The classic plot and gameplay of MGS with the graphics of its PS2 sequel
Disadvantages:
Not many additions for those who've played the original
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
When the original Metal Gear Solid was released in 1998 for the Playstation, it revolutionised the gaming world, almost single-handedly creating a new genre and influencing games up to the current day. Metal Gear Solid 2, released for the PS2 in 2001, built on this success with much improved graphics, a plot even more cinematic than the first game, and new gameplay features such as first-person aiming and hanging off ledges.
Compared to the sequel, then, Metal Gear Solid was showing its age. What better than to revitalise the game with all the features of its sequel? This remake, released for the Nintendo GameCube, tries to do exactly that.
The first thing you'll notice about Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes is the graphics. Smooth and crisp, and high-quality, the new graphics are easily the equivalent of those in MGS2. Little touches like water running down the screen or frost at the edge of Snake's vision in cold areas are welcome too.
However, past the new graphics little has changed. The level layouts are exactly the same. Players of the original will appreciate the way the old environments have been updated with more detail, but I found knowing most of the game's areas off by heart took something away from the sense of exploration.
The gameplay additions add something, though. The ability to aim your gun in first-person mode is very useful, as it allows far easier aiming and the ability to make a quick kill via a headshot. Gripping from and jumping off ledges is also useful if you need to quickly avoid detection by guards. The classic sneak 'em-up gameplay of the original is still here. And it's still just as exhilirating to escape detection by inches as a guard stops just short of turning round a corner and spotting you. A new feature, being able to hide in lockers, adds even more suspense as you crouch down and pray they don't hear your heart beating.
But one of the most impressive features are the heavily-choreographed new cutscenes, directed by cult director Ryuhei Kitamura and featuring oodles of slow-motion bullet-time. The cutscenes in the original game were impressive, but the low quality of graphics meant sometimes it was hard to understand what was going on. No problem here. Some of the new cutscenes will have you riveted to the screen. Watching Revolver Ocelot spin his Colt around his finger, throw it up in the air and catch it, or seeing the elusive Ninja slice through concrete blocks millimetres from Snake's head add a definite coolness to the game. Some of these sequences are rather long, however. Impatient gamers may be annoyed as they wait for the next section of actual gameplay.
Another famous aspect of the Metal Gear series is the Codec. Every so often (too often, the impatient gamers will say) you'll be called by someone, such as your commanding officer the Colonel, Alaskan survival expert Master Miller, or geeky engineer Otacon. They'll offer both advice on gameplay and help move along the plot. It's also essential to call them to get information on bosses and their weak spots, or to find out where you need to go next.
All of the dialogue was re-recorded for this version. It seems like a strange choice, because there are no major dialogue changes, aside from refering to the GameCube Controller, and similar differences. The voice actors are, thankfully, the same. Snake's gruffness, Ocelot's commanding, cowboy tones, and Meryl's innocent voice are all here and sound perfect. However, Dr Naomi Hunter's lines all sound rather flat, as if she was uninterested. Mei Ling has also lost her accent. It doesn't ruin the game, but it takes some of the quality away.
The plot of Metal Gear Solid has been highly acclaimed. With a cinematic feel, it twists and turns with references to real world events and, without giving too much away, offers a startlingly realistic possibility of a new era of nuclear warfare. If you've never played MGS, you'll be gripped and on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next revelation. However, if you have, the plot will hold little interest, except perhaps to think "Oh... now THAT bit makes sense."
Having said that, I certainly enjoyed playing the game through a second time, and I think others will too. When you've finished the game, you unlock some features such as Boss Survival and the Demo Theater. There's also the bonus, borrowed from MGS2, of collecting dog tags from soldiers, which adds some replay value.
The game has been released only on GameCube. Unfortunately, there are at the moment no plans to release it on PS2 or Xbox, although it can't be ruled out.
If you've never played the original, I heartily recommend you try this version. If you have, you'll probably love visiting Shadow Moses Island for a second time.
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