So, what's the best version of Metal Gear Solid?

Kamina said:
People disliking Twin Snakes are just sour it was GC exclusive
Click to expand...

Never understood the hate this version got and still gets.


wOVx15jquU0u34fe.jpg


It's not the devil people see within, really.
 
6502 said:
The original had a levitating mind reader, cyber ninja and giant mechs. Yes it had less ott scenes than twin snakes, but it was still about as mature as a comic book.
Click to expand...
I hear you.
Sure, the original Metal Gear Solid had its fantastical moments: a psychic boss fight, a cyber ninja, even giant mechs but those elements were framed within a tense, grounded atmosphere that made them feel impactful rather than absurd.
The Twin Snakes takes those foundations and dials the action up to cartoonish extremes, replacing suspenseful stealth with flashy stunts.
The problem isn't that I expected pure realism, it's that The Twin Snakes sacrifices the original's tone and pacing for spectacle, and in doing so loses what made it so special.
 
ChoosableOne said:
This thread convinced me to play Twin Snakes lol. I had played the original on PC, and I'd like to try a different version.
Click to expand...
You absolutely should do that. it will make you appreciate the original even more.
But whom are you kidding, you're not actually going to play it. It's been around for 21 years.
 
CJ_75 said:
You absolutely should do that. it will make you appreciate the original even more.
But whom are you kidding, you're not actually going to play it. It's been around for 21 years.
Click to expand...
I hadn't played it because I thought it was a remastered or very similar version of it. At some point, I'm thinking of playing Metal Gear 1 and 2, and if I play this version of MGS right after, it seems like it's going to be a nice experience.
 
ChoosableOne said:
I hadn't played it because I thought it was a remastered or very similar version of it. At some point, I'm thinking of playing Metal Gear 1 and 2, and if I play this version of MGS right after, it seems like it's going to be a nice experience.
Click to expand...
Well, bravo. It only took you 21 years to figure that out. Truly impressive. Have fun trolling… oh, sorry, I mean playing the games.
 
Jesus the Twin Snakes hate in here. Besides the music Twin Snakes wasn't a bad game. If anything it fixes a lot of what was wrong with the original game. I've recently played both and let me tell you, the original Ocelot fight sucks. Can't see him half the time, when you can you'll probably get shot first. Just because I can go into first person and shoot him, doesn't mean he'll always give me the opportunity to. And it pretty much removes all instances of having to back track long distances and makes the Grey Fox fight better.
 
I had the same doubt not so long ago, after not touching MGS for almost 15 years.
Duckstation with the HD texture pack + all emulator graphic improvements is the correct way to play it unless you are some kind of retropurist that like texture warping, etc (if you can deal with this, MGS collection could be an option).
Twin Snakes is completely unbalanced (the ledge holding + FP breaks entire areas), the "art direction" of the cutscene makes this version age much more than the original and the music sucks. The only good point is the graphics (of course) and how they gutted a good portion of the backtracking (one of the Achilles heel of the original game, basically filler to artificially extend the game's duration)

One thing that surprised me was how modern the game structure is. It's almost a Boss Rush game with the codecs acting as your "guide" exactly like how modern games hand held you. If you know what to do, you will breeze through the game in less than 6 hours.

Shadow Moses was taken with less than 30 soldiers + the Fox unit.
 
Last edited:
tkscz said:
Jesus the Twin Snakes hate in here. Besides the music Twin Snakes wasn't a bad game. If anything it fixes a lot of what was wrong with the original game. I've recently played both and let me tell you, the original Ocelot fight sucks. Can't see him half the time, when you can you'll probably get shot first. Just because I can go into first person and shoot him, doesn't mean he'll always give me the opportunity to. And it pretty much removes all instances of having to back track long distances and makes the Grey Fox fight better.
Click to expand...
For many, The Twin Snakes was their first Metal Gear Solid game. And for those players, it's something fantastic if they haven't experienced the original. I think some of them weren't even born when the original was released.
Hideo Kojima was not very happy with how the production went (were done by Silicon Knights). The cutscenes were completely redone and directed by Ryuhei Kitamura, who went all out with bullet time effects (The Matrix was very popular at the time). The grounded tone of the original MGS was completely thrown overboard.
I much prefer playing the game as Hideo Kojima originally envisioned it, rather than seeing it completely ruined by another director. The hate for MGS The Twin Snakes is quite exaggerated, but for me, the original still stands on a lonely peak, and Twin Snakes is rarely talked about. As far as I know, it even flopped commercially.
 
