So, you want to get into Metal Gear but there's so many games in this Award-Winning franchise. Where do you start? And where do you go from there? I'm going to try and help give you a guideline on the Metal Gear Franchise, start to finish, in what I think the best way is to tackle this franchise.
Let's give you some music to listen to while you're mulling over your choices and path to becoming a true Metal Gear fan.
First off, there's two preferable routes you can take to starting your Metal Gear Experience.
(Note: Picking up a brand new copy of the Legacy Collection for PS3 will set you right up with nearly ALL the games you need to fully enjoy this entire series. It's easily available on Amazon.)
1.
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Metal Gear Solid is not quite the origin of the Metal Gear franchise, in terms of release or chronology, but it is the first in the series to embrace to storytelling that is synonymous with the Franchise. Metal Gear Solid is a little difficult to get your hands on considering the original is a PlayStation Exclusive. However, if you have yourself a PS3 or PSVita you can hop on the PlayStation Network and Snag yourself a copy of this classic for a measly 9.99. If you like the game enough you can even jump into the expansion, VR Missions, for another 5.99. Coming to a total of 15.98. Easy! It's also included in the Legacy Collection noted above as a download code. (Note: Unknown whether the code is expired by the time you read this.)
But let's say you're a Hardcore Nintendo fan or you want the most bombastic mind-blowing version of this game yet! Boy, have I got the game for you!
![]()
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes is a complete remake of the original Metal Gear Solid in the Metal Gear Solid 2 style Produced by Hideo Kojima and Shigeru Miyamoto! Fully redone cut-scenes, soundtrack, game-play, voice-acting, this is the most modern version of Metal Gear Solid! It is, however, rather difficult to get your hands on due to it not being released on anything besides the Nintendo GameCube. Got a GameCube or Wii that has GameCube compatible playback and an extra $45-50? Then you're in luck! You can snag this baby for around that price on sites like eBay or Amazon!
So that's how you can get the games but what is Metal Gear Solid about? What's the story?
Well, it's about the Legendary Solid Snake being called out of retirement for a mission. A mission to recover the body of Snake's former nemesis, Big Boss, from a man who only goes by the name of Liquid Snake. This game has the first appearance of many of Metal Gears most iconic characters including Otacon, Colonel Campbell, Liquid, Meryl, Johnny, Mei Ling, Naomi Hunter, Revolver Ocelot, and Master Miller(?).
So, where do you go from here?
![]()
To the Sequel of course! Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty!
One of the most influential games of the 6th Generation is readily available to you in the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection which is available on PS3, PSVita, and Xbox 360, It's also available in the PS3 Exclusive Legacy Collection noted above which features the HD Collection on one of its two discs.
So what's the story? Another Snake? The President of the United States of America? WHAT? The reason this game is as big of an influence on gaming culture is because of its approach to story and what a rabbit hole you are sent down in the game. This is one Metal Gear game you do NOT want to start off with. Subtle, abstract, and incredibly deep cut storytelling is what this game excels at and in turn is one of the reasons I don't want to give the story away. What's that? Snake isn't the main character? He's more of a side character? Then who is the main character of this story? Play it, love it, find out!
Up next? Well, let's just say, survival of the fittest.
![]()
Still in a dream? Yep, it's Snake Eater.
The sequel to Metal Gear Solid 2, but the prequel to the entire series, is readily available for you in the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection or PS3 Exclusive Legacy Collection just like MGS2. If you're in the mood for some stealth on the go then whip out your... 3DS?! Yep, that's right.
![]()
One of only two Metal Gear Solid games released on Nintendo Consoles, Snake Eater 3D is not just a straight port. With enhanced 3D visuals and new gameplay mechanics such as crouch walking added this is a right remake of the famous Jungle Survivor! The downside? It's on a tiny screen and being on a handheld it takes a hit in the framerate department during big moments. Still a Solid entry for the Hardcore Nintendo fans. You can pick it up on Gamestop's website for an easy 19.99.
So, what's this one about? Anything crazy? Well, yeah, you're playing as the ORIGINAL Snake. Yep, Big Boss himself, during his earliest missions. When his mentor, The Boss, goes rogue Naked Snake is tasked with hunting down her Cobra Unit and putting a stop to them. Commence Operation: Snake Eater.
So, where to next? Metal Gear Solid 4? Nope!
