Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001) Konami
Crack, popcorn chicken and “Metal Gear Solid 2.” These are the most addictive substances known to man. MGS2 was added to this list only a few weeks ago when it was released for the Playstation 2 game console, and it is starting to sneak its way past crack.
“Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty” is the follow-up to its successful predecessor, “Metal Gear Solid” for original Playstation. Fans of the series have been awaiting its release more or less since they finished the first installment.
The new game picks up where the last one left off, as Solid Snake is once again trying to save the world from all that is evil. In order to do this, you must complete a covert mission in both an oil tanker and an offshore filtration plant.
This game differs from most action games in that you often avoid enemies instead of killing them. By killing someone you make noise and attract attention to yourself, which means a whole gang of bad guys may arrive to finish you off. Don’t worry though–there’ll be plenty of killing throughout the game, if that’s what you’re looking for. In fact, the game developers took the time to make the bloodstains on the wall incredibly realistic. But most of the time, Solid Snake relies on the tranquilizer gun or simply bare hands. For newcomers to the series, you should understand that the game is as much watching the plot unfold as it is finishing a mission; it’s like an interactive movie, in a sense. The concept might seem foreign, but the plot is so engaging you won’t mind the lengthy cinematic sequences, which ultimately means watching someone else play is still very entertaining.
The story itself has proven to be more interesting than the first MGS. Once you sit down for a session, order yourself a pizza and lock the door, because your eyes are not going to move from the screen. The characters, especially Raiden, are thoroughly engaging and quick to entertain. The relationship between Raiden and Rose is actually quite hilarious, even if it is unintentional. Every time you save, they have a lovers quarrel–it’s classic. Some of the dialogue is tedious, but you can read through it instead of watching it if you’re getting bored. You may also be a little disoriented by references to plot points from the first game, but it won’t ruin the experience.
The graphics of this game are as good as any game on any system, which is important when you’re watching a key element of the plot. The faces and body shapes aren’t as defined as those in Madden 2002, but they do the trick.
At this point it should be clear that the heart of this game is the story and its inventive play system. The people at Konami have realized that shooting as many people as possible isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. MGS2 combines strategy, action, drama and comedy into one game. “Metal Gear Solid 2” is at the front of a new wave of interactive entertainment and is damn entertaining. Throw away your crack and popcorn chicken, because we have a new king.
