Metal Gear Acid is a departure from the traditional stealth-action gameplay that I've always loved and been accustomed to from Metal Gear. It instead introduces a turn-based, card-driven gameplay mechanic that's set within the universe. I'm a huge fan of Metal Gear, so I got some shit to talk about here.

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Like I already said; Metal Gear Acid's gameplay revolves around a unique blend of turn-based strategy and card-based mechanics. In this game you'll have to construct decks of action cards, equipment cards, and special ability cards to navigate through each level. The strategic depth lies in planning each move, considering the limited actions available per turn and the resources provided by the cards.
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I am not that big of a fan when it comes to this style of gameplay, but I can say that the card system does add an extra layer of complexity and unpredictability to the gameplay, requiring you to adapt to changing circumstances and make strategic decisions on the fly. However, the reliance on RNG for drawing cards lead me to some frustrating moments where my shitty luck played a significant role in how situation went.
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The stealth mechanics, y'know the hallmark of Metal Gear gameplay, are still present obviously but feel somewhat diluted in this iteration. While you can utilize stealth tactics to avoid enemies and complete the objectives, the emphasis shifts more towards tactical combat and card management. Which I just personally didn't get into, but enough about gameplay. Time for my favorite part of games; the story.

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True to Metal Gear tradition, Metal Gear Acid delivers a compelling narrative filled with political intrigue, conspiracies, and larger-than-life characters. Set in an alternate universe where bioterrorism is rampant, you'll assume the role of Solid Snake as he, like any Metal Gear game in existence, unravels a sinister plot involving a new weapon of mass destruction.
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The story is told through stylishly presented cutscenes and in-game dialogue sequences (again like every Metal Gear ever), that keeps you engaged and invested in the unfolding plot. The themes of government manipulation, genetic engineering, and the ethics of warfare are explored as well as always, adding depth to the overall experience.

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Visually, this game showcases impressive graphics for the PSP hardware of its time. Character models are well-detailed, environments are immersive, and the visual effects during combat sequences are satisfying. While I don't really give a shit about fps and whatnot, I do feel the need to point out that occasional frame rate drops and texture pop-ins detract from the overall polish of the presentation.
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The sound design is servicable, with a fitting soundtrack that sets the mood for each mission but with no track that stands out in any way. Voice acting, while limited, effectively conveys the personalities of the characters. However, repetitive sound effects and lackluster enviromental audio prevents the game from achieving auditory excellence personally.

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Now onto something I don't really mind not having present but is still a nice addition. Metal Gear Acid offers moderate replay value thanks to its branching mission paths, unlockable cards, and multiple difficulty settings. Completing the game unlocks additional challenges and rewards, encouraging you to revisit levels and experiment with different strategies.
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But I do have to say that the repititive nature of the card-based gameplay and linear progression structure may deter some people (including me) from seeking out additional playthroughs. While there is enjoyment to be found in mastering the game's mechanics, the lack of substantial rewards or incentives beyond completion may limit long-term engagement.

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Overall, Metal Gear Acid is an ambitious departure from the traditional Metal Gear formula, blending this unique gamplay togehter with the series' signature storytelling. While it offers an engaging narrative, these unique gameplay mechanics, and impressive visuals for it's platform, it falls short in certain areas that can range from small to moderately big. If you're a fan of the Metal Gear franchise looking for more content beside pachinko machines (fuck Konami), I recommend this game, because even through it's less than favorable areas this is still a game worth exploring as a fan. However, those seeking a more traditional Metal Gear you'll probably be better off with being covered through YouTube retrospectives.

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6.5/10

Yet another banger in this series. Snake Eater greatly modernizes tons of gameplay mechanics and delivers a more polished and satisfying game than the previous titles. The story is more focused on global politics and espionage than MGS2, which leaned on the philosophical side, but Snake Eater ultimately still digs into its roots.

The difficulty of rating this game comes with comparing it to its predecessors. To nitpick, I feel that this one overreached on some new mechanics - the survival food/cure mechanics felt more obtrusive than interesting, Snake can be a bullet sponge on most difficulties and enemy AI can be oblivious, so it's feasible in this game to go full lethal and just drain all the reinforcements sent at you to clear an area, and the bosses in this one nearly all felt more trivial and gimmicky than those of any previous games. There are a lot of extra nice details here though, so while I might lean towards preferring MGS 2, I do recognize that Snake Eater is a clear evolution.