I played that same demo on that same disc. It was the one demo I stayed away from every time I put the disc in because it sounded like your average, run-of-the-mill action schlock that I had zero interest in. One day I was really bored around the house and decided I had nothing better to do than try out that final demo on the disc that I hadn't yet tried, and I was immediately blown away by its presentation and atmosphere. I bought a copy of the game immediately and fell in love with it. It was the first game to show me that video games can be so much more than mindless fun.
@@masterzombie161 Strange, as I consider the PSP remake to be the best version since it cuts out bs levels and fuses shorter ones into single levels and adds Anubis' plot and more weapons. Plus that *GOTHIC ORCHESTRATED REDONE MUSIC* (melts)
I think it's worth pointing out that Hideo Kojima grew up wanting to be a movie director. The movie industry in Japan wasn't so big at his time and most people who wanted to work in the industry went to either video games or pornography. Kojima is kind of fulfilling his dream by making games with super long cutscenes.
A PoV porn video that turns into Hardcore Henry with the protagonist slowly discovering that there is a second person in his mind, taking a voyeuristic pleasure in his life.
MGS was a masterpiece and still is. When I first tried this back in 1998 as a 13 year old... I was completely blown away and have been completely captivated for the next 16 years. You have to understand back then what we were used to playing before this to truly understand how incredible this was to see and experience.
I was much younger when the game came out, about five. I would watch my older cousin play it for hours and saw him eventually beat it. Just watching it captivated me. Though I was to young to understand the anti nuke message, powerful human moments like Sniper Wolf's death really stood out to me. I remember looking up to Snake as a young child, maybe even as a role model. It was the first time I developed an emotional connection with any piece of art.
I was eleven when MGS was release and really change my view on what videogames can do. I played almost all of the series and this 1998 masterpiece still is my favorite.
I've played MGS1 years after playing for the last time and it somehow still holds up well to me, most of the games I've played on my childhood play like shit but MGS (and Crash Bandicoot lol) still play really well and are amazing experiences of gaming.
God damn… this video is 9 years old… damn its crazy to click on a video you used to enjoy when i was younger amd realize how long its been… makes me feel nostalgic for a inocent time in my life.
I seem to remember years and years ago someone from Konami or Kojima productions saying that the whole point of the Psycho Mantis fight was to acknowledge the players involvement. Mantis can read Snakes thoughts through the controller, but switching it to port two shows that you (the player) is in control. Psycho mantis can't read your thoughts and that's how you beat him. It's a shame Solid Snake never thanks you for helping though.
It makes no sense to claim that the "whole point" of a boss fight is [one single gimmick] when there are several other Boss Fights that don't have that gimmick or any meta-gimmick. The boss fight is a boss fight, not a vehicle for the gimmick. The point of the boss fight is to be a boss fight. The point of the gimmick is to add a self-aware gimmick.
I think this game has aged wonderfully, it's one of the VERY few games from it's era where I know exactly what to do and where to go at all times, that sense of direction really adds up, it means I never get bored playing the game since I'm not wandering around aimlessly trying to figure out what to do next.
+fwwaller It definitly did. I played it around mid last year for the first time (to FINALLY get into this Metal Gear franchise everybody keeps talking about). It was a game that completly blew me away. It aged pretty well and the dramatic and emotional moments like the dialogue between Snake and Meryll or the death of Sniper Wolf still gave me man tears. Despite the eyes just being 6x6 pixel blurred grey boxes. The gameplay was okay, but there were a few things I had to look up regarding the controls. For example how exactly you choke guards without killing them etc.
The amazing thing about MGS1 was despite the fact I lost my grip on the story after the opening acts, (like many players I imagine) it still hit me deep in the feels. Memorable characters, memorable bosses, very clever setpieces and game design ideas, lots n lots of 4th wall breaking, beautiful haunting soundtrack and overall great sound design. To be honest, the storyline could be as batshit AF and it would be a hit, it had so much going for it.
Between the age of 6-8, I went to a commercial center with my mom. During our little trip in the center, my attention was caught by a discount sales stand in the alley. And I saw this game. I didn't really buy it because I knew what it was. Back then even if I'm only 23yo now I had nothing really, appart from magazines and tv programs, to judge it and you know what I'm on about. I bought it because it cost 8francs (yes I'm french, fuck snails thooo). Cheap as you can imagine. And I had the blast of my life. And thats how you become a fanboy. The french dub (cause yes it was dub) was amazing, and thats rare. I had played games pretty awsome before buying this game like crash bandicoot etc on PS1 but nothing amazed me like MGS did. The graphics were really good and unlike Resident Evil 2 for exemple, the game didn't use polish cinematics that takes you back from the immersion once your back in the game with less graphic quality. It kept the same flow, and it was inovative. Damn I love this game... have to stop wanking.
>french dub Okay, as a person living in Russia i am really interesting in how other countries handle their dubs and localization. So, how much of the games in France are sold with dubs and how is the dub quality usually ?
ECCvideo78 ok, so how was The Witcher 3 dub for example ? Russian dub was fucking sick and MUCH better than any other version except for the original polish maybe but the voice actors for every characters fit so damn.
