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METAL GEAR SOLID - Master Collection Version

79%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
optimization, stability
79% User Score Based on 2,797 reviews

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METAL GEAR SOLID - Master Collection Version is a single player action game. It was developed by KONAMI and was released on October 24, 2023. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

Released in 1998, this was the first 3D title in the METAL GEAR series. The game pioneers 3D stealth action against the threat of war and global nuclear weapons, using live action footage, cinematic cut scenes, interwoven with innovative gameplay. The storyline, a whirlwind of intrigue and betrayal, has been hailed as the greatest story of the 20th century and was the third title in the METAL GEA…

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79%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,797 reviews
story209 positive mentions
optimization25 negative mentions
  • Metal Gear Solid is a timeless classic that redefined the stealth genre and set new standards for storytelling in video games.
  • The game features an engaging narrative with memorable characters and innovative gameplay mechanics that still resonate today.
  • Despite its age, the game remains enjoyable, with a gripping story and iconic moments that make it a must-play for both new and returning players.
  • The port suffers from technical issues, including low resolution, input lag, and a lack of modern quality-of-life features, making it frustrating for new players.
  • Gameplay mechanics feel dated, with clunky controls and frustrating boss fights that can detract from the overall experience.
  • Many players recommend emulating the game instead of purchasing this version due to its poor execution and lack of enhancements.
  • story
    599 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of *Metal Gear Solid* is widely regarded as one of its greatest strengths, featuring a complex narrative filled with political intrigue, philosophical themes, and memorable characters. Players praise its cinematic storytelling, innovative use of voice acting, and emotional depth, noting that it remains engaging even decades after its release. Despite some dated gameplay mechanics, the narrative's twists and turns, along with its exploration of war and identity, continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying its status as a landmark title in video game history.

    • “Once I got used to the more classic controls and mechanics, I was blown away by the cinematic music, incredible voice acting, and some of the greatest storytelling of all time.”
    • “The story, atmosphere, and characters are all memorable, and I now understand why Metal Gear Solid was so popular during its prime.”
    • “What starts as a classic infiltration mission quickly becomes an intense, emotional journey about war, genetics, loyalty, and free will.”
    • “The game constantly interrupts you with cutscenes from uninteresting characters with terrible acting and a confusing and uninteresting, generic story.”
    • “With that said, you can't ignore the fact the story doesn't seem to flow naturally and sudden character introductions consistently stifle you into further confusion rather than alleviate it.”
    • “The story is dense and often times confusing.”
  • gameplay
    363 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Metal Gear Solid is a blend of innovative stealth mechanics and cinematic storytelling that was groundbreaking for its time, though it shows its age with clunky controls and dated graphics. While many players appreciate the depth and creativity of its gameplay, particularly in boss encounters and stealth elements, others find it frustrating and less enjoyable by modern standards. Overall, the game remains a significant milestone in gaming history, offering a unique experience that balances narrative and gameplay, making it a must-play for fans of the genre despite its mechanical shortcomings.

    • “Classic gameplay, which they managed to capture a good bit of the console magic here on the PC port.”
    • “The stealth mechanics are simple, but they work — and the game rewards patience and awareness in a really engaging way.”
    • “The gameplay itself holds up surprisingly well.”
    • “The gameplay shows its age, but it is from 1998, so that is expected.”
    • “The gameplay is extremely outdated and boring in my opinion; the level design is pretty awful and some sections are downright confusing.”
    • “The gameplay aged quite a bit for my tastes and took a while to adjust to, but the narrative and aesthetic is still the peak of the series.”
  • graphics
    276 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are widely regarded as outdated, with many reviewers noting that they reflect the limitations of the original PlayStation era. While some appreciate the nostalgic charm and strong art direction, others criticize the lack of graphical enhancements and options in the current port, leading to a pixelated and blurry experience. Overall, the visuals may not meet modern standards, but the game's storytelling and gameplay continue to resonate with players despite these graphical shortcomings.

    • “The graphics are obviously dated, but the art direction is so strong it still looks good.”
    • “Graphically, Metal Gear Solid was groundbreaking for its time, featuring detailed environments, realistic character models, and cinematic cutscenes that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the PlayStation console.”
    • “While the graphics may appear dated by modern standards, the art direction and attention to detail still hold up remarkably well, contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere.”
    • “Firstly, the graphics are extremely pixelated to the point where you cannot even make out enemy NPCs, let alone your own player model. It all just looks like a massive mound of pixels moving around on your screen; the 16:9 screen setting makes this even worse.”
    • “The graphics suck, but the framerate is fine.”
    • “The graphics are somehow even more blurry than the PS1 original, the frame rate hurts my eyes, and the controls are incredibly sluggish, to the point where the input delay often makes it difficult to pull off basic actions.”
  • music
    73 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in Metal Gear Solid is universally praised for its cinematic quality, iconic tracks, and ability to enhance the game's storytelling and atmosphere. Reviewers highlight the memorable soundtrack, which includes intense action themes and haunting melodies, as a key element that elevates the overall experience. Despite some minor audio issues in ports, the music remains a standout feature that resonates with players, solidifying its place in gaming history.

