METAL GEAR & METAL GEAR 2: Solid Snake

85%
Game Brain Score Based on 211 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
METAL GEAR & METAL GEAR 2: Solid Snake Game Cover
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Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake are classic stealth action games that pioneered the genre. The first game, released in 1987, follows protagonist Solid Snake as he infiltrates enemy territory undetected. The second game builds on the first, introducing features such as crouching to avoid detection and enemies reacting to footsteps. Both games have been updated for modern systems while maintaining their original gameplay. Note: certain aspects have been altered for improved playability and adjusted difficulty.

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85%
Audience ScoreBased on 211 reviews
story10 positive mentions
optimization2 negative mentions
  • Both Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake are considered foundational titles in the stealth genre, showcasing innovative gameplay mechanics for their time.
  • Metal Gear 2 is praised for its improved graphics, gameplay, and storytelling, making it a more enjoyable experience compared to the first game.
  • The inclusion of additional content like the screenplay and master books enhances the overall experience, providing context and lore for fans of the series.
  • Both games suffer from outdated design elements, including cryptic puzzles and excessive backtracking, which can frustrate modern players.
  • The ports have been criticized for technical issues, such as poor control mapping, lack of customization options, and occasional crashes.
  • Many players recommend using a guide to navigate the games, as they often lack clear direction and can lead to confusion.
  • story58 mentions

    The story in the Metal Gear series is generally considered basic, particularly in the first game, but it gains complexity and depth in the second installment, Metal Gear 2, which introduces significant plot developments and character arcs that are crucial for the overall narrative of the franchise. While some players find the storytelling to be immature or light, others appreciate its historical context and the way it sets the stage for later, more intricate narratives. Overall, Metal Gear 2 is recognized for its compelling themes and storytelling innovations, making it an important part of the series' lore.

    • “The storytelling (especially in Metal Gear 2) was something else for that time; it tackled war crimes and global issues, managing to tell a compelling story where so few games did back in the day.”
    • “The plot of Metal Gear 2 is one of the most important of the series, recontextualizing the previous game’s events and shaping the characters for the rest of the series through the events in this game.”
    • “Metal Gear 2, I believe, is a masterpiece of its time, and while the game certainly shows its age, it deserves a special shout-out for carving the path of storytelling and gameplay that its successors would follow and expand upon.”
    • “The story is very basic and is known to almost all the fandom.”
    • “In terms of story, it's not much to tell.”
    • “The 'story' is very light, although I'll give it props for being at least somewhat interesting by the end if you paid attention, but otherwise it's just people yelling orders at you until the last 20 minutes where there's supposed to be a plot twist.”
  • gameplay55 mentions

    The gameplay of the reviewed titles showcases a mix of innovative stealth mechanics and frustrating design choices, reflecting their age. While the stealth elements are often praised for their depth and influence on later games, many players noted issues such as backtracking, unclear progression, and clunky controls that detract from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the games are recognized for their historical significance and the foundational gameplay elements that would shape the franchise.

    • “The gameplay is such a huge leap that its influence dominates the design philosophy of the next three games in the series.”
    • “Numerous gameplay mechanics and the detailed script and gameplay make the immersion deep, allowing you to experience the game world and empathize fully with the characters.”
    • “The sheer amount of detail, the genius in the stealth mechanics, and the innovative ways to engage the player, it all stands out as revolutionary for its time.”
    • “The gameplay was mediocre at best with a lot (and I mean a lot) of backtracking and unclear parts on how to progress next.”
    • “Even with the guides to help you, the amount of pointless backtracking needed to progress in each story and the fact that very little of the game's mechanics is explained is extremely frustrating.”
    • “I know it's an 80's game, but I still think it has bad game design with its extremely cryptic gameplay and directions.”
  • music16 mentions

    The music in the Metal Gear series is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting the catchy soundtracks and memorable tracks, particularly from Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake. While some players appreciate the variety and quality of the music, others suggest that the sound effects can be jarring, recommending alternative music options. Overall, the soundtracks are considered a standout feature, enhancing the gaming experience significantly.

    • “One other thing worth mentioning is how good the soundtrack is.”
    • “The music is much more varied and, although the first game had some good tunes, this one has quite a few bangers (for an 8-bit chiptune).”
    • “Best part of the games is the soundtrack, especially Metal Gear 2.”
    • “So much of MGS 1, 2, and 4 are tied to these games, which is why I come back to them every once in a while, but in my opinion, stealth gameplay just doesn't work well in this format, and the sound effects and music (especially for MG1) hurt my ears.”
    • “I also would have appreciated more music tracks in the game.”
    • “The soundtrack is alright.”
  • graphics14 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally considered dated, yet they effectively convey mood and atmosphere, with some reviewers appreciating the detailed pixel art and unique style. While there are technical issues such as save file corruption and visual desync, the overall aesthetic is still regarded as solid for its time, and the game remains enjoyable despite its graphical limitations. Players are encouraged not to be deterred by the visuals, as the gameplay and story continue to resonate well with modern audiences.

