Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection

76%
Game Brain Score Based on 101 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection Game Cover
Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection gathers together the core games of the Metal Gear series, giving fans a Metal Gear fix like no other and preserving a slice of gaming history.
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"Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection" is a compilation for PlayStation 3 featuring all mainline games in the Metal Gear series directed by Hideo Kojima from 1987-2012, including VR Missions. Bonus content consists of motion comic adaptations of Metal Gear Solid graphic novels and a 100-page booklet with promotional materials. This collection offers fans a comprehensive journey through the iconic stealth-action series' history.

  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

76%
Audience ScoreBased on 101 reviews
story20 positive mentions
monetization4 negative mentions
  • The collection includes all major Metal Gear games, providing a comprehensive experience for both new and returning players.
  • The HD remasters of MGS2, MGS3, and Peace Walker enhance the graphics and gameplay, making them enjoyable even for modern audiences.
  • The inclusion of digital graphic novels and the art booklet adds value for collectors and fans of the series.
  • Some games, like MGS1 and VR Missions, are only available via download codes, which may not work if purchased used.
  • The collection lacks certain titles like Portable Ops and the Twin Snakes, which may disappoint hardcore fans.
  • The organization of the games can be confusing, especially for newcomers trying to navigate the series chronology.
  • story114 mentions

    The "Metal Gear Solid" series is renowned for its intricate and engaging storytelling, blending themes of espionage, war, and complex character relationships against rich historical backdrops, such as the Cold War. Each installment introduces unique narratives and character arcs, particularly focusing on the legacies of Solid Snake and Big Boss, while also incorporating cinematic cutscenes and interactive elements that enhance the storytelling experience. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing, the series is celebrated for its deep emotional resonance and thought-provoking themes, making it a standout in video game narratives.

    • “The story and characters are just as unique, quirky, and interesting as they were in previous entries.”
    • “The story is much more fleshed out, dealing with Cold War politics, nuclear disarmament, and even war orphans.”
    • “Hideo Kojima is a genius and excellent storyteller.”
    • “The story is very paper thin, but it does show the Outer Heaven uprising, a very significant event in the saga, and the roots of Solid Snake and Big Boss' complicated relationship.”
    • “The story can just feel like it's progressing at a snail's pace at times.”
    • “But when he tried to hand over the next chapter of Big Boss' story to his younger team, he felt that his younger team would have a difficult time understanding the nature of the Cold War, due to generational differences.”
  • gameplay44 mentions

    The gameplay across the Metal Gear Solid series is celebrated for its diversity, innovation, and evolution, incorporating mechanics like stealth, survival, and base management that enhance player engagement. While the series is known for its cinematic storytelling, some entries have been critiqued for excessive cutscenes that disrupt gameplay flow. Overall, the franchise maintains a strong emphasis on strategic gameplay, rewarding players for stealthy approaches and adapting to new hardware while preserving its core principles.

    • “The gameplay is diverse, unique, innovative, and groundbreaking, with each game evolving the series in different directions.”
    • “This brings a level of gameplay that forces you to utilize the environment to your advantage to conquer foes and complete objectives.”
    • “The stealth gameplay is challenging, but immensely rewarding - sneaking past a row of guards is ten times as satisfying compared to gunning them down one by one.”
    • “Critically and commercially successful, but known for its long cinematic cutscenes and 'point A to B' gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay builds on MGS3's new gameplay system with more refined sneaking and shooting mechanics, but sadly the level design for parts of the game isn't as open or free as MGS3, and like MGS1 and 2, the second half of the game has too many set-pieces and areas with no enemies at all.”
    • “MGS3 finally struck the right balance between gameplay and cutscenes, but MGS4 goes way overboard with over nine hours worth of cutscenes, making the gameplay sections far too chopped up and interrupted.”
  • graphics24 mentions

    The graphics of the Metal Gear Solid series have been praised for their groundbreaking quality at the time of release, with MGS2 and MGS3 receiving notable HD updates that still hold up well against modern titles. However, earlier entries like MGS1 and Peace Walker show their age, lacking graphical enhancements in their ports, which some players find disappointing. Overall, while the series set high standards for visual storytelling and detail, the varying quality across titles reflects the evolution of gaming graphics over the years.

