Just like the original. (Metal Gear Solid (GB))

Member Name: RussellC

Product:	Metal Gear Solid (GB)
Date:	12/08/00 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Depth of Gameplay.

Disadvantages: I have no complaints.

The Gameboy has been getting a lot of unusual conversions of late, games like Tomb Raider and Rainbow 6 making their way to the platform. Anyone familiar with the Playstation game of Metal Gear Solid will probably be wondering how the game has transfered to the GBC. The answer is very well indeed. Essentially the developers have returned to the format of the original MSX Metal Gear game. Action is top down, but with the emphasis still on stealth.

You play Solid Snake once again and you've been given the mission of penetrating the enemies base and destroying Metal Gear Solid (so pretty much the same as in the Playstation game). The game is devided up into sections, each representing a stage of penetration into the base. At various points you'll need to fight a boss, again closely matched to the Playsation bosses. Gameplay consist of sneaking about, avoiding the being spotted or heard by guards or cameras. When absolutely necessary you can use one of a large array of weaponry to take out your opponent. Everything you experienced in the Playstation game or the original is here. You'll still use the communication device in your ear to talk with a variety of people back at main base (if it's in your ear, how come you see who you're talking to?). You'll need those cardboard boxes to sneak about, that gas mask, or the night vision goggles. The range of gameplay is impressive, it pulls you in right from the start and involves you at every step. It may look like the original MSX version (actually it's slightly better looking), but it's surprising how closely it plays like the Playsation game.

In addition to the main game there's a large number of VR challenges, completion of which opens up a bonus option to play all the sounds in the game. You can also try them all against the clock and try to get the best times. One particularly good addition is a two player game via the link cable, I've yet to try this, but it'
;s a welcome addition. Each player must race to find three discs, the first to collect them all wins, the first to lose 3 lives is the loser. Not many GBC games take advantage of the link so it's good to see it being used for once .

This is one of the best GBC games I've played yet. The depth of gameplay is truley impressive and makes it a game you'll keep revisiting. Be warned it isn't an easy game, you'll need to spend a lot of time sneaking about the levels and solving puzzles. The VR game extends it further, some of them are surprisingly tough. If you enjoy either the original Metal Gear or Metal Gear Solid on the Playstation, you'll love this.

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