Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection

[ex0du5]

http://images.wikia.com/metalgear/images/7/72/Essentials.jpg

Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection is an upcoming collection of games in the Metal Gear Solid series for the Playstation 2. It is slated to be released on March 18th 2008. The collection will feature the original Metal Gear Solid as well as the directors cut of Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance and Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence. Each game has a new box art cover, with Metal Gear Solid in a PS2 casing. It has been confirmed that this is one of the three Metal Gear Solid-related products that Ryan Payton announced. More details have been announced, Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance will include everything from the orignal version, which means all of the 200 VR missions, Snake Tales and game modes have been included. Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence will include the 3rd person camera, but will not retain the duel mode, demo theater, snake vs monkey missions, Metal Gear Online and any other features from the original version. Metal Gear Solid will be the original Playstation One version.

Great Value with 3 Games at one value price.
Final chance to get fully immersed in the Metal Gear Solid Universe before the release of MGS 4.
Includes Directors Cut of Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance.
Includes Directors Cut of Metal Gear Solid 3 Subsistence.
Special re-designed packaging artwork from renowned artist Shinkawa.

PRICE: $30!
PRICE: $30!
PRICE: $30!

So who's picking this up? I've never had the priviledge to play through the Metal Gear Solids, so this is a fantastic opportunity for me to experience the games before the release of MGS4.

I've actually owned MGS2 Sons of Liberty since I got my PS2, but I was a rather immature console gamer at the time, so I never really got far into it (just barely passed the Tanker). Also, for some reason, the story didn't appeal to me at the time.

I couldn't resist playing a bit more of MGS2 over the weekend, just to get hyped up for TEC, and I've really gotten sucked into it. I'm absolutely terrible at the game (bad at stealth games in general), but the narrative is awesome. It's got a bit of a Matrix and Tarantino vibe to it. I'm doing the bomb defusals now, but I'm going to stop before I get too far into it. I'll be playing through the 3 games during the next few weeks to get hyped up for MGS4.

I think I will be turning into a MGS fan soon ;).

[Riddlinkidstoner]

Is there any improvements to the PS1 MGS? It was a great game, very dramatic and epic.

[ex0du5]

Is there any improvements to the PS1 MGS? It was a great game, very dramatic and epic.

Nope, it's the original game, unchanged. The only improvement comes in the form of a PS2 disc case and new artwork. The game itself is unchanged. While it would have been nice to see a PS2 release of The Twin Snakes, I'm glad they're releasing Kojima's original vision in this collection. If I really can't stand the graphics, I always have access to a friend's copy of TTS.

[Tigerblade]

Can't remember the boss's name in MGS1 but it was one of my best video gaming moments.

'Place your controller on the floor and I will move it with my mind' (or words to that effect)

Awesome game!

[erwos]

I gotta say, it's not the most impressive package ever. They neutered MGS3:S, and didn't even include the MGS1:VR side-story. And, of course, no MGS1:TS or MGS:PO+ ports. I know, some of that would have driven the price up quite a lot, but if you're going to do something like this, you need to do it right!

[ex0du5]

I gotta say, it's not the most impressive package ever. They neutered MGS3:S, and didn't even include the MGS1:VR side-story. And, of course, no MGS1:TS or MGS:PO+ ports. I know, some of that would have driven the price up quite a lot, but if you're going to do something like this, you need to do it right!

Yeah it's too bad they didn't include the second disc of MGS3, as I would have liked to try MG1 and MG2. However, it's somewhat understandable, as the second disc contains the now discontinued MGO. For the price, this package is still pretty darn good. Although, I must say, I would have much preferred something like what Japan got:

http://image1.play-asia.com/640/5b/pa.95757.1.jpg

I haven't even played the games, but I'm drooling all over that set. So you're right, they should have released something like that here :mad:.

Also, you mention the MGS1 VR "side story". Are the VR training missions still in the game? I remember seeing these on the PC version of the game, and thought they looked awesome. I hope to god those are in. If not, I'll have to resort to "obtaining" the PC version just to play em :(.

[JonnyK]

I've played through all the metal gear solid's and they are amazing. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who likes video games. I would def. be re-buying these in that japanese pack if it was released here.