    • “The graphics were quite a jump for its time, and the controls were revamped to utilize the new capabilities of a more complete and beautifully rendered world.”
    • “The graphics are still, on a technical level, some of the best to date that other modern games can't even compare.”
    • “They put a lot of effort into modernizing the graphics, and the payoff is superb.”
    • “While the graphics are very dated by today's near-photorealistic standards, the charm of the well-designed polygonal models still holds up for those willing to adjust their standards.”
    • “The downloads are straight ports of the PlayStation versions of the game, and do not include any graphical or audio upgrades.”
    • “MGS1 could definitely use an HD remake as the graphics don't hold up well.”
  • optimization6 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback; while the addition of the second analog stick in the HD version is appreciated, it has not been accompanied by a corresponding improvement in AI, resulting in an easier gameplay experience. Additionally, players have noted that the recent collection released by Konami lacks proper optimization, requiring modding or emulation for an improved experience. Overall, performance grading at the end of each act adds a layer of engagement, but the technical aspects leave room for improvement.

    • “You are also graded on your performance at the end of each act, such as the number of kills, rations used, number of alerts, and time taken. There are also plenty of unlockables based on performance.”
    • “And while the second analog stick in the HD version is nice, the AI wasn't re-optimized with that in mind, making an already easy game even easier.”
    • “It was easily David Hayter's best performance, and the story was very gripping emotionally.”
    • “I got this since the new collection released by Konami last year isn't optimized without modding or straight up emulating, and my PS2 is on the fritz.”
  • emotional5 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its deep, engaging storylines and character development, which reveal the characters' personal struggles as players progress. Reviewers praise the series for its ability to evoke strong feelings, with standout performances and a narrative that offers emotional catharsis, making it a memorable experience in gaming history. Overall, the game is recommended for those who appreciate rich, emotional storytelling in their gameplay.

    • “All of them bring their own emotional baggage to the fight, and you discover more about them the more you play.”
    • “This diversity in levels, dynamic, ever-changing gameplay, and incredible emotional story that closes a lot of loops make this a memorable and fresh experience in gaming and franchise history.”
    • “It was easily David Hayter's best performance, and the story was very gripping emotionally.”
  • monetization4 mentions

    The monetization aspect of this package primarily revolves around its promotional content, featuring a collection of advertisements and posters rather than original artwork. While it includes a variety of game discs and digital downloads, the artbook is criticized for lacking depth, as it mainly showcases promotional materials instead of concept art. Overall, the package serves as a comprehensive but commercially driven introduction to the franchise.

    • “All the artwork in this book will either be advertisements promoting the game or some type of promotional poster.”
    • “The artbook isn't anything too special though as all it is is the promotional ads for the games and not concept art or anything like that.”
    • “Included in this collection is: • a slipcover for holding the game case and artbook • a 100 page artbook showcasing MGS game posters and advertisements throughout the years.”
  • music3 mentions

    The music in the game is highly praised, with users noting the incredible soundtracks. However, some expressed disappointment that the physical edition included an art book instead of a soundtrack disc, which they felt would have enhanced the experience.

    • “The soundtracks are incredible.”
    • “You can also find small goodies like health/rations, music, and other easter eggs.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The humor in the MGS Legacy Collection is appreciated for its lighthearted moments that complement the intense storytelling and stealth gameplay, making the experience enjoyable, especially when revisiting the original game on a larger screen.

    • “If you enjoy stealthy, sneaking games such as Splinter Cell and intense gripping stories with a little added humor, you might find something you'd enjoy with the MGS Legacy Collection.”
    • “It's funny to go back and play the original MGS on a big screen.”
  • stability1 mentions

    The game is praised for its exceptional stability, with users noting that it has aged well and exhibits minimal glitches or screen tearing, contributing to a seamless gaming experience.

  • atmosphere1 mentions

    Reviewers consistently praise the game's atmosphere, highlighting it as "amazing" and a standout feature that enhances the overall experience.

    • “The atmosphere is simply amazing!”
    • “Incredible atmospheres that draw you in!”
    • “The game creates a captivating atmosphere that enhances the experience!”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

80% average critic score

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