So, for those who don't know, Metal Gear Solid: 2, 3, and Peace Walker are being remade in HD for the PS3. On a first glance, I thought, "Oh, what's the point. Three great games but there's no point in playing them over. Probably just a cash-in to hype up Rising" I was also a bit disappointed that MGS1 wasn't going to be included with, you know, better controls. However, I suppose I can empathize with Kojima Productions; after all, I wouldn't want to remake the same game twice either--no matter how much fans want it. (Save that for Nintendo.)
Anyway, upon closer inspection, I realized that this is actually pretty good value--especially for a die-hard Metal Gear fan. Firstly, I don't care what anyone says, I liked the original Raiden and MGS2 was a great game which I almost thoroughly understood (guess that makes me a fanboy). I spent hours trying to (but never succeeding at) getting all the dog tags in the game and completing VR Training missions. The HD update is not only bringing better graphic quality but also Trophies! That means all those wasted hours of holding soldiers up and watching their butts shake won't all be for naught... or so I hope. I mean, in the end, trophies are pretty pointless but they at least make me feel like I'm accomplishing something.
Secondly, everyone else's favorite, MGS3 with the best graphics, music, and characters before MGS4 (MGS3 still trumps MGS4 musically, in my opinion). It also, arguably, had the best stealth gameplay of the series (though I hope they take the thing out where you have to use the D-Pad and walk really slow if you don't want to get caught). An HD update of that game is like pumping it with steroids and since it is a game that I actually succeeded in getting pretty much 100% on, I wouldn't mind getting a few trophies for it. Still not enough? Well, there's reason to believe that the HD Collection will feature the Subsistence version of this game. Which, if that includes Persistence as well, means fun times such as "Snake Vs. Monkey" and the Secret Theater.
Finally, Peace Walker which--I say without a single hesitation--was absolutely better than MGS4 for the simple fact that it had tons more gameplay and special features. Yes, I'm aware that people will disagree with me. But, the thing is, with MGS4, I felt like Kojima was just trying to kill the damn series off or that he was just a poster boy and didn't have much to do with the actual development. With Peace Walker, though, I felt like Kojima was behind the game the whole way and pushing it forward without hesitation. It always made me sad, though, that I liked a PSP game better than a PS3 game. I also did wish that the game wasn't for PSP because Sony forgot to put in the right analog stick and the game felt like it was trying too hard to compensate. However, an HD remake for the PS3? Better graphics, controls, sound-quality, and depth? Granted, it will cease to be a handheld pastime but some things must be sacrificed for greatness.
So I conclude with a generally positive outlook on MGS HD's quality. I expect it to be one of the best things I ever spend my money on in my lifetime (except a girlfriend but I don't have one so this is as good as it gets).
What do you all think? Effortless cash-in? Bold attempt to get new MGS fans? Or a massive bundle of goodies that only fan-boys'll love?
Anyway, upon closer inspection, I realized that this is actually pretty good value--especially for a die-hard Metal Gear fan. Firstly, I don't care what anyone says, I liked the original Raiden and MGS2 was a great game which I almost thoroughly understood (guess that makes me a fanboy). I spent hours trying to (but never succeeding at) getting all the dog tags in the game and completing VR Training missions. The HD update is not only bringing better graphic quality but also Trophies! That means all those wasted hours of holding soldiers up and watching their butts shake won't all be for naught... or so I hope. I mean, in the end, trophies are pretty pointless but they at least make me feel like I'm accomplishing something.
Secondly, everyone else's favorite, MGS3 with the best graphics, music, and characters before MGS4 (MGS3 still trumps MGS4 musically, in my opinion). It also, arguably, had the best stealth gameplay of the series (though I hope they take the thing out where you have to use the D-Pad and walk really slow if you don't want to get caught). An HD update of that game is like pumping it with steroids and since it is a game that I actually succeeded in getting pretty much 100% on, I wouldn't mind getting a few trophies for it. Still not enough? Well, there's reason to believe that the HD Collection will feature the Subsistence version of this game. Which, if that includes Persistence as well, means fun times such as "Snake Vs. Monkey" and the Secret Theater.
Finally, Peace Walker which--I say without a single hesitation--was absolutely better than MGS4 for the simple fact that it had tons more gameplay and special features. Yes, I'm aware that people will disagree with me. But, the thing is, with MGS4, I felt like Kojima was just trying to kill the damn series off or that he was just a poster boy and didn't have much to do with the actual development. With Peace Walker, though, I felt like Kojima was behind the game the whole way and pushing it forward without hesitation. It always made me sad, though, that I liked a PSP game better than a PS3 game. I also did wish that the game wasn't for PSP because Sony forgot to put in the right analog stick and the game felt like it was trying too hard to compensate. However, an HD remake for the PS3? Better graphics, controls, sound-quality, and depth? Granted, it will cease to be a handheld pastime but some things must be sacrificed for greatness.
So I conclude with a generally positive outlook on MGS HD's quality. I expect it to be one of the best things I ever spend my money on in my lifetime (except a girlfriend but I don't have one so this is as good as it gets).
What do you all think? Effortless cash-in? Bold attempt to get new MGS fans? Or a massive bundle of goodies that only fan-boys'll love?
