Info about METAL GEAR SOLID 2: Sons of Liberty - Master Collection Version:

Official game description:
Past Updates
============
*   Fixed an issue where the character moves at a high speed  
*   Fixed an issue where a "Damaged File" error is sometimes displayed when trying to load save data  
*   Added Steam Deck™ support  
*   Added Steam Input support  
*   Added an audio settings feature  
*   Added a "Window Mode“  
*   Added pause menu  
    Audio settings  
    Screen settings  
    The online manual  
    Resetting the game  
    Returning to the main menu
About the Game
==============
This is the fourth release in the METAL GEAR series. Metal Gear Solid 2 is a story a told in two parts:  
In the Tanker chapters, Solid Snake sneaks into a secret tanker in pursuit of a new top-secret nuclear weapon, called Metal Gear.  
In the Plant chapters, Raiden of the new FOXHOUND unit infiltrates an offshore plant occupied by terrorists.  
New gameplay actions such as handling weapons from a first person viewpoint, holding up enemies at gunpoint, and grabbing and dragging fallen opponents were also incorporated into this title.  
An exclusive digital Screenplay Book and Master Book that details the story and characters in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty are also included.  
\[Title lineup\]  
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (HD Collection version)  
Regional versions of the titles are available as additional downloads.  
\[Digital book\]  
Metal Gear Solid 2: Screenplay Book  
Metal Gear Solid 2: Master Book  
The digital books can be accessed from the game's main menu screen.

Release date: Oct 24, 2023

Categories: Stealth Gameplay, Tactical Shooter, First-Person Shooter, Narrative Adventure, Character Progression, Environmental Interaction, Boss Fights, Choice-based Narrative


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Significant gameplay improvements (weight 0.99): The game is widely praised for its enhancements over the first installment, including refined mechanics, responsive controls, and new features like first-person aiming and lethal/non-lethal options. These upgrades contribute to a more polished and enjoyable experience.
- Revolutionary and prophetic storytelling (weight 0.7): The narrative is celebrated for its depth, complexity, and foresight, tackling themes like AI, censorship, and misinformation that remain relevant today. Its layered plot and twists are often described as ahead of their time.
- Masterful stealth and AI design (weight 0.42): The game sets a high standard for stealth gameplay with intelligent enemy AI, interactive environments, and multiple strategic approaches. These elements create a dynamic and immersive experience.
- Timeless relevance and longevity (weight 0.38): Despite its age, the game's themes, storytelling, and mechanics continue to resonate with players. Its ability to predict modern societal issues adds to its enduring appeal.
- High production values and immersion (weight 0.32): The game excels in cinematic presentation, voice acting, soundtrack, and fourth-wall-breaking techniques. These elements contribute to a deeply engaging and memorable experience.
- Raiden's character development (weight 0.28): Raiden, the new protagonist, is praised for his unique design, personal struggles, and narrative role as a mirror to the player. His character arc is considered compelling and well-integrated into the story.
- Outstanding boss fights (weight 0.16): Boss encounters are highlighted for their creativity, challenge, and cinematic quality. Each boss offers unique mechanics and memorable moments, enhancing the overall experience.
- Engaging and humorous dialogue (weight 0.11): The game's writing is praised for its wit, depth, and quotability. Dialogue interactions, including codec conversations, add humor and emotional weight to the narrative.

Common complaints:
- Dated controls and graphics (weight 0.34): The game's controls and visuals feel outdated by modern standards, with awkward remapping from older hardware and a lack of polish in graphics. This affects immersion and accessibility for newer players.
- Excessive unskippable cutscenes (weight 0.27): Gameplay is frequently interrupted by long, unskippable cutscenes (e.g., 40-minute segments) with poor audio mixing. Players criticize the imbalance between gameplay and narrative, feeling it disrespects their time.
- Confusing and convoluted story (weight 0.22): The narrative is described as overly complex, incoherent, and filled with philosophical jargon. Players struggle with pacing, unclear plotlines, and excessive exposition, making the story hard to follow.
- Controversial protagonist switch (weight 0.16): Players express disappointment over Raiden replacing Solid Snake for most of the game, calling him boring or poorly integrated. The bait-and-switch from the marketing frustrated many fans.
- Disc read errors and progression blocks (weight 0.16): Players encounter critical 'disc read' errors (even in digital versions) that prevent progression, often during key story moments. These issues force restarts and can erase hours of progress.
- Mods required for fixes (weight 0.15): The game relies heavily on mods to address issues like audio quality, borderless fullscreen, and bug fixes. Players express frustration over the need for unofficial patches to achieve a playable experience.
- Broken keyboard/mouse support (weight 0.15): Keyboard and mouse controls are poorly implemented, with no remapping options and limited camera movement. Some players report forced use of keyboard controls due to unrecognized controllers.
- Frustrating save system (weight 0.13): The save system is restrictive (e.g., limited saves) and prone to corruption, forcing players to restart sections. Combined with high difficulty, this creates significant frustration.
- Uncomfortable camera angles (weight 0.09): The top-down camera and forced angles are criticized for hindering navigation and immersion, particularly in tight stealth sections or during combat.

