Metal Gear Solid HD Collection Review [XBox360]

rating:4

Metal Gear Solid may not have actually invented the idea of stealth in gaming, but it certainly made it a more commercial concern of the gaming aspect which is enjoying its zenith - so what better a time to release this HD collection, of two prequels and a sequel that shifted focus away from hero Solid Snake after the opening chapter. Even better, with Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance set for release later this year, and a hail of anxious expectations already rearing their heads, the HD collection (and it's five games, including the two 8-bit extra titles included) offers a timely reminder that we remain in the company of gaming royalty. The bundle decision might seem somewhat odd, given that it starts with MGS2, but the collection isn't about comprehensively collecting the back-story of the Metal Gear world - to do so would be folly, and it doesn't so much matter that MGS 2 makes little sense without its chronological predecessor. The HD Collection is about celebrating the best of the series - showcasing what has gone before, as the franchise moves in new directions. And that makes the decision to include MGS2, for its story-telling prowess; MGS3, for its combat, and set-pieces and the relative innovation of Peacewalker all the more understandable. And for the comparatively low price, you're getting three quality games in one bundle (plus the two extras), and while some might already own them, for any gamers who left the franchise at any point, or, God Forbid never fell for Snake's charms in the first place, that's serious value for money. To a certain extent, the Collection is limited by the ghosts of the past, or more specifically those of the present. The fundamental mechanics of the games are entirely alien to the way modern games are set up and relearning the controls can be slightly unnatural to begin with. It's a transition that fans of the series will take easily, but the issues might arise with younger gamers brought up on more complex mechanics. But if they do take the time to play, and ignore the slight limitations of the narrative set-up, they too will be rewarded with three fantastic games. The quality of the games were never in doubt - for a good while the Metal Gear family was the premier gaming property on the market, and the vociferous opposition to the upcoming, attrociously named Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance offers some suggestion as to the esteem gamers still hold the franchise in. What needs to be questioned here is the quality of the HD transfer - something that could well be accused of being no more than a money-sapping gimmick - that is, if it weren't for the fact that the HD work has clearly been completed with the same diligence as the games original creation. Let's be honest though - there is only so much an HD clean up can do for games this old, and there is no hiding the visual limitations in comparison with current games. But no matter how much we are reminded of the games' ages, that does nothing to take any gloss of the substance within. Yes the story-arcs are impenetrable at times, and there is too much advanced exposition for modern tastes, but all three main games are a triumph, and they are a welcome reminder of exactly where Metal Gear came from. And still, it is a remarkably rich heritage that it is a joy to return to. There might have been some temptation to release the games separately as download titles only, but the low price should blow such concerns away, and the HD treatment does offer enough to justify a retail release. Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is available to buy now on XBox 360 and PS3.