This is a review of this compilation package, NOT explicitly of the games it contains. As such, why is it inferior?
The Solid (Good)
• This can be bought for $20, and if you have never played any MGS games, this is the perfect place to start
• MGS is the original PlayStation version
• MGS2 is the Substance re-release with all the crazy goodies
• Lets you play three of the best games ever one after the other
• Games all have high replay value
The Liquid (Not So Good)
• No VR Missions for MGS
• DOES NOT INCLUDE DISK 2 of Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence – that means none of the extras
• You MUST have a PlayStation memory card to play MGS 1
There is only one situation in which you should purchase the somewhat mis-named Essential Collection, and that is if you have never played MGS, and are really wanting to get into the series. You get three awesome games for less than 10 bucks each, which is a fantastic value. If you own at least two out of the three games individually, do not buy this package.
Here is a summary of what it contains:
Metal Gear Solid – This is the original PlayStation version, meaning that it requires a PS1 memory card. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the first time through if you explore and watch all the scenes, and less than 5 hours if you skip the story and know how to beat the bosses quickly. It has two endings and is well worth playing through multiple times. It does not include the VR Missions add-on pack.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance – This is the sequel on PS2. It takes between 10-15 hours to beat the first time if you explore and don't skip the plot. Awesome game until the last three hours, which are kind of a letdown. Worst in the series due to the weird story and weaker characters, but gameplay is top-notch. Includes the Substance extras, which can triple the amount of time you spend with the game. Overall the most complete game in this package.
Metal Gear Solid 3: 'Subsistence' – Also PS2, MGS3 is actually a prequel to the entire series. It takes between 20-25 hours to finish if you don't skip any plot and go after all the hidden items, and has an open-ended style that makes it really fun to mess around. Shooting hornet nests down on the heads of your enemies is hilarious, as is throwing poisonous snakes at them; all it all it's the best game in this compilation.
Now for the downsides. Notice how I put the subtitle in quotes? That's because it is a lie. The proper Subsistence release has two disks; the first has the game with a great camera mode, and the second has all the awesome extras on it with things like the old MSX2 Metal Gear games (though the online mode no longer works). THIS 'essential' version of Subsistence cuts out the second disk for some inexcusable reason. If you are an MGS newbie, this won't bother you too much. If, however, over the course of playing the first two games you become an absolute devotee (like yours truly, who was completely in the dark until this collection), this omission will hurt you.
Overall, once again there is only one reason to buy this collection: YOU HAVE NEVER PLAYED THE FIRST THREE METAL GEAR SOLID GAMES. If that is you, this is an awesome, awesome bargain. Just be aware that you may miss the extras from Fake-Subsistence (especially Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake). If so, you can buy the stand-alone game, or get the second disk off eBay if you so choose. On a whole I was very happy with my purchase of MGS:EC, as it let me play a whole awesome series of games back-to-back. This is a great buy for anybody curious about the series, or somebody who has bought Metal Gear Solid 4 and wants to know how everything started. Great games, but a disappointing method of compilation. 4/5