Metal Gear 2 improves on the original Metal Gear in nearly every way. Right from the very beginning of the game, the morality turns gray as NATO engages in a total war campaign against the Outer Heaven nation. The complexity of war is much more apparent throughout, with many characters expressing regrets about their involvements or defecting from their previous alliances. In spite of the heavy themes, the story is well balanced with the regular gameplay, and it never feels like I need to mash buttons to pass the cutscenes.
The 2D Metal Gear gameplay is noticeably upgraded here as well, with the addition of crouching for extra stealth options and the new map grid system to give another layer of strategy when navigating each screen. However, one of the biggest enhancements are the refined boss battles. In the previous game, nearly every boss came down to spamming rockets but in Metal Gear 2 there’s much more variety to their weakness and ideal counters. The final fight in particular is an incredible example of using every single item available to you at its greatest potential.
One of the few areas that holds Metal Gear 2 back is the cryptic nature of a handful of puzzles. Even with the manual as a reference, figuring out how some items are actually meant to be used together gets confusing, especially when it seems like a handful of objects do nothing when equipped. On the other hand, the combat itself can be almost too forgiving at times. Since you keep all your items and fully regain your health when dying, it’s occasionally unsatisfying to not have to survive both journeys of the more intense routes. Regardless of any flaws, Metal Gear 2 is still one of the oldest games you’ll find with both an emotional story and engaging action.
Part of the Glitchwave Top 100 Project (#19/100 - Metal Gear Solid HD Collection)
The 2D Metal Gear gameplay is noticeably upgraded here as well, with the addition of crouching for extra stealth options and the new map grid system to give another layer of strategy when navigating each screen. However, one of the biggest enhancements are the refined boss battles. In the previous game, nearly every boss came down to spamming rockets but in Metal Gear 2 there’s much more variety to their weakness and ideal counters. The final fight in particular is an incredible example of using every single item available to you at its greatest potential.
One of the few areas that holds Metal Gear 2 back is the cryptic nature of a handful of puzzles. Even with the manual as a reference, figuring out how some items are actually meant to be used together gets confusing, especially when it seems like a handful of objects do nothing when equipped. On the other hand, the combat itself can be almost too forgiving at times. Since you keep all your items and fully regain your health when dying, it’s occasionally unsatisfying to not have to survive both journeys of the more intense routes. Regardless of any flaws, Metal Gear 2 is still one of the oldest games you’ll find with both an emotional story and engaging action.
Part of the Glitchwave Top 100 Project (#19/100 - Metal Gear Solid HD Collection)