Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection Reviews

• as a collectors item, just about there

  
  By AW4LDYUUKHYUE on 2008-03-22
  As far as value goes, this is superb. These games are really worth so much more than other games on the market as far as production value and depth go. They are absolutely timeless. Content-wise, this is certainly five stars.
  
  You may be interested to know about this set however...
  
  The games are not individually shrink wrapped. In fact, the shrink wrap didn't even cover the whole box set and there's an opening on the side which the games "bindings" are. I could almost slip out the games without messing with the shrink wrap at all.
  
  Also, the first game is on a ps1 disc and you need a ps1 memory card or ps3 to save like A. Pintor said. "Metal Gear Solid" is still on 2 discs so the set is 4 discs total.
  
  All the discs are black with white font. So they match as a set but look different than the original released version discs.
  
  Each game has a pretty meaty manual as well that match the front and back of their respective game case.
  
  yup, if you're missing just one game in this series, its worth picking up the set.
  
  

• Not complete but a great deal!

  
  By ACRGKIPK795SU on 2008-03-19
  First of all, I would just like to say that if you haven't played the first Metal Gear Solid, you have no idea what you've missed out on. I think this collection is outstanding because of the re-release of MGS1 alone, but to have the complete MGS2 and 3 accompany it? Oh, that's stellar. If you're missing even one of these titles, get this package.
  
  My only gripe with it is that it's incomplete and devoid of equally as awesome incentives. While I understand it'd be giving too much away to include any bonus discs, having no extra features feels cheap to me. Especially so with the case of MGS1. Most people forget that they released the second part of MGS: Integral in the states as MGS: VR Missions. Including that would have made it a complete set. Also, and this is just wishful thinking, but the MGS3: Subsistence preorder came with Metal Gear Saga Vol. 1. I think it would have been wonderful to include either a copy of that or a Saga Vol. 2 with this and have Vol. 3 accompany MGS4.
  
  Aside from those small points, at $30, you just can't go wrong with the essential collection. MGS1 by itself would be at least that much as it's rare now.
  
  

• Essentially Awesome

  
  By A2EZJ6AUKF4XDD on 2008-05-16
  The Metal Gear Solid Essential Collection is a great way to play all that has come before the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid 4 is released.
  
  I have heard alot of griping because the second disc from Metal Gear Solid 3 Subsistence is NOT included. Though I was a bit peeved about this at first, I do own an original copy of Subsistence which included the original versions of Metal Gear 1 and 2 from the Japanese MSX and I can understand Konami's decision in this regard.
  
  The main draw of the 2nd disc of Persistence was Metal Gear Online. The serves have long been shut down and it would be pointless to release a game you can't even play any longer.
  
  I've also heard much griping about Metal Gear Solid (1) being on two CD-ROM discs instead of a DVD-ROM. Use some logic here folks: Konami is giving you Three games for under $30. The original Metal Gear Solid is quite expensive and/or hard to find anymore. Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance is rather pricey for the PS2 version (the inferior Xbox version is fairly easy to find cheap). And even though the Persistence disc (disc 2) of Metal Gear Solid 3 Subsistence is not included, all the changes made to the game (camera angles, etc.) ARE included on the disc.
  
  For those new to the series or wanting to pick up the games again since they no longer have them, $10 a piece is pretty damn cheap! For those collector's out there like me, you are getting all three games with beautiful new artwork, Metal Gear Solid in a very nice DVD amaray-style case (yes!) and a cool slipcase to house it all.
  
  If you are playing Metal Gear Solid (one) on a PS2, you will need a PSOne memory card as per usual with all PSOne games. It works just fine on a PS3 (any model) and you can set up a virtual memory card.
  
  If you are playing Metal Gear Solid 2 on a PS2, you are good to go. If you are planning on playing it on a PS3, make sure you have either the 20, 60 or 80-gig models as the 40-gig model isn't backwards compatible.
  
