A host of classic's that truly scratch that stealth itch.
I have to say, I was not always a fan of the Metal Gear Solid series. But back in 2010--yes, I know, it took me a while--when I finally gave in and picked up MGS1, my dearth of fandom became a wealth of appreciation for a series I had, up to that point, overlooked. With that said, let's take a look at Metal Gear Solid 2. I'm sure that by now most fans of the series have either reconciled with Mr. Kojima (the director/lead designer of the series) or have chocked up his part in pulling the wool over fans eyes-- by performing a swictheroo with series protagonist, Solid Snake--as a major character flaw, represented by his need to troll. For the uninitiated in Metal Gear Solid 2 the player is introduced to Raiden as the new main protagonist and player character. The problem came with the pre-release promotions hinting at a continued experience with long time Metal Gear protagonist Solid Snake; then not delivering on said, unsaid, implied main character. I don't have an issue with this character change, at least not on any fundamental level--the game is still enjoyable. Raiden is a less rugged and more beau kind of guy, in comparison to Solid Snake (Snake), who is more the rough and tumble, heavily-experienced veteran. Raiden can at times grate ones nerves, as he can get a bit whiny.
MGS2 starts with the player, as Snake, infiltrating a tanker and unraveling the plot of a new metal gear. With metal gears being one of the main ties between the different titles in the series. Snake then gets a bit in over his head (or so it seems) with the arrival of Liquid Ocelot.The game then fast forwards to the plant chapter, in which we are presented with the switch to--then--new series protagonist Raiden. We must, as Raiden, infiltrate the plant and rescue a V.I.P and put a stop to a terrorist group that is at the root of the plant take-over and kidnapping. What ensues is a series of twists and turns, double-crossings and triple-crossings that wind into one of the most aware and socially conscious endings I have experienced in my gaming life. Besides being hard to follow, at times, the plot is telling and trys very hard not to unravel its hand too early, as some may need multiple playthroughs to find a level of coherence that reveals an ambitious plot willing to take on unbelievable risks.
