Metal Gear

13 Jul 1987

MSX2 Wii
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N/A rating
169 want
537 played
17 playing
26 reviews
Developer
Konami
Publisher
Konami

Tags

Time to beat

Main story icon

Main story

-
Main story and extras icon

Main story + extras

-
100% completion icon

100% completion

6h
Based on 5 answers
Summary

Metal Gear is considered to be the progenitor of the stealth game genre, it was also the first video game designed by Hideo Kojima, who also directed many of the later Metal Gear sequels. The game revolves around a special forces operative codenamed Solid Snake who goes into a solo infiltration mission into the fortified state of Outer Heaven to destroy Metal Gear, a bipedal walking tank capable of launching nuclear missiles from anywhere in the world. The player must navigate the main character, a military operative codenamed Solid Snake, through various locations, while avoiding visual contact and direct confrontation with patrolling guards. If the player is seen, the game enters the "Alert Mode." In this situation, Snake must escape from enemy's sight in order to resume infiltration. The method of escaping varies depending on the circumstances behind discovery: If Snake is seen and only a single exclamation mark appears over an enemy's head, only the enemies in the player's present screen will attack and Snake can escape by simply moving to an adjacent screen. However, if two exclamation marks appear over the enemy (or the player triggers an alarm by being spotted by a camera, infrared sensor or by using an unsuppressed weapon), reinforcements from off-screen will appear as well. Snake can only escape by eliminating all incoming enemies, going outdoors, or by entering an elevator. The player starts the game unarmed, but eventually acquires firearms such as a Beretta 92F and an M79 grenade launcher, as well as explosives such as remote control missiles and landmines. Ammo and supplies for weapons are limited, but are replenished by picking up ammunition caches or additional supplies. Weapons can not only be used to kill enemies, but also to clear obstacles such as hollow walls and electrified floors. Snake can also use his fists to punch and defeat patrolling enemies. Occasionally, if the player defeats a guard with punches without alerting anyone, the defeated guard will yield a single unit of rations or an ammo box that can be picked up. In addition to enemy guards, the player will also be confronted by mercenaries who will challenge the player to combat, serving as the boss characters. The enemy base consists of three different buildings, with multiple floors (including basement levels) within them. The player uses key cards and other items to unlock doors and explore new areas. Each door will only open to its corresponding key cards. Information can be obtained by rescuing hostages being held within the buildings. After rescuing five hostages, the player's rank will increase by one star (with the maximum rank being four stars), allowing for increased carrying capacity and maximum health. However, if a hostage is killed, the player is demoted to the previous rank. A transceiver is available for the player to communicate with their commanding officer, Big Boss, or one of the resistance members operating covertly near Outer Heaven (Schneider, Diane, and Jennifer). Each of Snake's allies specializes in a specific subject. The player must keep track of their allies' frequency numbers in order to contact them. All of the radio messages are dependent on the rooms where the player is located.

The very first game in Hideo Kojima's legandary franchise, and what is considered to be one of the very first stealth games, Metal Gear was a revolutionary idea back in the day. But today it does not hold up as much due to many instances of outdated game design.

A way I like to describe Metal gear is that it's kind of a top down Metroidvania, but stealth. And that's what you get here. It's a fun little game the first time around, but I wouldn't play it again.

There are just many moments of frustrating game design here such as cryptic progression, atrocious segments of backtracking, and overall jankiness. I highly recommend playing this with a guide.

If you're a Metal Gear fan that wants to experience the original, I can recommend you to skip this one as you won't be missing out on much, besides experiencing how the franchise started. The story here is fairly simple, and literally gets summarised in the next two games anyway.

Although I will always give probs to Metal Gear for conceiving a legandary franchise, and inspiring other amazing stealth games to come in the future.
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19 Dec 2023
F Venom Snake
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03 Apr 2024
Unique and fascinating for its time
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24 Nov 2024
Very old but gold
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21 Oct 2024
While the gameplay is still clunky, precise, and outdated, fans of the story and series will likely have a great time with this classic! I'll admit I had a pretty tough time with this one, especially in the beginning! The controls were tough, the navigation was extremely challenging, the saving was absurd and the directions weren't very direct. However, the bosses weren't necessarily challenging, the resources were vast, and the final sections were relatively easy. Not a must-play for fans of the series due to the light story and the somewhat outdated playstyle, but a very fun time for those who want more from the series. Plus it's great to see where Kojima started everything!
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12 Feb 2024
Played: 8 hours
Level: Original
Platform: Xbox360 (as a part of Metal Gear Solid HD Collection)
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27 May 2020
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