  If you are playing Metal Gear Solid 3 on a PS2, you are good to go as well. Again, you have to have a 20, 60 or 80-gig PS3 model (backwards compatible with PS2 software) to play it on the PS3.
  
  I highly recommend this series to anyone. At $30, it's a bargain price. I would also recommend the Devil May Cry collection for $30 and the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy for $30. Tremendous deals, you are getting NINE games that originally cost over $450 for less than $90 now. That's an 80% discount folks!
  
  

• The top art of videogame making

  
  By APYKDND069WEZ on 2008-03-18
  Ever since i first played Metal Gear i became a super fan of the series, i couldn't believe how a game could have such an adult theme in it's story and yet it could be so much fun to play. I then began to search for every piece of news about the series and played all the games a lest 3 times, i think that every person who says that videogames are child's play and that it will never be consider a form of art should play these games, director Hideo Kojima deserves the same praise that every great movie director gets for acomplishing such a piece of art.This collection is perfect for anyone who doesn't own any of these games, and a must own for any fan of the series because of the beautiful art work by artist Yoji Shinkawa.
  Now is just counting the days for MGS4.
  
  

• BEWARE!

  
  By A2WB7CAQTHDRPJ on 2008-07-14
  I feel completely shortchanged, Konami is successfully getting a good deal of money, you don't get the full MGS3:Subsistence, just disc one. The idea was that I buy a PS4 with MGS4 then get the full blown Solid trilogy with the first two original Metal Gear games to finish it off.
  
  Well now I have to buy another Subsistence since MG and MG2:Solid Snake are on DISC TWO THATS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS SET.
  
  Seriously, not one reviewer has mentioned that here! Did you even check your set out before reviewing?
  
  
• An essential collection at an unbeatable price.
  By A1517YRQMAVAGZ on 2008-03-21
  I recently acquired this collection a few hours ago at Gamestop, and as a long time MGS fan I've played and beaten all the games in the Metal Gear Solid franchise, including "Twin Snakes" on the GC. With that said, after beating the games I sold them. But never bought the later releases such as "MGS2:Substance" and "MGS3:Subsistence", so just finding out that this collection was coming out by Konami has made me ecstatic to play these great games again and I was guaranteed that I'd get my money's worth.
  
  I haven't played MGS3 in 3 years, since the day it was released in '04, and same with MGS1 and 2 which was a long time ago. They're still the great games I've remembered them to be. If you've kept up in the gaming world, you've heard critical acclaim of these 3 stellar games, and if this is your first time playing MGS and want to backtrack from MGS1 to keep up with the story to follow the upcoming MGS4 installment, then this is a no-brainer to BUY THIS!
  
  There are a few things I dislike about this package and didn't know why in the heck Konami couldn't include. Like another reviewer has said, the MGS3: Subsistence is an incomplete package without the second disc and why couldn't they fix the memory card issue on MGS1? Not only can't we save games if we don't have a original PS1 memory card, but you literally can't find these in stores anymore! Unless you go on eBay. But if you own a PS3 or have a PS1 Memory Card already this just proves you're lucky. With that said, this makes this Essential Collection a bit flawed.
  
  Pros:
  - All three MGS's in one package at a great price.
  - Two of them being the "Director's Cut"
  - The original MGS on original 'black disc' PSone discs. A rarity to see since they haven't made these in a while.
  
  Cons:
  - MGS1 not save compatible with a PS2 Memory Card.
  - The second disc for MGS3:Subsistence is missing.
  
  All in all though, this collection is a must have if you don't own any of the MGS games in your library.
  
  
  
• One more thing...
  By A3N2QXFOB1EADH on 2008-03-27
  Pretty much everything has been said already, but I just wanted to add, for those who are interested, that this collection does NOT include the original NES Metal Gear and MSX Metal Gear 2. It was one of the reasons why I purchased the set, and was very disappointed when I discovered the games had been removed. It's still a great collection, however, and worth the purchase.
  
