Introduction to the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection
The Metal Gear Solid Master Collection has arrived, marking a significant moment for fans of the storied franchise. This collection brings together the iconic Metal Gear Solid 3—often hailed as the pinnacle of the series—and makes its debut on PC. Alongside MGS 3, the collection includes Metal Gear Solid 1 and 2, as well as the original MSX Metal Gear games, offering a comprehensive package of the classic titles.
The release of these beloved games on PC was met with great anticipation, as the Metal Gear games hold a special place in the hearts of many gamers. However, the initial reception on Steam has been lukewarm at best. Despite the excitement surrounding the collection’s launch, the Steam community has given the games a “Mixed” rating, indicating a polarized response from the players.
Issues with Metal Gear Solid 3
The PC port of Metal Gear Solid 3, a key component of the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection, has been met with significant criticism from players. Despite the game’s revered status, the transition to PC has been marred by a variety of issues that have detracted from the overall experience.
- Visuals: Players have expressed disappointment with the game’s graphics, describing them as muddy and not up to the standard expected from a modern remaster.
- Controls: The control scheme has been another point of contention, with complaints about the lack of mouse support and nonsensical keyboard controls that cannot be edited.
- Lack of Options: A significant lack of customization options has been highlighted, including an inability to change resolution settings or adjust the aspect ratio, leading to a subpar visual and gameplay experience.
- Button Prompts: Issues with button prompts resetting to default Xbox controls have been frustrating for players using different setups.
- Manuals: The game manuals are reportedly web pages that do not acknowledge the aforementioned issues, adding to player confusion.
These issues have culminated in a sense of dissatisfaction among the fanbase, with many feeling that the port does not do justice to the legacy of Metal Gear Solid 3.
Problems with Metal Gear Solid 2 and 1
Similar to the issues faced by Metal Gear Solid 3, the other titles in the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection have encountered their own set of problems. Both Metal Gear Solid 2 and the original Metal Gear Solid have been criticized for issues that mirror those of MGS 3, affecting the overall reception of the collection.
| Metal Gear Solid 2 Complaints | Metal Gear Solid 1 Complaints |
|---|---|
| No options for customization | Emulated version with limited options |
| Bad keyboard controls | No resolution or aspect ratio options |
| Muddy graphics | Recommended to use PlayStation emulator for better experience |
| Locked at 720p resolution | Issues with full screen and windowed modes |
| Missing audio settings adjustments | Unavailable downloadable languages on Steam |
These issues have led to a consensus among players that the ports for both MGS 2 and the original MGS are less than satisfactory, with many feeling that the games have not received the treatment they deserve for their PC release.
Positive Reception for Original MSX Games
In contrast to the issues plaguing the main titles of the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection, the inclusion of the original MSX Metal Gear games has been met with a more positive response from the community. These classic titles seem to have resonated well with players, garnering appreciation for their inclusion in the collection.
- Authenticity to the original experience
- Positive nostalgia factor
- Higher percentage of positive reviews compared to the mainline titles
The original MSX games, Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, have managed to capture the essence of the series’ early days and deliver an experience that has been warmly received by fans, both old and new.
Overall Sentiment Towards the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection
The overall sentiment towards the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection is one of disappointment, with the collection failing to meet the high expectations of the series’ passionate fanbase. The ports have been criticized for their lack of polish and fidelity to the original experiences that made the Metal Gear Solid series a gaming phenomenon.
The author’s personal experience with the ports echoes the broader community’s grievances. Even on a high-end PC setup, the emulated version of MGS 1 runs poorly, and the ports of MGS 2 and 3 are described as muddy and messy. This has led to a situation where, ironically, players might be better off playing older versions of the games that have been improved by the modding community.
Despite the current state of the collection, there is a glimmer of hope. Konami has indicated that patches are on the way, which could address some of the issues that players have been facing. The community remains cautiously optimistic, hoping that these future updates will transform the collection into a product that truly honors the Metal Gear name.
Until then, the legacy of Metal Gear Solid on PC remains in the hands of dedicated modders, who are expected to continue their work in refining these classic titles. The community’s expectations are now set on these talented individuals to deliver the Metal Gear Solid experience that fans have been waiting for.