[SoAndSo]

metal gear solid was incredible, i pre-ordered mgs2 here in New Zealand for $140!!!!
it was awesome, not as great as mgs, but still very awesome.

[erwos]

Also, you mention the MGS1 VR "side story". Are the VR training missions still in the game? I remember seeing these on the PC version of the game, and thought they looked awesome. I hope to god those are in. If not, I'll have to resort to "obtaining" the PC version just to play em :(.
No, but you can buy the PS1 disc for basically nothing off eBay. It's annoying that they never released Metal Gear Solid Integral (MGS1 + VR Missions) outside of Japan, but it really wouldn't have killed them to include the VR missions disc.

Truthfully, I haven't had many good experiences with the MGS series on consoles - MGS1 never sucked me in, and the camera issues with the first version of MGS3 ruined it for me. OTOH, I greatly enjoyed MGS:PO+ and Metal Gear Ac!d, so maybe I should give them another chance. *shrugs*

[ex0du5]

No, but you can buy the PS1 disc for basically nothing off eBay. It's annoying that they never released Metal Gear Solid Integral (MGS1 + VR Missions) outside of Japan, but it really wouldn't have killed them to include the VR missions disc.

Truthfully, I haven't had many good experiences with the MGS series on consoles - MGS1 never sucked me in, and the camera issues with the first version of MGS3 ruined it for me. OTOH, I greatly enjoyed MGS:PO+ and Metal Gear Ac!d, so maybe I should give them another chance. *shrugs*

Apparently Subsistence really fixed the camera problems in MGS3. I could see the camera being an issue without having a radar, as navigating is very hard in MGS2 without the radar.

Also, could you please tell me what PS1 disc I should be looking for that contains the VR missions? (nevermind...found it...it's simply called MGS VR missions ;)).

edit: I'm seeing that MGS2 Substance has 300 VR missions with it...I wonder if they're the same or different than MGS.

[Netrat33]

if you can't stand mgs1's graphics, buy the pc version of it. 1600x1200, put on some forced AA. textures will still suck, but the game over all looks way better than the PS1 version. It's kind of funny because for some reason I always remembered them havign mouths. But they ddin't back then :)

[ex0du5]

I could get the VR missions for $15...kind of steep. Then again, the seller is also selling Digital Devil Saga 2 for $20...hard to resist.

[Rash]

Im so glad my second ps3 has Hardware BC (well i hope they will work on the ps3!) !! Ill look forward to playing these as i was too impatient to listen to all the dialogue on mgs2 an 3 originally hence the story confused the shit ot of me lmao!

[zamardii]

Can someone please answer this question?

In Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance is it true you can play the whole game as Snake and not Raiden? And if so, is it different in the way you go through the game?

[Karant]

Alright, fuck it, I'm finally buying a PlayStation 2.

[PSYKOMANTIS]

Can't remember the boss's name in MGS1 but it was one of my best video gaming moments.

'Place your controller on the floor and I will move it with my mind' (or words to that effect)

Awesome game!

That was me...

LOL

The only problem with this package is that they are NOT including the Gamecube Remake of MGS (part one).
That remake was the shit!

Although I like the fact that they are offering some collectable fan service.

Thank you Kojima!

[Roufuss]

Originally I was a bit bothered they weren't including MG 1 and 2, but really.. I'd doubt I'd even play them. So yea, while I'll miss them, it's not like they are very story driven and IIRC, you can read all about them on MGS 1.

Not having Twin Snakes is kinda blah, but I never expected Konami to port the GC game back to PS2 in the first place.

I have exactly $30 in Gamestop credit (idiots took in some extremely scratched games I had that I wouldn't dare sell on Ebay... they even checked the back of the discs and everything!) that I might as well use on this, just to get rid of it (don't like shopping there very often).

[chameleoneel]

Play Asia has been running a pre-order for this since late January. I bit as soon as I noticed it. Despite being a huge fan of the series, completed all 3 games twice etc blah blah, I only own Snake Eater.

[D4rkside]

Not the most appealing set...I'm still on the fence about this. I want to play these games (to be prepared for the MGS4 PS3 bundle I'll be buying) but this looks like a lame compilation...I still might bite though.