  
• Perfect if you don't already have these...
  By A3JUMMIGJ7B38X on 2008-07-07
  What can I say? This is a collection of three of the finest video games ever created. If you've never played them, this is a great and inexpensive way to start. I guarantee, by the time you're halfway done with Metal Gear Solid 2, you'll be hooked like nothing you've ever experienced!
  
  My only qualm with this box set is the decision to leave out disc 2 of the Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence set. This second disc contains the original Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake for the MSX system. You'd think that by "Essential Collection", that would include the two games that started it all!
  
  However, the other games are presented in their original state and they are incredible. Well worth it!
  
  
• Great...if your new!
  By A3L7WBZ5KIVCM8 on 2008-04-03
  Ok i just bought this and i was VERY dissapointed. All it is is disc 1 of mgs3 subsistance without extras, mgs2 substance (which i'll admit IS hard to find cheap), and the PLAYSTATION ONE version of mgs1! I have all these already! Now don't get me wrong, if you're new to the series and interested in metal gear then get it. Its a great deal! But also get a ps one memory card because your gonna need that for the 1st game. But if ur already a fan, you probably already have these discs. THERE'S NOTHING NEW HERE! I just wish someone woulda told ME that 35 dollars ago. All that could be considered new is the cover art of the game cases. That's it! Worth 35 bucks? Only if your new.
  
  
• Deal of the Century!
  By A3HCF5Q0PA2I0E on 2008-03-24
  I have been a fan of the MGS series since I bought a Playstation 2 seven years ago. I applaud Konami for releasing this box set. This presents newbies the chance to catch up with the story just in time for the PS3 release of Metal Gear Solid 4. For $30 this is a steal. All 3 games are well worth the price of admission. You simply can't go wrong with this deal.
  
  
• Missing a couple of pieces...
  By A23QJWWHIIIQQ7 on 2008-05-09
  I bought this because I had never played Metal Gear Solid 3, and while I enjoyed that game immensely, I was disappointed that none of the extra features (minigames, etc.) that were present with the original game are included. The game disc included in the collection (for MGS 3 at least) is actually the first disc of the special edition version, while the bonus stuff was all on the second disc. This product is only for people who want the games only and don't want any bonus content.
  
  
• A Solid Collection for the MGS Fan
  By AF5O71MTL3UUM on 2008-04-19
  Like the description says, this is a collection of three Metal Gear Solid games. It contains the original Playstation version of Metal Gear Solid, as well as the two director's cut versions of the Playstation 2 installments of the series - Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance and Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence.
  
  When I say the collection contains the original Playstation version of Metal Gear Solid, I really mean the original Playstation. This is surprising considering the age of that system and the fact it's on two discs. A PS2 port would have allowed players to rely on a PS2 memory card and allowed the game to fit on one disc. If you don't have a PS1 memory card, you're out of luck. Fortunately, the game is playable on the PS3 using the system's built-in memory card feature.
  
  All three games are, as the boxes say, "tactical espionage action" games. You can try to blast your way through the enemies, but that really isn't very bright. If you're seen by an enemy, they'll call for help, and from that point on, an endless stream of enemies will come to find you. If you're able to successfully hide long enough, however, the enemies will return to their posts.
  
  MGS is the simplest of the games, relying primarily on an overhead view to essentially make the gameplay 2D. You can't shoot in first-person, but Snake does automatically track his targets. In addition to the main game, MGS also has a VR Training mode, where you not only learn a few basics, but can also challenge yourself to obtain better times in each of the ten courses.
  