Last edited:
I wonder how many of you saying how "shit" Twin Snakes is actually played it. It's actually good. Really good.

It was the first game I played in the series, and I had a ton of fun with it. It's what got me hooked in the first place. The usual repeated ad-nauseam criticism is always the:

  1. The cutscene changes ruin the game because they completely change the tone, blah blah blah.
  2. Bad voice acting, even though they are the same actors. Game ruined.
  3. Gameplay changes ruin the game.

I think it's all baloney that has been greatly exaggerated over the years, especially by people that haven't even played it.

  1. Some of the cutscenes can be completely over the top and silly. But they are not grounds to "ruin" the game or its "tone". I'd say the game it's actually very faithful to the original, and after moving on to MGS2 I never once thought, "MGS1 was so different, wtf". I actually enjoyed them, and they can be even better than the original release IMHO (gray fox).
  2. Never once noticed this, I actually always looked forward to the codec calls because they were very memorable.
  3. This one is the only argument I see holding water. The original game was not designed for 1st person shooting. It can make some boss fights and encounters very easy (like ocelot). All I ever say, if you wanna have the original experience in this regards, the just don't use the first person mode. I personally like its inclusion. You get the dog tags interactions and you can shoot enemy radios, etc.

I'll stand by this to the day I die. MGS Twin Snakes is awesome. I think its perfecly fine as the first game to play in the series. With that said, the original release is also incredible. I don't think you can go wrong with either one. With access to PC, I would just do Duckstation or the GOG release. HD Collection was pretty good too. The Master Collection I would avoid just because Konami are lazy bastards that can be bothered to treat one of their biggest franchises with any respect or care. Maybe MGS Delta will be a turning point... We'll see...
 
grvg said:
I remember liking the grey fox stuff more in the twin snakes, but being sad that the music didn't hit the same towards the end. The ps1 music was so good.
Click to expand...
Yea there were a few standout tracks from TTS (e.g. Psycho Mantis Boss fight, Grey Fox Boss fight and Armory Alert phase) but agreed, ultimately MGS has the better overall OST (nothing beats "the best is yet to come" theme)




 
Last edited:
belteshazzar said:
I wonder how many of you saying how "shit" Twin Snakes is actually played it. It's actually good. Really good.

It was the first game I played in the series, and I had a ton of fun with it. It's what got me hooked in the first place. The usual repeated ad-nauseam criticism is always the:

  1. The cutscene changes ruin the game because they completely change the tone, blah blah blah.
  2. Bad voice acting, even though they are the same actors. Game ruined.
  3. Gameplay changes ruin the game.

I think it's all baloney that has been greatly exaggerated over the years, especially by people that haven't even played it.

  1. Some of the cutscenes can be completely over the top and silly. But they are not grounds to "ruin" the game or its "tone". I'd say the game it's actually very faithful to the original, and after moving on to MGS2 I never once thought, "MGS1 was so different, wtf". I actually enjoyed them, and they can be even better than the original release IMHO (gray fox).
  2. Never once noticed this, I actually always looked forward to the codec calls because they were very memorable.
  3. This one is the only argument I see holding water. The original game was not designed for 1st person shooting. It can make some boss fights and encounters very easy (like ocelot). All I ever say, if you wanna have the original experience in this regards, the just don't use the first person mode. I personally like its inclusion. You get the dog tags interactions and you can shoot enemy radios, etc.

I'll stand by this to the day I die. MGS Twin Snakes is awesome. I think its perfecly fine as the first game to play in the series. With that said, the original release is also incredible. I don't think you can go wrong with either one. With access to PC, I would just do Duckstation or the GOG release. HD Collection was pretty good too. The Master Collection I would avoid just because Konami are lazy bastards that can be bothered to treat one of their biggest franchises with any respect or care. Maybe MGS Delta will be a turning point... We'll see...
Click to expand...
It looks like you asked ChatGPT to help create a post. AI tends to use bullet points. You can do better.

