AbstractHow did Solid Snake survive the end of the first game? That's only the beginning of the startling mysteries, as this PS2 sequel picks up where its predecessor left off. You'll take on all-new enemies, journeying from the heart of New York City to the depths of the hottest desert. New weapons and improved gameplay make this version a jaw-dropping title, and the same actors return to voice their classic characters. Whether you conquered the original or you're series newcomer, you're in for the adventure of a lifetime.
ESRB rating
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Animated Blood, Animated Violence |
Full descriptionMetal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is the fourth entry in Konami's Metal Gear series and continues to follow the exploits of Solid Snake, a legendary mercenary who's already foiled three devious and bizarre plots involving various incarnations of Metal Gear, a bipedal, nuclear-capable robot whose existence threatens to destabilize an already jittery near-future world.
In Metal Gear Solid 2, Solid Snake is working for a fringe group known as Philanthropy, an organization devoted to the destruction of Metal Gear projects around the world. Thanks to the fallout from Snake's previous mission on Shadow Moses Island, any country with a decent bankroll now has access to Metal Gear technology. To combat this problem, the Marines have developed a new Metal Gear, known as Metal Gear Ray. Snake's mission is to infiltrate a tanker headed out to sea and obtain proof of the existence of this new Metal Gear, while keeping out of sight in the process.
Things soon take a turn for the worse as a rogue group of Russian soldiers take control of the tanker and its precious cargo. And thus begins Metal Gear Solid 2's plot, which features a cast of characters, new and old, wrapped around a core that is part military techno-thriller, part comic book heroics, and in keeping with the Metal Gear Solid tone, part philosophy.
Infiltration and stealth are of key importance to a successful mission, but there are also ample opportunities to cause death and destruction. The environments in Metal Gear Solid 2 are more interactive than its predecessor, as weapon fire damages windows and knocks items across the room. More precise sharp shooting is not only possible in this sequel, but also necessary at times. Of course, well-considered strategies and careful, stealthy execution are absolutely crucial to success.
Editorial reviewSource:
AmazonOne of the most anticipated titles in PlayStation2 history absolutely lives up to the hype.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is the follow-up to one of the most captivating and intelligent adventures on the original PlayStation. Solid Snake, everyone's favorite mullet-sporting supersoldier, is back, along with many other familiar faces and voices. While its predecessor was lauded for telling a complex story, this sequel has even more fascinating twists and turns. Also, like
Metal Gear Solid,
MGS2 takes console-game storytelling to an entirely new level with stunning in-game movies, great graphics, and game mechanics that let you find your own solutions to challenges. The game's twisting and at times bizarre plot will undoubtedly keep some gamers perplexed.
Konami has replaced the moronic enemies from the first MGS with more cerebral and capable foes; this causes an even greater emphasis on stealth than the original. The controls have been refined and Snake's repertoire of moves has grown, significantly deepening the gameplay. This is, technically and stylistically, one of the best-looking PS2 games on the market. The sound is also topnotch, with a fabulous score and outstanding voice acting. What makes this game such a standout, however, is how all of these sight, sound, and story elements combine to immerse the player into an entertainment form somewhere between movie and game. It will be years before Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is surpassed. This is interactive entertainment at its finest. --Raymond M. Padilla
Pros:
- One of the best and most complex stories in gaming
- Outstanding graphics with many interactive elements
- Excellent soundtrack and voice acting
Cons: - Long periods of watching instead of playing
- Some extraneous dialogue
- Solid Snake may inspire gamers to grow mullets
Solid Snake performs somersaults, hangs from ledges, and uses disguises
Bullets damage rooms and characters leave footprints in interactive environment
Dynamic musical score by Harry Gregson-Williams
- Portions of content provided by Rovi Data Solutions, Inc. and IGN Entertainment, Inc.