberty), it was still one of the more unique play experiences found on the console.

Story: You play as Solid Snake who's sent to Shadow Moses Island in Alaska to rescue DARPA Chief Donald Anderson and ArmsTech President Kenneth Baker as well as stop the terrorist's plans on launching a nuke. But that's just the start of it as we get FOXHOUND members, special elite soldiers who went rogue, a big beast of a machine and Snake's own connection to the leader of the group.

Graphics: Since this is the original Playstation, you kind of have to take everything at face value: they look blocky now and lack the clarity of Sons of Liberty or the huge polish of Snake Eater but it was on a lesser console so it makes sense. But at the time it was impressive with lots of cutscenes, done very movie-like and indeed the environments were well handled.

Sound/Music: Along with the Lunar series, the MGS series has always been prime examples of how voice acting should be done. Instead of overeager voices or just robotic delivery, it's very easy to get involved with the story when the actors do a great job at balancing the quieter moments with the more plot-based information. The music does a good job as well though it's used rather sparingly.

Gameplay: Unlike other games were it's encouraged to go crazy on your enemies, the MGS series rewards stealth and non-killing to progress. Use tranquilizer guns or knock out enemies, the object is to be seen as little as possible. Even then you have a huge assortment of goodies at your disposal that inexplicably can be stored in Snake's tiny pockets. From sniper rifles to 2 different kind of missile launchers, automatics and handguns and goggles, there's plenty to use should you get caught. Aiding your ability to not be seen is the radar where a blue cone represents your enemy's field of vision which you avoid though you can distract them by making noise such as knocking on walls.

Cutscenes are well-handled from FMV-types which detail nuclear histories and such while there's others which handle the in-game cinematics like meeting characters. But Snake also talks through the CODEC, a radio and video communication which shows a black screen, text and 2 character portraits and though it's handy to read all the heavy plot scenes, it feels strange for character moments. Get used to that ring too since you'll be hearing it a lot as you play the game. The other negative people might have is its length which doesn't really feel long and it's actually perfectly paced and it doesn't feel like the game got extended just for the sake of adding more stuff to do.

Although we have the remake with the Twin Snakes, I felt the original is the best version and while graphically it shows its age, it's still an engrossing playthrough.

All that needs to be said about Metal Gear Solid has been said - Countless video game magazines and websites cite this game as a 'classic' or 'must-have.' I remember playing MGS at a friend's house from beginning to end when I was eight - still, nearly 11 years later, it's my favorite video game/game series.

I will keep this short, but if you do not buy this game or play this game before you die, you will simply just have missed on the best game that have ever been created. An'thats That!!!!