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.
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.