  MGS2: Substance, greatly improves on the gameplay by adding the abilities to shoot in first-person, climb small boxes, dive, shoot from cover, and hang from ledges. Soldiers can also be shot in different parts of the body for different effects. A head shot will kill an enemy in one hit, but aiming for the body will require you to use more ammo. Substance also has a great deal of bonuses. There's a VR training mode, greatly improved from MGS. Initially, you can play as either Snake or Raiden, and as you complete more courses, new characters are unlocked. While the course layouts remain the same for each character, enemy placement changes to provide varying levels of difficulty. In addition to a Stealth and Eliminate All Enemies mode, the VR training also provides weapon training courses where you use the games many weapons to destroy targets. Another of Substance's game play modes is Snake Tales, where you play through the Big Shell, one of the game's areas, as Snake instead of Raiden. Finally, an amusing skateboarding mode turns the Big Shell into a sort of Tony Hawk Pro Skater course allowing you to skate through with Snake or Raiden in an attempt to complete various tasks and earn points for performing various skating tricks.
  
  Finally, MGS3: Subsistence takes you back in time to the 1960's where you play as Snake's father, Naked Snake. In the Soviet jungles, Naked Snake has to use camouflage and his survival techniques to infiltrate enemy bases. The game requires that you treat your injuries and keep your stamina up by eating food. This means you have to hunt for food and raid enemy storage houses for medical supplies. Naked Snake also knows a fighting style known as close-quarter combat (CQC). This allows Snake to grab enemies and perform a variety of moves from there, including interrogation, using the enemy as a shield while you fire on his comrades, or just plain slamming him into the ground and knocking him unconscious. The abilities granted by CQC add a new dimension to the game that makes fighting your way through enemy bases much more feasible.
  
  The games are fun to play once you're accustomed to the controls. Substance and Subsistence have so many controls, that they are overwhelming to new MGS players. If you take the time to learn them, though, you'll find deep games with an endless amount of possibilities.
  
  
• All You Need - Almost
  By A2NUWHWE8Q4WSB on 2008-09-19
  It is what it advertises: Metal Gear Solid 1, 2, and 3.
  
  There is nothing to complain about for Metal Gear Solid 1 or 2.
  
  However, as many others have noted, Metal Gear Solid 3 is missing something. The original full game of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is there, with improvements (primarily in the controllable camera) from its second incarnation as Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence. However, what the Essential Collection lacks is the second bonus disc that comes with Metal Gear solid 3: Subsistence. Buying Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence outside of this Essential Collection, you get to play the original Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 (2D games starring Solid Snake in his youth, providing you further insights into the world of Metal Gear) a bonus game called Snake VS Monkey, a few other less notable bonuses.
  
  Not being able to play Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 was a let down, however, the three main games of Metal Gear Solid 1, 2, and 3 are in there. All three games are fun if you are looking for a stealth-heavy, cinematic video game experience.
  
  If it isn't too much trouble, you should definitely buy all three separately for all the bonus features: Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence. Do not pick up Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty or Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater by mistake--those are the unimproved versions that lack the bonus features.
  
  
• Frustrating Game for Casual Gamers!
  By A20Y9VVAHGUQ00 on 2008-10-16
  OK I'm going against the grain a bit here, but honestly I grew up with the series and loved the originals from NES through PlayStation. However, if you are looking to jump into this game to play a few hours a week this is NOT the game for you! Half the game is stupid plot cinemas, and while the voice acting and graphics are above average it's not really as engaging as you would expect it to be. Furthermore, the controls are really frustrating, if you are used to X being enter for PS/PS2 and PS3 games then you have to get used to the O buttong being the default enter button...sounds simple enough but trust me it's frustrating. Also the close quarters combat mode, which is vital to a stealth game consistenly does not act the way you want it to. I'm still giving this 3 stars because even with all these annoyances I'm playing through because I'm stubbourn, plus it's actually a great deal with all these games under $30...but be warned, if you are a casual gamer this is not the game for you.
  
  
• I am a big fan BUT .................
  By A3RCBEALN21FW1 on 2008-04-01
  i thought that having a complete set of one of the best games i played since ever is nice so i ordered this one but when i got it i was SHOCKED if you think that you can replay metal gear 1 or even 2 your are wrong.cus there are a big deference in the graphics and sounds and AI etc so if you are thinking about getting this one just to add it to your collection it is maybe nice but if you are buying this to replay the games really save your money.......
  