![]()
Peace Walker. The continuation of the story of Big Boss is readily available in the HD Collections (Except the Vita version) and Legacy Collection as well!
So, what's the story here? Well, it's just as it sounds. It's a continuation of the story of Big Boss. The story isn't quite the deep-cut the previous ones were. In fact it's one of the more tame games in the franchise! You are the leader of the militaires sans frontieres, an army without a nation, and have been called to the nation of Costa Rica, a nation without an army, after a mysterious military force has made its way into its sovereign borders. You'll face off against giant robots and monsters from... huh? The Monster Hunter Franchise? That's right! Peace Walker is heavily inspired by the Monster Hunter franchise with its bossfight's and even includes bonus missions featuring your favorite Monster Hunter Monsters like Rathalos!
So, let's take a step back. Got your HD Collection ready? Good! Jump back into MGS3 because it's time to learn the origin of the rivalry between Snake and Big Boss. That's right!
![]()
It's time to jump into the very FIRST game! Metal Gear. As a member of Foxhound you are tasked by... Big Boss? With an infiltration mission into "Outer Heaven" Operation: Intrude N313 after Operation: Intrude N312 failed with Gray Fox muttering two words in his final transmission: "Metal...Gear...".
Tasked by Big Boss to infiltrate Outer Heaven, you find out that the man behind Outer Heaven was Big Boss all along! So, you take care of him! But for good?
![]()
It's not over yet! Big Boss is back! Somehow!
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake is also available within MGS3 within the HD Collection. Confused yet? Good! Solid Snake is brought out of retirement by Roy Campbell to infiltrate Zanzibar Land and rescue the Doctor tasked with saving the world from an oil crisis! Only to find out that, oh no, Big Boss is... Still alive? And in charge of Zanzibar Land at that? You must take down Metal Gear D and end Big Boss once and for all!
So, now where do we go from here? Well, there's one more chapter to Big Boss's story. And you may have heard of it. It's the newest game in the franchise.
![]()
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain are the final chapters to the story of Big Boss before the events of the original Metal Gear. You can find the individual games dirt-cheap on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, or Xbox One or you can get both games in The Complete Experience available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Metal Gear Solid V tells the story of Big Boss leading up to the events seen within the two Metal Gear games. Without going into spoiler territory MGSV flips the Metal Gear Mythos on its head with a revelation that has stunned the Metal Gear fanbase in more ways than one. Metal Gears first open-world game is a hell of a game to experience.
And Finally.
![]()
The final FINAL chapter of the Metal Gear Saga is available exclusively on PS3. You can find yourself a copy relatively easily in stand alone form or in the The Legacy Collection but ONLY on PS3. As a PS3 exclusive you NEED to own a PS3 to fulfill the final chapter of the Metal Gear Saga.
A weary, accelerated aged, Old Snake must complete one final mission. To put an end to the Patriots. To wipe the world clean of their influence. One final Mission.
OR
The Spin-off Games!
Worth Playing:
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A Game Boy Color Exclusive released in North America as Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear: Ghost Babel is simply a masterpiece. It takes place in an alternate timeline split from Metal Gear. Meaning in this timeline Ghost Babel is what happens instead of Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
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Metal Gear Solid is a PSP exclusive developed without Kojima. It's the most pure Metal Gear Solid Spin-Off in the franchise. Kojima has even acknowledged it as Canon but not as a necessary chapter in the Metal Gear Saga. It takes place snugly between Snake Eater and Peace Walker and follows Big Boss as he takes on the Anti-Snake, teams up with Roy Campbell, and more! A Solid Spin-Off if I do say so myself.
Didn't get enough Portable Ops? Well, good news!
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Portabl Ops Plus is an expansion to Portable Ops and features a new mode called Infinity Mission. In this mode you play through a series of maps with a set goal until the set number is cleared. You can play as MULTIPLE characters for the first time in Metal Gear. You can play as Raiden, Naked Snake, Old Snake, Roy Campbell, and a whole lot more. While this expansion was mostly focused on the Multiplayer aspect, which has sadly been discontinued, the Infinity Mission is a fun distraction
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Metal Gear Acid, stylized as Ac!d, is about as Spin-Off as a spin-off game can get. A card based strategy game where Solid Snake is tasked with infiltrating a Laboratory Compound.
The events of the Metal Gear Acid games are COMPLETELY Non-canon.
