Konami rereleases Metal Gear Solid 1, 2 and 3 in the US - [MGS Essentials Collection]

[Kitsune Sniper]

And it's available for preorder at Play Asia.

http://kotaku.com/349319/metal-gear-solid-the-essential-collection-available-for-pre+order-at-playasia

I'm happy - these games deserve to be reprinted. And it's including the Substance and Subsistence versions of MGS2 and 3. But at the same time, I'm torn... Do I sell my original copies of the games and buy this? Or do I keep them and still buy this package? Argh! I'd much rather have rereleased versions of the games, but ...

Yeah, I'm obsessed, haha. What are you going to do? :p

[Richter Belmount]

Bonariffic collection I say , cant wait to pick up mgs2 substance (i been having to suffer for years with a original version)
What would make this collection better is if they ported twin snakes to the ps2.

[Xexyz]

I wonder when the inevitable "are they black border or Greatest Hits packaging?" questions will start to fire away in this topic.

[Kitsune Sniper]

What I want to know is if this is the original version of MGS1, or the Integral release (with the VR training bonuses).

[Damaramu]

So is MGS 1 just the PSone version?

[norkusa]

Ehh, it's kind of a bare bones version of MG collection that Japan got but I guess it's better than nothing:

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-43-77-2-49-en-15-metal+gear+collection-70-21vx.html

[roushimsx]

Awesome, I love these triple packs that they've been doing (Medal of Honor, Hitman, Devil May Cry, Need For Speed, etc). Well, except for that Call of Duty 2 pack, but that's because it was only Finest Hour (dogshit) and Big Red One (pretty good!...but you could just buy it separately for cheaper and not be burdened with Finest Hour).

I love that they're including Metal Gear Solid in there, too. I wonder if MGS3:S will be both discs or if it'll only include disc 1? Isn't disc 2 pretty much pointless anymore now that the servers have shut down?

Also, I wonder if there's any changes to the actual games themselves...like if they're using the Euro versions or if MGS is the Integral version. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

[Kitsune Sniper]

Awesome, I love these triple packs that they've been doing (Medal of Honor, Hitman, Devil May Cry, Need For Speed, etc). Well, except for that Call of Duty 2 pack, but that's because it was only Finest Hour (dogshit) and Big Red One (pretty good!...but you could just buy it separately for cheaper and not be burdened with Finest Hour).

I love that they're including Metal Gear Solid in there, too. I wonder if MGS3:S will be both discs or if it'll only include disc 1? Isn't disc 2 pretty much pointless anymore now that the servers have shut down?

Also, I wonder if there's any changes to the actual games themselves...like if they're using the Euro versions or if MGS is the Integral version. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

Er, MGS3:S's disc 2 includes the Ape Escape minigame, Metal Gear and Solid Snake. It's not "pointless".

But I'm concerned about MGS online, too...

[roushimsx]

Er, MGS3:S's disc 2 includes the Ape Escape minigame, Metal Gear and Solid Snake.

Ahh, that's right. Totally forgot that all of that was on the second disc. Still, I wouldn't be surprised if it wound up either slapped on disc 1 (go go DVD9?) or if the second disc was removed entirely.

[Lothars]

I would definitely like this collection, which I will buy when it's released

I bet it will be both discs on the subsistence as well

[Kintaro56]

I love Metal Gear Solid 3: Substience, and didn't like Snake Eater due to the lack of camera control.

Will MGS 1&2 have a reworked camera system, or will it be the original fixed camera? What do the "Director's Cut" versions offer?

I never even played anything other than both versions of the third game, and I hated the camera in Snake Eater, so I really don't know what the Hell I'm talking about regarding the other games...and stuff.

Thanks!

[MegaDrive20XX]

Oh dear sweet god, JACKPOT! I need this!

[Kitsune Sniper]

Looks like GameStop / EB Games just added a preorder link to their website... I think this pretty much confirms a release of the game.

Too bad Amazon hasn't listed it yet. I wanna preorder it there.

[Policenaut]

I wonder what will be the preorder bonus for this compilation.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Me too, but it really doesn't matter I'll preorder it anyway.

[zemmix]

I admit I've never played any of the Metal Gear games outside the old NES one. I might pick this up just to try it.

