2nd Op By

James Wong 9.0 RATING

I agree with Matt that the control orientations, once mastered, make the game even more fun and naturally smoother. Executing more advanced moves such as holding a terrorist hostage or shooting a terrorists radio out (so that he cant communicate with other attack teams) are challenging but add a lot to the already fun experience of the game. It seemed to me, however, that I started to execute new moves and tactics after finishing the game once. Perfecting stealth tactics and some of the more complex moves definitely adds a "coolness" factor to your demeanor, though, and I know quite a few people who have replayed the original Metal Gear Solid and will probably play this title over and over.

While continuing through the game, most of the camera shifts and angles that occurred while making my way through the game were comfortably intuitive, while others were downright difficult to negotiate. For instance, leaning against a wall to peek around corners became a natural practice, while walking down some corridors seemed to be viewed at the least convenient angles. I often stared at the radar on the top-right while I made my way through a room instead of looking at what was happening on-screen. I wish that I didnt have to do this so often so I could instead focus on the action itself.

Like Matt says, the enemy AI is definitely an improvement over the last Metal Gear game and finally gives justice to the "stealth tactics" youll work on. You may want to blast your way through the game by shooting as many terrorists as possible, but it will only make the game more frustrating as you shoot wave after wave of soldiers until youve wasted all your rations or simply all that time in one place trying to survive. This isnt Deus Ex, where you can tailor your experience by blasting away or finishing the game as a shadow. Its called "Tactical Espionage Action" for a reason.

In addition to the gameplay, MGS2s lengthy cut-scenes are all shot very well with smooth motion-captured performances from start to finish. The mixture of excellent staging along with the more anime-like faces of some of the characters results in a distinct look, combining our perceptions of film viewing along with that of looking at the art style of Japanese animation. Unfortunately, this excellence wasnt escapist enough to keep me from itching to involve myself in the story. For instance, I was ready to get back into the action after one cut scene, only to sit through two more. In addition, the conversations by codec were also very lengthy. As a measurement, while my first run through of the game was almost exactly fifteen hours, I played through the game a second time in five by skipping all cut scenes and codec dialogue. Granted, the second time through was much faster since I knew exactly what to do.

After completing the game twice and learning about the various Easter Eggs throughout the game, I feel that MGS2 certainly has replay value. I usually never play through a single player experience more than once unless there are enough perks, and with MGS2 the incentives include an experience akin to watching a fun action film all over again along with some nice creative scenarios in gameplay. Divulging them would ruin the plot for you, so youll have to discover them for yourself.

While my expectations after playing the demo (packed with Zone Of The Enders) were high, the game that unfolded satisfied them but introduced surprises that can only bring one word into mind: bittersweet. Plot twists are certainly welcome, but there are so many here that I was jarred and confused near the end of the game. Without saying too much, it feels like Kojima did to this game what breakthrough filmmakers have been pushing into their films: something out of the ordinary, a self-criticism of the medium or a combination of both. Still, if that turns you off, dont let it stop you: the experience of playing this game is definitely worth the full price of admission.

3rd Op By

Chi Kong Lui 9.5 RATING

MGS2 is a daring and stunningly complex work and vision. It made me think, challenged my values, and in the end, made me look at the world differently. Its ideas are astonishingly contemporary and relevant -- even more so after the tragic events of 9-11. If you believe these are the characteristics of great art, believe in MGS2.

The gameplay isn't dramatically different than the previous MGS, but it does empower players with more abilities and actions. I wasnt too thrilled with the original control scheme in part one, but part twos increased playfulness with the "freeze," dragging, and hanging maneuvers made the game more entertaining overall and the control-associated flaws more tolerable.

Where MGS2 breaks new ground is in the narrative and the ideas it proposes. The much lauded story may be confusing, convoluted, and corny, but its also delightful, entrancing, and thought-provoking. It is unmistakable comic book melodrama for better or worse, but give the developers infinitely more credit for announcing it so much earlier than the previous MGS thereby setting player expectation better.

Between the John Woo/Hong Kong action-inspired bullet ballet cut-scenes, Fortunes ultra sexy gams, Ocelots personality influencing arm, and the complete of absurdity of everything that is Vamp early on in the game, I understood that I shouldnt take the game so seriously. Over analyzing the plot points to MGS2 is like challenging the physics of "Hidden Dragon, Crouching Tiger." MGS2 is the video game equivalent of a modern stylized sci-fi opera/musical. MGS2 would find itself perfectly at home on Broadway.

Once I bought into the pure camp and cornball gestures like the ridiculous romance between Raiden and Rose, MGS2 did something unbelievable and rocked my sensibilities by introducing surprisingly mature and deeply complex elements of incest, war crimes against children, government censorship, recorded history and the future of digital communication into the fold. MGS2 wasn't afraid to take chances and thats usually where innovation flourishes.

So why didnt I give MGS2 the ultimate 10 rating? As much as I like the game, I was still left with a nagging thought that the game was a bit uneven overall between the gameplay versus the non-interactive cut-scenes. The other things that didnt sit well with me either was the idea of the Patriots and how the whole story tantamount to an elaborately staged recreation of the incidents of Shadow Moses by the Patriots. The idea that 12 men are in control of EVERYTHING in the world is a very immature and extremely leftist belief that I thought was a disservice to the more mature and intelligent ideas in the game. Still the story up to that point had me riveted and however unsatisfying the final revelations are, it doesnt spoil the final results.

The lack of any excruciatingly drawn out deathbed monologues and the remarkably high-quality voice-over work on par with the best in the biz (Fear Effect 2) are only icing on the cake. Much like the pronounced ideas that the in-game story preaches, MGS2s ability to leave lasting images and thoughts is its greatest accomplishment. The Washington monument in the Wall Street financial district of New York City will forever hold new meaning for me. If thats not the purpose of great art, I dont know what is.

Reader Second Opinions