Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance

Kojima's Xbox debut poses Nick a challenge.

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Yet it is perhaps this exact feature that is a chink in Kojima’s armour. The game is so preoccupied with its characters that it makes itself intensely vulnerable to exactly the same weaknesses as its cinematic cousin – if the script is bad, then your material is hobbled from the start. It could be said that this is the case with Metal Gear Solid Substance. The game play is excellent and a lot of fun, but Kojima invests so much in the story that something is lost. This game is evidence of an ongoing transition in the game industry, a move towards combining the things we have learnt from cinema with the interactivity of games – but we clearly have a little way to go yet.

Part of the problem is that much of the script unfolds from lengthy dialogues that take place using the codec – the transmitter device Snake uses to communicate with outside help. These lack the drama of the 3D cut scenes, and are frankly overused. The poorly written dialogue is also more visible here, without the beautiful visuals to compensate.

There are other issues, too. The controls are a little counter-intuitive, and aiming and firing the tranquiliser gun is extremely difficult at first. Indeed, it almost encourages alternate methods of progress, as beginner players will often find themselves misfiring and alerting the guards if they attempt to use weapons. The extras promised are impressive, but to be honest are not worth buying for if you’ve already played Sons of Liberty. This isn’t an issue for Xbox only owners, but those of you with a PS2 as well are advised to stay clear. It makes you wonder why Konami are publishing Substance on the PS2 at all, especially considering the addition of Sons of Liberty to the budget range. Regardless, the VR missions are enjoyable and challenging even for veterans, and the “Snake Tales” allow certain mission elements to be played through as Snake rather than Raiden, for those of you inclined to hate the new character (and many do…).

Metal Gear Solid Substance, despite its faults, is a game of rare quality, and its addition to the Xbox line up is one that should please everyone owning Microsoft’s console. It is also a difficult game to rate, because your enjoyment of the title will entirely depend on what you expect from this game, and what you feel it delivers. Everyone should enjoy the game play itself – although not quite as ‘pure’ a play style as some other stealth titles, the core game play itself is a pretty rock solid mix of gadgets and sneaking about that should appeal to most console gamers. If, however, you are annoyed by cut scenes, and like your stealth games to err on the side of realism, then you might consider looking elsewhere, or perhaps try before you buy. And that’s really what it comes down to.

- Clearly a quality game, but not for everyone...

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By Nick McCrea