This game isn't about "playing through as quickly as possible..." It's the Oscar-winner of video games!
Below are some of the critics comments, and then my review comments:
THE CRITICS: "(Some critics) criticized the frame rate, saying it "occasionally stalls the eye-catching graphics" and "Especially annoying are instances where you zoom in with binoculars or the rifle scope", and also the interruptions of "advice from your team", in the early parts of the game, calling it an "annoyance".
REVIEW: At the time, 1997, this game was one of the most advanced graphics engines in the world. There may have been minute limitations, but when combined with the excellent spoken dialogue, really...in this game, how much time do you spend with the binoculars zoomed in anyhow? REDSKINSTU 1, CRITICS 0
THE CRITIC "GameSpot also criticized (Codec messages), saying "It needlessly interrupts the game". They also criticized how easy it is for the player to avoid being seen, the game's short length, and called it "more of a work of art than ... an actual game".
REVIEW: Wow, I don't even know where to begin here. Okay, first the team members send you messages because the first section of the game is called a TUTORIAL, which I'm assuming is a big word which video game reviewers don't understand. It means they're trying to give you instruction on the game controls via Codec, which is an integral part of the game.
Too easy it is to stay hidden? Okay, then turn off the radar, turn the difficulty to extreme and then try running on the metal floors all the time. You'll have all the action you can handle, Hard Man.
The game's short length? The game wasn't any shorter than other popular action games of the time, such as Resident Evil 2, Syphon Filter or Winback. Add in the VR missions, and it's just fine.
By the way, MGS IS an actual work of art AND a game. They're not mutually exclusive. REDSKINSTU 2, CRTICS 0
THE CRITICS: "Further criticism came from the website Adrenaline Vault, which said it had "some serious...flaws" which "made it a complete disappointment".
A complete disappointment? Really? The game introduced one of the most famous video game characters EVER, had a story worthy of Hollywood, some of the best voice acting in a game, some of the best music in a game, best graphics of its time, best third person camera EVER, best ending movie EVER, literally created the "stealth" genre single-handedly, some of the best boss battles which were years ahead of their time, the Psycho Mantis memory card/controller tricks and...well, I think you see my point. I didn't even mention the Cyborg Ninja or the torture scene!
REDSKINSTU 3, CRITICS 0
Anyhoo, I guess this just goes to prove that some people will complain about ANYTHING!
OVERALL SCORE: 10 out of 10 (I'd give MGS an 11 if I could)