[Sailorneorune]

I think I will be pointing one of my friends to this collection (or maybe buying it for her). Very nice, especially considering the prices of Substance and Subsistence... and don't get me started on the LE (FMV disc and flimsy red box = $100. wtf).

[Niku-Sama]

i have been waiting for something like this for a while, i havent played any metal gear games except for a very very early demo on PSX of the first one

[Leo_A]

Hope they bring the Silent Hill Collection to the US next.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Oh yes, Silent Hill. More of the Sega Ages stuff too...

[PDorr3]

Geat news for me since I nver played MGS1 and was JUST thinking of buying it when this box set was announced. I already own MGS2 and 3 but only played 30 minutes of 2 and never played 3. I am definitly buying this.

[DJ Daishi]

already got the japanese version

[roushimsx]

Preorder page is up on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001383L36/) now. Handy if you feel like paying straight retail and not having to pay for shipping. Also handy if you just don't feel like preordering it at GameStop.

Sadly, RC Mini Chopper (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SH3XIQ/) isn't available for preorder anymore :'(

[Leo_A]

So how are they getting around Sony's policy of not bundling PSOne and PS2 titles together that kept the original Silent Hill out of the Silent Hill Collection released in Europe? Was there a policy change, or has MGS1 been converted to a PS2 only title to get around the limitation?

[roushimsx]

So how are they getting around Sony's policy of not bundling PSOne and PS2 titles together that kept the original Silent Hill out of the Silent Hill Collection released in Europe? Was there a policy change, or has MGS1 been converted to a PS2 only title to get around the limitation?

I'm guessing policy change or at the very least a policy exemption based on the significance of MGS4 in Sony's PS3 lineup.

[consolecrusader]

I can't wait for tomorrow to come for this set. Probably more excited about this then I was when i saw the DMC 5th Anniversary set. I might play through all 3 of them this weekend. You should see eBay and online sites are selling the normal copies of 1/2/3 for so cheap before this comes out. Here are some features:

Metal Gear Solid

The "Metal Gear Solid" series, developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Japan, Inc. (President: Motoyuki Yoshioka), is an innovative, tactical espionage action game that emphasizes covert actions rather than directly confronting enemies. With an in-depth scenario, new and original game design combined with a story full of plot twists and intricate human drama, this award-winning game series instantly gained international recognition.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance

Solid Snake returns in Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance, the expanded edition of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, with all-new game modes, hidden characters, and storylines. Top-secret weapons technology is being mysteriously transported under cover of an oil tanker to an unknown destination. It's up to Snake to infiltrate the transport and keep this deadly weapon of mass destruction from falling into the wrong hands.

More than 350 VR missions and more than 150 alternate missions.
Five all-new Snake Tales side stories.
Hidden playable characters and new game modes.
Contains the entire Sons of Liberty game.


Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence

The complete game of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, which has sold 3.6 million units worldwide, is in Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence. The game has also added the option of a "Third Person View Camera" for every stage of the game. This wider field of vision and complete freedom of movement brings an incredible sense of realism to the game. Gamers will have an easier time spotting enemies on-screen and preparing for their next stealth maneuver.

MSX 2 versions of Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake - The original games that were the genesis of the Metal Gear series are brought to the PlayStation 2. These games continue the storyline which started in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. This is also the first time that these games have been released in North America.
Snake vs. Ape - Snake and the Apes from Ape Escape are back again for some more action stages.
Duel Mode - Mode that is unlocked when Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is completed. Players can select any boss to duel.
Demo Theatre - Mode that is unlocked when Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is completed. Choose any camouflage and face paint and watch the in-game movies. Some of the scenes with Eva may change in the "Peep Mode"!

[calthaer]

And now we return to our regularly scheduled program.

[consolecrusader]

Copy and paste for the win but first paragraph was all me!!

[Trevelyan]

So is this a PS2/PS3 release, or PS3 only?

[Bojay1997]

Unfortunately, Konami took the super cheap approach and did nothing to make MGS a PS2 or PS3 friendly release. They could have easily put it on a single DVD-rom, but they didn't put any effort in at all. As such, there is nothing in this package for those of us who already have the three games.

