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However,
visually Metal Gear Solid is a bit of a let down. Having been
released two years ago on now very old Playstation hardware,
the textures are low resolution and, even if the game's general
feel is metallic and industrial, the levels are too angular.
There is the option to whack up the resolution up to the dizzy
heights of 1024x768, which helps but even so the character models
remain extremely blocky with no distinguishable lip-synching
or face movement. It is surprising that in the two years these
models, textures and maps haven't been upgraded and tweaked
for the raw power of today's PC hardware. On the bright side
the game will run perfectly on even the lowest system spec.
Virtually
There
The
biggest complaint of the original game was its length, with
only ~15 hours of gameplay time. It was all over far too soon
for most people. Luckily bundled in the PC version is the excellent
VR mission pack. This substantially extends the gameplay with
a huge choice of mini missions staged in a VR simulator. Think
primary coloured wireframe levels straight out of Tron. Selections
include stealth mode, weapon mode, advanced mode and special
mode. Add to this best level times records to beat and the chance
to play as the stealth ninja and you should be happy for hours.
Excellent fun and the whole thing is a testament to the quality
of the gameplay.
The
Verdict
For
a console game from two years ago the game has actually aged
miraculously well. The objects, maps and models could have been
improved and controlling Snake with the keyboard is a little
clumsy, but its the gameplay that really makes it. It truly
is fun sneaking around in the shadows, avoiding the guards and
using all Snake's military toys. The main game may be short
but its very sweet, and with the kind addition of the VR missions,
it is definitely worth investing in, especially if you haven't
experienced Snake's world before.
by
Andrew 'sambolc' Crofton [e-mail
with comments]
Graphics
- 7 Sound - 9.5 Gameplay
- 8.5 Originality - 7.5
Overall - 8.5/10
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