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Metal Gear Acid 2 is an even stranger game. The protagonist of this game is a clone of... SOLID SNAKE?? The game goes onto a crazy route of storytelling that matches up with nothing in other Metal Gear games besides Acid 1.
The Acid games are quite fun but are incredibly different. Neither of them are considered canon and both of them are a far cry from traditional Metal Gear Fare. However, if you REALLY like Metal Gear you might as well give it a try.
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The most well-received of ALL the Metal Gear Spin-off games comes to us from our good friends at... HUH? PLATINUM GAMES?!
The hack and slash masters over at Platinum blessed us with one of the most bombastic, gruesome, gory Metal Gear games. You play as the Cyborg Raiden as you hack and slash your way through a ton of enemies in the vein of Bayonetta and Devil May Cry. A far cry from traditional Metal Gear Fare but the perfect game for a character like Raiden.
Like Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is considered a nonessential part of Metal Gear but is still considered Canon. The game takes place after the events of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and leaves the final event of that game ambiguous.
Not Worth Playing:
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The first Metal Gear ******* Child of Konami greed came waaay back in the times of the NES. After the success of the NES Port of Metal Gear Konami approached Kojima with developing a sequel to the game. Kojima, busy with other projects, had to decline. Konami warned Kojima that if he didn't make a sequel they would have to themselves and thus Snake's Revenge was born. After Kojima saw what Konami had done with the Franchise Kojima took it upon himself to make a proper sequel. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake.
A decent game but so devoid of soul or any type of meaning. The game falls flat on every turn.
Thank you so much for taking your time to read this incredibly long, drawn out guide on the best way to join in on the fun of Metal Gear. I hope you've enjoyed it and, of course, I hope you all look forward to playing as Snake in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
We are Diamond Dogs.
Let's give you some music to listen to while you're mulling over your choices and path to becoming a true Metal Gear fan.
(Note: Picking up a brand new copy of the Legacy Collection for PS3 will set you right up with nearly ALL the games you need to fully enjoy this entire series. It's easily available on Amazon.)
1.
Metal Gear Solid is not quite the origin of the Metal Gear franchise, in terms of release or chronology, but it is the first in the series to embrace to storytelling that is synonymous with the Franchise. Metal Gear Solid is a little difficult to get your hands on considering the original is a PlayStation Exclusive. However, if you have yourself a PS3 or PSVita you can hop on the PlayStation Network and Snag yourself a copy of this classic for a measly 9.99. If you like the game enough you can even jump into the expansion, VR Missions, for another 5.99. Coming to a total of 15.98. Easy! It's also included in the Legacy Collection noted above as a download code. (Note: Unknown whether the code is expired by the time you read this.)
But let's say you're a Hardcore Nintendo fan or you want the most bombastic mind-blowing version of this game yet! Boy, have I got the game for you!
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes is a complete remake of the original Metal Gear Solid in the Metal Gear Solid 2 style Produced by Hideo Kojima and Shigeru Miyamoto! Fully redone cut-scenes, soundtrack, game-play, voice-acting, this is the most modern version of Metal Gear Solid! It is, however, rather difficult to get your hands on due to it not being released on anything besides the Nintendo GameCube. Got a GameCube or Wii that has GameCube compatible playback and an extra $45-50? Then you're in luck! You can snag this baby for around that price on sites like eBay or Amazon!
So that's how you can get the games but what is Metal Gear Solid about? What's the story?
Well, it's about the Legendary Solid Snake being called out of retirement for a mission. A mission to recover the body of Snake's former nemesis, Big Boss, from a man who only goes by the name of Liquid Snake. This game has the first appearance of many of Metal Gears most iconic characters including Otacon, Colonel Campbell, Liquid, Meryl, Johnny, Mei Ling, Naomi Hunter, Revolver Ocelot, and Master Miller(?).
So, where do you go from here?
To the Sequel of course! Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty!
One of the most influential games of the 6th Generation is readily available to you in the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection which is available on PS3, PSVita, and Xbox 360, It's also available in the PS3 Exclusive Legacy Collection noted above which features the HD Collection on one of its two discs.
