Metal Gear Solid: A Tribute to a Gaming Legend
Metal Gear Solid has cemented its place as one of the most iconic names in the world of video games. Despite the reported tension between Konami and series creator Hideo Kojima, the publisher is paying homage to the beloved franchise in two exciting ways. Firstly, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, one of the most acclaimed games in the series, is receiving a remake called Delta. Secondly, Konami is releasing the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1, a compilation that includes the classic MSX/NES games as well as the first three installments of the Metal Gear Solid series.
A Reverent Compilation
Konami is no stranger to creating compilations, with recent releases including Castlevania and Contra collections. However, the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection feels particularly special. It not only offers the games themselves but also includes an abundance of historical artifacts, allowing players to truly immerse themselves in the series’ rich history.
The Extensive Collection
First and foremost, it is worth highlighting the impressive number of Metal Gear games included in this collection. As a virtual museum of the franchise’s origins, it features the 8-bit Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2, as well as the off-brand Snake’s Revenge. Additionally, the compilation offers the first three Metal Gear Solid games, all presented with a sleek and user-friendly UI menu. While the games remain largely untouched, they have been adapted to modern controllers. Personally, I had the pleasure of playing the compilation on the Nintendo Switch.
The Impact of Age
It is important to note that these are re-releases without major visual enhancements, which means that the graphics may show their age. For instance, Snake’s character model appears faceless in Metal Gear Solid, and this becomes more noticeable on modern screens, which offer sharp visual output. However, the preservation of these games is of utmost importance, considering their increasing difficulty to legally play. The Metal Gear Solid Master Collection solves this problem by providing an easily accessible and comprehensive solution for fans.
A Glimpse into the Past
Playing the classic Metal Gear Solid games in the present day can be challenging. The first two entries in particular relied heavily on cinematic presentations with tightly controlled camera angles. This sometimes led to unintentional missteps and control issues. The complexity increased with Metal Gear Solid 2, introducing direct aiming that defaults to firing when you release a face-button instead of a trigger. While it may take time to readjust to the gameplay, the collection offers far more than just the games themselves.
A Treasure Trove of Bonus Content
The Metal Gear Solid Master Collection is a true treasure trove of bonus features and content. Each game provides a digital “Screenplay Book” containing the full in-game script, as well as a “Master Book” offering detailed insights into the story and characters. These resources are incredibly valuable, especially for a series as intricate as Metal Gear, and they are presented seamlessly with a crisp and easy-to-read interface. Additionally, Metal Gear Solid and Metal Gear Solid 2 are supplemented by digital graphic novels, bringing back motion comics previously released on the PSP and DVD. Their inclusion in the collection demonstrates a genuine effort to provide a comprehensive experience for fans.
A Promising Future
Konami’s commitment to preserving the Metal Gear franchise is commendable. By creating the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1, they have successfully consolidated numerous pieces of Metal Gear history into one accessible package. Moreover, the inclusion of a “Vol. 1” designation suggests that Konami has even more planned for the series. With games like Metal Gear Solid 4 and Metal Gear Acid becoming increasingly difficult to find, fans can now anticipate the same level of love and reverence applied to these titles in the future.