A superb experience on every level, the fourth entry in the Metal Gear series is one you surely must not miss.
Metal gear Solid 2's story is one of intricacy and romance, moreover it is one of deceit. Not to give away any spoilers, but this is definitly a game that will keep you on the edge of your seats. You'll receive codec transmissions similar to Metal gear Solid, however it is more advanced, utilizing the PlayStation 2's hardware, meaning that character animations during codec transmissions are fluid and well done, something that makes you feel like an actor, rather than a player. Metal gear Solid 2 uses no CGI, which is something incredible, since most games use it to move the story along, relying on this rather than the actual engine. The FMV's displayed are extremely well done, with impressive animations and a fairly high polygon count. Framerate stays consistant throughout the entire game, meaning no death by Frame or anything of the sort. Konami managed to pull off a highly well-done presentation.
For those who've had the opportunity to play Metal Gear Solid may remember the annoying first person perspective, and how you were unable to draw your gun during this instant, which didn't make any sense. Konami managed to fix this, and a bevy of other gameplay tweaks are also present. For instance, you can ''stick-up'' enemies, which will yield items when they shiver in fright, a most definite satisfying experience. Another noticeable tweak is the new first-person perspective which enables you to draw your gun for better accuracy. This is a definite plus, sincee enemies have weaknesses this time around. Whereas in Metal gear Solid you could only should in one direction, you can shoot in any degree in Metal Gear Solid 2. Sadly but believably, there are no particle effects present, this is believable however. This game is fairly old, and of course the PlayStation 2's potential had yet to be untapped. there is the occasional steampipe which bursts if you shoot it, or the laser-trip wires, but don't expect anything from a F.E.A.R. standard. There are many weapons found in Metal Gear Solid 2, from a modified AK-47 to the classic M4, they all have a very satisfying punch to them. The added accuracy with the first-person perspective aiming is great, this makes for some very exciting gun battles against enemies and bosses alike. Apart from weaponry, you also have some rather bland hand-to-hand combat. You have the basic punch and kick with the classic neck grab, though your moves vary depending on the character you're controlling. This brings to another interesting feature in Metal gear Solid 2, the ability to play as two characters. theres the infamous hero Solid Snake, who has joined Otacon in a quest to stop the production of metal gears, and then there is raiden, the somewhat brash hero of the second chapter. His story is one of great interest, more so than Solid Snakes, who plays a smaller role in Metal gear Solid 2.
You'll start off with a fairly long FMV, which shows a gruffy Solid Snake walking across the Manhattan bridge, cigarette in mouth and fury in face. The story progresses rather well in the beginning, in the classic Metal gear Solid format. Which is many codec calls, but don't fret, this is a good thing indeed. The beginning chapter, the tank chapter, is probably one of the greatest looking levels to begin with. Rain, reflections, and things of that sort are eye-candy and a pleasure to behold.
The Metal gear franchise has always had a very powerul score. And this is no exception, Harry Gregson Williams composes the music, which is brilliant. the opening theme is second to none, a theme which captivates you and inspires you. The weapons all sound terrific, the voice-work is top-notch, there are no complaints in this department.
Overall, this installment in the Metal gear series will be highly remembered as the greatest one to date, in fact, it's the greatest game to date, bar none. Whether you're a wannabe spy or hardcore stealth enthusiast, Metal gear Solid 2 will most probably satisfy your gaming needs, be sure not to miss this one, gamers.