Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Switch, Steam
Release Date: October 24, 2023
Three of the best games ever made are now available in a brand new collection.
MGS1: Release Date 1998, Story Date: 2005
This version includes the VR Missions, originally released separately as MGS: VR Missions or included in MGS: Integral depending on your platform & region. These are hundreds of bonus missions that focus on stealth, weapon mastery, and fun novelty modes like Mystery and Puzzle.
In this game you play as Solid Snake, a retired mercenary super soldier. Terrorists have taken over a nuclear weapons disposal facility in Alaska; they are demanding the remains of Big Boss from the US government. If their demands are not met, the terrorists have the ability to launch a stealth nuclear warhead using the bipedal tank Metal Gear REX. The main antagonists of this game are known as FOXHOUND, an American special ops team who went rogue.
MGS1 focuses on top-down stealth action. In many ways it plays more like a 2D game than a 3D game. I recommend either Easy or Normal for a first playthrough so you can use your Soliton Radar. Remember to call your support team on your CODEC for tips; you can use it during boss fights if you get stuck.
MGS2: Release Date 2001, Story Date: 2007-2009
This version includes almost all of the Substance content, originally released for Xbox, PS2, and PC after the initial PS2-only release. You get VR Missions like in MGS1, but also an additional set of missions called Alternative Missions. Alternative Missions include Photography and Hold-Up Modes which are quite fun. There's a boss rush mode, a new insane difficulty called European Extreme, and a mode called Snake Tales where you play alternate universe non-canon stories as Solid Snake.
In this game you play as
Solid Snake Raiden, a former child soldier & VR-trained trooper. Terrorists, led by Solid Snake, have taken over an offshore cleanup facility off the coast of Manhattan; they are demanding thirty billion dollars from the US government. If their demands are not met, the terrorist will kill the US President James Johnson who is being held hostage. Also they have a new Metal Gear: RAY. The main antagonists of this game are known as DEAD CELL, an American special ops team who went rogue.
MGS2 utilizes the 3D space more deliberately, with first-person shooting, hanging off ledges, and swimming all being added mechanics. The radar is still extremely useful, but you will often have to find a NODE computer console in most levels to activate it. European Extreme is no joke, and will test your mastery over every mechanic. If its your first playthrough, remember to select TANKER-PLANT option when starting a new game.
MGS3: Release Date 2004, Story Date 1964
This version includes the modified Subsistence version of the game, which adds a new Splinter Cell-esque camera for easier control & European Extreme difficulty similar to MGS2. This version also gave us new translated ports of the 2D Metal Gear games, which had never made it to the West before Subsistence. These 2D ports are included in the Master Collection as well.
In this game you play as
Solid Snake Raiden Naked Snake, an American special ops soldier. A Soviet military faction, led by Colonel Volgin, have kidnapped a scientist named Sokolov who has created a powerful tank-like weapon called the SHAGOHOD which will let the USSR stealthily launch an intercontinental nuke to anywhere in the US. Naked Snake must rescue Sokolov and prevent Volgin from using this weapon, which even the Soviet government does not want in order to prevent rising nuclear tensions with the US. The main antagonists of this game are known as the COBRA UNIT, who in a rare twist for this series are an American special ops team who went rogue.
MGS3 builds upon the foundation of MGS2 and features a more elaborate CQC (close quarters combat) melee system. Details are added like Suppressor durability, a stamina system where you must gather food to remain effective in combat, along with QOL features like being able to use a sniper rifle from the hip instead of being forced into scope mode. Its considered many fans' favorite entry (although all 3 are considered classics for a reason).
Finally, here are some detailed maps I made for your guys' use based off my memory of playing these games 20+ times. Backtracking is required in all 3 games.
MGS1
MGS2
MGS3
Trophy List (Spoilers)
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