Genre: Action-Adventure, Stealth
Year: 2004
Developed by: Silicon Knights, Konami Computer Entertainment
Published by: Konami
Platforms: Gamecube
#315
Feeling Like: 140.85
Ring ring…Dave? Dave are you there?
Yawwwwn…Henry, is that you? What are you doing calling me, it’s 3 o clock in the morning where I am.
Hey buddy! Oh man, I can’t believe you picked up! How you doing??? Never mind actually, I need your help!
I’m doing gre…oh, you don’t care how I’m doing. *Sigh* Ok what do you want?
First, I have to ask – do I look like a tough badass right now? Solid Snake-esque? I just took a shower, I haven’t shaved in a week and I’ve got a tie around my head like a bandana.
Are…are you not wearing a shirt?
Sort of! Well, anyway, I’m doing an article for Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes for the 500.
You’re STILL working on your blog? How long has it been, two years?
Four.
FOUR??? Are you almost done at least?
We’ll talk about that later. Listen, you were a huge help when I was playing this one, so I thought it was appropriate you’d be my Otacon for the article.
Sure, I’d be happy to! Man, I definitely remember you getting stuck a LOT. And dying a lot. I kept telling you that you have to HIDE the enemy bodies once you’ve knocked them out.
You’re right. True to my nature, I wasn’t good at being stealthy in the game and I’m no good at any stealth game. I also found the controls a bit wonky, I don’t think I ever played the game correctly.
I can see that. Kojima has a very distinct style, and wants you to play a certain way. But, the amount of weapons and items you received did lead to some creative solutions. And, I did like that addition of the First Person mode.
Agreed. I never felt like I was lacking resources or ammunition, I just had a difficult time progressing without a little help from my friends.
Ha, that’s what friends are for!
I’m a bit lost now. What else should I talk about?
Well, you’ve gotta mention the story and characters. This was a revolutionary game when it came out on the original Playstation. Gamers had never seen a cinematic effort like this before.
Easily my favorite part. Konami were 100% committed to this zany world that is obsessed with implementing real world politics and military threats…but also bouncing off the wall with psychic soldiers and 80s era action movies.
Once you embrace it, you’ll have a lot of fun. Say what you will, the game’s narrative is never boring. Did you like the codex conversations?
Hell yes I did! The voice acting is awesome, David Hayter provides an absolute classic voice for an unforgettable character. His Solid Snake persona is perfect, and the supporting cast are spot on.
Even Otacon?
Eh, he was no Dave Rathbun, but he was pretty cool!
Heh, thanks. What did you think of the boss fights?
A mixed bag. I’m typically not great at thinking outside the box, so I was often stumped. When a friend hinted at what to do, I couldn’t help but admire the solution. The Psycho Mantis boss fight is legendary at this point, it really was amazing if not a bit cheeky.
Remember how difficult it was to figure THAT out with a Wavebird instead of a wired controller?
I’m still not sure how we did it. I think we ended up moving the receiver AND the channel on the controller? It felt very Metal Gear Solid-y, so I guess it just added to the charm.
Are you a fan of the series overall?
I’d say it’s complicated. I wouldn’t say there’s a single Metal Gear Solid game I absolutely love, but I have a measured reverence for each main entry. It’s dumb at times, but some of the big moments are unforgettable. They’re never boring, but I wouldn’t necessarily claim that I have “fun” playing them. I will say this was a perfect entry into the series, and a great port of the original from what I hear.
That’s very fair. I also didn’t love it, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t give it a fair shake. Anyway Henry, this has been great, but I have two kids and I need every second of sleep I need, so I’m going back to bed.
Thanks for coming down memory lane with me buddy. Snake out!
….What?
Oh, sorry. *Solid Snake voice* You be careful out there, Otacon. The children won’t care that your weakness is being tired Alertness on the battlefield is essential if you’re going to survive.
*Otacon voice* You’re right Snake! Thankfully it’s dark outside, meaning the sun hasn’t come up yet. I’m pretty sure if I rest my head on my pillow, I’ll drift off into a semi-unconscious state that allows my body to regenerate. It’s called “sleep.”
*Solid Snake voice* Sleep, huh?
Ok seriously, I have to go.
Roger that! Thanks Dave!
The 500 