Solid Snake's accomplice on this game is called Holly White and she's downright less annoying than Meryl from future MGS games, in fact her and Snake seem to hit it off well, they have chemistry and it comes off really.cute. There are some sad parts, some funny parts and some downright cool parts. The story is portrayed through text dialogue, mainly over the radio screen but it's to the point and not much waffle which is nice. It's got twists, turns, betrayals, returning characters, motives, love affairs and a huge confrontation between Snake and the second biggest character the in whole saga. What makes this game so good that I claim it's the best in the series? Well, the story.which is a big improvement on the first Metal Gear (which didn't really have an in game story). Anyway, like I said, this isn't a dig at MGS1, it's just that I think Metal Gear 2 doesn't get the credit it deserves. Entering the first building using an air vent. Being ambushed in a elevator by 4 guards. Getting a call from a person claiming to be one of your fans. Meeting up with a woman dressed like a guard in the women's restroom. Running up several flights of stairs with guards chasing you. In fact a lot of elements from MG2 were carried over to MGS1 and reused! Having to warm/cool a key. But in terms of game-play the game doesn't differ that much from its predecessor. MGS1 merely converted MG2 into 3D, I'm not picking on MGS1, I love it and it totally revolutionised the cinematic experience of games with it's awesome voice acting and great cut scenes.
When many people mention the Metal Gear Solid series they think of MGS (PS1) as the game which set the foundations of the series we all love today, in fact they are wrong, the foundations were set 8 years earlier, in this game. It's a shame this is probably the least known Metal Gear game in the series, however this is probably down to the fact that it was only officially released outside Japan in 2006. Despite the few grievances levied against the game, it is still a fantastic experience that all Metal Gear fans should check out. Lastly, the game has a habit of throwing a complication at the play without providing any readily apparent solution either get a walk-through or be prepared for LOTS of aimless wandering. Also, while the card swapping shenanigans of the first game have been noticeably reduced, it's still tedious to cycle through several cards just to see which (if any) will open a door. The guns you are (eventually) equipped with fire bullets so slow that baddies will often out run them off screen. Enemies will occasionally spot you as soon as you enter/exit a door way and there is nothing you can do about it. A few small annoyances keep the game from retro-perfection. The next game in sequence, Metal Gear Solid (PS1), is as much a remake in mechanics as it is a sequel in story. The design and complexity of the game are such that they remain almost unchanged throughout the rest of the series. The game holds up amazing well given it's age. The side characters get a lot more to do as well, enough that when something bad happens to one of them you feel it. Snake is given much more to do and say this time, as opposed to his grunt like behavior in part one. Not so with this (and all subsequent) entry. Also, characters were devoid of personality and lacked meaningful bearing on the narrative. In the first game the plot was ill-developed aside from the one major late game twist. The most notable improvement in the game is the story telling. Other improvements include additional gear, more weapons, a refined alert system, and the god-sent ability to duck and crawl. The graphics are more colorful with more fluidity in the movements, the controls are more responsive, and the sound is vastly improved, particularly the music, which was almost teeth grinding in the first MG.
Judged against this sequel, the first game feels primitive. The difference between the two MSX metal gears is astonishing. Snake must infiltrate the enemy compound and rescue him, though many surprises are in store for the legendary soldier. Marv has engineered an organism that refines crude oil, however he has been kidnapped during a terrorist revolt in Zanzibar Land. Several years after the Outer Heaven incident, Solid Snake is again called upon. Fixing nearly everything that was broken in part one, MG2:SS is the definition of what a sequel should be.