Classic Review: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

A Controversial Classic.

 The most controversial, confusing, and most anticipated game of all time was Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. It featured an unusual new character, huge plot twists, and philosophical messages, which made it stand out in the Metal Gear series. Despite it's controversy, it was one of the best selling PS2 game of it's time. Does it still live up to it's legacy today?

STORY-  2007, two years after the events of Metal Gear Solid, Solid Snake must infiltrate a tanker, housing a new Metal Gear prototype. However, the prototype Metal Gear was stolen and the tanker was completely destroyed, leaving the a mission a failure. 

 2009, two years after the events of the tanker, a terrorist group calling themselves the Sons of Liberty have occupied a cleanup facility, "Big Shell", and has taken the president hostage. It's up to FOXHOUND member, Raiden, to infiltrate the "Big Shell" and neutralize the threat. Prepare for some plot twists and confusions throughout the game.

GAMEPLAY- MGS2 features a lot of new additions and improvements compared to it's predecessor. The first-person aiming view allows for precise shots and offers more tactical options. Guards feature an advanced Al, if they detect you, they can call for back up via radio, which makes stealth recommended.However, a precise shot to a guard's radio can damage it, lowering the chances for back up. Furthermore, if things get bad, you can always blind enemies with steam, stun grenades, or just hide in a locker. A few minor features, such as the ability to hang of walkways and walking slowly, adds more reason to choosing stealth over a full assault. The boss battles are decent, but now they can be beaten non-lethally using tranquilizer guns, stun grenades, and melee attacks. 

PRESENTATION- A huge improvement over it's predecessor, since being on new hardware. Character animations are fluid and lifelike, especially in cut-scenes, where it feels that you're watch a movie than playing a game. The environments and character models are bursting with detail, all running in 60 fps. It's definitely one of the best looking PS2 games. Most people say that Metal Gear Solid 2 is more of a movie than an actual game, which is true. The reason for that you get to watch more cut-scenes than playing, which doesn't hurt the game. Music is composed by Harry Gregson-Williams, whom have composed scores for a variety of movies. The voice acting in the game gives the characters more depth and adds to the game's quality. Solid Snake, voiced by David Hayter, is amazing. He gives Snake a rough and cool voice, which stands out perfectly.

OVERALL- Metal Gear Solid 2 does live up to it's legacy with it's memorable cast, plot twists, pretty long cut-scenes,and gameplay improvements. It's arguably one of the best in the series, though in terms of memorable bosses, it's not.

EXCELLENT