Random Game O' the Day: Metal Gear

[digitalpress]

Not Metal Gear Solid, young 'uns... the Wednesday random game generator chose the original version of the game from the Nintendo Entertainment System.

What did you think of the game the first time you played it... and did you play it BEFORE playing the recent "Solid" series? What did you like best about it? Do you think the game evolved properly? Post your comments and opinions here!

DP Guide sez:
Metal Gear (Nintendo NES, by Ultra) $5/R1 +
Designed by Hideo Kojima. Originally packaged with a game map. Action/2D Adventure. EASTER EGGS: Using what is undeniably the coolest password ever conceived, you can access the final level - horribly unarmed - by entering the code FUCKME, and filling the rest of the spaces in with "1"s. PERIODICALS: Listed as one of the "99 Favorite Classics" by Digital Press in 1997. Named "Best Strategy Video Game of 1988" by VG&CE. Released 06/88. c1988 Konami. #NES-ME-USA.

http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/nintendo/metalgear_5.png

[SKVermin]

I played this one back when it was first released. I was working at TRU at the time, and being a huge fan of The Terminator, I think the cover art subconsciously roped me in. I bought a copy the day it came out. I hadn't really played anything like it up to then, and was immediately enthralled. I think it may even have been responsible for rekindling my interest in console gaming. (I was more into the PC end.)

Sadly, I long ago unloaded this along with all of my NES stuff when I upgraded to the SNES. I wasn't a collector then. But I still wax nostalgic for the original whenever I see a new MGS game released. For personal reasons, I still have nightmares about the codec <inside joke>. I should really look for a copy again. This is still in my opinion the best of the series. Image how bitterly disappointed I was when I picked up Snake's Revenge on launch day. :/

[Ascending Wordsmith]

Metal Gear was one of the first rentals I ever purchased. It was a cool game. Even in my young age, I could catch the grammatical errors within the game. Still it was a great game!

It was Metal Gear, Contra, Jackal, and Blades of Steel that got me hooked onto Konami games.

[Dangerboy]

All time fave Nintendo game, though Final Fantasy 1 could hang with it for most time spent with an NES cart.

Remember, just don't shoot the hostages! ^_^

[Avatard]

I played it when it was released. I thought the remote controll rockets were the coolest things ever. And I'd get so excited when I earned a star. I thought I'd never figure out how to get the oxygen tank or destroy that tank that guarded the narrow gap to scorpion land though. I recently bought another copy, I haven't played it since I was 10 or so, I'll have to crank it up again.

[Graham Mitchell]

I loved this game back when it was released because it was rather difficult for me. I loved the challenge, and there was always a great mystery about the later levels (since I didn't see them until I got a bit older and better at video games.)

I actually like Snake's Revenge. I think everyone complains about that game because we didn't Metal Gear 2 in the US, which is a better game than Snake's Revenge, but Snake's Revenge isn't bad. It's a bit different from Metal Gear in that it's really level-based. The gameplay is the same, but once you reach a certain point, you can't go back again.

I really like the way this series has evolved. I feel that the Metal Gear Solid series is the best example of how a contemporary game, with all the bells and whistles of the modern machines, should be.

The best thing about the Metal Gear series, which is also the highlight of the original NES game, in my opinion, is all the different items and weapons, and figuring out all the different ways to use them. C'mon, who doesn't love remote control missles? (This is also why Splinter Cell, which promised to be a similar game, disappointed me. The items are all situational. You don't "use" them really; the game uses them automatically for you. There's really no difference between an exploding lock pick and a regular lock pick. How disappointing!) :(

[Gapporin]

I would tell you all about how I enjoy this game but...I FEEL ASLEEP!

Seriously, though, it's a great game. I used to go through it with a paper and pen at my side, furiously writing down passwords. Tough as nails, too, but you could apply that to just about any Konami NES game.

Oh, yeah, and FUCKME = greatest code ever.

[Jed]

Definitely a classic, and the Engrish included made it even better. Uh-oh! The Truck have started to move!!

[Nez]

Great game I love how difficult it can be, it really makes you use your weapons carefully and to there fullest extent. I have yet to beat the game though its something I've allways wanted to do since I found out about it.

The first MetalGear game I played wa solid, and i must say I am very impressed how Hideo was able to transform the game from 2d to 3d so succesfully. This is one of my favorite francises.

[badinsults]

Ah, what a great game. My favourite thing is when you go into a truck, and it says "The truck have started to move". Pure engrish to the max. I never really understood why you started without a weapon. The only time I ever got to the end, I ended up taking the wrong elevator and died. Boo.

[o2william]

A fantastic game, one of my all-time NES faves. I still have my original map tucked away somewhere.