[ocellaris]

Not the most appealing set...I'm still on the fence about this. I want to play these games (to be prepared for the MGS4 PS3 bundle I'll be buying) but this looks like a lame compilation...I still might bite though.

Its a lot of quality games for $30, if you have not played through them all, I would say its definitely worth it.

[bboynitrous]

Interesting collection. I think for 30 bucks it might be alright. I wanted to play through them and this seems worth it.

[ex0du5]

Alright, fuck it, I'm finally buying a PlayStation 2.

Welcome to the next generation! :D

There's a ton of great games on the PS2. What genres are you interested in? I'll give you a few recommendations.

[inotocracy]

Alright, fuck it, I'm finally buying a PlayStation 2.

Why not put that money towards a PS3? It plays PS2 and PS1 games..

[Netrat33]

Why not put that money towards a PS3? It plays PS2 and PS1 games..

one is cheaper. Obviously very little got him excited about the PS2. He'd have to buy the 80 gig model to play PS2 games. Well unless he can find a 60 gig model.

*pats PS3*

[inotocracy]

Yeah thats true, but now that HD-DVD is out of the race the PS3 is a good investment if you plan on doing Bluray..

[DragonMasterAlex]

Why not put that money towards a PS3? It plays PS2 and PS1 games..

Um, actually, no it doesn't. Current PS3 has no BC, in case you missed the fan rage :)

Also, for those upset on graphics for MGS1, snag the Gamecube version, it had greatly improved visuals!

[inotocracy]

Um, actually, no it doesn't. Current PS3 has no BC, in case you missed the fan rage :)

Also, for those upset on graphics for MGS1, snag the Gamecube version, it had greatly improved visuals!

Eh? Do tell. Sony's website says the PS3s above the 40gb have backwards compatibility (PS2/PS1):

http://www.us.playstation.com/ps3/about/faq

[erwos]

Eh? Do tell. Sony's website says the PS3s above the 40gb have backwards compatibility (PS2/PS1):

http://www.us.playstation.com/ps3/about/faq
The 80gb PS3 is out of production for the moment. So, it's not entirely wrong... for now.

[Stereophile]

Eh? Do tell. Sony's website says the PS3s above the 40gb have backwards compatibility (PS2/PS1):

Wait for the 80gb MGS4 bundle. It comes with backwards compatibility.

[inotocracy]

Too late, I picked up a 40gb last week :o

[D4rkside]

Yea I'm waiting for the 80GB MGS4 version then I'll also pick up this Essential Pack and go on an MGS rampage!!!

[Roufuss]

Not really sure how true this is, but I've heard on some other larger gaming forums that the MGS Essentials Collection is going to have a short print run, which makes sense since I think 80% of the gaming world has probably played or owned some version of these games.

Point is, probably better to get it sooner rather than later.

[ex0du5]

Not really sure how true this is, but I've heard on some other larger gaming forums that the MGS Essentials Collection is going to have a short print run, which makes sense since I think 80% of the gaming world has probably played or owned some version of these games.

Point is, probably better to get it sooner rather than later.

I wouldn't be surprised if this was true. Seems the release of this title has been extremely quiet. I'm hearing EBs and GS in the U.S. are only getting maybe 3-4 copies each. Run out and grab some copies before they're gone folks!

[Cypther]

My buddy and I bought two copies of the game today. I'm such a MGS whore.

http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/1387/mgs2xd9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/838/mgs1gj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[IcedEmotion]

This is probably the only game that really makes me wish my 40GB played PS2 titles. I'm not sure if I'll go and get a used PS2 for it though.

[D4rkside]

Didn't know about the limited print run. Will be grabbing this as soon as I can (hopefully it won't be too late!).

I have a PS2 to play it on, but I'm stil waiting for the MGS4 PS3 bundle so I can have Backwards Compatability...then I won't have to bring my PS2 with me when I move and can still play some of the PS2 games I'd want to play still, like these :D

[rgratto2]

This is annoying, because I really want to play the games again (all of which I own), but I really want to wait for the mgs4 bundle. My damned first-gen ps2 blows.

