Why is MGS so popular?

[endnuen]

I find them to be tense games with lots of cool moments and action in them. And the boss battles alone makes the games worth playing.

 

[Sikachu]

Granted I'm not that into stealth games and such, and that I've only played snake eater. I just don't understand why metal gear solid is such a popular game. This isn't a thread to insult, but I'd like to know what aspects of the series make it so damn good(or popular) who knows, I might even play it.
Edit:It's pretty late >_>

Because MGS1 was comfortably the best game ever for an extended period around when it came out. It blended a relatively unexplored approach to action (hiding rather than running and gunning) with an engaging plot with plenty of mature themes, lots of innovative set pieces (Mantis for example), strongly defined characters, and high production values throughout. In short it is popular because it married fun gameplay with an interesting storyline, and opened a lot of people's eye's to what gaming could be like.

It's a shame they ruined the magic with a terrible storyline (and fucking Raiden) in MGS2, but at least they got back on track with the equivalent of a Snake Bond game in MGS3. Haven't played MGS4 yet so can't comment on that.

 

[Geekosaurus]

I watched my friend play it years ago and I thought it looked crap. I could go back to it now and check it out for myself, but there are loads of other games I'd rather be playing.

 

[stupiddrummer]

MGS2 was my favorite.

my only problem with MGS3 is that it came out around when splinter cell was really big, so there was more focus on moving slow and not making footsteps. I feel like they tried to bring in too much realism. And the camouflage induced some OCD like micromanaging behaviors in me : P

i liked the arcadey-ness of MGS 1 and 2 running around and avoiding field of vision cones. I beat MGS2 on extreme difficulty, adding that too my list of greatest video game accomplishments.

 

[Girl With One Eye]

It's the humour in the game that makes me love it so much.

 

[wikiman]

I tried to play Snake Eater,and fell aslep durnig the first cutscene. Recently i decided that i should propably start with the first one. To better understand the plot and stuff....

 

[warm slurm]

Well, they're pretty good. That's the first three, anyway. I don't know why anyone would like the mess that is MGS4, to be honest. Kojima pulled that shit out of his ass and it shows. It ruined the series for me; it's just so, so bad. The characters are all ruined, the gameplay is made even worse (and it wasn't that great in the first place), the conclusions make no sense because Kojima felt the need to wrap up every single storyline even though he couldn't possibly do it in a satisfying way. Nanomachines turn into some sort of superpower bullshit that's used to explain everything even though they were never set up to be THAT important in the previous games.

Pretty much every single plot twist came out of nowhere (the one with Ocelot, just sayin'). Good writers use foreshadowing/subtle hints/whatever for their plot twists, Kojima. Remember that.

 

[Tipsythegza]

Its not for everyone and games people like will have sequels.

 

[mirror's edgy]

Because they are good, well-made games and people enjoy them.

Why is this such a difficult concept?

Because none of those describe the MGS games specifically.

 

[Brazilianpeanutwar]

MGS has something for nearly everyone.

Stealth - check

Story - hell yeah,check

Characters - more characters than is probably legal

Weapons/gadgets - everyone luurves gadgets

Crazy easter eggs and crazy ways to get them - CHECK