MGS1 is my all time favorite. I still remember renting it for the first time with the video store guy recommending it then eventually buying it and loving it. MGS and the final fantasy games really made the system feel next gen after coming from my super nes. FF7 8 and 9 as well as MGS really brought a maturity to that console that I hadn’t seen before. It was amazing for a kid and solidified me as a PlayStation person along with Nintendo.
I know how much people hate videos for telling them to like and share and stuff, but you seem enthusiastic enough to not mind it. Feel free to go out and show your friends our videos! We'd love you forever for it :3 -G
These videos are amazingly insightful, its also great to have some of your own ideas about the art/gameplay of MGS mirrored or pulled forward by your truly eloquent analysis. PARTY ON!
You guys seriously do not get the views that you deserve. All of your analyses are so great and your playthrough videos are really entertaining. Until you finally get that boatload of viewers that should come in the future, know that you have at least one dedicated viewer :)
I hear "The best is yet to come" I tear up a little. That song break my heart on a musical front. Way more emotional than anything I've heard in a game. I love the work George. Hope you do more of these soon.
You got it. Some of the pixel shader effects used in the PC version are different from those in the PSX version. Capturing from the PC release carries a good deal of pros and cons. Resolution is higher across the board, textures and text are sharper, surfaces aren't warping and trembling whenever the camera moves. Then again, a few effects are missing, and the psycho mantis boss battle doesn't play out as intended at all. - G
Super Bunnyhop. Give Policenauts a play and review mate. If MGS1 got it's gameplay elements from MG2:SS then the story cinematic presentation of MGS1 came from Policenauts. It's just fantastic mate, as immersive as MGS1. Trust me, you won't regret it.
this is a really well thought out analysis of this game, and certainly got me to think a little bit more about this game looking forward to watching the rest your videos on this series
1 minute in and I'm already in love with this! Finally someone who takes a serious look at retro games, instead of basically wording "wasn't this awesome back in the day!?" in a hundred different ways.
I cannot believe this came out 8 years ago now. I've been a huge fan of your content for a long time. Please keep up the awesome work! (By the way your video on Hunt: Showdown got me completely hooked on the game)
I can see how people would hate on the story for being more of a movie than a game, especially for number 4. The first game seemed to have cutscenes and gameplay in balance, the second one had a few insufferably long moments of exposition but managed to get off my hook by being all postmodern about it. But by the fourth game, it was clear that cut-scenes had fully taken over this beast. MGS has a good deal of entertaining and effective meta-game commentary, but not without making sacrifices -G
Extremely well delivered analysis (and part-review) of an old classic! You really managed to explain why this game is still so loved, & may even appeal to new players, even if its tech may show aging. Can't wait for the part two! One very little thing that bothered me though was the lack of some special-effects (filters, motionblurs, etc) in few in-game cutscenes you see in the video (like the floating Psycho Mantis projection). I assume that's just the old PC version failing on modern hardware?
I have it, actually. Only problem with that is that they both play very differently, and when I go off on the game mechanics in Part 2, it'd be a video more about Twin Snakes and not Metal Gear Solid. Plus, capturing video from the 1024x768 PC release of MGS would make for a sharper picture than the SD resolution Twin Snakes runs in. Fun fact: Of the two versions, I actually finished Twin Snakes first. - G
Hm, this makes me wish I played MGS back in the day. I remember it was Ocarina of Time vs. Metal Gear Solid for game of the year. I chose Zelda, but always wondered exactly how green the grass was on the other side. This review has certainly illustrated the game's impact. Thanks, doods.
Aww come on now. It may take a few months, but I'm already halfway done. Check out the "Retro Reviews" videos for 10+ minute long reviews of the two MG games that came before this one. That leaves three more games (plus Rising, which isn't out yet.) -G
i recently discovered you. mgs is my favorite series of all time. i have a ridiculous collection you wouldnt believe. i feel your review did it justice. it wasnt half assed like some others. thank you. subbed.
I agree that the interactivity of a game can make the story parts more emotionally potent, but I don't think MGS is a great example of that. Pretty much all of the story is presented through cutscenes, and the gameplay rarely represents the emotions at hand. The only time I can think of is the Psycho Mantis battle, both in the players sense of bewilderment as well as actually making the player break the fourth wall themselves by using mechanics outside of the usual methods of interaction
You, sir, are one of the best game reviewers I have ever seen. And I watch a lot of reviews. Finally somebody who understands games as art and not some trendy Tumblr bullshit like JonTron, PeanutButterGamer and that bearded douche.
