Collections: Metal Gear Solid

Hey g1s, after a long hiatus it is time for the triumphant return of...Collections. That's right g1s, it's been awhile since I've sat down and made one of these happen but today is a special day. While I've been saving this specific collection for one of my later entries, I decided to go ahead and give you guys a little treat. The way I see it, it's been so long since an entry in this series has taken place that you guys deserve to see one of my most favorite collections. So today, we're going to be checking out my Metal Gear Solid collection.

Alright, so we'll get this bad boy started with the likes of my newest edition to the collection. While I already own all three of these games, I couldn't miss out on the chance to get them all in such an awesome package. Not only are they packaged together in PS2 boxes, with a kick ass box to hold them, but they also have crazy awesome new cover art. Oh yeah, the Metal Gear Solid The Essentials boxset! Check it out!

The coolest thing I found about this collection is the packaging. I just love ALL the cover art for each game, but I was really excited to get another copy of Metal Gear Solid. PSX disc scratch fairly easy, so I assumed I'd eventually have to replace my old copy. No longer do I have to worry about that thanks to this collection. I'd pay $30 alone just for the original Metal Gear Solid. The real selling point in this package though is that Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance on the PS2 was a VERY rare game before this bundle. It was selling for over $100 on eBay. Talk about a deal!

Of course it doesn't stop there, I've got bigger and better pieces to this collection. Before that though, lets get some of the less impressive, but still rare, pieces out of the way first. While these next two games aren't rare by any means, they're actually two games that I had a TON of fun with. While they don't offer the same Metal Gear experience we're used to, they still have some of the most fun gameplay available on the PSP. I'm talking about Metal Gear Ac!d and Metal Gear Ac!d 2.

I often feel like people don't give these two games enough credit. Sure they're nothing like the other MGS games, or even a part of the storyline, but they're still fun games in themselves. I enjoyed both games quite a bit, and I always suggest them to anybody who is planning on getting a PSP. I preferred both of these over Portable Ops actually!

So next up on the list are two games that are fairly rare. You'll find them selling for a decent price on eBay most of the time, and they're both considered collectors items at this point. One game was just a money grabber for hungry Metal Gear Solid fans, while the other was a solid game in itself that many people passed up. These games are Metal Gear Solid VR Missions for the Playstation and Metal Gear Solid for the Gameboy Color

Now don't worry guys, that tag has been taken off of the game LONG AGO, this is just an old picture. Onto the games, I wasn't the biggest fan of VR Missions, it just wasn't my thing. My game of the two would HAVE to be Metal Gear Solid for the GBC. It felt like one of the old MSX Metal Gear or Metal Gear 2 Solid Snake games. It was 2D from a top-down perspective, and it just felt right in the palm of your hand. The game played pretty well considering the lack of buttons. This is a game that ANY MGS collectors have GOT to get their hands on, or at least play!

Okay so that's enough of the side-stories and spin-off games, now lets get into the juicy stuff! Now I will admit, I don't own any of the original NES cartridges, but I do plan on picking them up when I come across them. I've seen them once or twice, but people are usually selling them for WAY more than I'm willing to pay. So we'll kick things off with my Metal Gear Solid 1 collection. Here it is!

This is every version of Metal Gear Solid available today, or at least as far as I know of. I'll go ahead and talk about them game by game.

Metal Gear Solid - PSX (top-left):
This was the game that got MANY people into the series. This game, single-handedly, revolutionized the stealth game genre. Before this, the genre wasn't really relevant and barely existed. After this, many games would be struggling to copy it's glory. There isn't much to say about Metal Gear Solid that hasn't already been said. I'll just leave it at this...if you haven't played this game yet...THIS is the way to play it. Pick up The Essentials, or better yet...go on eBay or Amazon and hunt-down one of the original PSX copies. You WON'T regret it.

Metal Gear Solid - PSX in PS2 Case (top-middle):
This is the same game as the one on the top-left, just in a PS2 style case. Not much to say about it, but it comes with the Essentials boxset pictured above.

Metal Gear Solid The Twin Snakes - Gamecube (top-right):
If you've played the original game to death, than this version is worth a try. I don't think it's nearly as good as the original, but it's okay for a distraction. The game is an interesting look at the PSX title from a different point of view. While it's essentially the same game, as far as storyline goes, the gameplay is completely revamped. They've taken the gameplay from Metal Gear Solid 2, and applied it to the areas of MGS1. In my opinion, it didn't work out very well. MGS2 was designed with that gameplay style in mind, but in the MGS1 areas...it just doesn't work. I'd still suggest getting it for any collectors out there, or Gamecube owners.

Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel - PSP (bottom-left):
This was an interesting twist to MGS1. They took a graphic novel and animated a few scenes of it. Talk bubbles pop up at a specific time, music plays, and there's even sound effects. It's fairly entertaining, especially if you haven't played the original title in quite some time. It's a nice way to get re-acquainted with the series.

bleemcast! Metal Gear Solid - Dreamcast (bottom-right):
This is probably my most rare piece of my collection right here. There was a company that made a boot-disc for the SEGA Dreamcast that would allow you to play certain PSX games on the DC. The cool feature of this is that it actually improved the visual and audio of the game. I recently replayed the original game on my Dreamcast, and I've got to say...it was better than playing it on my PSX.

The blocky texture mapping is smoothed out, you barely find any jagged edges on any of the character models, and the music has never sounded better. Besides one or two small environmental related glitches I saw during my playthrough, THIS is the best way to play the original MGS in my opinion. If you don't have this disc or a Dreamcast, but you're a HUGE fan of the original MGS. I'd suggest getting one.

So the next stop on this massive collection of MGS greatness is, of course, the sequel. Metal Gear Solid 2 is my favorite in the series and I'm especially proud of the size of this piece of my collection. It's cool to know that I own 2 of the rarest pieces of Metal Gear collection material. Enough talk though, lets get into it!

Alright, like last time...I'll go game by game.

The Document of Metal Gear Solid 2 - PS2 (top-left):
This item has become pretty damn rare as of late. It's a pretty cool PS2 game/DVD. It's got a ton of information about the making of MGS2 and even some fun character models you can mess around with. There's a music tester, and all kinds of fun stuff to get any MGS fan excited. I actually get more enjoyment out of knowing that I own it and that I purchased it for $15 than actually playing it. Nowadays it runs from $30 to over $100. Sorry collectors.

Metal Gear Solid 2 Sons of Liberty - PS2 (top-middle):
What...a...classic. I LOVE this game. I remember getting this for Christmas and being SO excited. A friend of mine had rented it, so I had only played a bit of the Tanker part of the game. In fact, after we beat the Tanker, and I saw Raiden swimming in the water...I left his house. I didn't want to have ANYTHING spoiled for me, knowing I was getting the game that coming Christmas. This game is epic in every sense of the word. While there are many who love it, hate it, and meh it...this really is my favorite game in the series.

Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance - PS2 (top-right):
This is my favorite version of this game available. In fact, it ranked in at number 10 on my TOP 100 Games of All Time list (http://screwattack.com/node/8406). The extra content in this game was pretty damn cool, and totally worth waiting for. You've got a ton of VR missions, 5 new Solid Snake missions (not story related), Skateboard mini-game, Demo Theater Mode, and a few other extras. Good stuff. While this game DID sale for a TON of dinero on the internet (used to be over $200), I got my copy for a mere $25 at a Game Stop. They obviously didn't realize what they had their hands on.

Metal Gear Solid 2 - PS2 (bottom-left):
While it doesn't say Sons of Liberty, or Substance on the cover, the game is actually the same as my original copy of Substance. When the Essentials boxset was released, the eBay prices for MGS2S plummeted. So when you think about it...that's even MORE reason to go get the Essentials boxset if you still haven't yet.

Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance - XBox (bottom-right):
Yeah, this was the original version of MGS2S. It came out on the XBox first, and the controls were pretty cruddy. While they worked, and it was playable, the game just wasn't meant for the XBox controller. Not to mention, it's missing the Skateboard mini-game that made the PS2 version unique. Too bad. Only get this version if you don't own a PS2. Otherwise, you've got NO excuse!

Well that was fun, but it's time to move on. Next up on the list, Metal Gear Solid 3 stuff! This game stands, in the eyes of many, as the best MGS game. I've got to disagree, besides MGS4 and Portable Ops, I've liked every other Metal Gear game more than this one. It was a good game, but...well...enough about that...lets move on to the games!

Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater - PS2 (top-left):
When I first played this game, I loved the story and the cut-scenes. However, I found the gameplay quite frustrating, and I just couldn't get into it. Shortly after playing the game, I sold it. I knew I'd just pick it up one day down the road when I felt like playing it, but I could tell that wasn't going to be anytime soon. Thankfully, this next game came out and saved the day...

