Metal Gear Solid comped for PS2

While Solid Snake may be a master of stealth, there's very little chance of his next proper excursion, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots for the PlayStation 3, making it onto shelves unnoticed. Despite that, Konami is stoking eager gamers' interest in the game with today's announcement of Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection for the PlayStation 2.

The Essential Collection will compile the original PlayStation edition of Metal Gear Solid along with Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance and Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence, both "director's cut" versions of the PS2 games. The compilation will sell for $29.99, and will feature commemorative packaging designed by series artist Yoji Shinkawa.

Konami did not announce a release date for the game, but online retailer GameStop is expecting it to ship in mid-March.