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Best Game Ever?

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: March 22, 2000
Author: Amazon User

As you play through MGS, you notice so many great things about it. There are the secrets (like beating the game with Meryl and getting unlimited ammo next time round)and the realistic aire of it all. The FA-MAS gun is a machine gun used by terrorists and you use it after finding it at a terrorist camp. There is enough action to keep soft gamers interested, but so much espionage and puzzles that more mature gamers will appreciate this gem to all lengths. The game, unlike many, focuses on human life, strength, and love; all in a battlefield environment where enemies become engaged in battles that are ended with a strange understanding. I know this sounds odd, but after playing this game, you see what I mean. One lady sniper who attempts to kill you reveals that she was raised a Kurd in a war-torn country. Even one terrorist boss, as he lay dying, induced tears with his story. This game is like playing through an action movie, but with an absence of a typical "shoot first" attitude. The way it is played is great as well. Put your back up to a wall to see behind you. Leave footprints in the snow or smoke a ciggarrette (yes, there are ciggarettes), and a guard will find you due to your smoke or traces. Knock on a wall and a guard will investigate, giving you a chance to run. Being seen and blowing away is not the game. Rather, it is to remain disclosed as you trudge through the story of intrige and tratorism, to the end. As this review goes, you can probably gather I really like this game (I've beaten it around 5 times). And whats suprising, I'm not a real videojunkie either. You will love this game. Just remember, don't skip any cutscenes, and it has a M rating (no kids under 13, k? this game has some mild sextalk and a lot of blood and realism). In any case, its a GREATEST HIT now, so buy it, willya?

Simply a FANTASTIC game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: April 01, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Ah... if there were only words to describe just how good this game is. But there is...

First of all, gamers will notice the voice acting and dialogue. The voice acting is simply the best voice acting in any game, ever. In fact, Metal Gear Solid's voice acting would have to be the best voice acting I HAVE EVER HEARD. It's just phenominal. When gamers first hear the quality of the voice acting, they will be amazed.

The dialogue is the next part. The quality of the dialogue in this game is easily on par with any action movie. It's about time action games got some quality dialogue, and MGS's dialogue is terrific. The main hero never says anything that isn't out of place for his character, and the other characters never do, either.

The story in this game is also incredible. This game easily has a story that would make movie producers sit up and take notice. The story in this game is phenominal. And it could actually happen. As a matter of fact, some of the things that are mentioned in this game are happening right now. It's more than a little scary, because, believe it or not, what happens in this game isn't so "out there" that it couldn't happen. In fact, it could easily happen sometime in the future. When you play this game, you will understand what I am talking about. A game that has a story that could happen in our everyday lives doesn't necessarily make a better game, but it does make an already fantastic story even better, and certainly more believable. Also, the issues talked about in this game will really make you think.

This "game" also has manificent attention to detail. Hideo Kojima (the head man behind the game) is a perfectionist, and it shows through in every aspect of the game. The controls are easy to pick up, and within minutes, any gamer can be sneaking around in the game's atmosphere rich world. Which brings us to another thing; the attention to detail in this games' world is staggering. Hideo Kojima actually contacted and used members of United States Special Forces and S.W.A.T. teams to accurately potray the sense of drama in a combat type scenario. He also used them to make the games' military side as authentic as possible.

Simply put, this game has everything. A great story, excellent characterizations, fantastic voice acting, excellent dialogue, and a message. It is one of the greatest games ever, and the greatest action/adventure game of all time. If you have a PlayStation, and don't have this game, you are missing out. Buy it. Now.

A great game with a highly polished storyline!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: June 28, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I remember first hearing about this game back in 1997, when I browsed through an issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly back in June of 1997. As a kid, I recalled how I used to have a blast playing the original Metal Gear for the NES, back in the late 1980's. For its time, Metal Gear was one of the most graphically stunning games during the height of the NES's success. And while the game never recieved the marketing push that it should have garnered, its revolutionary "stealth" elements, which were employed into the gameplay compensated for the lack of marketing. The game was truly groundbreaking for its time, both in quality and concept.

