METAL GEAR SOLID 2: SONS OF LIBERTY

Reviewed By: C.G.
VOLUNTEER GUEST REVIEWER
Edited by: Ken James

GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: Playstation 2
Produced by: Konami
Price Range: $50
Learning curve time: 1.5 hrs.
Age level: Adult
ESRB Rating: Mature

Genre: Action/adventure
Christian Rating: 1 of 5
   (very offensive)
Gameplay: 5 of 5
   (excellent)
Violence: 1 of 5
   (extreme)
Adult Content: 1 of 5
   (extreme)

"Metal Gear Solid" is a game with rich history (stretching for about a decade through three console system generations) and a strong storyline. "Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty" picks up a few years after “Metal Gear Solid” left off, throwing us right into the original story. It's a mix of questionable moral material with high gameplay standards.

It starts off with Solid Snake, the starring character of the Metal Gear story line. As the game opens, the user is treated to what has to be the best animation done on a console game--ever! (A production actually created by a Hollywood movie company). I must say--its a jaw-dropping job. The texture is silky smooth and the animation is worthy of the big screen. It simply flows, grabbing your attention immediately.

As awesome as the intro is, the gameplay follows with equal power. The gaming masters at Konami have done an outstanding job… except for one part. The game is very much like the last, in terms of reality. You can easily draw the attention of a guard, in which case you must sometimes hide, or distract them. One such way is very questionable: inside a locker in which you can hide are some questionable pictures of girls in bikinis. You see them because you're supposed to leave the lockers open to draw the guard's attention away from you. At first I thought these pics were just on that level, but as the game progressed I learned they were not. They are all over the game--in lockers, on walls, on almost every level of play.

Other questionable content includes the various detailed ways to kill people. I knew this was going to be a factor when I first rented the game. If you are affected by such violent content, then certainly stay clear of this title.

The language of “Sons of Liberty” is also very objectionable: akin to an “R” rated film, with da*n and h*ll making regular appearances. An edited version of this game would be welcome, but this wish may only stay a wish.

"MGS:SoL" has an interesting storyline; X-Filish in nature, with a huge conspiracy underway controled by some very powerful men behind the U.S. government. But in yet another unfortunate choice, the soap-opera like twist which was brought into it with the introduction of a character's girlfriend (hinting at sexual promiscuity) is truly disappointing.

The game took me nearly 14 hours to beat on normal game setting. While the story remains strong and the gameplay captivating, I regret having rented this in the first place and recommend others to steer clear of a game with such objectionable elements.

Year of Release—2001

Positive—Unbelievable game! It is my favorite game ever for the ps2. It has awesome graphics and gameplay. It may have a bit of violence, but that's part of the storyline. It is a game I recommend to all ps2 gamers. My Ratings: [3/5]
—Jeremy Swetnam, age 17

Neutral—A great piece of imagination! I thought it wasn't as anti-war as the first, though. To elaborate, Metal-Gear is a true gem of video gaming. There is extraordinary graphics and gameplay, garnished with a superb storyline. The game's original intent(at least the last game) was to reward you with a higher score for every enemy that you didn't kill. Also, it tries not to promote fighting and killing near as much as other action games. The only real problem I found in the game was that the story was so predictable for the ones whom have played the previous game. All the creators really did was take the plot from “Metal Gear Solid” and cut and pasted it to fit the new characters in the game, which inclines me to believe that the game was rushed out to satisfy the desires of the people that anticipated it. That's my only official complaint. However, for those who have never played "Metal Gear", they'll love it. My Ratings: [2/4]
—John Dill, age 18

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.