this is the first mgs I played back in the day on ps2. in hindsight, it may not have been a good idea but it hooked on the series. replaying it now in releaser order, it's a massive improvement of the first mgs gameplay wise. I found all my frustrations with the first game gone here. the HD facelift has only made this game's art design shine brighter. It's still a good looking game. As for the story, I played through the game twice in a row. I just love the ideas and themes of this game and the ending...that beautiful twisted ending. a true achievement in the medium of video games. don't for the platinum trophy, though. I quit with my sanity intact