In terms of story, this game is absolutely incredible. A natural continuation of Metal Gear Solid that ups the ante, creating a grand-scale political thriller that challenges the very bounds of perception in the player. I would expect nothing less from Kojima, who reinvented video games as a medium with the first Metal Gear Solid.
The gameplay, however, is slightly weaker than MGS1. The stealth mechanics are more fleshed out, and the Tanker section offers a lot to do, but the Plant section has a lot of dumb bullshit that can make gameplay a slog at times. Even on easier difficulties, combat is a non-option when you're spotted; it's easier to just die. I would find myself letting go of the controller when I got caught because I didn't want to deal with the borderline terrible FPS controls in a high-stakes situation. Although this combat does pick up once you get the sword, it's only for a couple interactions at the end of the game, and far too little far too late.
The boss fights also vary wildly in terms of enjoyability. Encounters like Fatman and the Metal Gear RAYs are a total joy, but Vamp, Olga, and the Harrier get real tiring real fast. Still, though, there is enough variety in the fights to measure up to MGS1's incredible catalog.
Honestly, this game would be closer to a 3/5 if it wasn't for the masterful storytelling. I'm really hoping that Snake Eater delivers in the gameplay department, because otherwise it seems the plot is the strongest element of this franchise, which doesn't really bode all too well in an interactive medium.
The gameplay, however, is slightly weaker than MGS1. The stealth mechanics are more fleshed out, and the Tanker section offers a lot to do, but the Plant section has a lot of dumb bullshit that can make gameplay a slog at times. Even on easier difficulties, combat is a non-option when you're spotted; it's easier to just die. I would find myself letting go of the controller when I got caught because I didn't want to deal with the borderline terrible FPS controls in a high-stakes situation. Although this combat does pick up once you get the sword, it's only for a couple interactions at the end of the game, and far too little far too late.
The boss fights also vary wildly in terms of enjoyability. Encounters like Fatman and the Metal Gear RAYs are a total joy, but Vamp, Olga, and the Harrier get real tiring real fast. Still, though, there is enough variety in the fights to measure up to MGS1's incredible catalog.
Honestly, this game would be closer to a 3/5 if it wasn't for the masterful storytelling. I'm really hoping that Snake Eater delivers in the gameplay department, because otherwise it seems the plot is the strongest element of this franchise, which doesn't really bode all too well in an interactive medium.