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By Andy, Lonnie, Jesse, and Justin on November 19th, 2001
Introduction Looking back over the last five years one could amass a notable list of groundbreaking games. These are the games that not only surpass almost every game on the market, but also bring with them several groundbreaking ideas that will no doubt be emulated countless times in the future. For example Mario 64 which was released in 1996 revolutionized the 3-D platform genre and even now five years later no platformer has elipsed the world Shigeru Miyamoto envisioned for the Nintendo 64. Final Fantasy VII, released in 1997 for the PlayStation put every previous 32-bit RPG to shame with its stunning CG cut scenes and amazing battle special effects. Added to that was a story that to this day hasn’t been surpassed in creativity, originality, and pure emotion. One game however was released for the original PlayStation that was so breathtaking, and so revolutionary that to this day almost 3 years after it’s launch is still arguably the best PSX game available. If you have not figured it out yet the game in question is none other than Metal Gear Solid. This game basically launched the tactical stealth genre of gaming that we have seen emulated time and time again in every game from Tomb Raider to Chicken Run (?). Along with it’s amazing emphasis on using stealth and shadows over the typical run n’ gun approach, MGS also raised the bar for voice acting in a game, level interaction, boss encounters (Psycho Mantis’ HIDEO trick anyone), cinematic appeal character design (yeah Snakes’ mullet) and pretty much every other conceivable category one can come up with. So here we are three years later and finally Konami is set to release what could possibly be the most anticipated game sequel ever. In this special GamersMark feature, every member of our staff has been given the opportunity to voice their opinions of the game. So get ready as we take a look at Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and find out if it will have the same impact as its predecessor or if it’s just another over hyped sequel… Presentation Andy:
Movie or game? Metal Gear Solid on PSX was presented to the gamer with such intense cinemas and incredibly realistic environments gamers had a hard time calling it a game. MGS2 throws the same at you, only enhanced with PS2 goodness to make them each even more intense, or realistic. Rarely does an action game make you feel like you’re actually part of the game, or make you want to be part of the game. Before MGS2, the last to accomplish this was MGS. Before that, one would probably have to go all the way back to the 2-D Castlevania games. The ’feel’ of something more than your average action game is very much alive in MGS2, made possible by the perfect combination of many aspects. There’s the overall presentation much different than any other game. Very movie-like, very fresh and original. There’s the graphics, so realistic and creative, keeps you in the game. The sound is there too, from guard chatter to music to the voice acting, all incredibly solid and just sinks you deeper into the game. Control wise, MGS2 controls exactly like MGS on PSX. All of the basic controls are the same, but Snakes got new moves as well. You can now look around and fire in 1st person view, as well as grab guards and carry them, shake them for items, or use them as hostages. There were no major problems with the controls in the original MGS, and the same holds true for the sequel.
Lonnie:
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is definitely a game, however, it is very cinematically directed. I’ll admit there is a lot of time spent watching the in game movies and what not but the fact of the matter is you still have to play the game. MGS2 steps up the level of difficulty while still remaining simple enough to immerse you into the environments.
Jesse:
First thing I’m going to say, is for anyone who plans on playing this game.
Don’t, I repeat, DO NOT skip through the cinemas. I mean people this is
monumental to the game. You’ll undoubtedly still have fun playing this, no
matter the circumstances. If you skip out on the story though you’re missing
a big part in the formula, which Hideo Kojima has prepared for you. You
wouldn’t want to be the one who skipped out on him would you?Justin:
Well there really is not much I can add that has not been covered by my other staff mates in this department. There are a few new moves that Andy forgot to mention though. For starters Snake can now perform a diving roll to get out of the way of enemy fire or explosions, the other major addition is the ability to hang off of railings to hide from guards. To keep you from hanging there indefinitely there is a grip meter that appears right below your health meter. This meter decreases every time you get shot, someone steps on your hand, and as time elapses. . Another neat feature is the pulsing of the controller as Snake’s heartbeat increases. When in tight situations his heart will begin to pound causing the controller to vibrate a bit quicker and harder. This is just one of the many ways Konami pulls you in and blurs the line between fantasy and reality.
