Isn’t it weird how a release can feel like a genuine gift to players, but at the same time like a rushed cash grab?
Like, I’m genuinely happy that three bona fide classics are playable, in somewhat original form, on modern consoles. I.e., no emulation Kung Fu needed, or juggling with 3rd party paraphernalia to get your old consoles running on a modern TV.
“Metal Gear Solids 1-3, playable on the Switch”, they said. Well, all right then. I’m unironically here for that.
On the other hand, this has to be the most half-assed game collection in recent memory. Personally, I don’t particularly mind that the games aren’t in full HD, 60 fps and what have you. In fact, I prefer them not to be. But that’s a “me-problem”, and really beside the point. Those kinds of features are the norm in any kind of (supposed) Criterion-treatment of a beloved series, and should at least be optional.
Then there’s the confusing packaging. Having each game, and the bonus features, as separate installations sure is a choice. I’m no developer but for the life of me, I can’t figure out why they just didn’t put all the games and bonus features in one menu.
Speaking of bonus features, reading the Masterbooks (basically, an art+lore book/”making of”-.pdf) on a TV – let alone on a handheld Switch – is downright awkward. This is exactly the kind of collectible feature that players would shell out top dollars for. Hey, Konami. “Books”, remember those things? And the less said about the user experience of the online manual, the better.
So no, sadly, this isn’t the triumphant return of a formerly beloved developer/publisher to console gaming, and why would it be? Konami’s shareholders are more than happy with the company’s focus on mobile gaming, pachinko machines and Yu-Gi-Oh.
What’s worse is I have a sinking feeling that the upcoming Metal Gear Delta release won’t be a return to form, either. Honestly, MGS 3’s latest version (the PS3 HD Subsistence-version, included in the collection) has aged just fine.
But you know what game would benefit from a makeover? MGS1, that’s what. From frustrating control and camera to icky characterizations and dated script. The amount of time spent on talking about Meryl’s butt is cringe-inducing. A modern retelling of the game, from the ground up in a new engine, would be interesting to see (and not just a Twin Snakes-reskin is what I’m trying to say).
That would take considerable effort though. Judging by Metal Gear Solid Master Collection: Volume 1 Konami has none to spare.
Like, I’m genuinely happy that three bona fide classics are playable, in somewhat original form, on modern consoles. I.e., no emulation Kung Fu needed, or juggling with 3rd party paraphernalia to get your old consoles running on a modern TV.
“Metal Gear Solids 1-3, playable on the Switch”, they said. Well, all right then. I’m unironically here for that.
On the other hand, this has to be the most half-assed game collection in recent memory. Personally, I don’t particularly mind that the games aren’t in full HD, 60 fps and what have you. In fact, I prefer them not to be. But that’s a “me-problem”, and really beside the point. Those kinds of features are the norm in any kind of (supposed) Criterion-treatment of a beloved series, and should at least be optional.
Then there’s the confusing packaging. Having each game, and the bonus features, as separate installations sure is a choice. I’m no developer but for the life of me, I can’t figure out why they just didn’t put all the games and bonus features in one menu.
Speaking of bonus features, reading the Masterbooks (basically, an art+lore book/”making of”-.pdf) on a TV – let alone on a handheld Switch – is downright awkward. This is exactly the kind of collectible feature that players would shell out top dollars for. Hey, Konami. “Books”, remember those things? And the less said about the user experience of the online manual, the better.
So no, sadly, this isn’t the triumphant return of a formerly beloved developer/publisher to console gaming, and why would it be? Konami’s shareholders are more than happy with the company’s focus on mobile gaming, pachinko machines and Yu-Gi-Oh.
What’s worse is I have a sinking feeling that the upcoming Metal Gear Delta release won’t be a return to form, either. Honestly, MGS 3’s latest version (the PS3 HD Subsistence-version, included in the collection) has aged just fine.
But you know what game would benefit from a makeover? MGS1, that’s what. From frustrating control and camera to icky characterizations and dated script. The amount of time spent on talking about Meryl’s butt is cringe-inducing. A modern retelling of the game, from the ground up in a new engine, would be interesting to see (and not just a Twin Snakes-reskin is what I’m trying to say).
That would take considerable effort though. Judging by Metal Gear Solid Master Collection: Volume 1 Konami has none to spare.