News
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1

Review of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1

Games worth rediscovering, even after all these years 

Archivado en: Video Games  •  

Analyzing this collection is a bit complex. It’s not because Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 has a massive legacy to uphold. We’re talking about the very games that set the bar for the gaming industry ages ago, and that’s an unchanging fact. However, it carries high expectations because, being an unbeatable collection, one naturally expects a lot from these games that played a crucial role in turning Konami into a gaming giant. 

First Things First

Let’s break down each game individually. Not everyone may have had the chance to play them, and some may not even have heard of this iconic series. The idea behind this package is to give long-time fans a fresh opportunity to enjoy these classics and introduce a new generation to the world of ‘Tactical Espionage Action’ and the characters that have left their mark on gaming history. Some of these characters have even made their way into other franchises, like Super Smash Bros. 

     Only when I’m dodging death on the battlefield do I truly feel alive.” 

Whether you check a list from a year ago, a decade ago, or even further back, featuring the top PlayStation games (the original one) or must-play titles for PlayStation, you’ll always find Metal Gear Solid there, and for good reason. This game was a masterpiece from start to finish. Even with the limitations of the hardware from that era, it managed to excite us, make us suffer, bring tears to our eyes, and even make us despise an enemy who seemed to predict our every move based on our controller and memory card data. 

Hideo Kojima

He created a game that still serves as a benchmark for gameplay, camera work, storytelling, sound design, cinematography, art style, and even voice acting. This game is a direct sequel to the MSX2 titles and had an eager fan base even before its release. But what it truly achieved was introducing millions worldwide to Solid Snake, an operative who repeatedly saved the world, not through superpowers, but with an unwavering determination. 

Originally envisioned as an overhead game, similar to its predecessors, it evolved to include first-person elements, revolutionizing how players interacted with the virtual world. The Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 offers the most comprehensive version, including VR missions, a Digital Screenplay Book, and a Digital Master Book. 

     The cardboard box in your inventory is an invaluable tool for deceiving your adversaries, a crucial asset for infiltration missions.”

Metal Gear Solid

The anticipation around Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty for the PlayStation 2 was nothing short of incredible. It wasn’t just a leap in technology; it was a leap in storytelling. It introduced a new protagonist, Raiden, who promised to be as engaging as Solid Snake. Plus, it showcased the capabilities of the ‘Emotion Engine,’ Sony’s new console processor, which, according to some experts, had the potential to disrupt global peace. 

While the game was visually stunning for its time and delivered the same level of excitement as its predecessor, the story ultimately felt rushed, as if the developers were constrained by time. Even the epic battle against the new Metal Gear model felt somewhat repetitive and lacked the excitement fans had hoped for. Looking back, it was a good game, but it didn’t quite reach the peak that gamers had expected. Many believed that the next installment would conclude Solid Snake’s story, unaware that what lay ahead was one of the greatest video games of all time. 

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1
LOS40 México.

The version of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty in the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is the HD Collection version originally released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and it includes a Digital Screenplay Book and its Digital Master Book. 

Metal Gear Solid 3

Arguably, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is the high point of the series. Kojima not only retained the elements that made the previous two titles immensely popular but also learned from past mistakes. New gameplay elements were introduced, such as the necessity to hunt for food, the possibility of catastrophic bodily harm, rendering the protagonist, Jack, incapacitated and unable to attack when injured, and a sophisticated camouflage system that demanded constant attention to the environment, necessitating changes of clothing, facial paint, and weapon concealment to avoid detection. 

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater featured a compelling narrative set in the 1960s, during the height of the Cold War. The game introduced creative adversaries and delved into the origin stories of Big Boss and The Boss. The main theme remains a timeless gem, and the prelude leading up to the final boss battle is one of the most iconic moments in video game history.

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1
LOS40 México.

Similar to Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, the version of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater in the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is the HD Collection release for the PS3 and Xbox 360, accompanied by a Digital Screenplay Book and its Digital Master Book.

Additional Content Featured in Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 

Beyond the aforementioned games, players can delve into the original Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, available in their MSX2 and NES versions. Moreover, the collection includes two digital graphic novels and a soundtrack featuring compositions from various games in the series. For those inquiring, the Digital Screenplay Books contain the scripts of the games, while the Digital Master Books serve as comprehensive guides, offering insights into the game’s characters, enemies, weapons, items, and more. 

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1
LOS40 México.

35 Years of Snake & Counting 

Undoubtedly, this collection is not without its minor imperfections, which marginally detract from achieving a perfect score. For instance, the Nintendo Switch version’s inability to run at a consistent 60 frames per second and the games being essentially ports of the HD versions released just over a decade ago, complete with some of the same bugs, are noticeable drawbacks. Additionally, there is a frustrating delay of up to 10 seconds when pausing cinematic scenes. It is also inconvenient to download five games separately instead of having them conveniently bundled within a single launcher, allowing for individual downloads and deletions. 

It would have been a welcome addition to have documentaries about the games, although the complicated relationship between Kojima and Konami likely made such a feat challenging. Finally, the inclusion of more of Yoji Shinkawa’s spectacular artwork would have been appreciated. 

Looking ahead to Volume 2, what would we like to see? A reimagined Metal Gear Solid 4 would be a delightful surprise, perhaps alongside Metal Gear Solid Rising: Revengeance and the previously unreleased PSP versions. Although these additions may not be universally missed, they would further enrich the collection. 

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1
LOS40 México.

Conclusion 

Individually, each of these games merits revisiting, and their appeal endures even after the passage of time. Collectively, as a reissued collection, it leaves something to be desired, particularly for a franchise that has made such significant contributions to the industry. Hopefully, the forthcoming remake of Metal Gear Solid 3 receives the attention it deserves. 

Rating: 8.5