metal gear solid 2 has a much better gameplay loop than the first despite being relatively the same, it just feels a lot more refined and less like a tool to get the story from one point to another; there's still definitely improvements i'd like to see moving forward but this was definitely a massive improvement in that department.

the story was extremely solid too, it may have gotten a little hard to follow in the latter half but that's probably a dig at me more than the game itself. raiden grew on me and so did all of the new characters introduced, as well as some old friends. the note it ended on was way too real for a video game, man; some real existential shit that will stick with me for a long time. one of the most unique ways of conveying a point in this medium probably. generally a very solid game, definitely a certified classic. can't wait for snake eater.

this has been agent gigantopithecus, signing out.