  
• This is the Essential Collection
  By A2KVNQS2B6DUCJ on 2008-03-26
  I mainly wanted to write this review in response to "W. Herrmann's" review.
  
  His problem with the shrink wrap was just his set. He is right in that only the outter box is wrapped, but there were no defects in the wrapping on mine, The entire thing is shrink wrapped just fine with mine.
  
  This collection is AMAZING if you don't own any of the other games. If you have every other MGS game you can skip over this unless you're a hardcore collctor like I am. This is a great introduction to the series. I have no complaints about anything being missing as this isn't The Complete Collection.
  
  
• Excellent Collection
  By A3P8ZDHC7XSKSE on 2008-06-12
  I ordered this for my hubby for Fathers Day, he has never played any of the Metal Gear games before. I had previously owned the first and second in the series, but they had long since been "borrowed" and not returned. Since we ordered the PS3 Metal Gear Solid Pack I decided this would be a good buy.
  
  First of all, the games come in a small cardboard case to hold the 3 ps2 game cases. Even though MS1 is a PS1 game, it is in a PS2 style case so that they can all stay together in the box. This means that the artwork is different than on the originals of each of these games. I personally don't care but just in case you do - now you've been told.
  
  Each game comes with it's own manual as well as the ingame help we are all used to for the first couple of scenes. This is an excellent collection for the price, and I would highly advise the purchase if you like this type of game.
  
  The only negatives I have are
  1) the game controls take a while to get used to
  2) The PS1 game of MGS1 will NOT play in either of our PS2's. Our PS3 should arrive soon so hopefully it will play in that since that was my favorite of the games anyway. I am told that this is a fairly common problem, however my PS2's will play all of our other PS1 games without incident. I am told that this can be fixed by placing "Tape" on the top of the CD however I have yet to attempt this experiment.
  
  **UPDATE**
  We just received our PS3 and it WILL play Metal Gear Solid 1 quite happily. Apparently it just didn't want to play in the PS2s that we have.
  
  
• Just what you need!!
  By A2UWU9TMO9N7AX on 2008-07-01
  About the product:
  I played MGS, MGS2 a couple of years ago but never got the chance to play MGS3. And when I saw its reviews recently I decided I'll give it a go. But unfortunately all the copies I found offline of (MGS3: Subsistence) were somewhat expensive for a PS2 game! So finally I found this product and it was just what I needed. The improved MGS2 & MGS3 Plus I didnt have a copy of my own of MGS and now I have all three in my collection. Excellent and for an Excellent price.
  
  About the Game:
  The games are so much fun (if your into stealth-action). Especially MGS3. That game totally RULED!! Story is just amazing! And game play is also great.
  
  I totally recommend this product.
  
  
• Once again, North American gamers are short changed!
  By A2355QX0KZG2JM on 2008-07-05
  When I purchased the Metal Gear Solid Essential Collection, I was expecting the whole deal! All the extras, the VR missions, PSP ACID games and then the Persistence disc for Metal Gear Solid 3. I am not like other gamers on this site in the sense that I will come down hard on Konami North America for once again showing its disrespect for us true die hard traditional gamers in the United States! It is galling that even after seeing how many people are willing to pay the extra dollars here in the U.S.A. for all the new technologies and bell whistles that come with them that these U.S. companies STILL labor under the impression that anything new here should come half completed, whereas in Japan they get the whole kit and kaboodle.
  
  To anybody that buys this product, please read the box and item summary before you purchase it. If you are a Metal Gear fanatic like myself, you will be totally disappointed in the utter lack of extras. An essential collection this is not!
  
