Raiden, do not turn off that console, this game is fucking nuts.
A bit of a preamble, but if you want peak mechanical stealth shooter, Snake Eater is a much better choice and is ridiculously innovative even by the series standard, having much more straightforward and immediate story and map design to grasp onto.
Sons of Liberty, on the other hand, is a game that puffs up its chest and does some rather ridiculous and incredible things that just weren't done in videogames prior, or done as well since. Taking nothing but risks, this title can casually throw around huge ideas mechanically and narratively with countless little ways to change up playstyles, find countless secrets, and make you think outside the game. Introducing bizarre devices like the directional microphone the game allows you apply yourself in as many ways as you'd want.
Narratively, though, is where the game is packing heat. This game's story questions everything-- starting with smaller, subtle notions like series conventions, action genre tropes, the perception of games themselves,
and can jump as lofty as discussing the reasons why we're alive, the importance of the human legacy and freedom, and even the polarization of political dialogue. Some people might not like how convoluted and ridiculous Metal Gear lore is, but at the end of the day it acknowledges it's just supposed to be a fun game while acting as a vehicle for characters and themes that will hit you like a truck.
Strongly recommend this game just so more people can talk about its absurd design and gameplay, because dear god we need it, and it's still just a fantastic game to play and one I'll be revisiting for any number of reasons.
A bit of a preamble, but if you want peak mechanical stealth shooter, Snake Eater is a much better choice and is ridiculously innovative even by the series standard, having much more straightforward and immediate story and map design to grasp onto.
Sons of Liberty, on the other hand, is a game that puffs up its chest and does some rather ridiculous and incredible things that just weren't done in videogames prior, or done as well since. Taking nothing but risks, this title can casually throw around huge ideas mechanically and narratively with countless little ways to change up playstyles, find countless secrets, and make you think outside the game. Introducing bizarre devices like the directional microphone the game allows you apply yourself in as many ways as you'd want.
Narratively, though, is where the game is packing heat. This game's story questions everything-- starting with smaller, subtle notions like series conventions, action genre tropes, the perception of games themselves,
and can jump as lofty as discussing the reasons why we're alive, the importance of the human legacy and freedom, and even the polarization of political dialogue. Some people might not like how convoluted and ridiculous Metal Gear lore is, but at the end of the day it acknowledges it's just supposed to be a fun game while acting as a vehicle for characters and themes that will hit you like a truck.
Strongly recommend this game just so more people can talk about its absurd design and gameplay, because dear god we need it, and it's still just a fantastic game to play and one I'll be revisiting for any number of reasons.