For your information, I've played every Metal Gear game. I've even gone so far as to buy some consoles just to play Metal Gear, definitely true for the GameCube. And as you might be able to tell from my avatar, I'm a huge MGS fan.
The cutscenes were completely ruined by the new director. A good example is the Meryl is Shot scene. In the original, Snake sees Sniper Wolf's infrared targeting on Meryl's body and immediately takes action by warning her and trying to push her away.
The music, the acting, the drama, and the cinematography in these scenes are nothing short of perfection.

In The Twin Snakes, Snake also notices the infrared but instead of reacting urgently, he calmly walks around to observe the infrared device aimed at her. I feel the sense of urgency is missing from Snake here.
For me, this weakens one of the most impactful scenes in Metal Gear Solid, because in the original Snake and Meryl seemed to understand each other's identities and shared romantic feelings. And just right after that, she got shot.
In The Twin Snakes, despite it being a stealth game, Snake behaves wildly, shooting around to Sniper Wolf's possible location and collapsing dramatically on the ground like a "drama queen."

The voice acting was re-recorded for this game. I have great respect for David Hayter, but his performance in The Twin Snakes was not his best.

Here are both scenes. it's up to you to decide which one feels more grounded and impactful. Personally, I lean towards Hideo Kojima's vision.
Original Meryl is shot scene:
Remake Meryl is shot scene:
 
Last edited:
CJ_75 said:
It looks like you asked ChatGPT to help create a post. AI tends to use bullet points. You can do better.
Click to expand...
Sigh...

  • Normal people also use bullet points. Just because someone uses them, doesn't mean they are using ChatGPT. Which I didn't use.
  • Saying this is a conversation/discussion is non-starter and just makes me perceive you as a pretentious prick.
  • I also mentioned I'm a big fan of the series, I've played several versions and made an entire post to make my point.
So, my recommendation to you is to not make dumb assumptions about people just because they used bullet points. That's how I best structure my thoughts. Do better.

And no, I already knew about all those things and it doesn't change my original answer. I like both games, my argument is that the Twin Snakes receives unwarranted hate and is good way to get into the series. If you don't agree, I didn't come here to change your mind.
 
Original MGS1 is pretty much my favorite game, but... - Fuck "grounded". Absolutely LOVE those over the top cutscenes, and when you think about it, it even makes more sense for Snake to be able to do all those things, considering what kind of bosses he faced, and overcame.

Also, don't use first person mode, or hanging if it breaks the game (TTS) for you.

TTS isn't any easier than MGS2, or any other later game in series that has those things.

With the introduction of camouflages, or Octo Camo, Camo Index, etc., we basically become invisible.
 
CJ_75 said:
It looks like you asked ChatGPT to help create a post. AI tends to use bullet points. You can do better.

For your information, I've played every Metal Gear game. I've even gone so far as to buy some consoles just to play Metal Gear, definitely true for the GameCube. And as you might be able to tell from my avatar, I'm a huge MGS fan.
The cutscenes were completely ruined by the new director. A good example is the Meryl is Shot scene. In the original, Snake sees Sniper Wolf's infrared targeting on Meryl's body and immediately takes action by warning her and trying to push her away.
The music, the acting, the drama, and the cinematography in these scenes are nothing short of perfection.

In The Twin Snakes, Snake also notices the infrared but instead of reacting urgently, he calmly walks around to observe the infrared device aimed at her. I feel the sense of urgency is missing from Snake here.
For me, this weakens one of the most impactful scenes in Metal Gear Solid, because in the original Snake and Meryl seemed to understand each other's identities and shared romantic feelings. And just right after that, she got shot.
In The Twin Snakes, despite it being a stealth game, Snake behaves wildly, shooting around to Sniper Wolf's possible location and collapsing dramatically on the ground like a "drama queen."

The voice acting was re-recorded for this game. I have great respect for David Hayter, but his performance in The Twin Snakes was not his best.

Here are both scenes. it's up to you to decide which one feels more grounded and impactful. Personally, I lean towards Hideo Kojima's vision.
Original Meryl is shot scene:
Remake Meryl is shot scene:
Click to expand...


