Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 Review – A Stealthy Action Experience
If you’re a fan of stealth games, then you’re probably familiar with the Metal Gear series. Known for its intense espionage action, the Metal Gear games have captivated audiences for decades. Now, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 brings together the first five games in the franchise, including Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, all in one comprehensive collection.
While some later games in the series added more cinematic elements, the core gameplay and feeling of stealthy action remains intact throughout the Metal Gear series. Whether you’re sneaking through enemy strongholds or engaging in explosive battles with bosses and mechs, each game delivers an immersive experience filled with tension and adrenaline.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is a re-release of the original games, which means they play exactly as you remember them but with slightly enhanced visuals. For fans of the original games, this is a solid recommendation. For new players, these games still hold up well today and are worth experiencing, especially for their influential impact on the genre.
The mechanics of the Metal Gear games are tight and interesting, comparable to other popular stealth titles like Hitman. Combat is not the primary focus, but when it does occur, the location-based damage system adds depth. You can strategically disable enemies by shooting their limbs, creating opportunities for evasion and survival. The gameplay is precise, but there are also moments where unexpected and cool outcomes arise from accidental actions, such as a thrown grenade impacting an enemy response team or a stray bullet disabling a guard’s ability to shoot.
One of the standout moments in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is the iconic tanker prologue, which showcases the meticulous attention to detail that renowned game developer Hideo Kojima is known for. Sneaking around a rain-slick tanker’s deck, eliminating Russian Spetsnaz soldiers, creates an unforgettable atmosphere that combines exceptional game design with a compelling narrative.
However, the controls in some of the games can be a bit cumbersome, particularly when it comes to aiming weapons. Moving while holding a weapon ready requires simultaneous pressing of multiple face buttons, making it easier to position yourself for a stealthy takedown rather than aiming accurately. This design choice intentionally discourages combat and reinforces the importance of stealth gameplay.
The Metal Gear Solid games offer intricate gameplay and a plethora of options to players. For example, the iconic cardboard box can be used as a hiding spot or even a mode of transportation by hitching a ride on trucks. The games are filled with complex systems that add depth to the overall experience, making them feel deceptively deep despite their simplicity.
The enemy AI in the Metal Gear Solid games may follow predictable paths, but they can still catch players off guard. Moments like being cornered in Metal Gear Solid 2 and experiencing the game’s radar turning off to reveal enemy squads closing in create an unparalleled rush of excitement. Additionally, the games have relatively short runtimes compared to more recent titles, allowing players to dive into the heart of the action quickly and complete them within a few hours.
Hideo Kojima and his team truly crafted some of the most engaging stealth games of all time with the Metal Gear Solid series. The games seamlessly blend elements of spy fiction with outrageous conspiracy theories and supernatural elements. The twists and turns in the stories feel earned, keeping players hooked from start to finish. However, some outdated aspects of the games’ content, particularly concerning inappropriate interactions between characters, have drawn criticism from fans.
Overall, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is a must-have for fans of the series or anyone interested in experiencing classic stealth gameplay. The collection showcases the evolution of the Metal Gear franchise and solidifies its place in gaming history. With its tight mechanics, engaging narratives, and intricate gameplay systems, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 offers an unparalleled stealth action experience.
