Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection Review (PS3)

Introduction​

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This collection includes two Blu-Ray discs, which contain Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, Metal Gear Solid : Digital Graphic Novel, Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel 2, and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. The first Metal Gear Solid game and Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions can be downloaded at the PlayStation Store by redeeming a code.

This collection also includes an artbook that contains promotional posters for many Metal Gear games. The first Blu-Ray disc is essentially a copy of Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, except that it includes two digital graphic novels for the first two Metal Gear Solid games. The second Blu-Ray disc comprises entirely of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, with the latest patch included.

Games

i) Metal Gear Solid & Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions​
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Play as Solid Snake in this first Metal Gear game on the PlayStation 1, or play VR missions on the other game.​

The first Metal Gear Solid game and Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions are included as downloadable games, and you can download them via redeeming the downloadable code on PlayStation Store.

The first Metal Gear Solid game on PS1 is one of the most revolutionary games I have ever played, as introduces movie-like storyline, great plot-twists, likable characters, and so on. I would say that any interested fans should try out this game first in case they are new to Metal Gear series.

Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions is a standalone game that contains many playable missions. Some of those VR Missions tasks include by sneaking to the objective point, weapons, and etc. It is not canon, but can be fun to play with if you are bored.

Metal Gear Solid score: 9/10
Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions score: 7/10

ii) Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty HD

Play as both Snake and Raiden in this thrilling sequel.​

This is the second Metal Gear Solid game, and it is remastered into HD. It introduces new characters such as Raiden and Dead Cell members, as well as old characters like Solid Snake and Revolver Ocelot. This is a great sequel with improved controls, but many Metal Gear fans may dislike Raiden's character and sudden inclusion as the main playable character in the game. VR Missions are also included in this game, as you can play many optional missions using Snake or Raiden.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty HD score: 9/10

iiI) Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater HD, Metal Gear, & Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake

Play as Naked Snake in this starting point of the Metal Gear universe.​

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This game is the prequel of all canon Metal Gear games, and it introduces many new gameplay elements like camouflage, stamina, and CQC. The additional new gameplay elements make it superior than Metal Gear Solid 2's controls, and add new strategies in fighting enemies or getting through areas with more variety in strategies. This game's setting is during the Cold War, and many things in this game reflect that era, such as less-developed technology. The main problem I had with this game is the poor lip-syncing, where the character's mouths do not match the voice during speeches. It is a not gamebreaking problem, but it is noticeable to any players.​
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This game also includes the first two Metal Gear games on MSX2 console, which are Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake. If anyone who wants to know early stories of Solid Snake, they should play these two games. Beware though, as these games were developed a long time ago, and some players may not be thrilled to try out retro games.​
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Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater HD score: 9/10​
Metal Gear score: 7/10​
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake score: 8/10​
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iv) Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker HD

Play as Big Boss (a.k.a Naked Snake) in this HD remastered portable game.​

This game was first released on PSP, and it is a sequel of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. The game plays a bit different than other Metal Gear Solid games as it is more mission based, as you can select any Missions to play again or to proceed. Each Mission may have different objectives, such as requiring you to defeat a boss in one mission, and get to an area in another mission. You may also play this game online with other players if you want to. This is a good Metal Gear Solid game with great controls, although I dislike the game's mission-based structure compared to other Metal Gear Solid games.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker HD score: 8/10

v) Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Play as Old Snake in this final chapter of Solid Snake's story.​

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This is the final game that showcases Solid Snake as the main playable character, and now known as Old Snake. With new controls and great graphics, this game will definitely attract new players to play it first. Storywise, I highly advise everyone to play this game lastly if you are a story purist. With the latest patch included, you do not need to install the game in between different chapters, as well as obtaining Trophies. However, many of the in-game terms or story elements may be too complicated for certain players like MGS2. This is one of my favourite Metal Gear Solid games, next to MGS3 and MGS1.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots score - 10/10

vii) Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel & Metal Gear Solid 2: Digital Graphic Novel

Relieve the stories of first two Metal Gear Solid games via digital graphic novels representations of both games.​

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Two digital graphic novels are included to retell both MGS1 and MGS2 stories, complete with voice acting. Although they are fairly good retellings of both games' storylines, some events in both digital graphic novels may be altered or omitted. It is recommended for you to watch these digital graphic novels if you are not interested in playing both first Metal Gear Solid games.

Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel score - 7/10
Metal Gear Solid 2: Digital Graphic Novel - 7/10 

Conclusion

Get this if you are interested with Metal Gear series.​

This is a complete collection of many Metal Gear games, and I am fairly happy with the reasonable price. It has all of my favourite Metal Gear games, and the HD versions of older MGS games are great. I highly recommend anyone to get this collection if you are either interested with Metal Gear series, or if you are a long-time Metal Gear fan.

Final Score: 10/10

Pros and Cons

Pros

- Includes most of canon Metal Gear games.
- HD versions of Metal Gear Solid 2, Metal Gear Solid 3, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker are expertly remastered.
- Metal Gear Solid 4 is one of the best games on current generation.
- Great storylines on all Metal Gear games.
- Many likable characters on all Metal Gear games.
- Great voice acting on most Metal Gear games.
- Includes retro Metal Gear games like MGS1, MG, and MG2: SS.
- Reasonable price for a collection of eight games (not including two digital graphic novels).
- A great start for new Metal Gear fans.

Cons

- Does not include Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops to complete the canon Metal Gears storyline.
- Some Metal Gear games may have archaic controls for some players to get used to.
- Poor lip-syncing on MGS2 and MGS3.
- Lengthy cutscenes may not appeal to players who like fast-paced action games.
- Too many in-game or real-life terms that may be complicated to some players.


**Images are from official Konami site and Destructoid.