Full Review for Metal Gear Solid The Twin Snakes by Ultima(elite)

Introduction

Metal Gear Solid was one of my favorite games on the PS1. It was actually hard to see it go. However, I heard news that Konami, paired up with Silicon Knights, made a remake of the original PS1 game. The title for this game was Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes. I bought it, played it, beat it, and now I'm writing this review. MGS:TTS is my second favorite MGS game, right up there with Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Any fan of the series needs to play this one, for old times sake.

Graphics

The graphics in Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes are definately a step up from the original Metal Gear Solid in every way. Konami and Silicon Knights used the same graphics engine from Metal Gear Solid: Sons of Liberty, and I have to say that it really transfered well over to the Gamecube. You can now hang over ledges, as well as stuff bodies in lockers, however, the best new feature to this already great game is the new first-person-view mode. This eliminates the previous up close and personal battles from the original game and really adds a new twist on how this game needs to be played. I've actually heard some people talk about lag and slowdown during some sequences during the game, but personally, I didn't really notice it, because it really didn't affect the gameplay at all. My only biggest complaint is the fact that the developers did not recreate the CODEC system, and the character models have been replaced with drawings from the original game. This, to me, was a mistake on Konami's fault, as it sort of detracted from the whole experience.

Sound

Like any other Metal Gear games, the sound quality is by far better than any game that I have seen. As for the remake, every scene has been redone with newly spoken dialouge (yes, David Hayter still does the voice of Solid Snake), which really gives gamers the feel that they are playing a remake, and not just a port of the original. Guns now sound perfect, and now seem like deadly weapons (rather than the fake sounding guns from Sons of Liberty.) I usually love Metal Gear soundtracks better than any other out there, and this one is no different. It has a very different feel than the other MGS games, but it still rocks. My personal favorite is the music when fighting Psycho Mantis. Every song from the original game is remixed and fully orchestrated to give it that brand new feel.

Gameplay

Gameplay is as every bit as good from what you have come to expect from Metal Gear games. The Twin Snakes actually feels a bit smoother than the other two MGS games, as Snake doesn't "stick" to walls as easily. However, I have a couple of complaints. First of all, even though aiming is now perfect with the first-person-view mode, grenades are still as unpredictable and sloppy as in Sons of Liberty. They give you bunches and bunches of grenades to use, but I never use them, as they are too hard to predict where they will land and bounce. Second, you are able to get literally dozens of weapons to choose from, but you never really use them all (C4 comes to mind.) My final opinion comes from the new cutscenes that accompany the game. They use the same graphics from in-game play, which really showcases the beautiful particle effects and texturing, but they have a different feel than other MGS games. Snake now has Matrix-like senses and abilities, which is very awkward to see Snake dodging bullets. It is still cool to see, but strange for a MGS game.

Lastability

Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes probably isn't worth your time to play through a second game. The first time you play you will be in awe at the amazing graphics and brand new cutscenes. However, you beat the game (which unlocks things such as Boss Survival, Extreme Mode and Movie Viewer), but the game itself is not changed. Yes, you can collect the fabled dog-tags, but they don't do anything to help you; they simply boost your self-esteem.

Overall

Overall, I would like to say that Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes is one heck of a ride. To see the original Metal Gear Solid transfer over to the Gamecube is a great sight that Metal Gear fans need to experience. Gamecube owners, this game (along side Resident Evil 4) is probably your best bet to getting an action game out there.

Final Score: 90%