[Vectorman0]

I merged consolecrusader's thread with this one.

[heybtbm]

Unfortunately, Konami took the super cheap approach and did nothing to make MGS a PS2 or PS3 friendly release. They could have easily put it on a single DVD-rom, but they didn't put any effort in at all. As such, there is nothing in this package for those of us who already have the three games.

That's worth pointing out. If you're using a PS2 to play this set, you'll need a PS1 memory card to save MG1 (not really a big surprise I suppose).

I still don't understand why this wasn't just released on one PS3 blu-ray disc. The whole point is to generate interest in MGS4. Just make this collection a single disc PS3 release and be done with it.

[norkusa]

Since I already own Solid, Substance, and Subsistence, is there any point in purchasing this set? Any extras here that aren't featured on the originals?

[roushimsx]

Since I already own Solid, Substance, and Subsistence, is there any point in purchasing this set? Any extras here that aren't featured on the originals?

Nope, looks like it's "just" the US release of Solid and the US releases of Substance and Subsistence. Would have been nice if they'd thrown in Existence or Integral, but for $30? Can't complain. Maybe they'll do a future release with Document of MGS2, Metal Gear Saga, Integral, and Existence...next 5yr anniversary milestone or some such. Who knows. If they ever announce something like that, I'll be sure to get my preorder in super early so I don't get hosed out of the goodness like I did on the 20th anniversary pack (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-43-49-en-70-21vx.html) :(

The only reason you might want to snag this release is for the incredibly snazzy new artwork + cardboard box.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I wonder if they left the online code in MGS:3 Subsistence, since the servers closed late last year.

[Vectorman0]

I wonder if they left the online code in MGS:3 Subsistence, since the servers closed late last year.

I bet they did. It would actually require work to edit the code and take it out, something it seems most companies doing reprints don't want to do. It would be much easier to just do reprints of the original games and mention online is no longer active in the manual.

[DefaultGen]

.....

[consolecrusader]

Porbably not unless its a surprise and we get MGS online! nahhhhhh

But dont forget about beta coming with reserve of MGS4 when reserves are active in April.

[roushimsx]

I bet they did. It would actually require work to edit the code and take it out, something it seems most companies doing reprints don't want to do. It would be much easier to just do reprints of the original games and mention online is no longer active in the manual.

I doubt they even made a mention of it in the manual. At most, there'll probably be a little slip of paper included mentioning that the online is no longer active. The manuals are probably the same as the original releases (with the exception of MGS' being reworked into a DVD case-style manual).

[Chuplayer]

Unfortunately, Konami took the super cheap approach and did nothing to make MGS a PS2 or PS3 friendly release. They could have easily put it on a single DVD-rom, but they didn't put any effort in at all. As such, there is nothing in this package for those of us who already have the three games.

It's actually an incredibly PS3 friendly release, as is nearly every PS1 game. Virtual memory cards FTW.

I played the PC version of the PS1 version, and I still prefer Twin Snakes. I've already got Substance and Subsistence with Existence, so I'll be skipping this set.

[MegaDrive20XX]

My only question, is will MGS1 be the original two disc PS1 game, or a port of the PC version?

[Vectorman0]

My only question, is will MGS1 be the original two disc PS1 game, or a port of the PC version? The original PSX version will play on any Sony console. I see no reason I see no reason for Konami not release it as is.

[Kitsune Sniper]

I played the PC version of the PS1 version, and I still prefer Twin Snakes.

HEATHEN! SACRILEGE! :P

Has it been confirmed that MGS3 Subsistence includes -both- discs yet? I keep hearing the second disc is not included, and I really don't want to buy these again if they don't include the original Metal Gear games.

[Leo_A]

I'd like to know too, that's most of the reason I want to buy this set.

[roushimsx]

My only question, is will MGS1 be the original two disc PS1 game, or a port of the PC version?

It's "just" the original US Playstation 1 release and apparently it doesn't include the VR Missions or any of the other additional content from Integral (which the PC port was based off of).


HEATHEN! SACRILEGE! :P

Quoted for truth.


Has it been confirmed that MGS3 Subsistence includes -both- discs yet? I keep hearing the second disc is not included, and I really don't want to buy these again if they don't include the original Metal Gear games.