Hey George! I've revisited all your MG critical close-ups after your MGS4 one and (generally liking all your content) I feel this kind of write-up is why I really love your content. The latest videos are made by such a high quiality in contrast despite to an overall lower visual and auditive quality those old ones still hold up to date because of how well written and spoken those are. One can really feel your 'I only critizice because I love it' kind of attitude in your content. And being critical about something you like doesn't mean you hate it but the contrary. Hope to see more critical close-ups in the future! Keep up the good work and happy 2018 =)
The original playstation & PC releases are still floating around for super cheap, and it'll work in backwards-compatible PS3's and PS2's. There was also a Gamecube remake. Plus, the HD collection puts the best versions of the MGS games between 1 and 4 on Xbox, Playstation and Vita. I've played about three different releases of MGS2 on four different platforms (yay for emulators!) The only one out of reach for me was MGS4, which is still exclusive to the PS3. I recommend checking 'em out :) - G
I really think that the creators of MGS wanted to make a single game, then make that into a movie, but this became so possible that they had to make a sequel, then a prequel, and so on, but they just want to make movies. Same goes for the Final Fantasy guys
I don't know how you can talk about the cinematization of video games in 1998, and talk about fallout and ooc, and not talk about resident evil 2. To me, RE and MGS are almost the same genre in how they were putting clunky but serviceable action in small but open environments that slowly unlock as you solve puzzles, find keys, and engage with the cinematically shot storytelling using the in game engine.
I'll figure it out when I get there. Portable Ops' canonical significance is questioned, and Peace Walker seemed like a fairly self-contained side-story to MGS3 (as Rising may be to 4, we'll see.) Basically, the ones that aren't big huge numerical sequels don't have as huge a spot on my radar. -G
This was beautifully well said. Thank you for such an accurate and articulate review. I'm one of Kojima's biggest Metal Gear Solid fans. I picked this game up when I was 11 years old and I have loved it since.
My absolute favourite game of all time. I bought a Playstation magazine whilst on holiday after being £1 short and finding the rest of the money in a wishing well. The magazine had a huge section and a demo of a game I'd never heard of called 'Metal Gear Solid'. From the moment I put that disc in I was completely blown away. Absolutely enthralled in this world. I still am. After finally getting around to getting a PS4 I'm now 23% of the way through Phantom Pain and am still in love with this series.
Oh my god. I mentioned the MGS2 essay before, and... you just... totally hit every note I could possibly want you to, covering that work's themes and THEN some. I love the way you think!!
idk. I had it working fine on Windows 7, but had to use a patch. On newer systems, the live-action videos don't play nice either. Plus the Psycho Mantis boss fight isn't nearly the same without him rumbling your controller and reading your memory card. Still, it's a decent-enough alternative if you can't get ahold of the PS1 one, and is probably the most stable method of getting the game up to HD resolutions. Emulating the game carries its own can of worms... - G
Very good analysis, can't wait to watch part 2. Cyborg Ninja's quote of "We are not tools of the Government or anyone else" perfectly summaries the Metal Gear Solid games (or at least the first.) Snake is.... just a tool, by the player and the in-game characters.
I played this game for the first time in the summer of 2015. I was 17 at the time and I was absolutely blown away with how good this game from the late 90's was. Also, this game is as old as me. Very fun to think about.
This is a wonderful game. It serves as a great start to the legendary Metal Gear Solid series. Even in modern days it is still one of the best single player games around.
I played MGS for the first time this week. I'm on a journey through the whole franchise as it has been on my backlog for too long. What sticks in my mind now is that Liquid sounds like David Bowies character Jared the goblin king from "Labyrinth". I thought the game was a little underwhelming overall. I imagine if I played it all those years ago it would've had a greater impact on me. The campy melodrama was a bit unexpected actually. I thought it was gonna super serious and stoic. I feel my expectations were too high, although I'm glad I played it.
Kojima games are nothing without camp. And strap in. As time goes on, as his growing directorial freedom allows him to more freely express his love for farts and butts. Metal Gear games are best enjoyed with no expectations since Kojima is... Well, Kojima. He does what he feels like. You'd probably enjoy playing Twin Snakes a lot more (remake of MGS1). It's worth playing it sometime, even if you've already played the original. it's basically the original game updated to MGS2's engine/features/controls (thank god for analog sticks), and insane cutscenes remade by a famous Japanese director of campy action movies. It's REALLY fun and those new cutscenes are stupid amazing. Remakes normally lose something in the process but (unless you really liked 1's backtracking) it's pretty much all welcome improvement. It may be boring if you played it right after playing the original, but definitely try it sometime later. Or you could just watch the cutscenes on RUclips since they're the REAL star of the game. :P
I honestly can't agree, even a little. Twin Snakes took *too much* liberty with the remaking of the cutscenes, and the introduction of the MGS2 engine essentially breaks the game in some places (Ocelot fight, etc) with nothing done to fix these glaring breaks. Avoid Twin Snakes like the plague, especially if you've never played MGS1
Yeah Twin Snakes was pretty bad, it had Solid Snake surfing on missiles. There's a lot of camp in the franchise, but Snake was always a character that was down to Earth rather than Neo from Matrix.
I'd recommend the original, if only because Snake comes off as way more of an anti-hero in the Twin Snakes. The cutscenes aren't just over-the-top, they're also morally unsettling. That being said, Twin Snakes is too easy. If I had to choose between two games that were either too hard or too easy, I'd pick the hard one. -G
But the voice acting took a severe hit; the lack of passion of certain voice actors (Naomi, Liquid, Sniper Wolf) when comparing the PSX version is evident. Enough reason to ditch the gamecube version altogether.