So what's the story? Another Snake? The President of the United States of America? WHAT? The reason this game is as big of an influence on gaming culture is because of its approach to story and what a rabbit hole you are sent down in the game. This is one Metal Gear game you do NOT want to start off with. Subtle, abstract, and incredibly deep cut storytelling is what this game excels at and in turn is one of the reasons I don't want to give the story away. What's that? Snake isn't the main character? He's more of a side character? Then who is the main character of this story? Play it, love it, find out!
Up next? Well, let's just say, survival of the fittest.
Still in a dream? Yep, it's Snake Eater.
The sequel to Metal Gear Solid 2, but the prequel to the entire series, is readily available for you in the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection or PS3 Exclusive Legacy Collection just like MGS2. If you're in the mood for some stealth on the go then whip out your... 3DS?! Yep, that's right.
One of only two Metal Gear Solid games released on Nintendo Consoles, Snake Eater 3D is not just a straight port. With enhanced 3D visuals and new gameplay mechanics such as crouch walking added this is a right remake of the famous Jungle Survivor! The downside? It's on a tiny screen and being on a handheld it takes a hit in the framerate department during big moments. Still a Solid entry for the Hardcore Nintendo fans. You can pick it up on Gamestop's website for an easy 19.99.
So, what's this one about? Anything crazy? Well, yeah, you're playing as the ORIGINAL Snake. Yep, Big Boss himself, during his earliest missions. When his mentor, The Boss, goes rogue Naked Snake is tasked with hunting down her Cobra Unit and putting a stop to them. Commence Operation: Snake Eater.
So, where to next? Metal Gear Solid 4? Nope!
Peace Walker. The continuation of the story of Big Boss is readily available in the HD Collections (Except the Vita version) and Legacy Collection as well!
So, what's the story here? Well, it's just as it sounds. It's a continuation of the story of Big Boss. The story isn't quite the deep-cut the previous ones were. In fact it's one of the more tame games in the franchise! You are the leader of the militaires sans frontieres, an army without a nation, and have been called to the nation of Costa Rica, a nation without an army, after a mysterious military force has made its way into its sovereign borders. You'll face off against giant robots and monsters from... huh? The Monster Hunter Franchise? That's right! Peace Walker is heavily inspired by the Monster Hunter franchise with its bossfight's and even includes bonus missions featuring your favorite Monster Hunter Monsters like Rathalos!
So, let's take a step back. Got your HD Collection ready? Good! Jump back into MGS3 because it's time to learn the origin of the rivalry between Snake and Big Boss. That's right!
It's time to jump into the very FIRST game! Metal Gear. As a member of Foxhound you are tasked by... Big Boss? With an infiltration mission into "Outer Heaven" Operation: Intrude N313 after Operation: Intrude N312 failed with Gray Fox muttering two words in his final transmission: "Metal...Gear...".
Tasked by Big Boss to infiltrate Outer Heaven, you find out that the man behind Outer Heaven was Big Boss all along! So, you take care of him! But for good?
It's not over yet! Big Boss is back! Somehow!
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake is also available within MGS3 within the HD Collection. Confused yet? Good! Solid Snake is brought out of retirement by Roy Campbell to infiltrate Zanzibar Land and rescue the Doctor tasked with saving the world from an oil crisis! Only to find out that, oh no, Big Boss is... Still alive? And in charge of Zanzibar Land at that? You must take down Metal Gear D and end Big Boss once and for all!
So, now where do we go from here? Well, there's one more chapter to Big Boss's story. And you may have heard of it. It's the newest game in the franchise.
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain are the final chapters to the story of Big Boss before the events of the original Metal Gear. You can find the individual games dirt-cheap on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, or Xbox One or you can get both games in The Complete Experience available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Metal Gear Solid V tells the story of Big Boss leading up to the events seen within the two Metal Gear games. Without going into spoiler territory MGSV flips the Metal Gear Mythos on its head with a revelation that has stunned the Metal Gear fanbase in more ways than one. Metal Gears first open-world game is a hell of a game to experience.
And Finally.
The final FINAL chapter of the Metal Gear Saga is available exclusively on PS3. You can find yourself a copy relatively easily in stand alone form or in the The Legacy Collection but ONLY on PS3. As a PS3 exclusive you NEED to own a PS3 to fulfill the final chapter of the Metal Gear Saga.
A weary, accelerated aged, Old Snake must complete one final mission. To put an end to the Patriots. To wipe the world clean of their influence. One final Mission.
OR
This is the chronology playthrough. The story from beginning to end.
