Metal Gear Solid holds a special place in gaming history, and for many, it remains a beloved franchise. The anticipation for Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 was high, promising a convenient way to experience these classics on modern hardware. However, the reality falls short of expectations, leaving a sense of disappointment in its wake.
This collection gathers the early installments, from the original Metal Gear through Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. While having these iconic titles readily available is a plus, the execution leaves much to be desired. Konami’s approach leans towards a simple port rather than a true remaster, missing the opportunity to enhance these games for current platforms.
metal-gear-solid-2.jpg
A glaring omission is the lack of 4K resolution support, a standard for modern remasters. Upscaling these games wouldn’t have been a herculean task, making this oversight even more baffling. Furthermore, inconsistent frame rates further detract from the experience. The original Metal Gear Solid is locked at 30fps, while MGS 2 and 3 reach 60fps, but only on certain platforms. This inconsistency feels arbitrary and underwhelming.
The lack of visual enhancements is particularly jarring when compared to fan-made mods and emulations that often surpass the official release in quality. This raises concerns about Konami’s commitment to its legacy titles and reinforces the perception that they are prioritizing quick profits over a genuine celebration of the series.
metal-gear-solid.jpg
Despite the graphical shortcomings, Master Collection Vol. 1 offers some redeeming features. The inclusion of bonus content like the Metal Gear Solid graphic novels, official scripts, and digital soundtracks, while not substantial enough to justify the purchase alone, adds value for dedicated fans. The collection also includes the MSX2 and NES versions of Metal Gear, along with Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake and Snake’s Revenge. These additions, while appreciated, are likely not the primary draw for most players.
The core gameplay of the Metal Gear Solid titles remains engaging, even today. Revisiting these classics can still be enjoyable, but the lack of effort in their presentation casts a shadow over the experience. Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 feels like a missed opportunity to revitalize the series for a new generation and honor its legacy. For long-time fans, the convenience of having these games on current platforms might be the only compelling reason to purchase this collection.
Ultimately, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 fails to live up to its potential. While the core games remain enjoyable, the lack of significant improvements and the inconsistent performance leave a sense of disappointment. This collection feels more like a cash grab than a genuine celebration of Metal Gear Solid’s legacy.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. A review code for PS5 was provided by the publisher for this review.
