Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is now on the shelf of fine video games retailers in the USA. It has managed to get superb reviews from nearly all sources, Game Informer, IGN, and users alike. While it would be fine and dandy to review this game I feel my effort would be better exerted elsewhere. No need to blow too much smoke. If the games’ good, I certainly will not be swaying the masses to buy it through my writing. So, I will take this opportunity to shed some light a lesser known Metal Gear Solid artifact, the Essential Collection. This groovy little package contains three games that lead up to the MGS4 story. Games included are Metal Gear Solid (PS1), MGS2: Sons of Liberty-substance (PS2, PC, and XBox), and MGS3-Snake Eater-subsistence (PS2). The substance and subsistence versions of the game provide great extras for fans of the series.

Stay out of enemy site and use objects to evade guards

The original game Metal Gear was a Nintendo game with similar concepts. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake follow. Metal Gear Solid is the sequel to MG2. Now that the history lesson is out of the way, let’s quickly discuss the game. This game set the foundation for the stealth game play. Enemies can hear and become aware of Snake’s presence on three different levels (infiltrate- little to no knowledge, alert-aware of possible presence, and evasion-fully aware of presence). By hiding under objects, in a cardboard box, or around corners, Snake battles enemies with a variety of weapons and hand-to-hand combat techniques. An updated version of this game was made for GameCube called Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes. It’s worth the play on either platform, but it will be more expensive on GameCube.

VR missions allow you to take on enemies of all sizes

MGS2 is a sequel to MGS. You begin the game as Snake, but after the first mission you will take control of Raiden. Work your way through a giant, sea-based compound to complete your mission. You can utilize many weapons, some with silencers for stealth, and others for powerful assaults on multiple enemies. Substance offers a chance for players to be challenged in VR training. This can serve as good practice for the game, or just as an added bonus to experience players. Highly recommended, but that should be obvious if I’m recommending the box set.

Nothing says stealth like a… a box?

Finally, enjoy the prequel to the entire series MGS3: Snake Eater. Make your way through the jungle utilizing camouflage, jungle animals and plants, and your weapons to survive. This game provides a great amount of extras in regular game play. Not only do you have to be concerned with your overall health, you must attend to wounds on specific parts of your body. If you break your arm you’ll need a splint and bandages, while a cut might need stitches and bandages. You can eat the local wildlife for health, that is, if it isn’t poisonous. One down side to purchasing the box set is you will not get the “Persistence” disc. The Persistence disc offers a chance to play the original NES Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2. There is also an online feature that allows for multiplayer mayhem. If you can live without these features, the box set is well worth it. This game is simply awesome.

So, before you get overly excited to play MGS4, be sure to check out the prequels to the newest edition. The box set usually sells for $30 new. It’s hard to find used, but not impossible. Each game really deserves play time and has some great features for you to enjoy.

Rx by,

Dr. M. CLK