![]()
Still in a dream? Yep, it's Snake Eater.
The sequel to Metal Gear Solid 2, but the prequel to the entire series, is readily available for you in the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection or PS3 Exclusive Legacy Collection just like MGS2. If you're in the mood for some stealth on the go then whip out your... 3DS?! Yep, that's right.
![]()
One of only two Metal Gear Solid games released on Nintendo Consoles, Snake Eater 3D is not just a straight port. With enhanced 3D visuals and new gameplay mechanics such as crouch walking added this is a right remake of the famous Jungle Survivor! The downside? It's on a tiny screen and being on a handheld it takes a hit in the framerate department during big moments. Still a Solid entry for the Hardcore Nintendo fans. You can pick it up on Gamestop's website for an easy 19.99.
So, what's this one about? Anything crazy? Well, yeah, you're playing as the ORIGINAL Snake. Yep, Big Boss himself, during his earliest missions. When his mentor, The Boss, goes rogue Naked Snake is tasked with hunting down her Cobra Unit and putting a stop to them. Commence Operation: Snake Eater.
So, where to next? Metal Gear Solid 4? Nope!
![]()
Peace Walker. The continuation of the story of Big Boss is readily available in the HD Collections (Except the Vita version) and Legacy Collection as well!
So, what's the story here? Well, it's just as it sounds. It's a continuation of the story of Big Boss. The story isn't quite the deep-cut the previous ones were. In fact it's one of the more tame games in the franchise! You are the leader of the militaires sans frontieres, an army without a nation, and have been called to the nation of Costa Rica, a nation without an army, after a mysterious military force has made its way into its sovereign borders. You'll face off against giant robots and monsters from... huh? The Monster Hunter Franchise? That's right! Peace Walker is heavily inspired by the Monster Hunter franchise with its bossfight's and even includes bonus missions featuring your favorite Monster Hunter Monsters like Rathalos!
Now it's time for the third chapter of Big Boss's story, and probably the most complicated, but also the newest game in the franchise!
![]()
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain are the final chapters to the story of Big Boss before the events of the original Metal Gear. You can find the individual games dirt-cheap on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, or Xbox One or you can get both games in The Complete Experience available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Metal Gear Solid V tells the story of Big Boss leading up to the events seen within the two Metal Gear games. Without going into spoiler territory MGSV flips the Metal Gear Mythos on its head with a revelation that has stunned the Metal Gear fanbase in more ways than one. Metal Gears first open-world game is a hell of a game to experience.
So, let's take a step back. Got your HD Collection ready? Good! Jump back into MGS3 because it's time to learn the origin of the rivalry between Snake and Big Boss. That's right!
![]()
It's time to jump into the very FIRST game! Metal Gear. As a member of Foxhound you are tasked by... Big Boss? With an infiltration mission into "Outer Heaven" Operation: Intrude N313 after Operation: Intrude N312 failed with Gray Fox muttering two words in his final transmission: "Metal...Gear...".
Tasked by Big Boss to infiltrate Outer Heaven, you find out that the man behind Outer Heaven was Big Boss all along! So, you take care of him! But for good?
![]()
It's not over yet! Big Boss is back! Somehow!
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake is also available within MGS3 within the HD Collection. Confused yet? Good! Solid Snake is brought out of retirement by Roy Campbell to infiltrate Zanzibar Land and rescue the Doctor tasked with saving the world from an oil crisis! Only to find out that, oh no, Big Boss is... Still alive? And in charge of Zanzibar Land at that? You must take down Metal Gear D and end Big Boss once and for all!
So, now where? Well, let's just say the next game is another Solid start to the franchise!
![]()
Metal Gear Solid is not quite the origin of the Metal Gear franchise, in terms of release or chronology, but it is the first in the series to embrace to storytelling that is synonymous with the Franchise. Metal Gear Solid is a little difficult to get your hands on considering the original is a PlayStation Exclusive. However, if you have yourself a PS3 or PSVita you can hop on the PlayStation Network and Snag yourself a copy of this classic for a measly 9.99. If you like the game enough you can even jump into the expansion, VR Missions, for another 5.99. Coming to a total of 15.98. Easy! It's also included in the Legacy Collection noted above as a download code. (Note: Unknown whether the code is expired by the time you read this.)
