The WhatsNext verdict
If you want stealth with a rich toolbox and a narrative willing to challenge your expectations, this is a particularly strong fit. Skip it if long cutscenes, dense political dialogue, or playing as Raiden are likely to outweigh the appeal of its infiltration systems.
What it does best
Stealth built around readable tools and tense improvisation
A game that turns its own storytelling machinery into the subject
Revelations that reward going in unspoiled
What might put you off
Long, dense codec conversations and cutscenes
Playing mainly as Raiden instead of Snake
The setup
What you are walking into
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is the sequel to the espionage action game Metal Gear Solid. Much of the gameplay remains the same, as the game's protagonist has to sneak past guards, outsmart them using various gadgets and defeat the tricky boss enemies. The game expanded its predecessor's cover mechanic, with Solid Snake or Raiden able to take cover behind walls or objects and pop out to shoot at enemies, while the improved enemy AI allowed enemies to also take cover from the player. Metal Gear Solid 2 is considered to be one of the greatest video games of all time, as well as a leading example of artistic expression in video games.
Where it lives
Genre
Vibe
Up next
