For fans of the first, this is a treat.
GAMEPLAY
Turn based card strategy. The gameplay is deep and complex, featuring well over 500 cards, which a majority have a move function, and a use or equip function. The weapons come from all sides of the MG universe, characters from every Metal Gear, and upgraded cards. Stealth Turn Based Card game is an understatement, this game is complex, and the only real way to learn it is to play it.
I'll attempt to give a short description, each card has cost, and you can use two cards per turn. Total cost at the end of the turn is how long you have to wait until next turn. Less cost, equals less chance for opponents to move. More cost may allow an opponent to get two shots in at you. If you are seen, it goes into alert mode, where you will most likely die if you aren't armed to your teeth. A, the rest... I care lessnyway, you equip certain cards once for the weapon, twice to shoot, while others are just use, and you click them and they shoot, the entire time, you can move with any of these cards. Bla bla bla you get the idea, you can customize your strategy at your hearts desire.
GRAPHICS
MGA was good in graphics, but it suffered from slow down. This one looks better and has no slow down. Excellent character models (which have the most noticable graphical upgrade of breast physics) with awesome environments, and improved cinematics.
Card videos are the best though, seriously, that is reason enough for a fanboy to buy this game.
SOUND
The worst part about acid 2 is the sound. Generic bullets, explosions sound good, but there isn't much variation. The voice acting by David Hayter in very rare team attacks is top notch, but there isn't enough of it.
The game has great music to counter this, though some is recycled, it still doesn't hurt it.
VALUE
SPOILER ALERT
Having to fight the original final boss in its entirety with a twist, Tons of bosses, but a disappointingly short. The second play through contains surprises luckily, bit its just not long enough to keep my fully 100% satisfied. 500 cards aren't fun if you don't have enough situations to use them in. I was able to blast through the game in under 6 hours on normal first time through. Though I came back for more, the first time has to be of decent value.
End Alert
TILT
Yes, the story rocks this time. No stupid dolls. The whole amnesia thing is starting to get on my nerves though, can't they use an arm or something like that?
The story will keep you guessing right into the credits, but doesn't leave you hanging like MGS2. Yay.
OVERALL
Awesome, not perfect, but a huge step up over the original in every aspect.