Review — Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1

Relive the early years of the Metal Gear franchise with the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol 1.

After years of anticipation and speculation, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 finally arrived, offering a nostalgic trip through some of Hideo Kojima’s most iconic creations. Despite its attempt to marry the rich history of the Metal Gear series with modern gaming platforms, the collection presents a mixed bag of treasures and missed opportunities.

😁 The Wonderful

• The inclusion of Master Books and screenplays offers an in-depth look at the series’ lore, providing fans with valuable insights into its creation and evolution. This archival content turns the collection into a elaborate museum of Metal Gear history.

🙂 The Good

• The utilization of PS5’s haptic feedback and minor modern conveniences like remappable controls and the ability to pause cutscenes in MGS1 demonstrate an effort to update the classics for a new audience.
• The option to experience the games with Japanese audio tracks and the inclusion of regional differences honor the series’ global impact and cater to purists seeking authenticity.

😒 The Bad

• The absence of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker leaves a void in the narrative and historical completeness of the series, undermining the collection’s purported scope.
• The collection’s reliance on previous remasters leads to a disjointed experience, with varying levels of visual and performance enhancements across titles that distract from the cohesive presentation.

🫣 The Ugly

• Minimal visual upgrades and persistent technical issues, including resolution and frame rate limitations, detract from the gameplay experience, particularly in the older titles.
• The collection’s pricing, combined with the re-utilization of existing remasters without significant updates, challenges its value proposition, especially for veterans of the series.

Conclusion

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is a testament to the enduring legacy and influence of Hideo Kojima’s masterpieces, yet it falls short of delivering the definitive Metal Gear experience. While the collection dazzles with its archival content and nods to series aficionados, it struggles under the weight of its own ambitions, marred by incomplete selections and inconsistent technical polish. For die-hard fans, it offers a nostalgic journey through the tactical espionage action that defined a generation. However, for newcomers or those seeking a comprehensive and flawlessly updated anthology, the collection may leave much to be desired.

Either way, despite its shortcomings, the collection at least underscores Konami’s commitment to preserving the Metal Gear legacy, showcasing a deep respect for the series and its fans. Let’s just hope it results in better products going forward, with Vol. 2 and real remaster of Snake Eater in the next two years’ pipeline.

2.5/5

Reviewed on PlayStation 5.
Review code provided by publisher.