But let's say you're a Hardcore Nintendo fan or you want the most bombastic mind-blowing version of this game yet! Boy, have I got the game for you!
![]()
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes is a complete remake of the original Metal Gear Solid in the Metal Gear Solid 2 style Produced by Hideo Kojima and Shigeru Miyamoto! Fully redone cut-scenes, soundtrack, game-play, voice-acting, this is the most modern version of Metal Gear Solid! It is, however, rather difficult to get your hands on due to it not being released on anything besides the Nintendo GameCube. Got a GameCube or Wii that has GameCube compatible playback and an extra $45-50? Then you're in luck! You can snag this baby for around that price on sites like eBay or Amazon!
So that's how you can get the games but what is Metal Gear Solid about? What's the story?
Well, it's about the Legendary Solid Snake being called out of retirement for a mission. A mission to recover the body of Snake's former nemesis, Big Boss, from a man who only goes by the name of Liquid Snake. This game has the first appearance of many of Metal Gears most iconic characters including Otacon, Colonel Campbell, Liquid, Meryl, Johnny, Mei Ling, Naomi Hunter, Revolver Ocelot, and Master Miller(?).
So, where do you go from here?
![]()
To the Sequel of course! Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty!
One of the most influential games of the 6th Generation is readily available to you in the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection which is available on PS3, PSVita, and Xbox 360, It's also available in the PS3 Exclusive Legacy Collection noted above which features the HD Collection on one of its two discs.
So what's the story? Another Snake? The President of the United States of America? WHAT? The reason this game is as big of an influence on gaming culture is because of its approach to story and what a rabbit hole you are sent down in the game. This is one Metal Gear game you do NOT want to start off with. Subtle, abstract, and incredibly deep cut storytelling is what this game excels at and in turn is one of the reasons I don't want to give the story away. What's that? Snake isn't the main character? He's more of a side character? Then who is the main character of this story? Play it, love it, find out!
And Finally.
![]()
The final FINAL chapter of the Metal Gear Saga is available exclusively on PS3. You can find yourself a copy relatively easily in stand alone form or in the The Legacy Collection but ONLY on PS3. As a PS3 exclusive you NEED to own a PS3 to fulfill the final chapter of the Metal Gear Saga.
A weary, accelerated aged, Old Snake must complete one final mission. To put an end to the Patriots. To wipe the world clean of their influence. One final Mission.
Still in a dream? Yep, it's Snake Eater.
The sequel to Metal Gear Solid 2, but the prequel to the entire series, is readily available for you in the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection or PS3 Exclusive Legacy Collection just like MGS2. If you're in the mood for some stealth on the go then whip out your... 3DS?! Yep, that's right.
One of only two Metal Gear Solid games released on Nintendo Consoles, Snake Eater 3D is not just a straight port. With enhanced 3D visuals and new gameplay mechanics such as crouch walking added this is a right remake of the famous Jungle Survivor! The downside? It's on a tiny screen and being on a handheld it takes a hit in the framerate department during big moments. Still a Solid entry for the Hardcore Nintendo fans. You can pick it up on Gamestop's website for an easy 19.99.
So, what's this one about? Anything crazy? Well, yeah, you're playing as the ORIGINAL Snake. Yep, Big Boss himself, during his earliest missions. When his mentor, The Boss, goes rogue Naked Snake is tasked with hunting down her Cobra Unit and putting a stop to them. Commence Operation: Snake Eater.
So, where to next? Metal Gear Solid 4? Nope!
Peace Walker. The continuation of the story of Big Boss is readily available in the HD Collections (Except the Vita version) and Legacy Collection as well!
So, what's the story here? Well, it's just as it sounds. It's a continuation of the story of Big Boss. The story isn't quite the deep-cut the previous ones were. In fact it's one of the more tame games in the franchise! You are the leader of the militaires sans frontieres, an army without a nation, and have been called to the nation of Costa Rica, a nation without an army, after a mysterious military force has made its way into its sovereign borders. You'll face off against giant robots and monsters from... huh? The Monster Hunter Franchise? That's right! Peace Walker is heavily inspired by the Monster Hunter franchise with its bossfight's and even includes bonus missions featuring your favorite Monster Hunter Monsters like Rathalos!
Now it's time for the third chapter of Big Boss's story, and probably the most complicated, but also the newest game in the franchise!