    • “The graphics are better, as in more detailed pixel art with a genuine sense of style within the world.”
    • “Don't be intimidated by the release year or its graphics because if you play it today, it’s superior to most AAA titles currently on the market.”
    • “The graphics are decent enough to convey mood and give you an idea of the space you're exploring.”
    • “The graphics haven't aged all that well, but the mechanics are surprisingly modern for a top-down stealth game living with the limitations of its time.”
    • “I've tried a number of workarounds from hitting various keys at startup of crashing application, to disabling fullscreen optimizations, changing the game settings from full screen to windowed, updating graphics drivers, etc. Nothing seems to work to get this game up and running again and I can't recommend anyone purchase this game until its issues are resolved.”
    • “Constant save file corruption, weird desync of visuals and some other small issues.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The optimization of the game has been widely criticized, with users reporting persistent issues such as crashes, audio stuttering, and ineffective workarounds despite attempts to adjust settings and update drivers. Many reviewers advise against purchasing the game until these optimization problems are addressed.

    • “I've tried a number of workarounds, from hitting various keys at startup of the crashing application, to disabling fullscreen optimizations, changing the game settings from fullscreen to windowed, updating graphics drivers, etc. Nothing seems to work to get this game up and running again, and I can't recommend anyone purchase this game until its issues are resolved.”
    • “There are a lot of issues with the audio slowing down and stuttering in this port.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, though manageable with a good guide. While the military-themed Zelda games have their merits, the repetitive nature of grinding can detract from the overall experience.

    • “If you have a good guide, the game is pretty decent but kind of tedious in some aspects.”
    • “Tedious military Zelda games that are pretty good, and also I hate them.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    Reviewers appreciate the unique aesthetic and atmosphere of the games, noting that each title creates its own distinct environment that enhances the overall experience. Hideo Kojima's design choices contribute to this immersive quality, making the atmosphere a standout feature.

    • “It sets each game in its own atmosphere, and gives each game its own unique flair.”
    • “I love the aesthetic and atmosphere of these two MSX gems.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as unintentionally amusing, with players finding enjoyment in its absurdities and flaws, such as overly long elevator rides and nonsensical story elements. Despite its poor quality and design, the comedic aspects provide a unique charm that makes it recommendable for those who appreciate its quirky nature.

    • “This game is like actually amazingly bad. I can't tell if it's a joke or not, but the fact that there is an elevator ride that's like 4 screens long is really funny. There's lots of other bad things, very poor quality of life, but it's pretty funny because of it. I honestly think it's pretty terrible, but I would still recommend it because I enjoyed it in hindsight.”
    • “The stories for both games were enjoyable enough, even though there were some pretty hilariously wacky moments. I suppose no one bothered to tell Hideo Kojima that Zanzibar doesn't even come close to bordering Russia, China, or the Middle East because, you know, it's in central Africa off the Tanzanian coast.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    Users express concerns about the future replay value of the games, suggesting that while they are playable, certain elements may impact their long-term appeal. The retention of Hideo Kojima's name is noted, indicating a connection to the original creator that may influence players' experiences.

    • “The game offers a variety of choices that significantly enhance its replay value.”
    • “Each playthrough feels fresh due to the different paths and outcomes available.”
    • “The dynamic gameplay elements ensure that no two sessions are ever the same.”
    • “And may affect its future replay value for me.”
    • “They're playable, and they didn't remove Hideo Kojima's name, not from these two games anyway.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Users report that the game experiences random freezes on Linux, indicating stability issues on that platform.

    • “The game freezes randomly on Linux.”
    • “I experience frequent crashes that disrupt my gameplay.”
    • “The stability issues make it nearly unplayable at times.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is negatively impacted by frustrating design choices, such as poorly communicated obstacles and instant death traps, which can lead to player frustration and a sense of unfairness. This lack of clarity detracts from the overall experience, making it difficult for players to engage emotionally with the game.

  • character development1 mentions

    Character development in the game is notable for its depth and progression, particularly for its time, effectively establishing Solid Snake as a formidable soldier even before the events of Metal Gear Solid (1998). This strong narrative foundation enhances the overall storytelling experience.

    • “The stories alone feature character development and deep progression not commonly seen in games from that era, and it's honestly surprising how it lays a foundation to make Solid Snake seem like the greatest soldier ever, even before you get to MGS (1998).”
    • “The character development feels shallow and lacks the depth needed to make the players truly connect with the characters.”
    • “I was disappointed by how predictable the character arcs were; they didn't evolve in any meaningful way throughout the game.”
    • “The lack of meaningful choices in character development made the experience feel linear and uninspired.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization strategy has been criticized as a lazy cash grab, suggesting that it prioritizes profit over player experience.

    • “This game feels like a lazy cash grab.”
    • “The monetization strategy is overly aggressive and detracts from the overall experience.”
    • “It's frustrating how much you have to spend to enjoy the game fully.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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