I've just started playing these games (I'm on MGS2) but I had a very similar experience playing it. I too almost felt a little guilty for enjoying the game when Liquid tells snake that he enjoys killing. Great review so far!
I dont want to be that guy but ive heard the theory behind switching control ports to fight psycho mantis is because of he can anticipate snakes movement by reading the left side of snakes brain hence why you swap the port over
I really loved the hardware interaction thing, it always brought back memories of working out atari 2600 games like Star Master where you're using both joysticks and the difficulty switches on the back of the unit to play it.
Okay just a question, who played this when Pizza Hut had PS1 demos and MGS was on one of them? I played that disc SO many times (the demo ended after the DARPA Chief dies). The MGS series is one of my most dear franchises and I embrace all the problems and ridiculousness there is but I think every fandom has that about their series.
12:42 : Please get into that... Haven't seen any movies on why the gameplay hasn't aged as well as the story. The gameplay, arguably, is one of THE most important elements of the story!
I feel like making a video response to this, but due to time constraints, I'll try it in here. You reminded me of when I first played MGS4, that being the first MGS I played. One would think that that is a complete spoiler for the storyline and I would not get the game's plot at all, and yet I could easily identify the protagonist's weary attitude towards his mode of life and, were there no geckos in the intro scene, it would've been a very gri- I'm gonna have to write this somewhere else.
Haha, well, let me rephrase that- your intelligent and thorough coverage of MGS1's deliciousness gives me the feeling that you'll be doing more than just justice to the sequel. It's a fascinating series- I've always known that- but putting my finger on the specifics of why that is was always kind of tough. The second game's been my favorite in the series for how *bizarre* it is, but I never quite puzzled out the elements that made it so bizarre on my own.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
I'll never forget playing the opening scene to MGS on a pizza hut demo disc.
I played that same demo on that same disc. It was the one demo I stayed away from every time I put the disc in because it sounded like your average, run-of-the-mill action schlock that I had zero interest in. One day I was really bored around the house and decided I had nothing better to do than try out that final demo on the disc that I hadn't yet tried, and I was immediately blown away by its presentation and atmosphere. I bought a copy of the game immediately and fell in love with it. It was the first game to show me that video games can be so much more than mindless fun.
I remember owning medievil as well and it changed my life
@@masterzombie161 Don't forget Sir Daniel is getting his own updated game in the vien of Crash N Sanity Trilogy and Spyro Reignited this October!
pkleaf I’ve seen it but I’m gonna be honest it kind of doesn’t have the same appeal as the original imo
@@masterzombie161 Strange, as I consider the PSP remake to be the best version since it cuts out bs levels and fuses shorter ones into single levels and adds Anubis' plot and more weapons. Plus that *GOTHIC ORCHESTRATED REDONE MUSIC* (melts)
I had a hard time lip reading the characters
This is a good comment. Thank you.
I think it's worth pointing out that Hideo Kojima grew up wanting to be a movie director. The movie industry in Japan wasn't so big at his time and most people who wanted to work in the industry went to either video games or pornography. Kojima is kind of fulfilling his dream by making games with super long cutscenes.
I wonder what porn directed by Kojima would be like...
+BossHalo219 probably Paz piloting peace walker without the bikini
It would probably be a metanarrative porn about how big dicks represent humankind's wish to thrust into the future.
Clashman The Third *Nanomachines Son
A PoV porn video that turns into Hardcore Henry with the protagonist slowly discovering that there is a second person in his mind, taking a voyeuristic pleasure in his life.
Metal Gear Solid is a pretty great example of magical realism.
MGS was a masterpiece and still is. When I first tried this back in 1998 as a 13 year old... I was completely blown away and have been completely captivated for the next 16 years. You have to understand back then what we were used to playing before this to truly understand how incredible this was to see and experience.
I played MGS 1 this year and I love it so much I was lucky enough not to know what was going on in mgs4 I think this game still lives up.
+zamardii12 These are some of the truest words ever spoken about this masterpiece.
I was much younger when the game came out, about five. I would watch my older cousin play it for hours and saw him eventually beat it. Just watching it captivated me. Though I was to young to understand the anti nuke message, powerful human moments like Sniper Wolf's death really stood out to me. I remember looking up to Snake as a young child, maybe even as a role model. It was the first time I developed an emotional connection with any piece of art.
I was eleven when MGS was release and really change my view on what videogames can do. I played almost all of the series and this 1998 masterpiece still is my favorite.
I've played MGS1 years after playing for the last time and it somehow still holds up well to me, most of the games I've played on my childhood play like shit but MGS (and Crash Bandicoot lol) still play really well and are amazing experiences of gaming.
God damn… this video is 9 years old… damn its crazy to click on a video you used to enjoy when i was younger amd realize how long its been… makes me feel nostalgic for a inocent time in my life.
PUSH THE SELECT BUTTON.
psalm 69
PRESS THE ACTION BUTTON
Select button...?
>What's up, Snake?
>SAVE
>DON'T SAVE
I just want to say that your Critical Close Ups are so intricately written and in-depth that I become immersed within minutes. Great job :D
"You're that ninja..."