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain are the final chapters to the story of Big Boss before the events of the original Metal Gear. You can find the individual games dirt-cheap on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, or Xbox One or you can get both games in The Complete Experience available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Metal Gear Solid V tells the story of Big Boss leading up to the events seen within the two Metal Gear games. Without going into spoiler territory MGSV flips the Metal Gear Mythos on its head with a revelation that has stunned the Metal Gear fanbase in more ways than one. Metal Gears first open-world game is a hell of a game to experience.
So, let's take a step back. Got your HD Collection ready? Good! Jump back into MGS3 because it's time to learn the origin of the rivalry between Snake and Big Boss. That's right!
It's time to jump into the very FIRST game! Metal Gear. As a member of Foxhound you are tasked by... Big Boss? With an infiltration mission into "Outer Heaven" Operation: Intrude N313 after Operation: Intrude N312 failed with Gray Fox muttering two words in his final transmission: "Metal...Gear...".
Tasked by Big Boss to infiltrate Outer Heaven, you find out that the man behind Outer Heaven was Big Boss all along! So, you take care of him! But for good?
It's not over yet! Big Boss is back! Somehow!
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake is also available within MGS3 within the HD Collection. Confused yet? Good! Solid Snake is brought out of retirement by Roy Campbell to infiltrate Zanzibar Land and rescue the Doctor tasked with saving the world from an oil crisis! Only to find out that, oh no, Big Boss is... Still alive? And in charge of Zanzibar Land at that? You must take down Metal Gear D and end Big Boss once and for all!
So, now where? Well, let's just say the next game is another Solid start to the franchise!
Metal Gear Solid is not quite the origin of the Metal Gear franchise, in terms of release or chronology, but it is the first in the series to embrace to storytelling that is synonymous with the Franchise. Metal Gear Solid is a little difficult to get your hands on considering the original is a PlayStation Exclusive. However, if you have yourself a PS3 or PSVita you can hop on the PlayStation Network and Snag yourself a copy of this classic for a measly 9.99. If you like the game enough you can even jump into the expansion, VR Missions, for another 5.99. Coming to a total of 15.98. Easy! It's also included in the Legacy Collection noted above as a download code. (Note: Unknown whether the code is expired by the time you read this.)
But let's say you're a Hardcore Nintendo fan or you want the most bombastic mind-blowing version of this game yet! Boy, have I got the game for you!
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes is a complete remake of the original Metal Gear Solid in the Metal Gear Solid 2 style Produced by Hideo Kojima and Shigeru Miyamoto! Fully redone cut-scenes, soundtrack, game-play, voice-acting, this is the most modern version of Metal Gear Solid! It is, however, rather difficult to get your hands on due to it not being released on anything besides the Nintendo GameCube. Got a GameCube or Wii that has GameCube compatible playback and an extra $45-50? Then you're in luck! You can snag this baby for around that price on sites like eBay or Amazon!
So that's how you can get the games but what is Metal Gear Solid about? What's the story?
Well, it's about the Legendary Solid Snake being called out of retirement for a mission. A mission to recover the body of Snake's former nemesis, Big Boss, from a man who only goes by the name of Liquid Snake. This game has the first appearance of many of Metal Gears most iconic characters including Otacon, Colonel Campbell, Liquid, Meryl, Johnny, Mei Ling, Naomi Hunter, Revolver Ocelot, and Master Miller(?).
So, where do you go from here?
To the Sequel of course! Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty!
One of the most influential games of the 6th Generation is readily available to you in the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection which is available on PS3, PSVita, and Xbox 360, It's also available in the PS3 Exclusive Legacy Collection noted above which features the HD Collection on one of its two discs.
So what's the story? Another Snake? The President of the United States of America? WHAT? The reason this game is as big of an influence on gaming culture is because of its approach to story and what a rabbit hole you are sent down in the game. This is one Metal Gear game you do NOT want to start off with. Subtle, abstract, and incredibly deep cut storytelling is what this game excels at and in turn is one of the reasons I don't want to give the story away. What's that? Snake isn't the main character? He's more of a side character? Then who is the main character of this story? Play it, love it, find out!
And Finally.
The final FINAL chapter of the Metal Gear Saga is available exclusively on PS3. You can find yourself a copy relatively easily in stand alone form or in the The Legacy Collection but ONLY on PS3. As a PS3 exclusive you NEED to own a PS3 to fulfill the final chapter of the Metal Gear Saga.
