*** Official "Metal Gear Solid 2 (MGS2)" Review & Discussion thread (1 Viewer)

[JasonKrol]

I went threw hell with traffic etc, but I finally got home at 6pm with my MGS2 copy.
Initial impressions: its almost exactly like the demo.
Of course they tweaked a few things here and there, and I think theres actually a new feature (like a look around type thing)
There is also a few new doors open to access sections that were unaccessible in the demo. (wont ruin anything)
I just got to the point where the demo ends, then I saved it because I didnt want to get any further until I had some time to invest.
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And on a side note, anyone who remembers that little promotion Amazon did recently where you buy 2 games and get 1 free. Well I did that and got Tony Hawk 3, Smugglers Run 2, and MGS. After TH3 took almost 2 weeks longer to arrive then it landed on store shelves, I decided to cancel my MGS order and just pick it up at a store. Funny thing though, since I canncelled my MGS order, I actually bought 1 game and got 1 free (from amazon). Neat little trick of the system.
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- Jason
My DVD Collection | My Home Theater
"what ya got here is two people dragging a third..."

 

[Dan Brecher]

This thread is now the Official MGS2 Review and Discussion thread. Subsequent threads about this PS2 game release in the Gaming Software forum are subject to possible closure and/or deletion without prior warning.
Dan (UK)
[Edited last by Dan Brecher on November 14, 2001 at 03:26 PM]

 

[ChrisV]

Cool, I want to hear all about it, except for spoilers of course.
I won't be able to get it for awhile, due to the fact that I'm very busy and when I do have time to play I still have to finish GTA3 and SSX Tricky. Hopefully I'll be able to get around to Metal Gear and Tony Hawk soon, though.

 

[Joseph Young]

I also played up to the point which ends in the demo, so I will focus on some of the 'tweaks' which have been made.
The presentation reminds me of a Bruckheimer flick (the back of the box says the gentleman responsible for the soundtrack also worked on 'The Rock' and other such films). The opening montage features cut scenes from throughout the game (much like RE:CV) so some may want to skip this and go straight to the title screen.
There is an interesting feature whereby you can collect 'dog tags' from fallen foes and observe the collected tags in the 'special' menu. You can also take pictures with Snake's digital camera and collect them in the special menu.
I recognized both Snake and Spoiler:Otacon's voices as being the same, which gives a nice consistancy to the game. Spoiler:Although wasn't there a mention of Meryl in the demo? I could be totally wrong...
The opening scene (Snake on the bridge, stealth camoflauge, etc) is in 5.1 DD and sounds wonderful. The rain beats steadily in the rears, and the crackle of electricity from the stealth suit moves from front to rear very nicely. Spoiler: Ocelot's helicoptor pans from rear left to front right! Really nice sounding.
The enemies have incremented levels of alertness, which may not be different from the demo, but it made clearer by the now translated voice acting. If you are spotted, it goes from "send in the backup" (to the exact location you were spotted" to "stay alert" to "leave it to the guards and return to your posts."
The Spoiler:first boss battle is similar to the demo, but it is slightly more complicated.
There is also a nice volumetric misting effect in some of the lower holds, which adds to that 'wet' feeling. Um... I mean since it's raining and all, yeah

So far, a very solid, aggressive package from Hideo... can't wait to see more!
Cheers,
Joseph
(edited for UBB code content)
[Edited last by Joseph Young on November 14, 2001 at 05:25 PM]

 

[ChrisV]

The IGN review of MGS2 is now free. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out at Link Removed

 

[Tim_Speicher]

Went to the mall to pick up a copy of MGS 2 tonight. After being told that there were "Plenty" of copies left, I decided to run a few errands first. Well by time I got there, the were sold out! I was a little bummed, because I really wanted to get play around with it this weekend and not have to drive around looking for it. Well, I got chatting with the clerk and getting some opinions on the Xbox. Well, just as I start to leave, he says "Hang on." So I turn back and say "Yea?" then he goes, "You seem like a nice guy and have been the first one not to raise a stink about us being out." With that he pulls out a copy that was being held since 11:00 this morning. Apparently the guy had problems getting his credit card to work and hadnt' come back yet (7:45). So with that, I was able to get a copy, Woo-hoo! I played the demo and hope the final product is as enthralling.
-Tim

 

[Dean DeMass]

I picked up my reserved copy of MGS2 from EB yesterday. This game was the #1 reason why I recently purchased a PS2. I didn't play the demo, and didn't want to. I knew if I did, the agony of having to wait for this game would be to much to bear.
I don't know how long the demo was, but so far I have put in a good 2-3 hours and I feel like I have accomplished something.
I am at
Spoiler:the start of the second scenario/present time and I am just amazed at the detail in this game. As mentioned above, the DD 5.1 is incredible in the cut scenes. I haven't played Metal Gear in awhile, so it took me a bit to get accustomed to this style game again. Once I got used to it I was back to sneaking around successfully. I also love stuffing the dead soldiers in the lockers as well, I get a big stupid grin on my face every time I do it.
I loved the section where you have to Spoiler:get the digital photos of Metal Gear Ray. The following movie with Revolver icing the Russian was great and the twist following it was even better.
Between this game, Silent Hill 2, Tony Hawk 3, Grand Theft Auto 3, the release of the Cube and Rogue Leader, I am in gaming heaven.
-Dean-
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My HT Equipment
"I've seen you and you are not cool."