The game enjoyed limited success here in the states, and even spawned a sequel overseas. A jump to the next platform hardware system should have been the next obvious move. But oddly enough, the Metal Gear franchise never made it on either the Sega Genesis, nor the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

After seeing the snapshots of Metal Gear Solid, I expected at best, an opportunity to catch up on nostalgia, and to enjoy a revised version of the series, through the Playstation's superior(for its time) graphic engine. Not only was the gameplay in Metal Gear Solid faithful to the play mechanics of the NES version, it also offered one of the most cinematic presentations I had ever seen in a videogame. As an old-school gamer, I did experience a jolt of nostalgia or two, as I recognized classic elements of the series being represented in 32-bit glory.

While most critics have argued that the cinematics have detracted from the overall quality of the game, I would argue that the storytelling elements and cinematics have given the game its trademark appeal, offering a unique gaming experience which hasn't been duplicated since. At even this stage in the videogame industry, with the emergence of next generation gaming consoles, and PC hardware, I have not seen any game that has successfully duplicated the storytelling formula in Metal Gear Solid.

....

One of the greatest playstations games I've seen

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: November 26, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Before I start I'd like to get one thing straight, THERE IS AUTO AIMING IN THIS GAME. I had to say that because people keep saying there isn't, but everytime I play this I always hit dead on.

Now to start. Of all the PSX games this is probably the best one. Actually between this and FFVII I don't know which is better. But I can truly say that this is one of the best games I've ever seen before.

Anyway, lets start off with the graphics. Since I find graphics to be the least important, I want to get it out of the way now... but for this game I make an exception. Why? Because about three hours of the game is made of a movie (its about 3:45 minutes), that moves this intense gripping story along. If the graphics were of that on the gameboy I don't think I could watch the scenes.

The story line is just perfect. (Its much better than the one in the sequal TRUST ME!) Also the story comes together perfectly at the end making it all the more reason its recomended. No, the story isn't confusing at all, you just need to put the pieces together.

The characters were truly remarkable. Liquid is one of the greatest villians in video game history! Next to Kefka (FFVI) he's the greatest. He's diabolical and seems to know what he is doing. He even scores it big near the end of the game! Liquid is the man with the plan. The voice acting is good and actually shows what kind of a person the character is.

I know some think that a love story in MGS is a bad idea, but personally it is true "at any time, any place people can fall in love." Remember that too, because its true.

The bad things? Well, the torture event is a little extreme, especially on HARD and EXTREME. Your thumb or index finger (whichever one you use) has to hit circle repeaditly and that gets tedious, not to mention that your had will get tired. My advice, get a turbo controller for that.

One more note. Some of you think that watching the movies is dumb but that ain't true. I've grown used to these games mainly because I have a lot of patience and enjoy a good storyline. (That's what reading over 1000 hours of dialouge from an RPG will do to you)

Another good is the game modes. You notice more a difference than in the 2nd one. Mainly because the game modes are actually HARDER than the previous one. There are also two endings to enjoy and it does have an effect on the replay value.

OVERALL: This game is a real treat and has a lot going for it. It'll take you about 6-10 hours your first time through, but it has good replay factor giving it more props.

Proof that Videogames Need to be Taken More Seriously

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: June 26, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Metal Gear Solid is the best videogame ever made. Let me explain myself:
It's a third person action/adventure game, that requires you to utilize stealth to survive. As Solid Snake, a lone warrior, you have to single-handedly infiltrate Shadow Moses Island, a base recently taken over by terrorists to develop a nuclear capable walking robot, codenamed Metal Gear Rex. Your job is to make sure Rex never launches by any means necessary.
It sounds like a typical third person action game, but there's so much more to this game.
First off, the plot is flawless. Hands down the most intricate, well thought out, and moving plot I've seen in any thriller movie ever made.
Your main enemy, the enemy most commonly seen in the game, is the Genome soldier. The Genome soldier is a member of a genetically engineered army. If you stay out of sight, you'll never have to have a physical encounter with one of these guys.
However, the boss fights cannot be avoided, and thus, it's a darn good thing they're so enjoyable. Bosses range from normal human beings with dreams of revenge to individuals with slightly supernatural powers, which adds an interesting twist to the game. Every boss is fighting for their own perosnal reasons, and their own motives.
The game will take roughly twelve hours to complete the first run through without a strategy guide. I advise you to listen to all the Codec conversations and watch all the cinematics because this is where the game truly shines. It's story. With six times the lenght of the average Hollywood thriller, the story is developed much more, and the characters are fleshed out far better than in any film I can think of.
This game has my highest recommendation.