It's like watching a MGS cutscenes and then watch the anime cheesy version of a MGS cutscenes
You don't forget about the smak that booty scene when Meryl enters the hall and the kung Fu ballet when snake with was being captured. The only thing they missed was the onomatopoeia balloons like the 60's Batman series when the guard butt stock Snake.
 
Twin Snakes is fine. I played both, and I enjoyed it even more because I got to play more as Snake with MGS2 level visuals and gameplay. I really liked seeing the improved models for all of the characters too.
 
belteshazzar said:
Sigh...

  • Normal people also use bullet points. Just because someone uses them, doesn't mean they are using ChatGPT. Which I didn't use.
  • Saying this is a conversation/discussion is non-starter and just makes me perceive you as a pretentious prick.
  • I also mentioned I'm a big fan of the series, I've played several versions and made an entire post to make my point.
So, my recommendation to you is to not make dumb assumptions about people just because they used bullet points. That's how I best structure my thoughts. Do better.

And no, I already knew about all those things and it doesn't change my original answer. I like both games, my argument is that the Twin Snakes receives unwarranted hate and is good way to get into the series. If you don't agree, I didn't come here to change your mind.
Click to expand...

Well, it seems the mask has come off and you're reacting like a human. Quite an unrefined reaction, especially in contrast to the mechanical tone of your previous post. I checked, and your previous post on this forum didn't have any bullet points.
Let's keep this a human conversation, shall we? AI and strong language isn't necessary, but if it helps you express yourself, feel free to use it.

Just because I prefer the original MGS doesn't mean I hate The Twin Snakes. You're the one turning it into that, not me. I can appreciate both while still favoring one over the other.
I can appreciate the QoL improvements, the enhanced visuals, and the refined gameplay mechanics. But the original, its tone, suspense, immersion, story and sound, it stands in a league of its own.
The serious tone of Metal Gear Solid, infused with its fantastical elements, was consistent throughout the saga, it was never reduced to the kind of silliness seen in The Twin Snakes.
I'm certain that many who haven't played it and take The Twin Snakes as their point of reference are missing out on something truly special.

I truly believe that Metal Gear Solid gave story driven, cinematic singleplayer games a boost, setting a new standard and becoming the poster child for countless developers.
It defined my gaming life, inspiring my love for immersive storytelling and unforgettable characters, a passion that continues to this very day.
 
At this point, is Twin Snakes considered abandonware? I mean, it will most likely never be remade or sold again, and is only playable on hardware that hasn't been produced for nearly two decades.
 
belteshazzar said:
I don't think that's right, though I do agree there are different levels for a remaster, at the end of the day they are a remaster. Many of the things OP listed are not a remaster. This is how I like to see it:

1. Port/Emulation. The lowest effort. It's essentially the same game, just being made to run on newer platforms, perhaps with some minimal improvements, like running on a higher res or better framerate. Maybe some new controller schemes. I think of the many ports the Wii got, or even the Switch, such as Bayonetta 2.
2. Remaster. Medium effort. Build upon the previous level, where the dev spends significant resources creating new textures, assets, improvements to engine, perhaps fixing egregious bugs and adding quality of life improvements. Adding new features and modes are on the table. Metroid Prime Remaster is here.
3. Remake. Highest effort. Some of the original code might still be present, but the game is essentially being built from scratch. It's essentially a new game, but it respects and pays homage to the source material. Generally speaking, the story and/or "feel" of the game are preserved. REmake and RE2 Remake come to mind.
4. Reimagining: This goes beyond a remake. It's a completely different game, doesn't attempt to preserve the original experience, but rather provide something new in a different direction. Story, characters and settings might greatly differ. A completely different game by all means. Best example I can think of is Silent Hill Shattered Memories.
Click to expand...

CJ_75 said:
Well, it seems the mask has come off and you're reacting like a human. Quite an unrefined reaction, especially in contrast to the mechanical tone of your previous post. I checked, and your previous post on this forum didn't have any bullet points.
Let's keep this a human conversation, shall we? AI and strong language isn't necessary, but if it helps you express yourself, feel free to use it.
Click to expand...
Turns out you're a dumbass. And you ARE a pretentious prick. Didn't look well enough, huh? Just because I like to use bullet points doesn't mean I use them all the time. They are not always needed. Nonetheless, you've proven yourself too dumb to realize simple facts. Using bullet points was a useful tool to first enumerate common criticisms and then my responses to each of them. But I don't have to prove or explain myself to you. Either you're just really dumb or just want to invalidate anything I say with a "hur dur, he used ChatGPT" straw man argument. Even if I did use ChatGPT, which I didn't, what gives you the right to tell anyone anything about it? Are you the ChatGPT police or something? Fuck off. You're an insufferable prick and impossible to have a normal discussion with. I'm done wasting my time with you. Off to the ignore list you go.
 