Ocelot
I seem to remember years and years ago someone from Konami or Kojima productions saying that the whole point of the Psycho Mantis fight was to acknowledge the players involvement. Mantis can read Snakes thoughts through the controller, but switching it to port two shows that you (the player) is in control. Psycho mantis can't read your thoughts and that's how you beat him. It's a shame Solid Snake never thanks you for helping though.
It makes no sense to claim that the "whole point" of a boss fight is [one single gimmick] when there are several other Boss Fights that don't have that gimmick or any meta-gimmick. The boss fight is a boss fight, not a vehicle for the gimmick.
The point of the boss fight is to be a boss fight. The point of the gimmick is to add a self-aware gimmick.
i traded one of my gpas playboy magazines for this game in 6th grade best trade ever
FFFFFFF I LOVE THOSE GAMES
Hmm... Maybe that should be the series I go for once I'm all the way done with MG games? -G
been watching these like every 2 years for the past 10 years almost
I think this game has aged wonderfully, it's one of the VERY few games from it's era where I know exactly what to do and where to go at all times, that sense of direction really adds up, it means I never get bored playing the game since I'm not wandering around aimlessly trying to figure out what to do next.
It's still an enjoyable game btw a guy is recently remaking this game in unreal 4 engine.
+fwwaller It definitly did. I played it around mid last year for the first time (to FINALLY get into this Metal Gear franchise everybody keeps talking about). It was a game that completly blew me away. It aged pretty well and the dramatic and emotional moments like the dialogue between Snake and Meryll or the death of Sniper Wolf still gave me man tears. Despite the eyes just being 6x6 pixel blurred grey boxes. The gameplay was okay, but there were a few things I had to look up regarding the controls. For example how exactly you choke guards without killing them etc.
***** If you haven't played snake eater yet you will be amazed
fwwaller only part you could have trouble is when you have to blow up the fake walls with C4,1st time might take a little while.
this is the most comprehensive review and reflection of this game on RUclips.
true words.
The amazing thing about MGS1 was despite the fact I lost my grip on the story after the opening acts, (like many players I imagine) it still hit me deep in the feels. Memorable characters, memorable bosses, very clever setpieces and game design ideas, lots n lots of 4th wall breaking, beautiful haunting soundtrack and overall great sound design.
To be honest, the storyline could be as batshit AF and it would be a hit, it had so much going for it.
Between the age of 6-8, I went to a commercial center with my mom.
During our little trip in the center, my attention was caught by a discount sales stand in the alley. And I saw this game.
I didn't really buy it because I knew what it was. Back then even if I'm only 23yo now I had nothing really, appart from magazines and tv programs, to judge it and you know what I'm on about.
I bought it because it cost 8francs (yes I'm french, fuck snails thooo). Cheap as you can imagine.
And I had the blast of my life. And thats how you become a fanboy.
The french dub (cause yes it was dub) was amazing, and thats rare. I had played games pretty awsome before buying this game like crash bandicoot etc on PS1 but nothing amazed me like MGS did. The graphics were really good and unlike Resident Evil 2 for exemple, the game didn't use polish cinematics that takes you back from the immersion once your back in the game with less graphic quality. It kept the same flow, and it was inovative.
Damn I love this game... have to stop wanking.
>french dub
Okay, as a person living in Russia i am really interesting in how other countries handle their dubs and localization.
So, how much of the games in France are sold with dubs and how is the dub quality usually ?
wallbreaker _ most of the games nowdays are dubbed and the quality depend on the budget usually
ECCvideo78 ok, so how was The Witcher 3 dub for example ? Russian dub was fucking sick and MUCH better than any other version except for the original polish maybe but the voice actors for every characters fit so damn.
wallbreaker _ I'll check and come back to answer you cuz idk ;)
ECCvideo78 ok
"You enjoy the killing... that's why."
***** Metal Gear Solid 1, final battle against Liquid on top of Rex.
+Iroquois Plisken And you call yourself Plisken.
Thanks! Keep an eye out for part two. Should be dropping next Tuesday ;D
MGS1 is my all time favorite. I still remember renting it for the first time with the video store guy recommending it then eventually buying it and loving it. MGS and the final fantasy games really made the system feel next gen after coming from my super nes. FF7 8 and 9 as well as MGS really brought a maturity to that console that I hadn’t seen before. It was amazing for a kid and solidified me as a PlayStation person along with Nintendo.
Some of the best RUclips videos of all time, your discussion around metal gear is unparalleled, even to this day.
I know how much people hate videos for telling them to like and share and stuff, but you seem enthusiastic enough to not mind it. Feel free to go out and show your friends our videos! We'd love you forever for it :3
-G
These videos are amazingly insightful, its also great to have some of your own ideas about the art/gameplay of MGS mirrored or pulled forward by your truly eloquent analysis. PARTY ON!
I love how solid snake seems to be a 1D character, but as you go through the story he shows more emotion
You guys seriously do not get the views that you deserve. All of your analyses are so great and your playthrough videos are really entertaining. Until you finally get that boatload of viewers that should come in the future, know that you have at least one dedicated viewer :)
I hear "The best is yet to come" I tear up a little. That song break my heart on a musical front. Way more emotional than anything I've heard in a game.