  
• Simply the best collection for $29.99
  By A2WNUQHX5WGVGG on 2008-09-19
  Gameplay - 10/10
  Story - 10/10
  Graphics - 10/10
  Value - 10/10
  Replayablity - 10/10
  
  
• Metal Gear Fans Alike!!!
  By A2AD5RCLKHWRHN on 2008-03-27
  I have been a Metal Gear Solid fan/junkie since the series was intruduced to me by a good friend on the PS2. He was playing MGS2 and I was hooked, later to find out I had already played MGS and hadn't known it. But as the Series has grown I have grown as a MGS fan and, this Collecter's set is just the thing for any Metal Gear Head!!! This product is not only amazing because of its low price tag but the disc lay out and original content of the previous games untainted keeps the games feel authentic and very real, a great buy for any MGS fan and definitely a great buy just for a fun play.
  
  
• Literally the bare essentials
  By A2UZVD4AAA9X5M on 2008-03-31
  This is literally what it says it is - the essentials, nothing more, nothing less. It comes with all 3 games, no changes or alterations. Metal Gear Solid 1 is still the identical PS1 release(so you need a PS1 memory card) and MGS3:Subsistence comes with only disc 1 of 2. They did not include the equally exquisite MG1 or 2 for the MSX, nor did they include the PSP game, extra VR missions for 1, or any other bonus material.
  
  In comparison to the Japanese 20th anniversary edition(which included all that and more), this seems like a lame attempt to further cash in on the series. That being said though, all 3 are absolutely stellar games(MGS1 is easily one of the most ground breaking games of all time). If you are missing one or all of the games, not getting the set at $30 is foolish. On the other hand, if you already have them all, there is absolutely nothing new here to warrant picking it up outside of collection purposes.
  
  
• MGS: Not my favorite game.
  By A28PXFUMR8FSSL on 2008-05-09
  This game is very difficult. The gameplay is very very very confusing and it's one of the hardest game I've played. However, when I play games, its for enjoyment and for challenge. This game is not so much enjoyable to me and the challenge is ridiculously crazy. I'm into Ninja type action game and been a fan since sega genesis era but this game is not for me. Recommended for patient people who likes to use their brain to play games.
  
  
• A few things missing, but otherwise...
  By A2EGRMEAA1T418 on 2008-05-14
  I love these games and a chance to get the director's cut version of 2 and 3 and have everything in one package is awesome. I just have a couple of complaints.
  
  First off, I really wish they had taken the effort to put in the Twin Snakes version of Metal Gear Solid. Having the original version isn't really the same. I know it was originally supposed to be a Nintendo exclusive but come on. Or, if need be, include both the original version and the TS version.
  
  Also, without the original NES games on a disc, this isn't really the Essential Collection. Or I guess it IS the "essentials" but it certainly isn't the Ultimate Collection, which is what I guess I was hoping for.
  
  
• The Essential Collection
  By A2A7K4RPWH8S26 on 2008-05-16
  You have to consider this package a great deal. You are getting all three of the outstanding Metal Gear games for the same price the Metal Gear 3 Subsistence game alone.
  The biggest knock on this deal is the fact it does not contain some of the extras that come with the other standalone packages. But you have to remember that this is the ESSENTIAL COLLECTION, not the ultra collection, or the super-duper amazing collection. It delivers on everything that it promises in providing the essentials, the main components of the games in the games themselves.
  And since a "true" fan of the games would probably buy them as they come out, or at least buy them all individually, it is probably safe to look at this package as a way for people who have just recently gotten the gist of the series. Or those, like I, who are just getting around to enjoying these games.
  Sure it would be nice to get all of the extra stuff that came along with the original packages, but you are looking at another three discs of content at least, which can seem a little excessive for a set like this.
  So overall this is one of those offers that you really can't pass up if you a fan of video games, and want to enjoy one of the highest-rated, most established series on the market.
  
  
• exactly as advertised
  By A3SMO4R9IN85NX on 2008-05-19
  What you see is what you get - MGS1 for PlayStation 1 (black disc and all), MGS2 Substance for PS2 (with VR and skateboarding games) and disc 1 of MGS3 Subsistence for PS2. It would've been cool if they packed in the enhanced MGS1, Integral, into this box, but thats the only real problem I can find with this set. There are three classic games which add up to 30-45 hours of game time for $29.99. It's a great value and a great way to get ready for MGS4. Don't forget to pick up Portable Ops for the PSP too, its canonical.
  