Graphics & Sound Andy:
Graphics wise, MGS2 is THE reason you bought a PS2. Honestly, even newer PS2 releases such as Devil May Cry and GTA3 are easily put to shame by MGS2. Every environment is incredibly detailed and incredibly realistic. Most games tend to lean towards great graphics in one area of a game, be it character models in a fighter, cars in a racer, etc. MGS2 delivers a total package that would have even the pickiest gamer struggling to find one area of graphics that is head and shoulders above all the others. Even little meaningless graphical flares such as smoke from Snakes smoking habit, water flying off of him after he’s been outside in the rain, wet footsteps, blood trails, they all look extremely nice and even add to the gameplay. There’s a couple areas that are done extremely well, cut-scenes and animation. Animation was one area where many felt MGS1 lacked. I doubt a single one will say the same after playing MGS2. Cut-scenes are all animated perfectly. Considering the detail and amount of action going on in most of the cut-scenes, this is an incredible feat. On the sound side, MGS2 is top notch pretty much across the board. First off, the voice acting is even better than MGS1, which is saying a lot A story with characters that you can believe is pretty rare these days. Even the guards sound great as they call for back-up, order you to freeze, or cry out in pain when you blow out their kneecap. Effects are equally impressive. Gun shots sound realistic. Fire off the gun you start out with then listen to the first real gun you get. Big difference. And with better sounding guns usually means more guards. Just another situation where the sound affects the gameplay. The music is perfect for an action game. In an action movie, you want loud music dueling the gunfights and explosions but something softer and more quiet as the story unfolds, and that’s exactly what MGS2 delivers. I heard they brought in an actually Hollywood composer, and it paid off.
Lonnie:
Uhh...Huh... Wha-was-that! is indeed gone and replaced with much better voice-acting, however, it is the same cast of actors from the first game. The graphics are indeed some of the best seen on the Playstation 2 however I disagree to a point on being the best. Some of the textures look large and fake, But nonetheless this is far and few between. Andy is right besides Final Fantasy X, and Gran Tourismo 3, I cannot think of another reason I bought the Playstation 2 for. This is the Playstation 2’s "Shenmue". The sound is utterly amazing. The sound of the rain and wind along side the ship creaking back and forth is some of the best effects I’ve heard in a game to date. This really adds that sense of being part of the game.
Jesse:
Okay starting with graphics. They’re phenomenal. You never notice any hint
of slow down unless it is one of the cases where it is in a cinema and it
was planned. There are quite a few jaggies but they’re not very noticeable
up close, usually only from far distances. They’re no big deal anyway
because extremely intense cinemas and very detailed environments cover them
up. You’ll spend hours upon hours gazing and toying around with all the nice
looking toys and gadgets. The sound in the game is stunning. It changes when entering first person
view, which is a nice touch. The gun shots all are different and fade in the
distance. The bullets ricochet without faulty instantaneous noises. They’re
actually delayed a little from where they’re fired. You are able to hear
guards shouting at others, or kicking them while they’re sleeping like
babies, thanks to the trusty tranquilizer gun.Justin:
This is what I would like to call a system seller. This game looks and sounds that great that you cannot help but take notice. Even the strongest of Sony bashers have to revel in the greatness that are the visuals in this game. Gameplay Andy:
Gameplay, where do I start? There’s simply so much to do in this game, its astounding. Basically everything from the original that made it so great is back and improved upon. The stealth idea plays much more into the game than last time, because now the consequences for being spotted are much more severe. One could basically say there’s more than one game in MGS2. You can choose to play a stealth style approach and stay unseen, or you can approach the game looking to confront each guard you see. The game allows for either, or both. Like the sound, the graphics also play huge roles in the gameplay. Incredibly detailed guards make vital areas much easier to pinpoint. Also, there’s a nice little radio on each guard and easy to make out. Shoot it and the guard cannot call for help. The stages in MGS2 are huge and fit their situation perfectly. How many action games have you played through where you’ll be thinking..."wtf am I doing in a level like this...." I’ve said it many times. There’s not a single part of MGS2 that doesn’t look like it belongs there. It really pulls you into the game. Many times there are times around on the stages that you can use that affect the gameplay. Example, there are fire extinguishers on the walls you can shoot to blind an enemy, or reveal lasers you need to see to avoid. You can puncture steam pipes, burning enemies. One of the best parts of any action game is the boss fights. MGS ranked tops in boss fights. There were simply awesome. MGS2 easily beats out even MGS1. The boss fights are all breathtaking to watch and give you a great sense of satisfaction when you beat them, another rare thing in games these days. Many of them have some very innovative gameplay aspects to them. Example with no spoilers are hard to give, but on the first boss, she fires at a spotlight, making it face directly at you. She’ll then hide where the only place you can get a good shot is directly in the path of the light. Look at her and you’ll be completely blinded by the light. That’s the kind of cool touches and gameplay finesse MGS2 contains. Infinitely deep? No. About as good as gameplay can get? Yes.
Lonnie:
This is truly the holy grail of all games, and what more to support this than the near perfect gameplay. Throughout history the Metal Gear series has always been about new and interesting gameplay. This game is realistic to say the least, while not necessarily REAL, but everything does have a purpose. You will find yourself actually thinking stuff like "what if I can lure the guard into the pantry and make him call for help to distract the guards in the control room as I run away?" This is indeed a thinkers game, Making it a strange mix of Action and RPG.