    • “Once I got used to the more classic controls and mechanics, I was blown away by the cinematic music, incredible voice acting, and some of the greatest storytelling of all time.”
    • “The soundtrack and audio design are just as important to the experience.”
    • “The music, composed by Tappy and later expanded by Harry Gregson-Williams in sequels, enhances the mood perfectly, with themes that range from intense action beats to hauntingly beautiful melodies.”
    • “Overal it plays well, but for me the sound/music/voices etc are cutting off, either it's staticky sound or cuts in and out but this is for the first game.”
    • “I've played through the original MGS more than a thousand times and everything about this game is ingrained into my mind, I immediately spotted that some music tracks and sound effects just don't sound right in this version.”
    • “The port is meh, some of the audio, especially the music, is a little wonky especially during cutscenes and FMVs.”
  • optimization
    71 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the 'master collection' version has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as stuttering, audio crackling, and low resolution compared to modern standards. While some users experienced smooth gameplay, others found the port poorly optimized, often requiring fixes like capping the frame rate to mitigate problems. Overall, the lack of visual upgrades and persistent performance woes have led to a consensus that this version does not meet the expectations for a modern release.

    • “No issues with the presentation or performance of the 'master collection' version, and I'm happy with the bonus content to get stuck into as well.”
    • “Despite what the reviews say, at least for me, I had absolutely no performance problems.”
    • “The launch state of this collection was not ideal, but recent patches have fixed a lot of the performance issues and input delay problems.”
    • “Crooked and non-optimized port.”
    • “Atrocious optimization.”
    • “Runs poor, it's just an ISO on an emulator that is poorly optimized.”
  • stability
    42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent freezes, audio glitches, and game-breaking bugs, particularly during cutscenes. While some users noted improvements in control and performance on certain platforms, the overall consensus is that this port is plagued by significant technical issues, making it one of the least stable versions available. Despite these problems, some players still find enjoyment in the game, highlighting its classic appeal.

    • “Konami fixed most if not all of the launch issues, the game runs great on the Steam Deck, and despite this game's age, it still hits as hard as it did 25 years ago.”
    • “It runs great on my laptop when I struggle to run most modern games.”
    • “Excellent modern controller support (with in-game icons!), no glitches whatsoever, the Psycho Mantis scene is fully working and mechanically accounted for, excellent bonus features; at $20 this seems to me like an easy buy.”
    • “Consistent freezes, control issues, and frequent audio de-syncs and jitter make this the worst version of MGS to play.”
    • “The reason I cannot recommend this port is due to it having game-breaking freezes that happen to me every time I beat Rex.”
    • “This is an unacceptably buggy port of a 20+ year old game, but I guess I shouldn't have expected anything better from Konami.”
  • atmosphere
    26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and haunting qualities, enhanced by exceptional sound design, memorable characters, and intricate level design. Reviewers note that despite its dated graphics, the game's art direction and attention to detail create a compelling environment that captures the essence of espionage and tension. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's legacy and appeal.

    • “The presentation and atmosphere make it feel like more than just a PS1 game; it feels like the blueprint for modern action games.”
    • “The atmosphere was a bit haunting and full of unknowns.”
    • “The environments, from the icy exteriors of Shadow Moses to its industrial interiors, are meticulously designed and contribute to the game’s tense atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere, writing, and tone of the game are the things that truly shine here.”
  • emotional
    26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its deep narrative exploring themes of war, identity, and loyalty, with characters like Meryl Silverburgh and Sniper Wolf adding significant emotional weight to the story. Players describe it as a cinematic experience that not only engages them intellectually but also evokes strong feelings, making it a memorable emotional journey. The combination of rich character development, impactful voice acting, and a compelling soundtrack enhances the overall emotional resonance, solidifying its status as a landmark in video game storytelling.

    • “What starts as a classic infiltration mission quickly becomes an intense, emotional journey about war, genetics, loyalty, and free will.”
    • “With deep themes of war, identity, and genetic destiny, the game delivers an emotionally compelling narrative filled with twists and memorable characters.”
    • “It's an emotional roller coaster, an amazing thrill ride from start to finish.”
  • humor
    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is characterized by its over-the-top voice acting, absurd dialogue, and playful fourth-wall breaks, often eliciting genuine laughter during intense moments. Players appreciate the blend of serious themes with silly interactions, particularly between characters like Solid Snake and Otacon, which adds a layer of comedic relief. While the dated controls and graphics can detract from the experience, the humor remains a standout feature that resonates with fans, making it a memorable classic.