Well shit, Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/metal-gear-solids-essential-collection-confirmed-for-ps2/) says no bonus disc, but they also mention no bonus disc for Substance (oh, really?). It'd be handy if some site listed if the box set was 4 discs or 5. :(

Oh well, we'll find out in a few hours! WOO!

edit - IGN says "no" to the Persistence disc, too (http://ps2.ign.com/articles/849/849861p1.html). Bummer. It'd be so much more awesome of a collection with Metal Gear 1 and 2 included.

[consolecrusader]

is it out yet today?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Not that there's anything inherently WRONG with the PS1 version ... it was a milestone on the system and in the genre ... but when I feel the urge to go back and re-play that chapter in the MGS story

it's always "The Twin Snakes" for GameCube that I play.

Awesome graphical upgrades and extra cut-scenes in that one.

If you've got a Gamecube, or a Wii, and are planning on re-playing all three of these prior to MGS 4, I'd recommend giving that version a try. It's not rare or expensive last time I checked.

The other two versions of MGS2 and 3 in this collection are great, though I never could make effective use of the free-camera system in MGS:3S

[LiquidPolicenaut]

Not that there's anything inherently WRONG with the PS1 version ... it was a milestone on the system and in the genre ... but when I feel the urge to go back and re-play that chapter in the MGS storyi t's always "The Twin Snakes" for GameCube that I play. Awesome graphical upgrades and extra cut-scenes in that one.

When I wanna play MGS, I still go for the original PSOne version than TTS for the GC. I disliked the graphics in it (I KNOW the GC can do better than that.), changes in the dialogue, changes the soundtrack, the horribly redone cutscenes (a few were ok though), etc. I just pop MGS in the PS2, use the "smoothing" feature, and its still graphically good to me :)

[Vectorman0]

is it out yet today?

Last time I checked my order on Amazon.com a few days ago, it was delayed a week. I'm eager to get it for my collection, but unsure about opening it as I have them all already.

[Kitsune Sniper]

It -shipped- out to retailers today. It should start showing up within a week, I bet.

[Icarus Moonsight]

If MGS1 is just the US PS1 game than I guess I can skip this. I thought it would be a PS2 port... crap.

[Mangar]

I actually might buy this, since the only Metal Gear Solid game I've played is the first one. Probably one of my favourite games of all time. Good thing I insisted on a 60GB PS3. Yay Backward compatibility!

Regarding the The MSX-2 Versions of Metal Gear 1 and 2. How different is Metal Gear 1 on the NES compared to the MSX-2? IE: Which ones superior, etc...

[Vectorman0]

It -shipped- out to retailers today. It should start showing up within a week, I bet.That's good to know, I guess I should never use Amazon as a basis for release/ship dates.

[roushimsx]

Regarding the The MSX-2 Versions of Metal Gear 1 and 2. How different is Metal Gear 1 on the NES compared to the MSX-2? IE: Which ones superior, etc...

The MSX version is pretty superior in nearly every respect. I believe the version on Persistence has a fully retranslated script along with multiple tweaks, but I've yet to give it a shot. Not to say the NES version wasn't good (I loved it), but the MSX version is simply that much better.

Metal Gear 2 is like a 2D version of Metal Gear Solid (or like a graphically superior version of Ghost Babel, I guess? :)). Lots of parallels between the two games (both in gameplay and story) and the PS2 version cleans up the controls a little bit and updates the gameplay in other areas.

Great games, both of them.

[Kitsune Sniper]

It looks like the package does -not- include Subsistence.

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173594&page=5



"i opened it while i was at gamestop to double check if it had the extras, mainly VR Missions, Substance and Subsistence.

-MGS says it has some VR Missions...but it's kinda vague if it's the actual VR Missions game or just the few missions the original had.

-MGS2 does have skateboarding and Snake Stories, so it is Substance.

-judging from the MGS3 manual...i see no mention of MG1 or 2. and there is no 2nd disk. it is Subsistence...but not what you'd be expecting in terms of extras.

still at work so i can't test them out. but i'll search for info. and i'll try it out in a few hours when i get home.

