Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5723 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Konami
• Released on: 2003-09-26
• Platform: PlayStation2

Amazon.co.uk Review
One of the most anticipated titles in gaming history absolutely lives up to the hype. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is the follow-up to one of the most captivating and intelligent adventures on the PSone; Solid Snake, everyone's favourite mullet-sporting super-soldier, is back along with many other familiar faces and voices. While Metal Gear Solid was lauded for telling a complex story, this sequel has even more fascinating twists and turns; also, like its predecessor, MGS2 takes console-game storytelling to an entirely new level with stunning in-game movies, great graphics, and game mechanics that let you find your own solutions to its challenges. The game's twisting and at times bizarre plot will undoubtedly keep some gamers perplexed.

Konami has replaced the moronic enemies from the first MGS with more cerebral and capable foes; this causes an even greater emphasis on stealth than the original. The controls have been refined and Snake's repertoire of moves has grown, both of which deepen the gameplay. This is, technically and stylistically, one of the best-looking PS2 games on the market. Sound is also top notch, with a fabulous score and outstanding voice acting. What really makes this game such a stand-out is how all of these sight, sound, and story elements combine to immerse the player into an entertainment form between movie and game. It will be years before Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is surpassed. This is interactive entertainment at its finest. --Raymond M Padilla

Manufacturer's Description
The sequel to one of the most popular games of all time, Metal Gear Solid 2 features heart-stopping stealth-based action and state of the art graphics. Players assume the role of Solid Snake, a one-man army determined to stop a deadly high-tech weapon from falling into the hands of the wrong people. Snake must utilize his skills in stealth, weaponry and counter-terrorism to fight off the competing powers and destroy the gigantic killing machine Metal Gear Ray.

Customer Reviews

Unbeatable!!!!
This is probably the best game I have ever played. If you are already an MGS fan you will be blown away , but even if you can't tell your Solid Snakes from your Revolver Ocelots, you will find the game easy to pick up and play, yet engaging, downright fun and containing hours of gameplay. Be prepared to be up till 2 o'clock in the morning, playing with bated breath, as yet another plot twist or new challenge keeps your eyes glued to the screen and your hands stuck to you dualshock2. I mean, come on, what can be more fun than shooting down a Harrier Jump Jet with a rocket launcher? MGS veterans will be delighted with the brill new controls, weapons and fantastic gameplay, rookies will be blown away with the sublime plot, unbeatable graphics and the fun to be had with tactical espionage action at it's best. So quit reading this review and buy you fools!

Hideo Kojima's 2nd Triumph
If you liked the first game, buy this right after you've read this review or better yet... why wait??? If you just like games which involve action, stealth, and a Hollywood style plot go for this.
The level of realism in this is phenomenal, if you take some time to look at the DVD Video that comes with MGS2 you'll find out exactly why the this game is so militarily accurate when, for example, if you're trying to hide from the enemy in a locker while they're searching the room you're in they'll be perfectly coordinated, the closer they get, the more your heart begins to fill out the silence and the Dual Shock vibrates.
Then there are the small touches, such as, have you ever noticed in Bond films that when James is in a gunfight, he always holds his gun UP? It's also explained that this is militarily incorrect, therefore if you push yourself against a wall, a manoever which will be perfectly familiar to those who've played the first game, you'll notice that both Snake and Raiden hold their guns down. Then try doing the same thing on the first game; do you see the difference???
The big snag for hardcore Solid Snake fans is that he is not playable throughout the majority of the game. Instead, you'll have to control Raiden. When you take a look at the quality of the game overall, you should be able to look past this with ease.
This game was made to be much like a Hollywood action film, with it's enormous usage of FMV and Codec scenes designed to progress through the story. Therefore, the first time you play this you will have to be prepared to sit through a lot of dialogue between the different characters.
But, all in all, if you appreciate a decent game, buy this and you won't regret it.

A Fantastic but flawed game
MGS2 is well an interactive movie. Hideo Kojima hyas created a masterpiece that is incredibaly interactive but in some areas linear. The weapons in this game far surpass the original as does the story which is far far better than 90% of Hollywood blockbusters these days. The game has fantastic ideas which all work perfectly e.g. the guards clearences when they know you are in the area is done with incredible realism as they use sign language to indicate your presence. The main aspect of this game is its plot which is so amazing you'll think every word of it is true.
Though its too short and slightly lacks replay value "the dogtag system works well" if you are going to play it for the first time PLAY IT ON THE NORMAL DIFFICULTY SETTING or you will ruin the game. Though flawed it is a game every dedicated games fan must complete once.