Latest Metal Gear as `Solid' as they come
By C. SPENCER BEGGS
Scene Editor
Metal Gear Solid 2: the Sons of Liberty isn't a videogame, it's a movie. Of course, that statement is only half true; players of Konami's follow-up to the 1998 Playstation hit Metal Gear Solid will spend about as much time watching the game as they do playing it.
Konami has pulled out all the stops with MGS2. In fact, the 3-D graphics are so good that cut-scene movies are almost indistinguishable from normal gameplay; they even have an imperceptible load time. The game is one of the first new-wave videogames emerging on the market that are beginning to take advantage of the Playstation 2's advanced graphic rendering abilities. MGS2 doesn't just up the ante, it takes gaming to a whole new level.
MGS2 doesn't make many quantum leaps in format, however. Fans of MGS2's predecessor will recognize Konami's gameplay style with only a few minor tweaks and improvements. While some games require major format overhauls between sequels, Konami wisely decided to stick with one of MGS' strongest selling points: escape and evasion style espionage rather than double-barreled gun-blasting action (although MGS2 leaves plenty of room for that, too). In fact, MGS2 seems to be just an extension of the original title.
MGS2 does, however, change genre slightly in this new installment by adding a touch of the supernatural. The addition is modest and really adds an extra boost to the games.
Besides having graphics the quality of the latest CGI movies like "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within," MGS2 has one of the most impressive soundtracks in gaming history. The professional tracks are laid down by some of Hollywood's best known sound editors like Harry Gregson-Williams. In surround sound, MGS2 can have the feeling of a blockbuster action flick.
The real improvements in MGS2 come from its beefed-up plot. While the Metal Gear series has always been known for its complex web of setups, double crosses and reversals, MGS2 takes the cake for having the most intricate and riveting storyline. Critics of MGS complained that the ending was unsatisfactory and rightfully so. MGS2's addictive plot will have gamers hooked for hour upon thumb-blistering hour. Scripted by video game veteran Hideo Kojima, this installment survives the trip from Japan linguistically intact. MGS2 lacks verbal gaffs like "the truck have started to move" all too familiar in previous games.
In all fairness, it wouldn't be prudent to reveal even a smidge of the plot to this cliff-hanger. But gamers will see both old and new faces as well as Metal Gear conventions such as hiding in a cardboard box, starting out with almost nothing but a pack of cigarettes and elaborate nicknames.
MGS2 is undoubtedly on the fast-track to becoming a videogame classic and obviously redefines the standards in action/adventure gameplay and cinematic effects. With more than 2,000,000 copies of the game shipped out already, MGS2 should be on every Playstation 2 gamer's wishlist this holiday season.
Contact Spencer Beggs at beggs.3@nd.edu.
All Scene Stories for Wednesday, December 5, 2001