[chameleoneel]

QUOTE=D4rkside;1032229948]Not the most appealing set...I'm still on the fence about this. I want to play these games (to be prepared for the MGS4 PS3 bundle I'll be buying) but this looks like a lame compilation...I still might bite though.[/QUOTE]
Its a lot of quality games for $30, if you have not played through them all, I would say its definitely worth it.

Yep, Nothing lame about it, 3 great games for less than the price of one.

That Japanese bundle likely cost much more.

MGS2: Substance alone is worth it. The PS2 version of that game is hard to find.

[ko3i]

My buddy and I bought two copies of the game today. I'm such a MGS whore.

http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/1387/mgs2xd9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


thats my shoe!!!

yeah i have quite of few copies of mgs 2 and 3 now.

[Signal]

I have all three original versions of the three games (ie - I bought them first week of release, not the substance or greatest hits versions).

Yet for some reason, I have the urge to buy this... Worth it? :confused:

[inotocracy]

I have all three original versions of the three games (ie - I bought them first week of release, not the substance or greatest hits versions).

Yet for some reason, I have the urge to buy this... Worth it? :confused:

No. Its the same games :rolleyes:

[Netrat33]

No. Its the same games :rolleyes:

actually not quite. If he doesn't have teh substance and subsistance (whatever) version then that's the version he needs. It's like the director's cut of the game that Kojima fixing and adding things.

[Signal]

actually not quite. If he doesn't have teh substance and subsistance (whatever) version then that's the version he needs. It's like the director's cut of the game that Kojima fixing and adding things.

What do those versions have to offer that make them worth the money?

[Netrat33]

For MGS3: subsistence they fixed the camera so it makes it a lot less frustrating. There are different game modes now too. USED to play online (gone however) I mean, it's just the better version.

[JohnleMVP]

I picked it up today. I'll get some use out of my PS3 now. I have the first 2 games on PC but I don't know how they would run today. The first game would probably work out okay for PSP.

[Tzzird]

I picked it up today. I'll get some use out of my PS3 now. I have the first 2 games on PC but I don't know how they would run today. The first game would probably work out okay for PSP.

Please say how it runs. I'd hate to buy it and have issues with backwards compatability. I have a 80gb version btw.

Just for clarification: On the first page it says $30 for this game three times. That just simply emphasises the great deal that this is right?

Also, can you just walk into any BB or Gamestop and pick one up? Thank you.

[Zoom Zoom]

Got my hands on a copy of this game at frys for only $27.99 and the deal ends tuesday I think so pick it up if you can find one.

I never actually got to finish any of the MGS games, and I finally now own them to play before getting the 4th game.

[MrMike]

Please say how it runs. I'd hate to buy it and have issues with backwards compatability. I have a 80gb version btw.

Just for clarification: On the first page it says $30 for this game three times. That just simply emphasises the great deal that this is right?

Also, can you just walk into any BB or Gamestop and pick one up? Thank you.

MGS1 and 2 run fine. I don't own 3.

You can use bestbuy or gamestop's store locater to check if they have it in stock, but it's best to give them a call to be sure.

[Wildfire]

I remember playing MSGS 1 on a demo disc I got from Pizza Hut LOL. I played that demo over and over so many times! It's funny to think that some people have never even touched this series of games, its essential playing in my book.

[LeviathanZERO]

Still have 1(TTS), 2 and 3(subsistance). (I traded the PSX MGS for Xenogears, back in high school)
Still havent beat 3.

When does MGS4 come out?

[ex0du5]

Well as I said earlier this is my first experience with MGS.

MGS 1 was good, but the boss fights were long winded, and the gameplay mechanics definitely led to frustration. Still a very good game though.

MGS 2 on the other hand, is amazing so far. It fixes almost all the gameplay flaws from MGS 1, and the story really goes up a notch. I'm about 8-9 hours in so far, and am absolutely hooked.

[D4rkside]

Definitely going to buy this this weekend if I can find it! I tried to get it from Amazon already with no luck, and have been to one big box store with no luck...I'm getting worried :P

[JohnleMVP]

MGS3 seems to run fine. It should work on 80gb version fine. I have a 60GB with PS2 hardware inside, but the software scaler is working so I believe its in software emulation mode like the 80GB would be. Still looks like a fuzzy PS2 game, but it works fine.