The "gear" aspect of the game was the best part. There was so much equipment, and everything had some kind of use. Even the pack of smokes comes in useful at the end of the game (probably the only time in history that cigarette smoking ever extended somebody's life).

I've never understood why people are so down on Snake's Revenge. To me, it's just Metal Gear with a little more emphasis on action, which is not a bad thing. And the music in that game is awesome.

"Cardboard? What are you planning to do, move or something?"

[CreamSoda]

I love the Metal Gear series!

The first time I played Metal Gear on NES, I didn't really know what to think(being used to games like Contra and Mario). At first I always failed terribly at the game, trying just to gun down everything that moved. LOL

Once I finally got the hang of it, and to be patient I really loved the game and how deep it actually was.

I never got a chance to play "Snake's Revenge" I would like to though.

As for the series as a whole, I think it's one of the very few that have kept that "classic" feel even when being moved to 3D(GTA being another example).

I think I like all the games in the Metal Gear series, even MGS2(my first PS2 game btw).

And right now I currently REALLY like Metal Gear Ac!d, I know most people hate it but this still has the classic Metal Gear feel to me. And it's alot of fun if you take the time to learn it.

Oh and did I mention, I love Metal Gear games~! :)

[Sotenga]

Definitely a classic, although the MSX version is definitely the better of the two. At least American audiences weren't shunned from the flashpoint of the epic MG series, and this is a pretty damn good translation. I FEEL ASLEEP! LOL

I'm certainly not the best at the MG series (I tend to get aggressive, thus blowing my covert presence), and the original here is no exception. I really friggin' hate those cameras, they snag me more than I'd like to. I'm probably spoiled from Metal Gear Solid, but things can be a bit boring from time to time, and imagine the shock of gamers who played and beat MGS before the original MG. "WTF this game has no plot, d00d." LOL

Despite its shortcomings, MG is still timeless, and, like many fans, I DEMAND a modern-day remake.

On a somewhat relevant note, I'm still a little raw about America not getting a decent port of the superior sequel, MG2: Solid Snake. If you get the chance to play an English translation of that game, I highly advise playing it.

[mattmcgrath25]

Don't forget the great Ultra print ad with all the weapons / items you could get and their usage (check it out in the DP ad acrhives). I first saw it in an issue of the Nintendo Fun Club News, I believe the issue with Link on the cover.

That ad was what sold me on this game.

[James]

Metal Gear for the NES is a great game but this game is not what it was supposed to be. Hideo Kojima did not approve of this version of the game and was not involved in its development. Konami and Ultra modified it greatly from its real version on the MSX 2. I’m not sure why this was done I think it was something do with making it easier for American audiences or something stupid like that. If you play the 2 different versions you'll notice they are not much alike, the MSX 2 version is easier to get into and feels much more like Metal Gear Solid for the PSX than the modified NES version was. I still greatly enjoy this version of Metal Gear even though it's not an official Metal Gear game and not a Hideo Kojima game.

Snake's Revenge is a travesty and one of the worst Konami decisions ever. If you ever wanted to infuriate Hideo Kojima you would have to mention Snake's Revenge. He absolutely hates and despises this game in every imaginable way. It's a complete bastardization of everything he created within the first 2 Metal Gear games for the MSX 2 especially the use of Snake. The series is about tactical espionage action not run and gun commando style shoot em ups.

[Richter]

well according to Kojima, Snake's Revenge no longer "exists." He ousted it from the timeline when Solid 2 came out

[Dahne]

Man, I need to find me a copy of this. Can you hide in a cardboard box?

I've seen most of the dialogue, and I adore how Hideo made MGS3 tie into it. So much personality and background to add so much depth to a character who just tells you to 'destoroy' things. :)

Rescue missing our Grey Fox.

[SoulBlazer]

Metal Gear was one of my favorite NES games. Even as a kid I loved the game, and it was so much fun to finally finish.

I also enjoyed Snakes Revenge, even though I know it's not 'official'. It's not quite as good, but very good.

Metal Gear for the GBC is also a awsome game, and the GC remake of Metal Gear Solid is a great game as well. 2 was good but not as good. Have'nt played 3 yet.

Kojima has my respect as one of the best game designers out there.

[rbudrick]

I think I got this game for my 10th b-day or something. I remember thinking it was semi-cool, but rather boting because I couldn't get anywhere. Then I made a conscious effort to get the pistol...anything was better than my fists!

After that, the game picked up immensely, and I thouroughly loved it! It was a much more fun and deep game than I had expected.

-Rob

[NeoZeedeater]

I enjoyed Metal Gear on NES. It's not one of my favourites but it was different than anything else I had played at the time. Like has been said, the MSX2 version is a lot better though.