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“Kept you waiting, huh?” – Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001)
Metal Gear Solid is a franchise that is close to the hearts of many gamers worldwide. Since the release of the first game in its franchise, Metal Gear (1987), this iconic series has defined the action-adventure stealth genre of gaming. After the first two releases, Hideo Kojima, the series creator, felt that there had to be a bigger jump in the quality of Metal Gear. This jump would come in 1998 when PlayStation, who had released the first PlayStation console (PS1) years earlier, would unveil Metal Gear Solid as a PlayStation exclusive.
Metal Gear Solid, also known as MGS1, was the first time the Metal Gear franchise entered the 3D realm. The player takes control of the legendary Solid Snake (David Hayter), a decorated soldier who is brought out of retirement to infiltrate a nuclear weapons facility on an island nicknamed “Shadow Moses” in the Alaskan Fox Archipelago in 2005. Snake is led over codec radio by a team of specialists: Col. Roy Campbell (Paul Eiding), Naomi Hunter (Jennifer Hale), Natasha Romanenko (Renee Raudman), Master Miller (Cam Clarke) and Mei Ling (Kim Mai Guest). Due to Shadow Moses becoming occupied by the renegade special forces unit known as “FOXHOUND,” Snake must rescue hostages and prevent these radicals from launching a nuclear attack, all while staying hidden from patrolling Genome Soldiers.
The controls of Metal Gear Solid can be easily understood after the first few minutes of gameplay. The specialists can be reached at any point during the game via a codec call and they will offer guidance if a player is stuck. Due to MGS1 being an older game, the controls are a tad bit outdated. The limitations of the 90s era of gaming didn’t allow MGS1 to reach its full capacity just yet. Besides being hindered by these aiming controls, there isn’t much else wrong with it. If the player puts in the effort, their stealth could have them go unnoticed for almost the entire game. Innovative gameplay is also sprinkled throughout. For instance, in a mid-game boss fight, the player must physically change the controller port from player one to player two so that they can deal damage to the boss. There’s also a moment where the player has to look on the back of the physical disc case that the game comes in for crucial information on one of the characters. It was avant-garde thinking like this that allowed MGS1 to reach the global fame that it has today.
Metal Gear Solid goes beyond that of normal story conveniences when referring to video games. With the Metal Gear franchise, Kojima aimed to create a cinematic experience in gaming like none other. Whether it’s the cutscenes or the codec calls, this desire is shown in every aspect of MGS1. The character arc of Solid Snake in this first game alone is one that has been studied by fans of the franchise for years. Snake begins the game believing himself to be nothing more than a soldier—a faceless weapon of war with no other purpose. It’s only after conversing with those who have a different outlook on life that Snake, who reveals that his real name is David, changes his perspective. Life isn’t just about passing on genes; it’s about creating those unforgettable memories and experiences that make life worth living. Whether it’s music, movies or even video games, we as humans can leave behind so much more than just our genes. The game even takes on a lighter tone as Snake makes this realization. The sun rises as he leaves Shadow Moses with a new outlook on his life. For the first time, David is ready to live his life the way he wants.
Metal Gear Solid has been hailed as one of the greatest video games of all time and with good reason. Hideo Kojima’s love for cinema bleeds into every inch of this game, and it pays off. MGS1 has received a plethora of sequels, comic books and novels, all to critical acclaim. With timeless gameplay and carefully written themes, this is an essential experience for any and all gamers. After the initial release of Metal Gear Solid in 1998, gaming would never be the same.
“Genes exist to pass down our hopes and dreams for the future through our children. Living is a link to the future. That’s how all life works. Loving each other, teaching each other… that’s how we can change the world. I finally realized it. The true meaning of life… Thank you, Snake.” – Naomi Hunter, Metal Gear Solid (1998)
Grade: S Tier
Price value: $19.99 – Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Version – PS5, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X|S