I love the work George. Hope you do more of these soon.
This game was light years ahead of its time. There is nothing like it.
You got it. Some of the pixel shader effects used in the PC version are different from those in the PSX version. Capturing from the PC release carries a good deal of pros and cons. Resolution is higher across the board, textures and text are sharper, surfaces aren't warping and trembling whenever the camera moves. Then again, a few effects are missing, and the psycho mantis boss battle doesn't play out as intended at all.
- G
Super Bunnyhop. Give Policenauts a play and review mate. If MGS1 got it's gameplay elements from MG2:SS then the story cinematic presentation of MGS1 came from Policenauts. It's just fantastic mate, as immersive as MGS1. Trust me, you won't regret it.
I found Snatcher much better than Policenauts
You’ve given an absolutely spot on analysis of my favorite video game series of all time. Thanks man for giving MGS the respect it deserves
10 years ago bruh, man I just got this game a month ago and it's so bizzarely good
Kinda Funny replaying all these games in 2021! These are the companion pieces.
this is a really well thought out analysis of this game, and certainly got me to think a little bit more about this game
looking forward to watching the rest your videos on this series
1 minute in and I'm already in love with this! Finally someone who takes a serious look at retro games, instead of basically wording "wasn't this awesome back in the day!?" in a hundred different ways.
These videos always bring me comfort and joy.
Wow.......dude are all (or most) of you videos as in depth as this? If so, consider me subscribed. This was so well spoken, written, and delivered.
It's still good despite them. And I'll be ripping on them soon. Keep an eye out for part two!
- G
It ages pretty well though. It was about 2004 when I finally got around to it, and for the most part, it was still up to snuff.
- G
I cannot believe this came out 8 years ago now. I've been a huge fan of your content for a long time. Please keep up the awesome work! (By the way your video on Hunt: Showdown got me completely hooked on the game)
I can see how people would hate on the story for being more of a movie than a game, especially for number 4. The first game seemed to have cutscenes and gameplay in balance, the second one had a few insufferably long moments of exposition but managed to get off my hook by being all postmodern about it. But by the fourth game, it was clear that cut-scenes had fully taken over this beast.
MGS has a good deal of entertaining and effective meta-game commentary, but not without making sacrifices
-G
you're one of the finest and thorough game reviewers ever. thank you for the insight on a game that i grew up playing
Ive watched the metal gear solid critical close ups at least 4 times, these videos are amazing
Extremely well delivered analysis (and part-review) of an old classic! You really managed to explain why this game is still so loved, & may even appeal to new players, even if its tech may show aging. Can't wait for the part two!
One very little thing that bothered me though was the lack of some special-effects (filters, motionblurs, etc) in few in-game cutscenes you see in the video (like the floating Psycho Mantis projection). I assume that's just the old PC version failing on modern hardware?
I have it, actually. Only problem with that is that they both play very differently, and when I go off on the game mechanics in Part 2, it'd be a video more about Twin Snakes and not Metal Gear Solid. Plus, capturing video from the 1024x768 PC release of MGS would make for a sharper picture than the SD resolution Twin Snakes runs in.
Fun fact: Of the two versions, I actually finished Twin Snakes first.
- G
Hm, this makes me wish I played MGS back in the day. I remember it was Ocarina of Time vs. Metal Gear Solid for game of the year. I chose Zelda, but always wondered exactly how green the grass was on the other side. This review has certainly illustrated the game's impact. Thanks, doods.
will we get critical close-up for mgs4 ?
IKR
Yes
daidabus he just did (2017)
Yes and he just bashes it unfortunately.
Yeah here ruclips.net/video/93-_r0w7ykI/видео.html
This is such a good analysis of the game, thank you for making this
Awesome! Glad you enjoy it. Feel free to click the links everywhere to see more, we've done a few other videos in our time :)
- G
Aww come on now. It may take a few months, but I'm already halfway done. Check out the "Retro Reviews" videos for 10+ minute long reviews of the two MG games that came before this one. That leaves three more games (plus Rising, which isn't out yet.) -G
i recently discovered you. mgs is my favorite series of all time. i have a ridiculous collection you wouldnt believe. i feel your review did it justice. it wasnt half assed like some others. thank you. subbed.
Dude, I'm gutted that I've only just came across this series 5 years later! Such a good essay series man
I agree that the interactivity of a game can make the story parts more emotionally potent, but I don't think MGS is a great example of that. Pretty much all of the story is presented through cutscenes, and the gameplay rarely represents the emotions at hand.
The only time I can think of is the Psycho Mantis battle, both in the players sense of bewilderment as well as actually making the player break the fourth wall themselves by using mechanics outside of the usual methods of interaction
You, sir, are one of the best game reviewers I have ever seen. And I watch a lot of reviews. Finally somebody who understands games as art and not some trendy Tumblr bullshit like JonTron, PeanutButterGamer and that bearded douche.
+P Scholder Matthewmatosis did a great series on Metal Gear too.