Well! I can save $30 now.

[consolecrusader]

Just got my copy at DP this afternoon, and the above statements from the CAG forum is correct thus far...if anyone wants me to check anything let me know

[Kitsune Sniper]

Pop in MGS3 and tell me the MSX games and the Monkey game are in there.

I could care less about Metal Gear Online... and if they managed to fit those three games into one DVD with Subsistence, I -might- still get it.

[roushimsx]

Pop in MGS3 and tell me the MSX games and the Monkey game are in there.

Sounds like it's just the Subsistence disc. The disc with all of the other goodies is the Persistence disc, which it sadly omits. Guess they didn't want to bother with printing a small slip of paper saying that online has been disabled or some such. :(

[Carey85]

Yeah, I picked this up earlier and I'm a little disappointed. My biggest complaint is the oversized flimsy box that houses the games, mine is kind of beat up. However, if you don't have any of the MGS games, or don't want to pony up the cash that Substance demands, go ahead and get it.

[consolecrusader]

I made a short 3 videos of each game and its contents uploading to youtube...I got syked out in MGS1 cause it tells you "Previous Games" and it tells ya the stories from the NES games and I thought it was the actual game.

[consolecrusader]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MjZ6jhCrfI

also watch videos 1 and 2 :)

[Kitsune Sniper]

Please post the links to the videos. Youtube is stupid and won't let me see them without direct links.

[consolecrusader]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNkgGmBotPs - MGS1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VDb5VRcHZE - MGS2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MjZ6jhCrfI - MGS3

There ya go

[gepeto]

I picked it up today great a collection I couldn't pass up the cheap price. I am a sucker for these collections. It is amazing considering these all sold for 50 bucks a piece.

[G-Boobie]

Even though the shipping damage troll at Amazon paid special attention to my box on the way out the door, I'm pretty happy with this collection. I already own these games, so I'm not sure why it delights me so.... :)

I think it's great that Capcom and Konami are producing this kind of fan service for PS2 owners. Is it just me or are they kicking ass these last couple years?

[kainemaxwell]

My stepfather will love this.

[fahlim003]

No disc 2 from Subsistence. I think I'll pass on this. Besides, Subsistence original is cheap enough.

[Cinder6]

It just came in the mail today. I'm not sure yet if I'm going to open it, but I'm curious about one thing: is MGS1 on 2 CDs or one DVD? I ask, because the back of the box just says "DVD", no mention of CDs anywhere.

[Kitsune Sniper]

Two CDs.

[josekortez]

I think it's great that Capcom and Konami are producing this kind of fan service for PS2 owners. Is it just me or are they kicking ass these last couple years?

It's not just you. Konami, at the very least, is returning to greatness. Until I see Street Fighter IV, I can't comment on Capcom.

[Cinder6]

Two CDs.

Thanks.

One other question: how are the extras in MGS2: Substance? I just realized I never played them (I own the lowly original). Might be worth cracking open the plastic, after all.

[MegaDrive20XX]

No 2nd disc in MGS3 Subsistance...:( I wanted to play MG2..

[Kitsune Sniper]

Thanks.

One other question: how are the extras in MGS2: Substance? I just realized I never played them (I own the lowly original). Might be worth cracking open the plastic, after all.

The extras are hundreds of VR missions and some special one player scenarios. I've only played a bit of the VR missions, not the scenarios. I can't get into MGS2 at all. It just doesn't click as well as MGS1 did for me. :(

[venturousviking]

The extras are hundreds of VR missions and some special one player scenarios. I've only played a bit of the VR missions, not the scenarios. I can't get into MGS2 at all. It just doesn't click as well as MGS1 did for me. :(


I felt the exact same way about MGS2...just didn't seem the same as MGS was.. I have the collection and about to try MGS3. I hope its different.

[Cinder6]

For some reason, I'd been under the impression that this version of Substance didn't come with the VR Missions, but maybe that was MGS3 I was thinking of.

As far as MGS2 and enjoying it, I loved it, except for Raiden. MGS3 is great, probably has the best gameplay, but is ultimately my least favorite in the series, maybe because I felt it was changed too much. Plus, after MGS2, the story was pretty tame, so it felt like something was missing.