A divisive classic (Metal Gear Solid 2 - Sons of Liberty (PS2))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Metal Gear Solid 2 - Sons of Liberty (PS2)
Date:	05/09/09 (3 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Superb gameplay

Disadvantages: Who wants to play as Raiden!?

Without a doubt the most divisive of the Metal Gear Solid games, Sons of Liberty was the series jump onto the PS2, delivering a game with unrivalled graphics, and a rather strange twist that nobody really saw coming. When the game was originally released, trailers had focused on Snake walking around a tanker and not much else, causing gamers to wonder what was going on. Anyway, when the game was released, we found out the truth, that Snake is only in the first part of the game, which lasts about two hours, and for the other 10 or so hours, you actually play as a soldier called Raiden, much to the disappointment of many MGS fans, myself included (largely because of the deception).

The series is famed for having the very best in storytelling, and this hasn't changed here - the cutscenes, whilst very long, are also superbly directed, and Kojima would do very well as a film director, I am confident. This provides a story with numerous twists, and although not playing as Snake is disappointing, he still crops up later in possibly the least subtle disguise I've ever seen.

The gameplay is what makes the game an unqualified delight - there's just a wickedly vast array of weapons, little trinkets, and other things to play with. Notably, a lot of the area you creep around during the game - a disused waste disposal facility called the Big Shell - has numerous white Cypher drones patrolling, which will shoot you on sight. As usual, the AI isn't THAT clever - they adhere to a strict sight system noted on the soliton radar system, although they will also be alerted if you make too much noise. As usual, if you're detected, you'll have to hide until your ALERT meter runs out, or you're going to find life very difficult.

Visually, the game is utterly immaculate. The opening tanker scenes in particular are awe inspiring, and despite being one of the PS2's first killer aps, it's also got some of the best graphics that the console ever saw. The effects and also the presentation of the cut scenes in particular are mind blowing good for 2002. Also, the sound design is amazing, with a soundtrack by Hollywood composer Harry Gregson Williams.

Although the twist seems a bit deceptive on the part of series director Hideo Kojima, this is a fantastic game that furthers the mystery and amazing plot surrounding Liquid, Solid and Revolver Ocelot. It's astoundingly good looking and has fun boss fights and superb gameplay. A classic.

Summary: A superb game