Jehan Rahmen bruh fuck off jontron is swell
Hey George! I've revisited all your MG critical close-ups after your MGS4 one and (generally liking all your content) I feel this kind of write-up is why I really love your content. The latest videos are made by such a high quiality in contrast despite to an overall lower visual and auditive quality those old ones still hold up to date because of how well written and spoken those are. One can really feel your 'I only critizice because I love it' kind of attitude in your content. And being critical about something you like doesn't mean you hate it but the contrary. Hope to see more critical close-ups in the future!
Keep up the good work and happy 2018 =)
The original playstation & PC releases are still floating around for super cheap, and it'll work in backwards-compatible PS3's and PS2's. There was also a Gamecube remake. Plus, the HD collection puts the best versions of the MGS games between 1 and 4 on Xbox, Playstation and Vita.
I've played about three different releases of MGS2 on four different platforms (yay for emulators!) The only one out of reach for me was MGS4, which is still exclusive to the PS3.
I recommend checking 'em out :)
- G
I really think that the creators of MGS wanted to make a single game, then make that into a movie, but this became so possible that they had to make a sequel, then a prequel, and so on, but they just want to make movies. Same goes for the Final Fantasy guys
I don't know how you can talk about the cinematization of video games in 1998, and talk about fallout and ooc, and not talk about resident evil 2. To me, RE and MGS are almost the same genre in how they were putting clunky but serviceable action in small but open environments that slowly unlock as you solve puzzles, find keys, and engage with the cinematically shot storytelling using the in game engine.
I'll figure it out when I get there. Portable Ops' canonical significance is questioned, and Peace Walker seemed like a fairly self-contained side-story to MGS3 (as Rising may be to 4, we'll see.) Basically, the ones that aren't big huge numerical sequels don't have as huge a spot on my radar. -G
You brought up the idea that MGS1 was better as an art piece rather than a game, but I felt that way about MGS2
Where did you go? I love you SBH, please do way more videos.
Hope everything is okay sbh!
I can imagine immature kids complaining about the cutscenes, but having grown up and matured, the cutscenes are what make the games in my opinion.
please, make a video about MGS 4 and Peace Walker!!!!!!!!!
+TheGeeksBR They're both incredibly disappointing. Video done.
+Twodee Twodimensional Twodimensionalus (2-D) you own a xbox right?
Please enlighten me as to why you think the Xbox version is inferior.
PinkCharmander low quality bait
***** What does that mean?
This was beautifully well said. Thank you for such an accurate and articulate review. I'm one of Kojima's biggest Metal Gear Solid fans. I picked this game up when I was 11 years old and I have loved it since.
My absolute favourite game of all time. I bought a Playstation magazine whilst on holiday after being £1 short and finding the rest of the money in a wishing well. The magazine had a huge section and a demo of a game I'd never heard of called 'Metal Gear Solid'. From the moment I put that disc in I was completely blown away. Absolutely enthralled in this world. I still am. After finally getting around to getting a PS4 I'm now 23% of the way through Phantom Pain and am still in love with this series.
I REALLY LOVE this game so much! I loved it as a kid and I love it even more as an adult. Great series!
Oh my god. I mentioned the MGS2 essay before, and... you just... totally hit every note I could possibly want you to, covering that work's themes and THEN some. I love the way you think!!
that intro theme still give me shivers.
the second i heard the music from MGS 1 and the video started i kind of started crying, i love the MGS games
GMS?
Beyond Big Boss MSG?
Beyond Big Boss
SMG!! (Solid Metal Gear, Not Submachine Gun)
idk. I had it working fine on Windows 7, but had to use a patch. On newer systems, the live-action videos don't play nice either. Plus the Psycho Mantis boss fight isn't nearly the same without him rumbling your controller and reading your memory card.
Still, it's a decent-enough alternative if you can't get ahold of the PS1 one, and is probably the most stable method of getting the game up to HD resolutions. Emulating the game carries its own can of worms...
- G
Very good analysis, can't wait to watch part 2. Cyborg Ninja's quote of "We are not tools of the Government or anyone else" perfectly summaries the Metal Gear Solid games (or at least the first.) Snake is.... just a tool, by the player and the in-game characters.
What version is the footage from? I've never seen Psycho Mantis in a brown trenchcoat before.
It appears to be the PC version, though to my recollection mantis always had the coat before his actual boss fight
I played this game for the first time in the summer of 2015. I was 17 at the time and I was absolutely blown away with how good this game from the late 90's was.
Also, this game is as old as me. Very fun to think about.
This is a wonderful game. It serves as a great start to the legendary Metal Gear Solid series. Even in modern days it is still one of the best single player games around.
Snake IS NOT an old man in metal gear solid.
benaldo138 Yeah he is.
Excellent video.
Can't wait to see the next part.
I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the remaining main series games if you decide to CCU them.
I played MGS for the first time this week. I'm on a journey through the whole franchise as it has been on my backlog for too long. What sticks in my mind now is that Liquid sounds like David Bowies character Jared the goblin king from "Labyrinth". I thought the game was a little underwhelming overall. I imagine if I played it all those years ago it would've had a greater impact on me. The campy melodrama was a bit unexpected actually. I thought it was gonna super serious and stoic. I feel my expectations were too high, although I'm glad I played it.
