The Metal Gear Solid franchise is a series of action-adventure stealth games developed and published by Konami. The series was created by Hideo Kojima, and the first game was released in 1987 for the MSX2 computer.
The franchise has since grown to become one of the most successful and beloved game series of all time, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations across a variety of platforms. The franchise has also received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, cinematic storytelling, and memorable characters.
In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase the top 5 best Metal Gear Solid games.
1. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is a critically acclaimed stealth-action game developed by Konami and released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2. The game features the return of Solid Snake, who is once again called upon to complete a top-secret mission, this time aboard a marine tanker and later on a futuristic offshore facility.
One of the most significant features of Metal Gear Solid 2 is its improved gameplay mechanics. The game retains the classic stealth-action gameplay of the original Metal Gear Solid but expands upon it, adding new moves, abilities, and weapons. The game also features a robust AI system that makes the enemy more challenging and unpredictable, requiring players to employ different strategies to overcome them.
Another standout feature of Metal Gear Solid 2 is its story. The game's storyline is complex, dealing with themes such as information control, censorship, and the dangers of overreliance on technology. The game's characters are memorable, with strong voice acting and distinctive personalities.
The game's graphics and sound design are also impressive, with detailed character models, realistic environments, and a haunting musical score.
2. Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid is a critically acclaimed action-adventure stealth game developed by Konami and released for the PlayStation in 1998. The game follows the story of Solid Snake, a retired soldier who is recruited by the US government to infiltrate a nuclear weapons facility to rescue hostages and prevent a terrorist attack.
One of the standout features of Metal Gear Solid is its immersive gameplay. The game features a unique blend of stealth, action, and puzzle-solving elements, which challenges players to use their wits and cunning to progress through the game. The controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing for seamless movement and interaction with the game world.
Another notable aspect of Metal Gear Solid is its cinematic presentation. The game features a gripping storyline, memorable characters, and top-notch voice acting and music. The cutscenes are well-directed and add to the overall sense of immersion and tension.
3. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is an action-adventure stealth game developed by Konami and released in 2008 for the PlayStation 3. The game follows the story of Solid Snake, who is on a mission to stop Liquid Ocelot, the leader of a group of rogue soldiers who plan to take over the world. It was the first HD Metal Gear game, and it was the follow up to one of the most legendary trilogies in gaming history.
MGS4 refined the gameplay mechanics of the previous installments. The game features an improved cover system, a new camera angle, and a wider range of weapons and gadgets, making it easier for players to take on their enemies in a variety of ways. The game also includes new mechanics like the "OctoCamo" suit, which allows players to blend in with their surroundings and avoid detection.
The game's graphics and sound design are also impressive, with detailed character models, realistic environments, and a cinematic musical score.
4. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is an action-adventure stealth video game developed by Kojima Productions and published by Konami for the PlayStation 2 in 2004.
The story of Metal Gear Solid 3 is one of the game's strongest aspects. Set in 1964 during the height of the Cold War, the game follows the story of Naked Snake (later known as Big Boss) as he is sent on a mission to rescue a defecting Soviet scientist. The game's plot is full of twists and turns, with multiple factions vying for control of the scientist and the powerful weapon he has created. The game's characters are well-developed and memorable, and the voice acting is top-notch.
The gameplay of Metal Gear Solid 3 is highly polished and refined compared to the previous entries in the series. The game features a variety of new moves and mechanics, such as camouflage and hunting, that add depth and complexity to the stealth gameplay. The controls are responsive and intuitive, making it easy to execute moves and navigate the game's environments. The game also features a robust inventory system and a wide range of weapons and items to choose from.
The graphics of Metal Gear Solid 3 were impressive for their time, featuring detailed character models and environments that were lush and vibrant. The game's cutscenes were particularly impressive, with cinematic camera angles and dramatic lighting that added to the game's overall cinematic feel.
5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is an action-adventure stealth video game developed by Kojima Productions and published by Konami in 2015. It is the fifth and final installment in the Metal Gear Solid series.
The gameplay of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is arguably the best in the series. The game features an open-world environment that allows players to approach missions in a variety of ways, whether through stealth or combat. The controls are responsive and smooth, and the game's mechanics, such as the Fulton system for extracting enemies and resources, add depth and strategy to the gameplay. The game also features a robust base-building system that allows players to develop and upgrade their own personal army.
The story of MGSV is a departure from the previous entries in the series, with a focus on revenge and the consequences of war. The game follows the story of Venom Snake, a mercenary who has lost his memory, as he seeks revenge against those who wronged him. While the story is engaging and well-written, it is also more fragmented and less cohesive compared to the previous games in the series.
The graphics are some of the best of the generation, with incredibly detailed character models and environments. The game's open-world is vast and beautiful, with a variety of landscapes to explore, from deserts to jungles. The game's cutscenes are also impressive, with cinematic camera angles and dramatic lighting.
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