Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

GameCube

Review by Jay Jones

Konami

Stealth Action

Graphics: 8

Sound: 8.5

Gameplay: 10

Overall: 9


Like most gamers, I go nuts for remakes. Especially for games that defined the era in which they were released. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes ranks up there with the absolute best remakes of classic games ever released. Actually, it is probably one of the best games that the Gamecube has to offer.

metalgearts1.jpg (35131 bytes)Graphically, its gorgeous. The character models are clean and move beautifully. The backgrounds are a treat as well. The camera seamlessly moves from first person to third person quickly and easily, never missing a beat and never taking you out of the action for a second. Seeing the original Metal Gear Solid redone with the graphical capabilities of the Gamecube is nothing short of astonishing when you compare it to the aged graphics of the original PSX offering. While not the most amazing looking game on the system, it looks damn good.

The music is classic Metal Gear Solid. It cues in when the action begins or when something important is happening on screen. The sound effects are sharp as well. But sound wise where this game really shines is in the voice acting. David Hayter makes his return as the voice of Solid Snake, and delivers a grand performance. Solid Snake sounds as battle hardened and cynical as ever, but that's the way we like him.

The Metal Gear Solid series has always succeeded in providing great dialogue to go along with the complexities of the story. This one is no different. A lot of the script has even been rewritten. So, while what you see may be great, its what you hear that makes it all come together.

What can I say about the gameplay? Well, its been tweaked quite a bit since the original. It plays a lot more like Sons of Liberty which was a great idea. Many of the things that made Sons of Liberty so great are included here, and create a more enhanced experience in the game, even changing the way you play it. Being able to switch from third to first person mid fight, or while you are trying to get from one area to another is very helpful, especially since the game is, at its heart, a stealth game. It puts you in the action.

metalgearts2.jpg (33881 bytes)The only problem here is that while a lot of the game has been revised and upgraded, the hand to hand aspect is virtually untouched. I have heard this said about MGS 3 as well. Konami could have made an attempt to throw in a couple of new maneuvers or perhaps a punch and kick type system, but that isn't the case. You can still grapple, and choke out unsuspecting terrorists but it would be nice to decide, "Hmmm, should I break his neck or just choke him out cold?" This does not however take away from the overall experience, and when you've got a full arsenal in your inventory it doesn't matter anyway.

Talking about the story would be pointless because it is the same story as the original MGS. Complex, and engrossing, the game creates an epic plot weaving together themes like love, honor, and the lust for power, while giving you clues to Snakes past. It all pretty much centers around Metal Gear itself. There is a lot of mystery in this game from the beginning to the end. Plot twist are abound all through the experience, and I do mean all through.

All in all this is one of the best games on the GameCube. It's an exclusive too which makes it a great reason to own the console. Pick this one up, it will be well worth it.

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Last updated: Monday, September 26, 2005 01:02 PM