Kojima games are nothing without camp. And strap in. As time goes on, as his growing directorial freedom allows him to more freely express his love for farts and butts. Metal Gear games are best enjoyed with no expectations since Kojima is... Well, Kojima. He does what he feels like.
You'd probably enjoy playing Twin Snakes a lot more (remake of MGS1). It's worth playing it sometime, even if you've already played the original. it's basically the original game updated to MGS2's engine/features/controls (thank god for analog sticks), and insane cutscenes remade by a famous Japanese director of campy action movies. It's REALLY fun and those new cutscenes are stupid amazing. Remakes normally lose something in the process but (unless you really liked 1's backtracking) it's pretty much all welcome improvement. It may be boring if you played it right after playing the original, but definitely try it sometime later.
Or you could just watch the cutscenes on RUclips since they're the REAL star of the game. :P
I honestly can't agree, even a little. Twin Snakes took *too much* liberty with the remaking of the cutscenes, and the introduction of the MGS2 engine essentially breaks the game in some places (Ocelot fight, etc) with nothing done to fix these glaring breaks. Avoid Twin Snakes like the plague, especially if you've never played MGS1
Yeah Twin Snakes was pretty bad, it had Solid Snake surfing on missiles. There's a lot of camp in the franchise, but Snake was always a character that was down to Earth rather than Neo from Matrix.
Did he just spoil spec ops? at 7:07
so how about you tell people where the spoiler is so they can avoid it?
Smokey Nope thats a great idea im gonna edit my comment
BadAssMacmillan oh wow you actually did, thanks man :)
Smokey Nope No problem i should've done it a long time ago..
***** uberscribbler.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/wtf-face.jpg
1998
A grand year for games.
Do you think Super Bunnyhop split this video into a part 1 & 2 instead of one video to resemble how mgs1 had 2 game discs?
Never thought of that, pretty clever!
Shout out to Tim Gettys for bringing this video series to my attention!
Same. Whole new channel yo binge!
I'd recommend the original, if only because Snake comes off as way more of an anti-hero in the Twin Snakes. The cutscenes aren't just over-the-top, they're also morally unsettling.
That being said, Twin Snakes is too easy. If I had to choose between two games that were either too hard or too easy, I'd pick the hard one. -G
I played the Twin Snakes edition. The main theme on the menu was SOOOO EPIC!!! And the characters actually had faces.
But the voice acting took a severe hit; the lack of passion of certain voice actors (Naomi, Liquid, Sniper Wolf) when comparing the PSX version is evident.
Enough reason to ditch the gamecube version altogether.
Yup. Might be a long way off, but I do have an idea or two for that one ;D
- G
This pleases me.
Holy shit, I had the same sticker on my PS1 !!! 4:42
Man, I can't wait for you to do the 3rd one. It's one of my favorites.
PC release from 2000. It's in 1024x768
- G
Do it! There's so much going on in this story that it's impossible to follow it all the first few times through.
- G
And now on topic.... I really liked your take on the game, you brought up very valid points on a game which normally is unquestioned.
I can't remember for the life of me, why I subscribed to you.
I've just started playing these games (I'm on MGS2) but I had a very similar experience playing it. I too almost felt a little guilty for enjoying the game when Liquid tells snake that he enjoys killing. Great review so far!
The best way to describe metal gear is military surrealism
are you going to do a critical close up of 4?
I dont want to be that guy but ive heard the theory behind switching control ports to fight psycho mantis is because of he can anticipate snakes movement by reading the left side of snakes brain hence why you swap the port over
I really loved the hardware interaction thing, it always brought back memories of working out atari 2600 games like Star Master where you're using both joysticks and the difficulty switches on the back of the unit to play it.
Okay just a question, who played this when Pizza Hut had PS1 demos and MGS was on one of them? I played that disc SO many times (the demo ended after the DARPA Chief dies).
The MGS series is one of my most dear franchises and I embrace all the problems and ridiculousness there is but I think every fandom has that about their series.
12:42 : Please get into that... Haven't seen any movies on why the gameplay hasn't aged as well as the story. The gameplay, arguably, is one of THE most important elements of the story!
I feel like making a video response to this, but due to time constraints, I'll try it in here.
You reminded me of when I first played MGS4, that being the first MGS I played. One would think that that is a complete spoiler for the storyline and I would not get the game's plot at all, and yet I could easily identify the protagonist's weary attitude towards his mode of life and, were there no geckos in the intro scene, it would've been a very gri- I'm gonna have to write this somewhere else.
Haha, well, let me rephrase that- your intelligent and thorough coverage of MGS1's deliciousness gives me the feeling that you'll be doing more than just justice to the sequel. It's a fascinating series- I've always known that- but putting my finger on the specifics of why that is was always kind of tough. The second game's been my favorite in the series for how *bizarre* it is, but I never quite puzzled out the elements that made it so bizarre on my own.
The game is so short because it was rushed. Kojima sold gangbusters on release of MGS1, and was never bothered again. (until V)
But the game has substance. The story and substance make up for it. MGS 5 has no substance.