Really, DO NOT MISS OUT on this GEM

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: November 19, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Ok, I have always considered this game as THE best game I have ever played and haven't posted a review but why now? I recently have purchased and finished Metal Gear Solid 2. I had such a high expectation for the sequel because the first one was such a GREAT game.
When there were hypes and information of MGS, i wasn't interested in it at all because i'm a old schooler, just into 2D games. However, when i had a chance to play a demo at Toy'R'Us, i knew i had to get this game for no matter what. So i ended up getting it the day it came out and was so amazed at the masterpiece.
Story line, game play, graphic, music, and fun factor.. all A-rated. The graphic was the best from that time where everything's based with color green. The amount of detail was almost insane to the point where you can literally see mice running around. The appearance of night vision/thermo goggle gave a whole new look. The music was there to really raise this game to another height because the strongest point of this game is its story line, presented through cut scenes. When these emotional/shocking cut scenes are coupled with A-rated music, it really brings out the emotion and shock very effectively. It really brought vibration function to a new standard and believe me, time to time it makes fun out of itself for being a game, which didn't kill the game but rather added more spice to the game. Each character, whether pro/antagonist, there were strong character development though it might be a short cut scene. However, it was more than GOOD enough, you could literally be sympathic with the characters. Still, my favorite character Psycho Mantis,, oh man,, you just gotta play and see ",,it feels nice,,"
The biggest difference between this game and the second one is that the first one knew when and where to put the cut scenes. The first one was very controlled yet it was just right for the gamers to really appreciate the story flow, whereas in the second one, it's just wasted use of ineffective cut scenes here and there, not to mention ridiculous codec dialogues (which literally not only stop from continuing its legacy, but killed it). Another biggest difference has to be the ending. The ending for the first one was really, REALLY rewarding, i absolutely had this sense of 'fulfilled, completed, satisfied, reward' You will know what i mean. The second one, umm,,, no comment.
Well, what can i say,, i could find no flaws from this very game (well, there's no such thing as 'perfect' game, there were little bit of flaw with A.I., but trust me, it's really nothing when you are being overwhelmed by this game). Like this editor from EGM said, this game is about experience. Absolutely, it is. I have played variety of games, import, domestic, and used to work as a game tester: when i have to pick one game for the best of the best, I PICK METAL GEAR SOLID WITHOUT ANY HEGITATION.
PLEASE, DO ME A FAVOR AND DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS GEM. ENJOY IT-

Is technical perfection enough?

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 8 / 17
Date: January 03, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Metal Gear Solid has won just about every gaming award possible and has been lauded by critics and fans worldwide. Despite the fact it's not really my area of interest (I'm a Resident Evil type guy) I bought the game (heck, it was 20 bucks, why not?). This was last year. I never finished it, and finally sold it. Why? Good question. I finally decided that, ultimately, I wasn't involved at all with any of the characters or story events. I didn't care what happened. Do I think MGS is overrated? Well, sort of. Granted, the graphics, controls, and audio are as perfect as perfect can get, and there is no doubt that there are innovative elements (especially the sneaking about and the enemy soldier AI) but I found the characters and story as cold and sterile as the Arctic location in which most of the game is set. It has no SOUL. For this type of game, I feel this kind of personal involvement is VITAL. I wasn't swept up in the events like in Parasite Eve or Vagrant Story. Metal Gear left me with the feeling I was performing a chore rather than embarking on a world-changing adventure. The story felt scripted and unnatural, the characters flat and lifeless. I think Metal Gear affected me the same way as this year's Shenmue for Dreamcast: an undisputed technical masterpiece that felt devoid of humanity. In any case, any gamer with a pulse should play through it (for the Sniper Wolf bits if nothing else), but be prepared for Snake and Co. to keep a distance from your heart.

THE GREATEST GAME EVER MADE!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: November 29, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Playing this game for the first time will thrill you with excitment and drama. Metal gear solid has the best story line I have ever seen from any game or movie. You play as Solid Snake an agent with no family or real name. At first in this game you arent told much by your allias but to stop the terrorists that have hi-jacked a missile firing machine. But the plot goes much deeper and more exciting. The game includes 2 alternate endings a "good one" and a "bad one". The music and controls are just as good as the story itself. There is also a cool training mode that forces you to use stealth tactics to beat the clock. If you never played this game before you have been missing out on years of fun. So go out and buy this game, for ... this game is all anyone could ask for. HINT: during the torture sequence if you dont want to get the "bad ending" then rapidly tap the O button. On any mode this is not easy so if you want to get it done with no problom take a pen with a cap, hold it by it's bottom and move the cap of the pen over the O button fast like your drawing really sloppy. This almost always keeps you from dying.