Jesse:
Gameplay is almost exactly like the original Metal Gear Solid, which is a
good thing. The movements aren’t always precise but that’s okay because once
you master them you won’t have much trouble taking out groups of guards in a
single bound. If there is one thing that the Metal Gear series is good at
its putting you in tight situations but not allowing you get bored of doing
one particular thing and you ending up quitting. Instead it brings you to
the brink of quitting, and then you finally figure out your faults. The game
is extremely varied and there are moments where you’re about to cry, and
then ten minutes later you burst out in laughter. From one minute you’re
sneaking around like a large cat and then the next you’re in an intense
firefight.Justin:
The only thing I feel I need to add to the gameplay department is the fact that the coolest item ever to grace a game makes it’s return in MGS2. Yes, fans of the series should be familiar with the cardboard box! Hours of fun can be spent masquerading as your favorite inanimate cardboard object. In all honesty it took me a little while to adjust to the first person shooting view but after about 10 minutes of playtime I was commutable with the control setup. Lasting Appeal Andy:
Replay value. Usually a rough spot for action games, especially ones with no multiplayer modes, like MGS2. Like the first MGS, there’s quite a few secrets to unlock. You will not beat MGS2 any less than 3-4 times. The first time through is roughly 15-20 hours. After that, its about 3-4 hours, just like MGS1. There’s many tasks to try to complete. Each enemy in the game(bosses included) carries a dog tag. One such task is to collect EVERY dog tag. Are you kidding me? There’s no telling how long this task will take seeing that you have to confront every guard in the game, but it is there for your completing pleasure. There’s also new difficulty modes open after you beat it once, and a ’not spotted’ option where you can try to complete the game without being spotted once. If you can complete this one, you are indeed Solid Snake. The lack of multiplayer really hurts with this game because one could imagine how awesome some 4 player death match would be, especially with the games awesome weapons. Aside from lack of multiplayer, nothings really wrong with MSG2’s replay factor. There are enough secrets and tasks to keep even the most solid Snake busy for quite some time.
Lonnie:
I agree completely with Andy here. There are tons of secrets to be found. Personally I don’t find holding the guards up to be that big of a deal, That is until you reach the cocky ones who would rather die than give in. Its not like a bullet to the head wont fix his cocky ass anyhow.
Jesse:
The game is really intense and is sure to please most any person. Weather
it’s the breathtaking graphics that buy your soul, or the intense story, or
the fact that its just Metal Gear, I don’t see how anyone could try to find
a reason not to buy this game. I mean who wouldn’t want to play as a super cool spy who has good laughs
making fun of and killing people
Justin:
Half of the fun of the game is trying to make it through without being cought or killing any guards. Playing this style makes the game incredibly difficult because youre forced to rely on guns like the M9 and stun grenades not to mention your basic choke move. Playing like this and ocmming up with your own scenarios adds so much more to the replay of the game beyond all of the standard secrets. Conclusion Andy:
MGS2 has really pushed the spectrum of good gaming into uncharted territory. I don’t think we will see a game that combines everything in it so flawlessly and creatively to create such an unforgettable experience for quite some time, if ever. It really makes you think, "how much better can gaming get?" After seemingly an eternity of waiting, the arguably most anticipated game of all time has delivered on all areas and has far surpassed the hype. The story does get a *tad* confusing towards the end, but that’s a small gripe considering how good it turns out to be. You will remember this game for a long time after playing. It’s more than a game, it’s like a book that you get to play out. If you have a PS2, get this game. If you don’t own a PS2, get one and get this game. There isn’t a better one around, and probably won’t be for quite awhile.
Lonnie:
I bought my Dreamcast for Shenmue and at the time it was the most immersive game I had ever played since MGS. Now all of that has changed. MGS2 is definitely not like reading a book, but however living a legend. You will become emotionally attached to the characters in the game so be prepared.
Jesse:
All in all, no matter what you do, if you miss this game, which is
undauntedly the most thrilling game ever, (up until this point at least)
then you will never live up to your name. A Playstation 2 MUST HAVE
Justin
FINALLY the PS2 is showing us what it is made of. After a year of lackbuster titles we are finally being treated to the games we all bought the system for. MGS2 is no doubt high on the list and from the above reasons you can definitely see why. A bit of a downer however, is the fact that like its predecessor, MGS2 is probably going to be the PS2s opus meaning nothing is going to surpass this game in overall quality (at least in my mind). With that grievence aside there is really nothing to prevent ANYONE from getting this game. Mixing a cinematic flair with one of the greatest gameplay experiences MGS2 is sure to be an all time classic. |
