Game Review: Metal Gear Solid HD Collection

Platform: Xbox 360, Playstation 3

Price Range: £22 - £34

Age Rating: 15

Genre: Stealth, Action


Design

Snake is back and this time it isn't just for Playstation. This revamped title to the Metal Gear Solid series is exactly what it says on the tin. It's a high definition version of three of the most popular games of the series; Metal Gear Solid 2, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and Metal Gear Solid: Peacewalker which was originally only released on the PSP. The storyline for all three games really keeps you entertained with Snake Eater taking up most of the game time. It's a collection of games that really build momentum as they go along with brilliant climaxes to all three games, theres nothing better than fighting 'The Cobras' like you used to as a child but this time in stunning HD and the final fight with 'The Boss' really does the original games justice. Stealth is a major key in this mission as 'Major Zero' constantly reminds you in MGS3 and similarly your other handlers in the other two games, weapons also play a key part with silencers attached to pistols however some of the bigger weapons such as an AK-47 which is difficult to fire and a sniper rifle that you can't run around with tend to drag the game down a little, I can't help but feel that because it is a stealth game the weapons have gotten lost along the way. It's nice to see the cutscenes that made MGS great are all still there but if you are looking for a brand new MGS game then this isn't the game for you but if you loved the originals then you will love this.


Gameplay

The game plays out as all great stealth games of this type do, running, rolling and crawling around in camouflages to suit your environment so that you aren't spotted by the various guards positioned around the area, but be warned if you are spotted there will be the all too familiar alert noise followed by several guards peppering you with bullets from every direction, heads on combat is not really advised for this game as the weapon capabilities don't really allow for it. The health viewer also turns you into an amateur survivalist with varying illnesses that need to be cured with the survival equipment that you pick up along the way, camouflages play a big part especially in some of the more difficult boss fights you will find that blending in to a dark black background really gives a great tactical advantage. There is also an added online mode and the much loved 'monster hunter' minigame makes a comeback, the online mode is a welcome addition with players sneaking around the online maps, at first it seems a bit strange but most players will adapt quickly and have just as much fun online as the story mode.

Presentation

Graphically all three games look just as good as they always did but with the HD technology that is available it does look slightly better there are only a few texture issues with things such as hair pixelation and lack of lip movement when the cut-scenes are playing through that really let the game down, the voice acting really stands out with the gruff voiced David Hayter returning as Snake. The background music really adds to the suspense and drama of the game with dramatic swells when guards start to notice you or when they get too close. The final level of each game really takes some beating and you would be hard put to find a better stealth game on the market, it even gives the Assassin's Creed series a run for its money.

Summary

All together all three games compliment each other brilliantly with each one really paving its own way in it's genre without looking too similar to the games around it. Boss fights can at times be a bit too easy especially if you can remember the original games it becomes all too easy to know where to move, when to move and what weapons to use which will always be a down-side when a game is revamped without actually changing the gameplay, however don't let this put you off buying the game if you are interested in what you have read.and let's be honest 'Major Zero' constantly shouting 'Snake' when you die really never gets old.


Ratings

Design: 8.9

Gameplay: 9.2

Presentation: 9.0

Overall: 9.0