 

[Yohan Pamudji]

There are so many cool maneuvers you can do in this version. Peaking around corners, quick-shot with your back against a wall, run-jump-roll, shaking down unconscious enemies for goodies, tapping soldiers on the back with your gun... there's so many moves you can do! The character animations are also incredible. I'm sure that I'll keep playing this game long after the first time I finish it.
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This screen has been formatted to fit your movie.

 

[Bill Crosthwait]

What happened to Meyril? I can't wait to get this game. I am now poorest man on earth!! Thanks Gamecube and X-box.
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Bill
[email protected]
My DVD, Home Theater page

 

[DonRoeber]

I'm really excited about this game. I'm pretty sure a PS2 will be under the tree for me this year. I just got done playing MGS for the PS1, and loved it the whole way through. Thanks everyone for using spoiler tags, I really appreciate it.
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--
Donald Roeber
Generating 2048 bits of randomness...

 

[Romier S]

Dean,
I'm about where you are in the game. I'm at the section where:
Spoiler:You have to disarm the bombs in the big shell
So far I am in total awe of this game. The graphics, sound, story...everything is absolutely perfect. I can't put into words how utterly mind blowing this game is! Excuse me now for I must get back to playing
[Edited last by Romier S on November 15, 2001 at 06:54 PM]

 

[Morgan Jolley]

For anyone who didn't know, Meryl was presumed dead at the end of MGS. They never said this, but Otacon is alive, so its assumed she is dead.
This game ROCKS!!!
The video that you get before the main menu was almost worth at least $20, plus the actual game!
The 5.1 is cool, but I haven't noticed it much (unless I accidentally turned it off).
The videos are many and great, but so is the gameplay. The game is just SO GOOD!!!

 

[MikeH1]

After staring blankly at my TV screen for 6 hours playing this game I finally realized I needed to eat something. I rented MGS2 Thursday night and have it for 5 days. WooHoo!
The game is absolutely incredible, as you all know. ...
... enough chit-chat, time to play again
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you lose it here and your in a world of hurt...

 

[Jeff Adams]

Wow, the wait was worth it. I have never really seen much of the demo and have not played it either. So I did not know what to expect. All I can say is that I was blown away by the graphics! We are definately living in the age of teechnology and I love it. Boy are we spoiled. I spent an hour last night just playing around with it. This game looks fabulous. Hours upon hours of playing time is ahead.
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"I'm your Huckelberry"

 

[Morgan Jolley]

I'm around 10 hours into it, 7 of those were played TODAY.
The story is amazingly complex and weird. EXCELLENT!!!
I'm still a little weirded out because of how different the mood feels from MGS. It used to be so...dark, but now its not so dark.
Also, I would have liked to play on the Tanker some more (I got what, an hour and a half out of it) but it still was great. Can't wait for more tomorrow!

 

[Dean DeMass]

From reading other message boards, it seems a lot of people are really pissed off about having to Spoiler:play the entire game as Raiden. I personally am loving it. Hideo has done a great job of developing this "green" soldier into a killing machine. The 1st time I killed someone and then saved, I loved hearing him tell Rose how he just killed someone for the 1st time and he realizes that this is nothing like VR training. It is little things like this that are why I love this game. Seeing Raiden turn into a bad-ass is very satisfying.
I have just passed the point where you Spoiler:diffuse all of the bombs and fight Fatman.
Damn, this game is great. Plus, I just learned how to do the dogtags. This game will have lots of replay value for me.
-Dean-
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My HT Equipment
"I've seen you and you are not cool."

 

[Marque D]

Did any of you read the "Previous Story"? I read the first two but gave up after I saw that 300-page story by Nastasha. Is there any thing important in there?

 

[Romier S]

I have passed the point where:
Spoiler:You have to disguise yourself as an enemy soldier and get to the core of the shell
I'm still loving every minute of this game. I do have to say that I am a little disapointed that:
Spoiler:You play Raiden for a majority of the game. He is an interesting character but Snake is the just such a bad ass that I would rather be playing him. I hope you do get to play as Snake more.

 

[Dean DeMass]

Romier,
To answer your question
Spoiler:You do not play as Snake anymore, just Raiden. But from what I understand, you do get to fight alongside him.
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My HT Equipment
"I've seen you and you are not cool."

 

[Romier S]

well Dean,
I have to say that is very disappointing.