If you have never played these games, then this is for you. Veterans of the series should watch out.
* You get three games for the price of one
* Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3 are the Substance and Subsistence versions respectively, so you get the nice extra goodies included in their disc
* Each game features some nice new cover art, especially PS one game
The Bad:
* Subsistence version of Metal Gear Solid 3 does not include the bonus disc, meaning that we don't get the original Metal Gear games
* Metal Gear Solid 1 was not touched at all
Overview:
There really isn't much to review here about the game play and such since by this time most people have already played through these games or have read tons of reviews. But let's look over as to what you are getting for $30.
Included in this collection is Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence. What this means is that you get to enjoy the extra goodies included in the second versions of MGS 2 and 3 (Substance and Subsistence).
The only problem with the MGS 3: Subsistence version is that it does not include the bonus disc, which allowed you to play through the original versions of Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, I think this is one of the biggest disappointments in the collection since it kind of feels like you're not getting the full package.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance wasn't really touched so you are getting exactly what you got in the original, which is pretty good.
Metal Gear Solid 1 wasn't touched from the original PS one version either, all they did was port it over to a newer PS one disc. The problem with that is that you are required to have a PS one memory card in order to save. I guess it would have been nice to see the Integral version or Twin Snakes Game cube version. *wink*
So did we get our money's worth for these three games? I think so. Many will agree that including the other goodies I listed would have made this a more complete collection, but we have to think of it as its name says. It's the "Essential" collection, aiming for the gamers that want to get into Metal Gear Solid 4 but have not played the other key games in the series. It wasn't meant to redo the games for optimal PS2 performance. For the price of $30, these three games are well worth it. If you are someone that already has the collection or has already gone through these games, then this box set might not be for you. But if you have not played through these games and are undecided, then you might as well drop those 30 bucks because this will surely get you into the Metal Gear Solid fan base. Maybe after metal Gear Solid 4 is released we can get a more complete collection if you know what I mean *wink*
If you have never played these games then this is the perfect chance to do it at a reasonable price, since now they are a little hard to find especially MGS 1.