20 Games Nobody Thought Could Live Up To The Hype

Metal Gear Solid revolutionised gaming in many ways, including tactical gameplay, cinematic storytelling, enemy AI, and meta-puzzles. Hideo Kojima's stealth title was such a game-changer, it didn't seem possible for the sequel to top it.

However, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty didn't just blow the competition out of the water, but blindsided the entire gaming community. Based on the advertising, players expected to control the previous hero, Solid Snake, throughout the main campaign.

Instead, the story shifts to a new protagonist, Raiden, after the prologue. Although this decision initially came across as a misleading gimmick, it fits with Sons of Liberty's themes about identity, perception, and the manipulation of information. 

Now, it goes without saying that MGS2 showcased the PS2's graphical capabilities, in terms of dynamic lighting, character models, and interactive models. Even though these qualities are magnificent, it's the complex themes that stand out the most. MGS2 is borderline prophetic, considering how it delves into digital censorship, social media, and the dangers of AI decades before such technology became a reality.

Though it seemed impossible for Metal Gear Solid 2 to match the hype, it's now considered a work of art, and hasn't lost an ounce of its power or relevance.