Metal Gear Solid 2: Video Game Review

Metal Gear Solid 2 was incredibly anticipated with its release in 2001. With the series jumping to the PS2, many thought it would be a tremendous game. While graphically, the game does not disappoint for the PS2, the gameplay and storyline ultimately will leave a gamer disappointed and confused.

The early part of the game is enjoyable playing as Solid Snake. With solid gameplay and a jaw-dropping opening to the game, it gets a player involved and interested immediately. However, once Raiden got introduced in the game, I thought his glaring weaknesses really started to dampen my enjoyment of the game. The long codec scenes with Raiden and Rose can be just plain annoying. Nobody wants to see a couple bicker and fight in a video game That's why we have friends and we get them fight!

The storyline is really complicated, especially at the end. It really took me until the end of Metal Gear Solid 4 to figure out what was going on with the game. The constant double crossing between the characters really complicate what could have been a better game. I felt that the other three games did not have the plot semblance that this one has so it ultimately ruined it. The introduction of the Patriots ultimately proved to be something that would be seen in the rest of the series.

I thought that the music and the addition of Harry Gregson-Williams as a composer really was a benefit to the game . The music has a more, modern look to it and it is not too bad. The music at the beginning of the game is really strong with a mood that makes the person really fell like they are a part of the game.

I would say the controls are pretty solid and the voice acting is OK, not great. Sometimes I think it was a little over-the-top especially with Raiden's character. It's amazing how much David Hayter's voice acting has evolved from this game to MGS4. I think it really did a nice job evolving the character.

With the price today, it wouldn't be bad idea to check it out or rent it on Gamefly or something like that, but I think ultimately there will be a sense of confusion and frustration in the amount of talking that goes into this type of game. Easily, of the four games in the series, this was my least favorite.