A Comprehensive Analysis of Metal Gear Solid Games: Best to Least Favorable
In this detailed review, we will explore a ranking of the Metal Gear Solid series from what can be considered the least favorable to the most beloved. It's important to note that personal opinions significantly influence the ranking, but we strive to provide a fair and informative analysis based on gameplay, storytelling, and overall impact.
The Least Favorable - Metal Gear Solid 4
MGS4 ranks among the least favorable in the series due to an overwhelming focus on a cynical, unfulfilling narrative. The game feels artificial and dull, lacking the engaging elements that initially made Metal Gear Solid a beloved franchise.
The gameplay is linear, pushing players through a straight path of missions. Chapters 1 to 3 prove particularly tedious, with Chapter 3 becoming a monotonous walk and lack of meaningful engagement. The bosses, although enjoyable, are overly cliché, and the answers to character development are overly simplistic and repetitive - relying heavily on "nanomachines".
Snubs and Complexities - Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
MGS2: Sons of Liberty ranks as another underwhelming entry in the series. The story is deliberately messy, mirroring its intentionally chaotic narrative and gameplay. The physics are impressive, but the game forces players to undertake tedious missions like freezing bombs and escorting a weak character.
In the original Metal Gear Solid, Solid Snake is the protagonist, engaging in thrilling, solo missions. In contrast, MGS2 shifts focus to Raiden, who is burdened with a boring escort mission alongside a clueless, uninvolved character. This shift, while attempting to explore new perspectives, fails to deliver the immersive experience fans of the series have come to expect.
Overpromising and Underdelivering - Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain
MGS5: Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain both suffer from overly ambitious but ultimately underwhelming missions. The Big Shell section, reminiscent of the first Metal Gear Solid, offers little to no substantial gameplay or challenge. Beyond this initial sandbox, the missions become monotonous and repetitive.
While the infiltration gameplay is engaging at times, the story and narrative are weak. Chapter 3 in Phantom Pain is left unfinished, and the game fails to provide satisfying resolution or progression after Chapter 2.
Returning to Glory - Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
MGS3: Snake Eater provides a refreshing take on the Metal Gear Solid formula. Set in a James Bond-like narrative, it offers a complete story and subtext rich in depth and intrigue. The Cobra Unit villains are engaging and well-developed, with compelling dialogue and characters. The gameplay, while challenging, is immersive and satisfying.
Kojima's Finest - Metal Gear Solid 1
MGS1 stands out as the purest Metal Gear Solid game, reflecting Hideo Kojima's labor of love. Unlike later entries criticized for compromising narrative integrity for commercial gains, Kojima Productions with MGS1 poured their passion into every aspect of the game, creating a love letter to the series and the gaming community.
Each succeeding entry in the series, while innovative, garnered criticisms for straying from the original's vision. However, for those seeking the pinnacle of Metal Gear Solid storytelling and gameplay, Metal Gear Solid 1 remains the most beloved and revered entry to date.
Key Takeaways:
MGS1: The purest Metal Gear Solid game MGS2: Complex and underwhelming narrative MGS3: Engaging and enjoyable gameplay MGS4: Artificial and monotonous MGS5: Overpromising and underdelivering missions