Episode 112: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Metal Gear Solid 2 was easily the most hotly anticipated game for the Playstation 2. The first game had blown everyone away, and the jaw-dropping graphics of previews combined with the quality of the animation in cutscenes seemed almost too good to be true.

Luckily for fans everywhere, MGS 2 appeared to live up to its wild expectations, getting almost universally glowing reviews. It seemed that MGS 2 had expanded upon the first game in every single way, including having an even more convoluted story. But for all its praise, there were hints of critique and backlash around the edges if you looked hard enough. The change of protagonist definitely pissed a lot of people off, and opinion was divided over whether the ending was brilliant or just a self indulgent mess of ideas awkwardly stapled together.

So is Metal Gear Solid 2 still a game worth playing today? Or are there flaws in this acclaimed classic that have been long forgotten?

On this episode we discuss:

Gameplay.

In what ways has the core mechanics of sneaking around a complex changed from Metal Gear Solid 1 to 2? Are these differences meaningful in changing how you engage with the game, or are they just surface level changes with murdering enemies at range with a silenced pistol still being the best approach?

Characterisation.

One of the most memorable parts of the original Metal Gear Solid was its wacky roster of villains, all with their own questionably fantastical super powers. Does MGS 2 continue this proud tradition, or are the enemy bosses in the game lacklustre in comparison?

Story.

To call Metal Gear Solid 2’s story complicated is a massive understatement. To what degree does it manage to hold together its threads of conspiracy, philosophy and free will? Does it all come together in a cohesive whole, or is it just a load of nonsense?

We answer these questions and many more on the 112th episode of the Retro Spectives Podcast!

Intro Music: KieLoBot - Tanzen K

Outro Music: Rockit Maxx - One point to another

Metal Gear Solid 2 OST: Harry Gregson-Williams, Norihiko Hibino

What was your favourite part of Metal Gear Solid 2? Does Fortune get as much hate as she deserves, or should she get even more? Which stealth game should we play next? Come let us know what you think on our community discord server!

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