Metal Gear Solid 2
August 10, 2001
I have a feeling that the only reason you’re reading this review is because you just can’t get enough of Metal Gear Solid 2. I mean come on, you already know the game is going to get a perfect score, so why even bother with the review? Well, I guess it doesn’t really matter because what’s done is done, so go ahead and read on if you’d like. If not, I suggest you go play this game since you SHOULD already own it.
Metal Gear Solid 2 is, of course, the sequel to Metal Gear Solid which appeared on the Playstation several years ago. This game has been hyped up so much that you might think it would be impossible for the game to actually deliver, but you would be woefully mistaken. MGS 2 is without a doubt the best game ever made; if I could, I would give it an A++. If you tell me you’ve played something better, I’m going to call you a liar, and that’s that.
To talk about the game’s story would be to give too much away. Instead all you really need to know is that it involves terrorist activities and a new Metal Gear. The gameplay remains faithful to the PSX game with only a few new enhancements. One new feature is the ability to switch to a first-person view when aiming. This really comes in handy, and you’ll find yourself using it quite often. You also have the ability to jump over railings and hang from the edges of platforms. However, you do have a grip gauge and when it runs out, your character won’t be able to hold on any longer. MGS veterans will already know how to switch items and so forth because that part of the game has been left unchanged. Keeping with the MGS controls was a good idea and it allows you to instantly slip back into your secret agent groove.
Visually, the game is nearly flawless. Characters and backgrounds look good, although some of the environments are admittedly rather bland in color. The sound in the game is great as well. Many of the familiar Metal Gear musical scores have returned and the voice acting is top-notch. David Hayter returns as Solid Snake and does a nice job, but the other voice actors are great as well; no Resident Evil cheese jobs here. Other sound effects such as guns firing or footsteps are also done nicely and help add to the game’s immersive feeling.
If you’re looking for severe problems with the game, you’d better go somewhere else because I haven’t found one thing that really takes away from the experience. Some parts are a bit frustrating and the game may be too short for some, but that is really being picky. If you think the game is too short, you’re obviously not experiencing everything it has too offer. Nearly everything in the game can be interacted with in some way or another, and with so much to do, I really can’t see game length as a big problem.
Well, there’s no point in keeping you away from this game any longer; just get out there and buy this game, (if you haven’t already) or if you have, then you should be playing it, now go.
CVG Report CardMetal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Rating: A+
Platform: PlayStation 2
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