It may be lacking a bit of stuff but that doesn't hold it back from being an awesome collection.
The three games are Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. All three of these games were some of the best around during there times and the latter two remain extremely playable today without even really feeling outdated.
Metal Gear Solid was the long awaited sequel to the NES classic Metal Gear. By its release in 1998, most people had forgotten about that old NES game making MGS quite the surprise. It defined stealth gameplay and had some of the neatest design in a video game. Everything about it was top notch. For The Essential Collection, Metal Gear Solid's two discs remain on the classic PS1 black bottom disc making them still playable on the PS1. This was actually pretty cool but keep in mind that you will need a PS1 memory card. Unfortunately you can't go to your local chain store and buy one, your best bet is to find one online for a couple of bucks.
Metal Gear Solid 2 is the real deal in this package because it has everything the MGS2: Substance version added to the original which was VR Missions, Snake Tales, Demo Theater, Skateboarding, etc. The game itself is still very fun and age hasn't slowed it down much as it still looks decent, sounds fantastic and plays as well as it did seven years ago.
Metal Gear Solid 3 was my favorite in the series but most people will find it to be the most disappointing game in this package because it doesn't have all of the Subsistence extras. When you load up the game it says "Subsistence Disc 1" meaning you get the new camera angle, which in fact is very cool and makes the game more playable and friendly to newcomers and veterans alike and this new camera angle which is from a more behind Snake view instead of above of him, also has a camera in the vein of Zelda: The Wind Waker's. This game is still awesome and I love playing it to this day but the many features in Subsistence would have really justified this package.
All of the games feature new packaging as well and come with new box arts and instruction manual designs. Instead of using a PS1 jewel case the PS1 Metal Gear Solid uses a PS2 case simply redesigned so it says "Playstation" instead of "Playstation 2." All of this comes in a box for $29.99
I really love this series and it is one of my favorites of all time. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is easily in my top ten favorite games of all time too. All of these games are amazing cinematic experiences that simply shouldn't be missed. With only months until the release of Metal Gear Solid 4, I cannot think of a better way to get into this franchise if you're a newcomer than to buy this. Veterans will be a tad disappointed but everyone else will truly enjoy what this package has to offer.