  
• Metal Gear Solid Pack Review
  By A1KL52HQND1CIF on 2008-05-28
  This was a gift for my husband. He loves the Metal Gear series and says this pack is great. In this pack you get the virtual reality missions, Metal Gear 2, and Metal Gear 3. This is a really good pack for someone anxiously awaiting the arrival of Metal Gear 4. I would advise caution for getting it for a younger crowd though. It can be pretty graphic at times. Overall though, it's a good series.
  
  
• MGS The Whole Package
  By A15G5KH0G5KGKX on 2008-05-28
  (Ring Ring)"This is Snake"
  Thats the guy.MGS series is the all time games.I didnt get into MGS until MGS 3 from a friend.Love it.Then he let me borrow MGS and again another all time favorite.But I never did get to play.Until Now.Getting the all three in one package.This is for the first time Metal Gear players and the ones who want to take it back old school.And to make it better,their the directors cut.All Three I belive.So its a must pick up.
  
  Time Line
  
  
  -Metal Gear Solid 3
  Become Snake the under cover agent out to take out the weapon Metal Gear.Little does he know that he is going to be betayed.Take Snake through the Jungle and find out the information you need to stop your enemey and the weapon of mass distruction Meatl Gear.
  
  -Metal Gear Solid
  Years Later After MGS 3 become one of Snakes Clones and take out the weapons of mass diestruction Meatl Gear.Run into familar foes and brand new ones.Meet your new allies and go through the fortress and take them out in this two disc set.
  (Warning the case nor booklet doesnt tell you what the raido freakwency is that your going to need later in the game.I wont tell when your going to need it but I'll tell you the station 140.15)
  
  -Metal Gear Solid 2
  The World is in danger again.But whats this,Snake is pronounced dead?It cant be.But never fear become the new Character Raiden and take out the the world threat Meatl Gear.Meet new characters and some old ones.But whats this,who is this man his says his name is Pliskin.But something about him reminds you of someone.Hmmm.This game comes with all sorts of mini games such as Skateboarding as Raiden or Snake and go through some VR training and other missions.
  
  
• Three games for a fairly good price....
  By A3IIBE4D1VECWC on 2008-06-29
  Metal Gear Solid is a unique series of games. The series can appeal to a wide range of audiences: rpg fans to the hardcore action fans. The games are heavy in scenes, dialog, and action. It rewards more on stealth than direct action which causes players to think more about moving around than other games. The Essential Collection is a collection of the Metal Gear Solid series. It comes with three games: Metal Gear Solid 1 for the Playstation 1, Metal Gear Solid 2, and Metal Gear Solid 3 for the Playstation 2.
  
  A review of each game.
  
  Metal Gear Solid 1: This is the original game from the Playstation 1 platform. Some of you may have played the remake on the Gamecube. This isn't the remake. It's the original game that was released 10 years ago on the Playstation 1 platform. The game is amazing even at the time of its release. Watch out though: if this is your first time playing, you might find the graphics need to be getting used to. This is a Playstation 1 game, by the way. Every ps3 should be able to play this game.
  
  Metal Gear Solid 2: This is the second game. This is the special edition of the game that was released after the original. It comes with loads of extras that the original didn't have. Basically, this is the complete version of Metal Gear Solid 2. I heard they cut out a few scenes in the game, but I haven't noticed anything wrong really. Also, PS3 owners of Sixaxis controllers, beware that there is a part in the game where the vibration function is needed. I don't think it is important to the story as I completed it, but you're going to miss out on it if you don't have the vibration. I heard you can turn off vibration and it works differently, but I haven't tested yet.
  
