Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 Review (PS5): A Solid Package That Falls Just Short of Big Boss Status

Metal Gear has resurrected all types of beforehand lifeless characters — Colonel Volgin, Liquid Snake, Big Boss — and now it’s trying probably the most ridiculous resurrection but: Konami. The corporate is now attempting to claw again a few of the goodwill it had earlier than divorcing with Hideo Kojima by means of nostalgia-fueled rereleases and remakes. Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is the primary instance of this initiative meant to pander to gamers burned by Konami’s sinking requirements. And whereas missing in a number of key areas, the bundle surprisingly rises above these rock-bottom expectations with its compilation of necessary video games and lovingly composed extras.

Extras are what make packages like this extra than simply easy port jobs. All however one of many Metal Gear video games comes with a Master Guide with sections that talk broadly concerning the collection and others that zoom in on the particular recreation in query. These chapters are extraordinarily dense — something trying to elucidate Metal Gear lore could be — however it additionally lays all of it out in a comparatively easy-to-read method with screenshots, Yoji Shinkawa’s basic artwork, and small symbols that clearly label what elements pertain to what installments. There’s even an extended timeline with color-coded icons that separate truth from Metal Gear fiction, an exhaustive record of Easter egg guides, and full collectible walkthroughs, all of which add extra richness to those supplemental supplies. Nevertheless, not with the ability to view these technique guides whereas taking part in minimizes their usefulness. 

Its potential to delve deeper beneath the floor is what makes this greater than a easy throwaway PDF stuffed with wiki entries. The Master Guide additionally explains why these video games have been so necessary of their time, which is essential for a celebratory assortment like this. It goes into how Metal Gear Solid’s cinematic digicam angles have been revolutionary, the various particulars that made Metal Gear Solid 2 what it was, and Metal Gear Solid 3’s introduction of close-quarters fight, simply to call a number of. It misses a few of the broader context, just like the subversiveness of taking part in largely as Raiden in MGS2, why there are two completely different Metal Gears, and MGS1’s ties to the PS1’s know-how, however it’s nonetheless a fairly complete digital tome on all issues Metal Gear.

These aren’t the one lacking extras, although. Master Collection Vol. 1 has no video making-of options, an odd omission for a collection with a number of official documentaries. These would add selection to its text-heavy choices and honor the necessary individuals who formed the franchise. Some elements just like the manuals, animated graphic novels, and half of the MGS1 variations are even annoyingly excluded from the preliminary obtain (and weren’t on-line earlier than launch). The Ape Escape crossover Snake vs. Monkey, Twin Snakes, the Recreation Boy Coloration model of MGS, and the 3DS remake of MGS3 are all additionally caught in first-party jail and left as unplayable entries within the Master Guide. Master Collection Vol. 1 has a beneficiant suite of bonuses, but its blind spots are noticeable; a shortcoming that was inevitable given the sheer quantity of extras the franchise has collected through the years.

A few of the shortcomings associated to the precise video games appeared avoidable, given what number of glorious retro collections from Digital Eclipse there are to attract from. Rewinding and save states ought to be a given for a package deal like this, however these options are inconsistently utilized, if in any respect. Solely the 2 variations of Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, and Snake’s Revenge have not-so-quick fast saving and rewinding is nowhere to be seen. Metal Gear Solid additionally has neither function.

Omitting up to date luxuries like this makes these throwback titles tougher to return to. Video games this outdated will be abrasive at instances and never implementing these fashionable assists is just going to restrict their attraction and who will get to expertise these necessary titles. Metal Gear Solid no less than lets gamers pause cutscenes and add faux save information for Psycho Mantis to sift by means of, each of that are considerate additions.

Nevertheless it’s not potential to pause cutscenes within the different two MGS video games for some motive and simply exhibits how easy and sporadic these ports are. These are the precise variations from the 2011 HD Collection right down to the decision, body charge, and the loading display screen icon that’s simply the outdated HD port’s emblem. Bluepoint Video games did an excellent job with these HD rereleases, however the bar has been raised within the ensuing decade. Save states and rewinding have grow to be commonplace in that point and would minimize down on the time spent reloading and navigating menus right here.

Regardless that most of those video games don’t disguise their age, it’s nonetheless clear why they’ve such a distinguished place in gaming historical past. Metal Gear’s potential to combine off-the-wall humor and political drama creates distinctive tales that also stick out within the medium a long time later, aspects which can be solely aided by the implausible cinematic presentation and voice appearing. Kojima Productions’ commentary on nuclear politics and the countless conflict machine continues to be as sharp as ever and solely proves how daring and forward of its time the group was. The stealth gameplay might not be as fluid as current entries within the style — the mounted digicam within the earlier video games is limiting — however they’re nonetheless stuffed with small particulars and thrilling moments that solely get higher because the collection progresses.

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 doesn’t have the whole lot {that a} fashionable assortment ought to have. Its lack of ability to ubiquitously implement fashionable options like save states and rewinding solely retains gamers from absolutely celebrating the historical past this compilation appears intent on celebrating. However the extras paint a good portrait of its accomplishments by delving deep into its lore and talking to virtually each entry’s significance throughout the medium. And though the precise video games haven’t seen many enhancements, they’re nonetheless distinctive marvels generations later that lovingly steadiness quirky jokes and lethal severe diatribes about nuclear proliferation. The bundle largely captures what makes the franchise so beloved, even when some helpful quality-of-life options have sneaked on by it.

Disclaimer: This Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 overview is predicated on a PS5 copy supplied by the writer. Performed on model 1.000.000.