Improves on every aspect of its predecessor, MGS2: SOL is a must-play for its ambitious story and addictive gameplay
To say in an understated fashion, the bar was set pretty high for its sequel. Nonetheless, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty more than delivered when it released.
MGS2 is made up of two acts: the first takes place with Solid Snake investigating a tanker supposedly housing a new Metal Gear. The second puts players in newcomer Raiden's shoes as he infiltrates the Big Shell to rescue the United States president and neutralize the terrorists apparently led by 'Solid Snake'. Like the first game, things are not what they seem and both men become involved in a bigger conspiracy.
The story for Sons of Liberty is both its strength and weakness. The story is very much more ambitious and employs the 'conspiracy behind a conspiracy' plot development mixed with eccentric characters and double-crossers like the first. It may be embraced by those looking who love to analyze and think but the others may only see it as an over-convoluted mess. But everyone would be able to comprehend and love the handful of plot twists the script offers.
Hideo Kojima hasn't backed off from all the drama and romance either. Sometimes it just takes me out of the game. I'm sneaking in and bam, girlfriend calls in to lay off on some drama about her relationship with you. Give me a break sister, I'm in a mission to save a country and maybe a planet and you're here crying to me about our lack of communication?
Gripes I had with MGS were all the gameplay limitations it had especially the lack of a first person aiming with certain weapons and the stealth aspects. Like what most good sequels do, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty fixes and improves on MGS's shortcomings.
First person aiming is now possible and adds a new gameplay dimension. There's a new tranquilizer gun and new moves like rolling and popping out of corners with a gun equipped.
The AI is what has advanced the most. Guards are no longer three-second men who miss players the moment they turn a corner. They scour the place and react much quicker. The addition of a SWAT-like unit during Alert Mode, which also lasts longer now adds difficulty.
The boss fights remain as varied as ever although the terrorist faction isn't as cool as the FOXHOUND mercenaries from MGS.
The real beauty is all the freedom players get when playing it becomes addictive. There are so much options available when sneaking. Do you put a tranq dart in between the guard's eyes? Do you sneak up behind him, hold him and make him shake off his dignity? Or maybe you'd like to distract them via the dirty magazine? Options are aplenty and warrants replay-ability.
The graphics, sound and cinematics are all topnotch and high production as expected. They're all a joy to experience and the voice acting as usual is at its best. David Hayter is in top form as Snake.
I guess it goes without saying that Metal Gear Solid 2 is a game that shouldn't be missed. Never mind not playing as Snake for most of the game, the plot, gameplay and high production values should be enough to entice you. In fact, maybe you should give the game another playthrough if just to warm up for the upcoming Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. I know I am!