  Metal Gear Solid 3: This is a step back in the timeline. This goes before all of the events in Metal Gear Solid 1 and 2. You look back in the past and it sort of fill gaps in the stories. I played this one first when it came out. This was my first Metal Gear Solid, and honestly, I was quite confused with some of the things in the story. I honestly think if this is your first time playing the series, you should go in order of release. The Metal Gear Solid 3 game is the special version of the game that was released. You get a cool free camera, which is a first of the Metal Gear Solid series. It's quite cool to free float the camera instead of having a fixed bird eyes view when moving. Some of you may have the special edition with two discs. Be warned, do not trade it in if you like the second disc as the Essential Collection only contains the first disc.
  
  Overall, you'll love this collection. It's quite good for the money. Honestly, if you're planning to buy it, you better get it fast. Something tells me that this is in limited production and might become hard to find in the near future.
  
  
  
• Three Great Games for One Great Price
  By A29BQ6B90Y1R5F on 2008-06-30
  The Metal Gear Solid Essential Collection is just that... essential. Coming just in time for the release of Metal Gear Solid 4, the purpose of this is to let those who want to absorb the story of the saga do so to refresh their minds for the concluding events of Metal Gear Solid 4.
  
  The Metal Gear Solid saga centers primarily on an operative named Solid Snake. The first game chronicles his mission through Shadow Moses Island where he has to stop his former unit Fox-Hound from launching a Nuclear Weapon: Metal Gear. As he undergoes the mission, he discovers many revelations about himself and what the meaning of his very life could be.
  
  Metal Gear Solid 2 picks up the story two years later in which Snake and friend Otacon form a non-profit organization known as Philanthropy. They're mission is to get photographic evidence that the military is developing a new type of Metal Gear. Unfortunately the Tanker Mission doesn't go as planned. Two years later, a Plant is built where the Tanker went down and players were treated to one of Metal Gear Solid 2's most controversial plot twists, they discovered they would not be playing the rest of the game as Solid Snake and they'd be playing as an operative named Raiden. Like Snake, Raiden's mission unravels many revelations about him. The second installment, in particular, showers some of the best plot twists in the series.
  
  Metal Gear Solid 3, on the other hand, takes the series back to the very beginning where you control an operative named Naked Snake, who will eventually go on to be known through the series as Big Boss. During his mission he is sent to save an Operative named Sokolov before Colonial Volgin can get to him. Much like Metal Gear Solid 2, the game is divided into two parts, and the first part is a failure only for the second part to be one of redemption.
  
  The Metal Gear Solid franchise is famous for its storyline of Solid Snake and other characters. The essential collection gives anyone a chance to relive the story with each episode back to back to back. Every story is told through amazing cutscenes with great voice acting. While some of the story sequences can get a little long (especially in Metal Gear Solid 2) they're filled with great direction and a lot of story to absorb. And you'll want to absorb as much as you can, because Metal Gear Solid 4 will reference all three games.
  
  The gameplay has also been very memorable, evolving throughout the series. Along those lines, each game never makes you go about each situation the same way. There are numerous ways to approach each situation, and with several difficulty levels (coupled with a few other extras in the second and third games) each game demands replay. Even better is that for Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3 we got the Substance and Subsistence variants respectively.
  
  If there was anything wrong with this collection, it would be that Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence doesn't include the second disc. While it's true, Metal Gear Online is taken down for Subsistence, the second disc did include the original Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake. These are two games that can really help add to the Metal Gear saga. It's a small price, but for those who didn't own the original Subsistence and wanted to play the original two games, just know you won't get them with this collection. However, this probably won't be seen as a big loss anyway. The story of Metal Gear Solid can be well understood without the two original games.
  
  If you don't own the Metal Gear Solid games and you'd like to know the story, this is a good investment. The fact that you'll get Substance and Subsistence rather than just the original Sons of Liberty and Snake Eater make this a very good deal indeed.
  
  

• Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
• PlayStation 3 Dualshock 3 Wireless Controller
• Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES
• God of War 2
• Grand Theft Auto IV