The Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 brings together three iconic classics from Konami’s legendary franchise. These games have left an indelible mark on gaming history, and their return to modern hardware is a welcome trip down memory lane. However, the collection isn’t without its quirks and limitations.
The collection includes the original Metal Gear Solid (a no holds barred PS1 port), along with HD remasters of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.
Along with these three absolute classics you’ll receive bonus content from the Substance and Subsistence re-releases on PS2, such as digital comics, soundtracks, and screenplays. The bonus content catering to the needs of the most die-hard of fans. Initial confusion set in when I discovered the digital comics listed under ‘video’ in the collection, with file sizes nearing 9gb, but what you are actually getting is an animated, narrated version of a comic book – a really nice touch enhancing the overall package and offering.
The games themselves offer a few nice touches from their original releases. Metal Gear Solid retains its original 4:3 ratio at 30 frames per second but allows for customisation with borders to fit your TV.
Meanwhile Sons of Liberty and Snake Eater run at 1080p and 60fps, offering a smoother, more enjoyable experience. It would have perhaps been nice to include 4k given the power of the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and high-end PCs. Those looking for something more may be disappointed that more enhancements weren’t made to these classics.
The bonus content in this bundle also includes 1987’s MSX2 versions of Metal Gear & Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, the NES port of Metal Gear & Snake’s Revenge.
Rather than being a cohesive bundle of games accessed in a hub with one game tile, instead you get five separate apps on the PS5 home screen:
- Three launchers for the main Metal Gear Solid games.
- Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake bundled together.
- A fifth app for additional bonus content.
While the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 lacks a 2024 polish in its presentation, the timeless gameplay of these classics still shines through – if you can get past the aged controls of MGS1. If you’re a fan of the series or want to experience these gems for the first time, it’s worth diving in.
Overall a well worthy addition to your gaming collection. Click here to grab it now.
Thank you to the publisher for providing a free key to review this game.