Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1

OCT 25th, 2023

 Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 Review Blog

The "Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1" garners a Metacritic score of 78 out of 100, depicting a generally favorable reception. This collection encompasses the roots of the METAL GEAR gameplay experience, encapsulating the series' iconic stealth-action gameplay across various titles. It permits players to infiltrate enemy bases globally, complete missions stealthily, and delve into the exhilarating cinematic narrative the series is celebrated for. Here's a detailed review founded on a multitude of critiques:

1. Inclusive Package:

   - The collection bundles some of the most influential video games, providing an extensive history of stealth-action gameplay. It precisely brings the first three Metal Gear Solid games to all major platforms, offering a nostalgic journey for both new and returning players.

2. Gameplay and Narrative:

   - The essence of stealth, intricate political commentary, and innovative gameplay mechanics continue to shine in this collection. The narrative takes players through a thrilling cinematic story of the METAL GEAR series, balancing quirky jokes with serious discussions on nuclear proliferation.

3. Visuals and Performance:

   - While the games may not have received extensive visual enhancements, the timeless narratives and gameplay mechanics remain appealing. However, some critics point out the collection's failure to ubiquitously implement modern features like save states and rewinding, which could have enriched the player's interaction with the game's history.

4. Commercial Aspect:

   - Some critiques express that the collection, assembled by Konami, serves as a commercial endeavor and lacks a more refined adaptation seen in other collections. The question arises whether repackaging these classics was necessary in this manner, although the collection remains the sole avenue to relive these classics on modern consoles.

5. Port Quality:

   - A notable disappointment comes from the fact that Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3 are essentially exact ports of Bluepoint’s remasters for the HD Collection on 7th gen, with an apparent upconverting of their resolutions, suggesting a lack of significant improvement or addition to the original games.

6. Recommendation:

   - Despite some criticisms, the collection is deemed a must-play for any gaming enthusiast, especially those new to the Metal Gear series or fans wanting to experience the series on modern hardware. It largely captures what makes the franchise beloved, even if it lacks some modern quality-of-life features.

In summation, "Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1" is a cherished collection that allows players to re-experience or dive into the iconic Metal Gear series on modern platforms. Although it falls short in implementing certain modern features and visual improvements, the core essence of what makes Metal Gear Solid a revered franchise remains intact, providing a significant value to both newcomers and long-time fans of the series.