Metal Gear Solid GBC Review @ Gaming Target

Written by Kevin Stapf on August 03, 2000

Review: It may not look quite like the PSX version, but it plays just as well.

The Metal Gear Series originated in 1987 on the now ancient NES and at that time the game the game brought about a very revolutionary type of gameplay. Now, after all these, while not as revolutionary as it once was, is still one of the best series of games ever. The Metal Gear games have been able to continue to provide gamers with hours and hours of great gameplay ever since their release in 1987. The most recent addition to the series brings us back to the original 2D roots of the original games.

The visuals in this game are quite simply the best on any GB game to date. Konami has pushed the GBC to the limits especially in their use of the color palette. The way the colors are used helps add an amazing amount of detail in the game. Each sprite is amazingly animated and detailed. You will be able to notice different hairstyles on the soldiers, see Snake's headband shake as he runs, and even see puffs of smoke disperse when you use the "smoke emitter," which to all Snake fans we know that he is actually chilling out with a few puffs on his smokes (they had to clean it up a little for the GBC). Sometimes you can even see the guards stretch and fall asleep while they are supposed to be on duty. Each level and every object in the game are so amazingly designed that the visuals in this game are nearly perfect in every way.

When listening to the audio you will notice that it is very recognizable, especially to anyone who has played the game on PSX. The music keeps pace with the game and helps the game move along even during a few of the slow parts. The sound effects are, just like everything else in this game, great. You will be able to hear the distinct smack of every punch that lands, every shot that fires, every alarm that sounds, and even a few of the quotes from the guards such as, "What was that?" and "I thought I heard something." The audio fits so well into this game that you can't complain.

MGS GBC's gameplay is so addictive and so fun that you just cant put this game down. You play the role of Solid Snake and you have been once again been sent in on a one-man suicide mission to save the world from terrorists who have captured the one machine that could lead the world to nuclear disaster, Metal Gear. You can't run in with guns ablaze, otherwise you are just begin to die; you have to use your stealth. Even though stealth is the key a few good snapped necks and headshots here and there couldn't hurt. Actually, if an enemy soldier spots you, you will have to use a little force because he will get a truckload of soldiers on your ass before you take another breath. You not only have to sneak around without being seen, you have to do it quietly otherwise a soldier will heard you and you will be staring death down the gun barrel once again.

This game is also packed with features besides the great single player game. There are around 180 VR missions to help you hone all your skills, from sneaking around, to use of your weapons. I am starting to sound redundant, but once again the VS battle in this game is one of the best on any GB game to date. In VS Battle each player starts out with a few weapons then can pick two more before you head into the match. Each match is played out on a randomly generated map, so you will rarely play the same map twice. The first player to achieve capture 3 data disks and return them to the goal wins. The tricky part is that once you capture 3 disks there are a few fake goals that make it harder to return to the one real goal. Also while you are searching for the disks your opponent is out there lurking and if he spots you before you spot him you will meet your maker a little earlier then you may have planned. If you take out your opponent three times you win the match. The whole game is also battery backed, so you wont have any of those annoying passwords to worry about.

Just like everything else in this game, the replay value is great. After each mission you are given a time and a rating on how well you did and you will find yourself replaying many missions trying to better your rating. Not to mention the 180 VR missions that are all just as addicting as the normal game, you will find yourself coming back to play this game many times over.