    • “I would find myself cackling in boss fights where the hilariously over-acted lines served as the soundtrack to ridiculously finicky controls and movements.”
    • “- Voice acting is iconic and simultaneously hilarious in a classic 90's playful way.”
    • “The humorous tone of the game grabbed me very early on; the dialogue between Snake and his team, deadly serious one moment before becoming silly in the next, made me laugh loud and often; Snake's interactions with Otacon straight killed me sometimes.”
  • monetization
    15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many reviewers expressing disappointment over the lack of effort in improving the port and the reliance on microtransactions. Fans feel that the pricing and quality do not reflect the legacy of the franchise, leading to a general recommendation against purchasing unless one is a casual fan or has never experienced the original games. Overall, the sentiment is that the monetization strategy undermines the game's value and integrity.

    • “This is a lazy cash grab.”
    • “This release was very obviously a quick cash grab.”
    • “An unabashed desire for monetization tarnishes the essence of the franchise, leaving fans yearning for the days when innovation and storytelling were paramount.”
  • grinding
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and exhausting, particularly due to excessive backtracking and repetitive boss encounters. While some appreciate the challenge, many feel that the grind detracts from the overall enjoyment, making the experience feel more like a chore than an engaging adventure. Overall, the consensus leans towards grinding being a significant drawback in the game's design.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Backtracking is the worst part of the game as it adds little and is simply tedious; it is something that has to be sat through.”
    • “Game is very cool, but the 100% completion is so boring and grindy.”
    • “Overall, I can't recommend this at all. The passion Kojima put into this many years ago seems to have been sucked out, creating a tedious experience, and I feel he would be ashamed of what has become of this.”
  • replayability
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's replayability is seen as a mixed bag; while it offers a wealth of secrets and unlockables that encourage multiple playthroughs, issues like janky controls and design choices—such as disabling the radar in harder modes—detract from the experience. Some players find the original version more enjoyable, especially with visual enhancements, but the necessity of backtracking and certain gameplay limitations can hinder the overall replay value.

    • “MGS1 is a legendary game; it is peak 90's action movie vibes with an incredibly functional and surprisingly in-depth gameplay system that feels very replayable. Whether you watch the cutscenes or not, there are secrets to find and unlocks to get for beating the story repeatedly.”
    • “With some fun replay value to it.”
    • “Infinitely replayable.”
    • “Game was highly innovative and groundbreaking when it came out, but now the janky controls kill any replayability for me.”
    • “Ending backtracking is necessary for the plot and pacing, but it hurts replayability a bit.”
    • “However, hard and extreme mode disable the in-game radar, which I feel is a mistake. The game is really designed around it, so replayability is somewhat hampered. I guess you better rely on the VR missions for that extra playtime.”
  • character development
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is generally well-received, with Solid Snake's evolution being particularly praised for its depth and authenticity. While some dialogues may feel inconsistent, the overall integration of themes within the plot and character arcs contributes to a thought-provoking narrative that elevates the game to a cinematic level.

    • “The characters are interesting; Solid Snake's character development isn't cringy and is done nicely.”
    • “These themes are interwoven throughout the game’s plot, character development, and dialogue, making Metal Gear Solid a thought-provoking experience that goes beyond typical video game storytelling, and often leads to it being considered one of the great cinematic pieces of media of the late 20th century.”
    • “Some dialogues and character development feel out of line.”
    • “The character development lacks depth and fails to engage the player emotionally.”
    • “The characters seem one-dimensional, making it hard to connect with their journeys.”
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9h Median play time
9h Average play time
6-16h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

METAL GEAR SOLID - Master Collection Version is a action game.

METAL GEAR SOLID - Master Collection Version is available on PC and Windows.

On average players spend around 9 hours playing METAL GEAR SOLID - Master Collection Version.

METAL GEAR SOLID - Master Collection Version was released on October 24, 2023.

METAL GEAR SOLID - Master Collection Version was developed by KONAMI.

METAL GEAR SOLID - Master Collection Version has received mostly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its optimization.

METAL GEAR SOLID - Master Collection Version is a single player game.

Similar games include METAL GEAR SOLID - Master Collection Version, METAL GEAR SOLID 2: Sons of Liberty - Master Collection Version, METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version, METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version, METAL GEAR SOLID 2: Sons of Liberty - Master Collection Version and others.