Determining the best Metal Gear Solid game is a huge task to undertake. But we’ll try our best to give you a clear lowdown on how the series has panned out over the years. MGS games form part of the larger Metal Gear series which has its roots set in the year 1987 when the first eponymous game hit the MSX2. Considered as a pioneer for the stealth genre, it quickly managed to generate enough attention for its legendary designer Hideo Kojima and his team to consider a sequel. Thus began a string of games based on Solid Snake, and the series and its storyline began to expand in astonishing proportions. The first MGS game came out in 1998, following which a number of sequels, ports and spin-offs managed to give it a new start. Applauded regularly for popularizing the stealth genre, MGS games are known for their ridiculously intricate storylines, their cinematic cutscenes, their unusual humor and their examination of political and philosophical themes. The Metal Gear game franchise has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, and has given millions of gamers countless hours of fulfilling gameplay experiences. Here we’ll be listing out the finest Metal Gear Solid games in our opinion. Let’s take a look at them then.
6 – Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
This PSP offering was released in 2006 as the first ever action-based handheld game from the series, with the prior two being turn-based tactical games. It is built in an action-adventure fashion and features the series’ trademark stealth attributes. But instead of solo missions, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops kicks in a squad-based approach, having Snake recruit allies and form a team of trained specialists. Moreover, this game even comprises of a Wi-Fi-enabled multiplayer mode which has some of its parts tied into the single-player campaign. With visuals that put other PSP games of its time to shame, it managed to grab an impeccable visual appeal.
5 – Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater trades the high-tech settings of its predecessors and drops you in the middle of a jungle environment set in the Soviet of 1960s which is also the Cold War era. The game lets you play as Naked Snake, even as he as embarks upon important missions like rescuing a weapons designer, sabotaging an experimental super-weapon and assassinating his defected former boss. The focus of its gameplay is boldly set on stealth and infiltration which makes it a treat for any MGS fan. Released for the PS2 in 2004, it has later made its way to the 3DS as well as the PS3, Xbox 360 and PS Vita in the form of an HD Collection.
4 – Metal Gear Solid
When Hideo Kojima was creating Metal Gear Solid he had expected the game to not sell at all. And as it turned out, it ended up shipping more than six million copies worldwide and also grabbing the distinction of being one of the finest games of all time. It laid the foundation of modern stealth mechanics and despite being a PlayStation offering it managed to cram in itself cinematic cut-scenes as well as voice acting. With cool gadgets and weapons at your disposal, Metal Gear Solid makes it a treat to indulge in its gameplay. It features an extremely intricate story as well. You can now play it on modern PlayStation platforms as well as PC.
3 – Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Another PSP game, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker came out in 2010 and blew everyone away with its truly amazing offerings. Taking place in Costa Rica, it places you in the shoes of Big Boss and lets you indulge in two types of basic gameplay. You can get into the usual tactical espionage missions, while you can even experience a crew managing simulation through you Mother Base. This wonderful game is driven by a stellar soundtrack which makes it an all the more pleasing experience. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker can also be played now on the PS3 and Xbox 360 in HD form, apart from the PS Vita which has backwards compatibility for PSP titles.
2 – Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
The first ever MGS game developed for the PS3, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is a wonder in game development. The amount of detailing that has gone into its gameplay, its story and all other things makes it a joy to indulge in at every turn. Released in 2008, it takes place across detailed environments in the Middle East and South America. An all-new OctoCamo suit and the usual array of gadgets and weapons will be at your disposal in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. It’s out now for the PS3.
1 – Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Our favorite MGS game just has to be Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. This title has everything in it that makes a game legendary. It features truly breathtaking gameplay, but more importantly it explores mature themes and topics with its story thus evoking a perfectly engrossing experience. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty has sold 7 million copies worldwide and if that’s not an indication of its greatness, it’s one of the highest-rated video games of all time. You can now play it on a number of platforms.
Conclusion:
So that is the best Metal Gear Solid game in our opinion. There are bound to be disagreements among fans regarding this list, but a little debate doesn’t hurt. Do let us know what you thought about it.