Cool Game, Cool Story, Awesome Gameplay, Stupid Guards

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 6 / 12
Date: April 03, 2000
Author: Amazon User

+: great story, best acting, awesome control, cool weapons, replay value, and my all time favorite. -: enemies see only five feet in front of them, can't aim guns worth NARF, Snake can get shot 25 times without dying? Welcome to the world of tactical espionage action. This game is still one of my favorite games on my shelf.(16 games) I love this game! That is just putting it simple. I rented it twice because it is so much fun, and even though I passed it 23 times it is still fun. I dont understand other reviewers saying, "good graphics". Nobody in this game has eyes! And shaking your head annoyingly is supposed to be talking? Even though the graphics of the characters suck, the backrounds and everything else is good. This also has the best acting I have ever seen (movie or game)! Things I don't understand are . . . why did they send one man to a whole base full of tanks, helicopters, thousands of troops, and a nuclear equipped walking battle tank (metal gear) without a freakin gun! What is cool is that you can punch enemies, strangle them and drag their bodies, snap their necks, and even throw them. And when you get a gun you can kick serious butt. What is also realistic is when you are in a firefight, they can get you just as easy as you can get them. Meaning that in any first-person or third-person shooter, all of the guys take at least five seconds to point a gun at you! What is not realistic is the enemy AI. Sure they will come when they hear a noise, but they don't send off an alert if they are shot and don't know what shot them. They just say,"huh?" But the stupidest, I mean STUPIDEST! Thing of all is their senses! A guard has a vision radius of about five feet. They also can only hear 10 feet. You can stand six feet from a guard, RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM, and he won't see you? Great game, bad character graphics (noone has eyes), low enemy AI (stupid guards), best acting I've ever seen, awesome story, good weapons, all in all GRRR-REATTTTT!

Predecessor to Syphon Filter, for better AND for worse...

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 9 / 23
Date: August 01, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Let me start off by saying that Metal Gear Solid was a solid game (no pun intended). This is a limited text box, so I'll cut right to it. I've listed some good and bad aspects of the game below. Let's start with the good:

1. Smooth, flowing storyline

2. Great cinematics

3. Ability to flatten against a wall when you push the D-pad towards it.

4. Relatively smart AI (guards hear certain noises, see footprints in the snow and FOLLOW them, etc)

5. Ability to distract guards by tapping on metal.

6. Creative weapons (claymore mines, stun grenades, etc)

7. Ketchup :)

HOWEVER, having said that, I would like to point out I played the Syphon Filter series before playing MGS. While many people criticize Syphon as a knockoff of MGS, I found several problems with Metal Gear (compared to Syphon Filter):

1. The overhead view is maddening! Unlike Syphon (which is 3rd person, right behind your character), MGS forces you to stand vulnerably idle to look in first person mode (triangle button).

2. Inability to aim. Unlike Syphon, you can't easily aim in MGS (if at all), manually or automatically. What's worse is, you can't see what you're shooting at if the character is *just* offscreen (but definitely within sights). Again, back to problem #1.

3. Having to find two items to operate the sniper rifle appropriately: the rifle AND tranquilizers? That's a little overboard. If you can't find the drugs in the cave, your gun shakes uncontrollably, basically rendering it useless. Three more complaints about the sniper rifle: a)your scope can't zoom in or out; b)to operate it, you're vulnerably lying down in the open so your enemy can pick you off; and c) your scope moves *excruciatingly* slowly, which is a big danger when you've just been hit and need to re-aim the gun.

4. Inability to stand behind a wall/truck and strafe to shoot. That was the biggest drawback to this game. This was *especially* problematic with the sniper rifle (see #3). In Syphon Filter, meanwhile, you are able to stand behind a wall as you orient yourself and duck out when you're ready.

*My advice*: Borrow the game from a friend/rent it. Decide whether you like it before buying it.

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