I was a bit skeptical in playing a game where the objective was to hide from the enemy rather then taking them head on. I was wrong in doubting this concept in a videogame genre. Hideo Kojima’s (Director of the game and considered to be the creator of the stealth genre) third entry to the series, making this game a direct sequel to Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake for the MSX home computer, is a remarkable addition to an already unique and innovating series. Unlike its previous entries however Metal Gear Solid was a commercial success shipping over 6 million copies worldwide and spawning sequels, a prequel, and spin-offs.

Metal Gear Solid was released in 1998. You play as Solid Snake a retired soldier who is forced out by his former commanding officer Roy Campbell to stop a group of terrorist called the FOXHOUND unit who have acquired a nuclear-capable walking tank named Metal Gear Rex that can shoot nuclear missiles that are undetectable by radar anywhere in the world. FOXHOUND has threatened the U.S. government with a nuclear reprisal if they do not receive the remains of their previous leader Big Boss within 24 hours. Snakes Mission is to infiltrate Shadow Moses in Alaska to penetrate the terrorist defenses and neutralize the threat as well as rescue hostages Donald Anderson (DARPA Chief) and ArmsTech president Kenneth Baker. While snake is a one-man army he receives help by radio from various people who specialize in many areas. Also helping out is a girl named Meryl (Campbell’s niece) and surprisingly the creator of Metal Gear Rex. Doctor Hal Emmerich, nicknamed Otacon for his fondness of Japanese animation, assists Snake after proof that he’s been working for the bad guys unknowingly.

Metal Gear Solid Pushed The Original Playstation to its limits. By today’s standards the graphics seem mediocre but back then it was a revolution to the industry. The soundtrack for the game featured excellent original pieces especially the music that is played at emotional parts of the game is appropriate and the song “The best has yet to come” by Rika Muranaka very noteworthy. Gunshots seem authentic and the voice acting portrays the characters impressively. Game play was and still is quite remarkable. You obtain various weapons and gear through out the game. Once you adapt to the control scheme, which is a synch with the tutorial option in the main title screen. It may take an hour to get used to the controls if you skip the tutorial. Most of the game is shown in a top down angle so players can view their surroundings and near by soldiers. By Having Snake stick to a wall a corner cam activates, while a 1st person vantage would occur when hiding underneath objects or by using binoculars. The cinematography of the cut-scenes is brilliant. The story is well written with unexpected twist and turns. Characters have real emotions and all of them have a tragic past that make you feel more compassionate towards the character even if it’s the enemy. You can pass the game with avoiding most encounters that put you in danger and in a disadvantage if you do not look out for ammo for your weapons. However Specific Boss encounters from the FOXHOUND unit is unavoidable yet extremely satisfying, so much that you may let your self purposely fail so you can do it all over again.

The only major flaw the game has is its length. Without skipping cut scenes and fumbling a bit with boss encounters an average gamer can finish the game in about 8-10 hours. Once you know what to do and skip most of the cut scenes and dialogue you can finish the game in about 4 of less hours. The replay value is sadly low. The only reason to play it over again is to beat your time and or use special items the game gives you after you beat the game (such as unlimited ammo, camouflage, or an tuxedo). Other than its length Metal Gear was and still is a phenomenon and a great piece of entertainment. From it story to its game play it stands apart form other videogames on the market. Many have and will try recreating the experience of the game the game but ultimately it will stand apart. Metal Gear Solid is the masterpiece that made Kojima a household name in videogames. A truly Remarkable and outstanding achievement that raised the bar in videogames that is still leaving an impact on gamers worldwide. You do not want to miss out on this breathtaking experience.


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