The original Metal Gear Solid game was released a long time ago, but its impact on the gaming world is still felt today. Recently, a reader decided to revisit the game and see if it still holds up after almost three decades. He was pleasantly surprised by what he discovered.
The game begins with a cinematic cutscene that could easily be mistaken for a scene from a Hollywood action movie. It sets the tone for what is to come - an immersive and thrilling gaming experience. And despite the game's age, it still manages to captivate players with its atmospheric and nuanced gameplay.
As the player takes on the role of Solid Snake, they are tasked with a mission to infiltrate a terrorist stronghold, rescue hostages, and thwart a potential nuclear threat. However, unlike most games where you start off with an arsenal of weapons and equipment, in Metal Gear Solid, you must find and acquire these items on-site. This adds an element of challenge and turns the game into a treasure hunt for military hardware.
While the top-down view may seem basic compared to modern games, as long as you make use of the radar in the corner of the screen, the gameplay still holds up perfectly. The game's setting, Shadow Moses Island, is still a wondrous and immersive world to explore, despite its blocky graphics.
As you sneak around the military base, you'll encounter enemies who yawn, stretch, and even fall asleep on duty. The attention to detail in the game is impressive, with the warmth of an enemy's breath showing up as mist and even mice reacting with surprise when they see you.
But what makes Metal Gear Solid truly stand out is its unique and quirky elements. From the iconic exclamation and question marks above enemies' heads to the interactions with characters like the Cyborg Ninja and Psycho Mantis, the game is full of surprises and innovative gameplay.
Of course, no game is without its flaws, and Metal Gear Solid is no exception. The tonal inconsistency and awkward dialogue can be off-putting at times. However, these issues are overshadowed by the game's strengths, such as the memorable boss battles, clever puzzles, and the ability to fast-travel in a cardboard box.
Even after all these years, the game still holds up as a classic. Its flaws may stand out more now, but the flashes of genius more than make up for it. And despite the frustrations of having to sit through lengthy CODEC conversations, the game's iconic moments and gameplay make it worth it.
In the end, the reader was left with a newfound appreciation for Metal Gear Solid and a desire to play through it again. It's a testament to the game's quality and impact on the gaming world. And while some elements may not have aged well, the game's overall experience is still as thrilling and captivating as it was almost three decades ago.
