After releasing the huge Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 three years ago, many of us have been waiting for the eventual next set. Labeling it as the first volume always implied there would be more after all. Now that it’s here, it’s seemingly done what was long thought impossible.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 comes with three incredibly important games. Two of them are revered handheld adventures, but the highlight is Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, which had been stuck on the PS3 since 2008. Modern enhancements make this more than a preservation effort - it’s one of respect.
“Free from the [PS3] System”
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots has always been a divisive entry in the series, and I can't deny that issues I noticed back in 2008 are clearer now. Both the story and characters are extremely melodramatic. Reveals about certain character connections or goals come across like haphazard retcons. The series' common sexualization elements also feel jarring and misplaced in this entry.
All of this is amplified by what is easily the cheesiest, most metaphor-filled dialogue in the series, of which there is a lot due to the huge amount of cutscenes. The best way to describe Metal Gear Solid 4 is that it takes a lot of elements from prior games and turns them up to eleven. It's an overloaded experience that can buckle at times under less-than-stellar pacing.
That said, I adore Metal Gear Solid 4. Both the stealth and action gameplay are wonderfully balanced. The OctoCamo Suit in particular is a fantastic evolution of the camouflage system. Both the Psyche gauge and unlocking weapons/items through Drebin are also fun mechanics against the backdrop of a war-torn world.
I even adore how cheesy everyone sounds. I'd forgotten how much I used to replay this until I realized I was often finishing dialogue lines in my head this time around. Couple those moments with every bombastic set piece or the insane amount of easter eggs and references to catch, and I had a near-constant grin on my face.
What made it better is that this is the best way to experience the game. Playing with a consistent 60fps and at 4K resolution is a huge improvement over the original release. UI and textures across the board finally look crisp instead of blurry.
Load times have also vastly improved, with area transitions barely taking a second when they used to take between seven to fifteen. It wouldn’t surprise me if newer players don’t feel it’s as exaggeratedly long thanks to how much time is saved not being in loading screens now.
Is the Third Act a drag? Yes. Does the game rely so heavily on references that it can make some moments and characters feel lesser? Absolutely. I would consider this far from a perfect game, but it still fills me with joy to play. Even more so since it looks amazing and feels snappy.
“V for [Visual] Victory”
The other primary game for this collection is far more universally loved. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker was initially released on the PSP in 2010. Although it isn't a numbered title and has some gameplay restrictions due to being made for a handheld system over fifteen years ago, there are good reasons why it's some fans’ absolute favorite.
It follows a disillusioned Big Boss/Naked Snake ten years after the events of Metal Gear Solid 3. The events that follow in Costa Rica are fundamental to him creating Outer Heaven and becoming an antagonist. It's a more personal story that introduces him to many allies and shows the growth of his own forces.
The growth of that army is also a major part of gameplay. Capturing soldiers and assigning them to different teams is vital for growing your Mother Base and developing better gear.
Cutting the story into distinct missions improves the replay value, which comes in especially handy when trying to get specific parts from some Monster Hunter-inspired boss fights. Being able to tackle most missions in four-player co-op is also a very fun addition.
My initial experience with this entry was the remastered HD Edition, which is the basis for what's included here. Impressively, I’ve had an even better time with this version.
Besides slightly quicker load times, the 4K resolution support affects both gameplay and the many motion comic cutscenes. Seeing these on a big screen without the muddy look the remaster had is wonderful. Having all the multiplayer as well as the Monster Hunter collab content is the cherry on top. This is easily the best way to play the game.
“We Need the [Game Boy Color] Legend”
For as much as people love the Metal Gear Acid games, there has always been an older handheld game that the community holds in high regard. Originally meant to be a Game Boy Color version of the first entry, Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel follows a non-canon story with Metal Gear-style controls and many elements from Metal Gear Solid.
Controls are unsurprisingly restrictive and some moments may leave you unsure how to proceed, but the depth of the game is very impressive. I honestly can't believe this was all done on a Game Boy Color. It was my first time playing and it didn't take long to get in the groove and have fun.
It's a short experience filled with a lot of variety and enjoyable characters. A rewind feature and the option to remap buttons are both very appreciated additions for this challenging game.
Don’t let its non-canon nature dissuade you - this has the same tone the series is known for. It even contains some darker, mature themes that I’m genuinely surprised were allowed on the original platform.
Verdict
Even though the first volume felt more packed due to it featuring a lot more games, that doesn't make Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 any less important. The preservation and enhancement of Solid Snake’s final mission already make this a fantastic package, even if it still won’t be for everybody. Including Peace Walker complements it perfectly, and Ghost Babel is a fun extra.
It’s a must-play no matter if you’re a new fan or someone who’s run through these stories before. Even though there hasn’t been a genuine new entry in a long time, Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater aside, it’s nice to see these iconic games made more accessible to more people.
