Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

The Greatest Game in History.

That sets up some pretty high expectations. Reasons are plentiful: The character proxemics, the ambiance and the use of camera angles, mise-en-scene and the editing are skilled beyond many of Hollywood's films today. The characters themselves are deeply psychological. They're all troubled in some way or another, and yet, despite their own individual depth, they're also representations of a side of the human experience and psyche. Raiden is the brash, headlong energy of youth, but he is also the insecurity and inexperience that comes with it. It comes back on his own life, his romantic life no less, in a big way. Snake is Raiden's foil - strong and secure, with years of experience to back up his quiet confidence.

However, his expertise comes at a toll to his own mental health.

The game itself transcends the nature of video games. It uses its predecessor (MGS 1 was itself a revolution in the gaming world) as a symbol of games in general. MGS 2 comments not only on technology, the effect it has on each of our individuality, the nature of humanity in exploration, and our own inabilities to confront demons, but it does all this while reflecting ON THE NATURE OF GAMES THEMSELVES. Bar none, this game has no rivals - it is consummate gaming, and film-making, for that matter. Being both entertaining and thought-provoking, philosophical and compassionate, the games paradoxes and dichotomies are whole and beautiful. In short, this is the game to end all games. I kid you not.

No game before has ever gripped you by your balls and swung you till you asked it to do it again. Its cinematic in ways most movies would kill for, its graphics are top of the bar, its sound makes you jump with every cock of the gun. And its gameplay is as flawless as it can get.

If this was a movie it would be in the top 5 on everyones list.

This is going to be short and sweet, Metal Gear Solid 2 is just what an interactive movie could be. Playing this game is just like playing a main role in a movie. The only way this movie could be more imersive is if you when on a holodeck like in startrek. Play it you wont regreat it.

Hideo Kojima has done it again.

The fifth addition to the official Metal Gear lineup is quite definately the best. Perfect AI, powerfull voice acting by the returning David Hayter, Patrick Laine, and Christopher Fritz, a professionaly composed score, and graphics that will make you swallow your tounge.

If you cant handle good games, stay as far away from this title as possible. Metal Gear fans and newbies alike, I urge, emplore, and DEMAND that you get this game.

So basicaly, it's lookin pretty good.

This game is by far the best PS2 game out there at the moment. The graphics are amazing, the plot is outstanding, and the attention to detail is mind-blowing. your Facial expressions change depending on the situation, the guards have a good AI, and almost every environment item can be manipulated. If you have a PS2, get this game.