Metal Gear still rock-Solid. (Metal Gear Solid 2 - Sons of Liberty (PS2))

Member Name: peeweepeter

Product:	Metal Gear Solid 2 - Sons of Liberty (PS2)
Date:	25/06/09 (2 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic graphics, cool characters, and fun sneaking gameplay. Did I mention the samurai sword?

Disadvantages: Cut scenes may prove too lengthy for some.

Following on from the massive success of the original Metal Gear Solid on the Playstation, this installment in the series had a lot to live up to as the first on on Sonys next gen console. Having revolutionised gaming, practically creating a new genre in the process with Metal Gear Solid, creator Hideo Kojima was faced with the daunting project of having to improve upon one of the pinacles of gaming history.

Gameply-wise, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty certainly delivers. Vastly improving upon the familiar hide and sneak mechanics of the original, this game delivered everything fans where hoping for. Snake was back, sporting his familiar mullet and with an arsenal of new moves, delighting fans and newcomers alike.

That is, untill the begining of the second section of the game, where the action takes place from the point of view of an all new character. This decision to remove the bulk of the game from the perspective of the hero of the long running series was a brave one, but it angered many fans who were looking forward to playing as Snake. However, once you get used to the initial shock of this sudden character change the game is immensely enjoyable, arguably the best in the series.

Although the story becomes increasingly convoluted as the game wears on, it simply wouldn't be metal gear without the usual myriad of plat twists and turns. The final section of the game sees the player weilding a samurai sword in a dramatic but very well executed departure from the type of gameplay usually associated with the game.

Summary: Worthy successor to one of the greatest games of all time.