Metal Gear Solid 3 Subsistence - PS2 (top-right):
A few minutes with this version of the game, and I was hooked. The new camera angle SERIOUSLY makes a different. It's like taking a game that's completely unplayable and making it...well...playable. While Snake Eater was, in no means, an unplayable game...it definitely wasn't the most enjoyable experience. Subsistence changed that. The best thing about Subsistence though is that it came with a second disc that includes both the original Metal Gear games. Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 Solid Snake from the Japan-only MSX computer system. Those 2 games alone are the best reason to hunt this game down. These 2 games are only available in America in this package. This game can be pretty pricey, so expect that if you're planning on picking it up any time soon. Sometimes you'll get lucky and run in to it at Game Stop. I got mine for $30, and I don't regret a single penny of it.

Metal Gear Solid 3 - PS2 (bottom-left):
Unlike Substance, this version of the game isn't equal to the original version of Subsistence. While MGS3 adventure is enhanced like it is in Subsistence, there is one HUGE downfall of this version of the game. It does NOT come with the second disc that includes both the original MSX games. That is the ONLY downfall of the Essentials boxset.

Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops - PSP (bottom-right):
This game is an interesting experience, and a must-own for any PSP owner...but it's really not that great. I definitely won't ever play this game again, but I'm glad I did. It does show a lot of key points for Big Boss, but other than that...it isn't that good of a game.

Well that sums up all of my Metal Gear Solid 3 stuff, so now we move on to the final piece of the collection. This...ladies and gentlemen...is my overrated...Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots stuff.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots - PS3 (top-left):
This is the game that caused a lot of problems on my TOP 100 Games of All Time list (http://screwattack.com/node/8406). It ranked in at number 94, and our fellow g1s just could NOT believe it. Honestly people...this game was NOT that great, it was fun sure...but it was not even close to the best game on the PS3 or the Metal Gear Solid series. The cut-scenes, storyline, and presentation are all great, but other than that you're not gonna get much more from this game.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots Limited Edition Box (top-middle):
This kick ass box came with my Limited Edition version of the game. Unfortunately there wasn't anything really Limited Edition about the game itself...I was hoping it would at least include a gun you don't get on the regular version of the game or something, but oh well. Inside this box was the game and the Blu-Ray Bonus Disc for the game.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots Limited Edition Hard Back Players Guide (top-right):
I bought this thing simply because I thought it looked incredibly cool, plus it was a collectors item. I'm a sucker for things like that, haha. This guide is pretty good, and has all the information you'll need. It was pretty useful when it came to trying to unlock certain items and such, especially since there weren't any guides available online due to the games simultaneous release date. Good stuff, and totally worth it.

Metal Gear Saga Vol. 2 DVD (bottom-left):
This DVD was given to anyone who reserved MGS4, whether it was the regular or Limited Edition package. The first volume came with the Limited Edition version of Subsistence, which is INCREDIBLY rare and cost an arm and leg on eBay...doesn't seem worth it to me. In this Volume you get a deeper look at all the Snakes of the series. From Naked to Solidus, from Liquid to Solid, they cover all of these Snakes. It's a pretty cool DVD, and definitely a collectors item.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots Blu-Ray Bonus Disc (bottom-middle):
This is basically a "Making of..." documentary. It also includes all the commercials you can view at the beginning of MGS4. It was an okay extra, but the menu options are almost illegible with a Standard Definition Television, but I guess that's a minor complaint.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots Book (bottom-right):
This was also given to anyone who reserved MGS4, whether it was the LE version or the regular version. It's a pretty cool book that has a ton of character art and information about the game, characters, and a deeper look at the Beauty and Beast squad. Good stuff, and very rare at this point.

Well guys, that sums up my entire Metal Gear collection. Now I know I'm missing some games...and I do plan on owning them all one day. In case you're wondering, here's the list of games I am missing:

Metal Gear Solid 2 Sons of Liberty Demo - PS2 (Zone of the Enders)
Metal Gear Solid 3 Subsistence Limited Edition - PS2
Metal Gear - NES
Metal Gear 2 Snake's Revenge - NES
Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops + - PSP

While I do plan on getting MGSPO+, both the NES games, and even the demo that came with Zone of the Enders, the limited edition version of MGS3S is still up in the air. The game usually runs for over $200 so I doubt I'll ever be willing to cough up that much dough for a game I already own. I've seen the DVD that comes with it on Youtube already, and I'm not missing much.

In the end, I'm VERY satisfied with my collection, and I'd honestly be perfectly fine if I didn't get any of those games I listed above. The only one I would definitely get is Portable Ops + because it isn't even rare, so there's no excuses there, haha. Anyways guys I hope you enjoyed taking a look at another one of my collections. Make sure you leave a comment, rate, or digg. Do whatever is easier for you, just give me some feedback. I love to see what you guys think of my work. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you guys next time...on Collections.