A weary, accelerated aged, Old Snake must complete one final mission. To put an end to the Patriots. To wipe the world clean of their influence. One final Mission.
The Spin-off Games!
Worth Playing:
A Game Boy Color Exclusive released in North America as Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear: Ghost Babel is simply a masterpiece. It takes place in an alternate timeline split from Metal Gear. Meaning in this timeline Ghost Babel is what happens instead of Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
Metal Gear Solid is a PSP exclusive developed without Kojima. It's the most pure Metal Gear Solid Spin-Off in the franchise. Kojima has even acknowledged it as Canon but not as a necessary chapter in the Metal Gear Saga. It takes place snugly between Snake Eater and Peace Walker and follows Big Boss as he takes on the Anti-Snake, teams up with Roy Campbell, and more! A Solid Spin-Off if I do say so myself.
Didn't get enough Portable Ops? Well, good news!
Portabl Ops Plus is an expansion to Portable Ops and features a new mode called Infinity Mission. In this mode you play through a series of maps with a set goal until the set number is cleared. You can play as MULTIPLE characters for the first time in Metal Gear. You can play as Raiden, Naked Snake, Old Snake, Roy Campbell, and a whole lot more. While this expansion was mostly focused on the Multiplayer aspect, which has sadly been discontinued, the Infinity Mission is a fun distraction
Metal Gear Acid, stylized as Ac!d, is about as Spin-Off as a spin-off game can get. A card based strategy game where Solid Snake is tasked with infiltrating a Laboratory Compound.
The events of the Metal Gear Acid games are COMPLETELY Non-canon.
Metal Gear Acid 2 is an even stranger game. The protagonist of this game is a clone of... SOLID SNAKE?? The game goes onto a crazy route of storytelling that matches up with nothing in other Metal Gear games besides Acid 1.
The Acid games are quite fun but are incredibly different. Neither of them are considered canon and both of them are a far cry from traditional Metal Gear Fare. However, if you REALLY like Metal Gear you might as well give it a try.
The most well-received of ALL the Metal Gear Spin-off games comes to us from our good friends at... HUH? PLATINUM GAMES?!
The hack and slash masters over at Platinum blessed us with one of the most bombastic, gruesome, gory Metal Gear games. You play as the Cyborg Raiden as you hack and slash your way through a ton of enemies in the vein of Bayonetta and Devil May Cry. A far cry from traditional Metal Gear Fare but the perfect game for a character like Raiden.
Like Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is considered a nonessential part of Metal Gear but is still considered Canon. The game takes place after the events of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and leaves the final event of that game ambiguous.
Not Worth Playing:
The first Metal Gear ******* Child of Konami greed came waaay back in the times of the NES. After the success of the NES Port of Metal Gear Konami approached Kojima with developing a sequel to the game. Kojima, busy with other projects, had to decline. Konami warned Kojima that if he didn't make a sequel they would have to themselves and thus Snake's Revenge was born. After Kojima saw what Konami had done with the Franchise Kojima took it upon himself to make a proper sequel. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake.
A decent game but so devoid of soul or any type of meaning. The game falls flat on every turn.
The second Metal Gear ******* Child of Konami greed happened earlier this year. After the messy firing of Kojima in late 2017 during the development of Silent Hills, Konami proceeded with development of a new Metal Gear. The game was plagued by anti-consumer micro-transactions and nearly all assets, including the game world, were reused from Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
There are almost no redeeming qualities in this game besides the fact that it is, indeed, more MGSV gameplay. However, even that basic joy is ruined by the overabundance of micromanagement of your health, thirst, and hunger from just roaming the world. Metal Gear Survive is simply NOT Metal Gear and not in a good way like Acid or Rising but in the worst way that it could possibly be.
There are almost no redeeming qualities in this game besides the fact that it is, indeed, more MGSV gameplay. However, even that basic joy is ruined by the overabundance of micromanagement of your health, thirst, and hunger from just roaming the world. Metal Gear Survive is simply NOT Metal Gear and not in a good way like Acid or Rising but in the worst way that it could possibly be.
Thank you so much for taking your time to read this incredibly long, drawn out guide on the best way to join in on the fun of Metal Gear. I hope you've enjoyed it and, of course, I hope you all look forward to playing as Snake in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
We are Diamond Dogs.
