If you are patient and forgiving you will likely end up loving this game and probably the entire franchise.
Story: FOXHOUND and the genetically enhanced Next-Generation special Forces have formed an uprising against the US government. They have seized the Shadow Moses base and their Nuclear armaments and in the process have also come in possession of a power weapon by the name of Metal Gear REX. Unless the US government gives in to their demands of 1 billion dollars and the remains of the legendary war hero “Big Boss”, they will launch nuclear warheads to the states.
Colonel Roy Campbell forcefully hired a man code named Solid Snake in order to help them carry out a secret operation. Snake was given 2 objectives, first to seek out and rescue Donald Anderson, the DARPA chief, and any other possible hostages and second, to seek out information about the terrorists nuclear armaments and if possible destroy them.
Game design: Metal Gear Solid the Twin Snake is a perfect example of a video game remake, this game was a remake of the original Metal Gear Solid for the Playstation, so incase you missed out on the original (like I did) you can just simply get this game instead, because new things were added to the game that makes it beyond superior to the orginal:
- Graphics have drastically improved, creating better view around your area as well as improving pre-rendered scenes, thanks to the Gamecube’s engine.
- Animated and pre-rendered scenes were slightly improved and extended, making the game presentation as top quality as by an action movie.
- There are some Nintendo cameos.
- AI for CPU has improved.
- Various other equipments and items that weren’t in the previous game were added.
There are tones of new features put in to the game but if you want to know them all, you won’t get it from me (Want to keep this review spoiler free).
For those who haven’t played the previous game here is basically what there is to know about this game.
Metal Gear Solid is a game involving stealth, patients and precision. The worst thing to do in this game is fighting enemies, because you will be alone and will be unarmed, even though you will gain weapons later on you would still prefer to stay behind the shadows to avoid having a big fuss.
Even if you are discovered you will have to find a place to hide, there are many places you can interact with such as hiding under a bed, or sneaking up a vent or even hiding in a locker. But just because you found a hiding place doesn’t mean you will not be discovered. The CPU AI is pretty good, if you hide in a place and they see you, they will attack you and if you knock out a guy and just leave him on the floor another guy will show up and find his body and alert the others.
There are many interactions, you can silently choke an enemy and can even hide them inside a locker, character motions in the game is also top notch.
The game is full of stealth action and some very odd puzzle solving.
The graphics is just as you would expect from the Gamecube, GERAT, and you will most likely keep playing the game because of the many great cut scenes, whether you’re a Metal Gear fanatic or not. Game play: If there is a great issue about this game then its learning curve. For your first time you will find it very difficult to hide from enemies and will have difficulties viewing your perspective because of the set camera angle, you can always view in first person but you will have to be on the move otherwise you will be discovered. Because of the camera and many traps you would likely fall for, you will die and die and die a lot. If you are very patient and understand the game’s style you will enjoy playing the game at even the highest difficulty settings.
If you ever get lost in the game you can press the pause button and contact Roy Campbell and others for some advise.
Sound: The music is great, the sound effects are also great and voice castings and dialogues are so incredible.
Metal Gear Solid the Twin Snakes is an excellent game for the Gamecube, not just as a game, it could have also been a really cool action movie since the cut scenes are considerably longer than the game it self. Although it’s a great game it isn’t for everyone. The ultimate motivation of this game is the really great and long cut scenes, if you really want to know what’s going to happen next you will stick to the controls and will die a lot, but will gradually improve and will even begin to love the game itself. The game will leave you breathless and you will so badly want to play the sequel.
If you are not patient, get frustrated really easily or not even interested in action movie I would suggest you stay away from this game.
Best advice is to start with this game if you ever want to enjoy the sequels. Because it’s best you get used to the style of the game and the controls and again if you aren’t patient you will most likely end up hating the other titles as well.
For those who want more Metal Gear Solid check out the sequel Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. I’m currently playing the game and will review it soon so check it out.