calistan said:
At this point, is Twin Snakes considered abandonware? I mean, it will most likely never be remade or sold again, and is only playable on hardware that hasn't been produced for nearly two decades.
Click to expand...
I think it does fit the definition of abandonware. As I understand it, abandonware just means a game that you can no longer purchase officially like when it was released. The only way I see the game coming back is through Konami in another Master Collection Volume, which seems unlikely, or perhaps through the Nintendo Online service. It would be cool to see a rerelease of it!
 
belteshazzar said:
I think it does fit the definition of abandonware. As I understand it, abandonware just means a game that you can no longer purchase officially like when it was released. The only way I see the game coming back is through Konami in another Master Collection Volume, which seems unlikely, or perhaps through the Nintendo Online service. It would be cool to see a rerelease of it!
Click to expand...
Yeah, I guess there's no official definition but I'd say it's anything where you're relying on the emulation community for preservation. Depending on where/when you draw the line, it might even include MGS 4.

Pretty sure I've got a copy of Twin Snakes in the attic, this thread has tempted me to replay it.
 
belteshazzar said:
Turns out you're a dumbass. And you ARE a pretentious prick. Didn't look well enough, huh? Just because I like to use bullet points doesn't mean I use them all the time. They are not always needed. Nonetheless, you've proven yourself too dumb to realize simple facts. Using bullet points was a useful tool to first enumerate common criticisms and then my responses to each of them. But I don't have to prove or explain myself to you. Either you're just really dumb or just want to invalidate anything I say with a "hur dur, he used ChatGPT" straw man argument. Even if I did use ChatGPT, which I didn't, what gives you the right to tell anyone anything about it? Are you the ChatGPT police or something? Fuck off. You're an insufferable prick and impossible to have a normal discussion with. I'm done wasting my time with you. Off to the ignore list you go.
Click to expand...
You're probably right. I can only imagine the struggle to have people with different opinons. Perhaps ChatGPT can give you a step by step guide on how to make it through the rest of your day.
Let me give you 2:
  1. Please remain polite under all circumstances, as I try to do myself. A little teasing is fine but strong words, come on man.
  2. Different opinions on a forum aren't the end of the world, we can still have a good conversation. Back up your claims and try not to lash out when you're challenged.
Anyway, have a good day sir.
 
I've bought the switch version for another playthrough. God damn it can look rough in parts and other times stunning. I do prefer the palette of the original. The analogue control can be a bit annoying (missing a good D pad).
I like having both this and twin snakes, like having theatrical vs special edition star wars dvds. But this port could really have done with a higher resolution and wide-screen would have been nice.
Honestly not a fan of some of the voice acting of the bosses, Meiling and Naomi are pleasant to listen to though so understand some people's irritation they were altered in TTS.
Anyway, heading to the comms tower nearing sniper wolf....
 
CJ_75 said:
I truly believe that Metal Gear Solid gave story driven, cinematic singleplayer games a boost, setting a new standard and becoming the poster child for countless developers.
It defined my gaming life, inspiring my love for immersive storytelling and unforgettable characters, a passion that continues to this very day.
Click to expand...
Believe? This is exactly what it did. I haven't even played them much and I've known that for decades.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Metal Gear Solid 3: The Complicated History of All 5 Versions Explained
Opinion Analysis Trailer 
11
129
RAIDEN1 replied
METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER - Launch Trailer
2
51
238
Gonzito replied
Digital Foundry: Metal Gear Solid Delta PC - The Best Way To Play - DF Tech Review + Optimised Settings
2 3 4
153
198
DenchDeckard replied
Are you buying Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater?
2 3 4
181
468
fersnake replied
‘Metal Gear Solid’ Producers Are Training Younger Developers to Continue the Series
2
80
254
PlayStaytion replied
Top Bottom