Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

20 to 40 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Solid"

I played the first Metal Gear Solid on the pc and was hooked immediately. The second Metal Gear Solid: Sons of liberty I bought two copies; the first copy dissolving by my ps2 laser from extensive play.

The third Metal Gear: Snake Eater, was made for the fans and I liked it alot. Having played the first two games this is a gem and story wise definitely worth checking out. The close quarter combat was a nice attempt of innovating the franchise, but it also gave a lot frustration and made it feel more like a gimmick instead of giving the game more depth.

As for part 4 of Metal Gear, I know I play this game more then one time. The close quarter combat feature is still present, but evened out over a large range of options you have to your disposal for completing the game.

One major let down to me was and is, is the inability for Snake to put his back against the wall and peak around corners!?

Of all the things to be left out of the game, this is what made in my opinion the previous games so great. It gives/gave you the feeling of stealth, without actually having stealth. As a metal gear veteran failing to do so, i.m.o. makes you assume something's broken. This time, you do have stealth, but again more for gimmicky purposes instead of functionality.

Having said that, this game is alot of fun and challenging in a very satisfying way. The graphics are absolutely gorgeous and the storytelling and action sequences flow in and out flawlessly. Some may be put off by the elaborate cut scenes, but to me this is what you should expect from Metal Gear Solid stock. That and a top quality produced game, leaving you with the sense it all goes down hill from here. Regardless of the hickups, that is still quite an achievement.