Gameplay feedback:
- Fixed camera angles (weight 0.36): The game uses fixed or top-down camera perspectives, which some players find restrictive but others appreciate for its retro design. Level design is tailored to these angles.
- Narrative-driven storytelling (weight 0.33): The game is heavily story-driven, featuring deep themes, character development, and cinematic cutscenes. Players highlight its philosophical and dialogue-driven narrative, though some criticize lengthy cutscenes.
- Core stealth gameplay focus (weight 0.29): The game emphasizes stealth mechanics, including hiding in environments (e.g., cardboard boxes), patrolling enemies, and alarm systems. Players frequently mention the systemic depth and fluid controls, though some note control issues affecting stealth.
- Protagonist switch to Raiden (weight 0.2): Players control Solid Snake initially but transition to Raiden, a newcomer. This shift is polarizing, with some praising Raiden’s character development and others criticizing the departure from Snake.
- Interactive environments (weight 0.18): The game features immersive details like hiding in lockers, manipulating environments (e.g., knocking on walls), and small interactions (e.g., shooting ice). These elements add depth to gameplay.
- Themes of information control (weight 0.16): The narrative explores themes like fake news, AI limits, and media manipulation, reflecting real-world concerns. These themes are central to the story and resonate strongly with players.
- First-person shooting option (weight 0.16): A first-person camera and aiming system is available for most weapons, though movement restrictions are noted. This adds flexibility to combat but may feel restrictive to some players.
- Advanced enemy AI (weight 0.11): Enemies react dynamically to player actions, with improved AI over the predecessor. This enhances stealth and strategy but may feel turn-based in some contexts.
- Controller compatibility (weight 0.1): The game supports modern controllers with customizable controls, improving accessibility. Some players note minor adaptation periods for movement and aiming.
- Codec calls for narrative (weight 0.09): Codec calls serve as narrative devices, delivering worldbuilding and plot details. While some players enjoy the depth, others find them interruptive or overly long.
- Replayability features (weight 0.06): Systems like dogtag collection and achievements encourage replayability across difficulties. These features add value for completionists and fans of the franchise.
- Bomb disarming mechanics (weight 0.06): Unique mechanics like bomb disarming and sniper-based bomb shooting add variety to gameplay. Tutorials help players adapt to these systems.

Performance notes:
- Disc and save file errors (weight 0.42): Disc read errors and save file corruption are widespread, particularly in cutscenes or when switching devices. These issues force players to replay sections or manually fix saves, especially with Steam Cloud sync.
- Input and controller issues (weight 0.36): Players report unacknowledged controllers, forcing keyboard use, and problems with Steam Input on Deck. Alt-tabbing or switching modes (e.g., Alt+Enter) often triggers crashes or freezes.
- PC port technical limitations (weight 0.22): The PC port suffers from rendering bugs, missing features (e.g., borderless fullscreen), and resolution locks (initially 720p). Mods are frequently required to address performance, visuals, and compatibility issues.
- Resolution and display problems (weight 0.17): Native resolution support is limited (initially 720p), with higher resolutions requiring AMD FSR upscaling or mods. Issues like broken geometry, screen noise, and monitor display glitches persist.
- Poor audio quality and sync (weight 0.15): Audio compression issues, static sound, and desynchronization plague the game, often due to outdated codecs or porting oversights. These problems disrupt immersion and gameplay clarity.
- Framerate and performance issues (weight 0.12): While the game targets 60 FPS, performance varies widely, with reports of FPS drops, slow-motion choppiness, and speed inconsistencies tied to framerate. Optimization is uneven across hardware.
- Hardware compatibility problems (weight 0.07): The game refuses to run on older hardware (e.g., pre-GTX 970) and exhibits poor optimization compared to emulators. Some players experience soft locks or launch failures due to porting issues.
- Long-standing unresolved bugs (weight 0.06): Many issues (e.g., crashes, audio desync) persist despite patches and updates, with some problems reported for over a year. This suggests slow or incomplete developer responses.
- Recording and streaming issues (weight 0.02): OBS and other recording tools encounter problems in fullscreen mode, likely due to the game’s handling of display outputs or outdated engine limitations.

Recommendations:
- Universal strong recommendation (weight 0.55): The game is overwhelmingly recommended by reviewers, especially for those who played the first game or are new to the series. It is praised as a must-play experience despite minor flaws.
- Play MGS1 first for context (weight 0.35): Reviewers consistently advise playing *Metal Gear Solid 1* before this game to fully grasp the story and appreciate its narrative depth. This is critical for newcomers to the franchise.
- Best for stealth and story fans (weight 0.24): The game is highly recommended for fans of stealth mechanics, cinematic storytelling, and the *Metal Gear* saga, offering a unique and thought-provoking experience.
- Timeless narrative and themes (weight 0.18): The game’s story is praised for its emotional depth, philosophical themes, and relevance to modern society, making it a standout experience in gaming history.
- Emulation or PS2 version preferred (weight 0.14): Many reviewers recommend playing the PS2 version or using an emulator (e.g., PCSX2) instead of the Steam port due to technical issues, better performance, and fewer bugs.
- Mods improve experience (weight 0.12): Reviewers suggest using mods like MGSHDFix and Better Audio Mod to enhance the game’s visuals, audio, and overall experience, especially on modern platforms.
- Master Collection as definitive version (weight 0.05): The *Metal Gear Solid Master Collection* is highlighted as the best way to play the game, especially with community bugfix mods, offering a polished experience.
- Supplementary content helpful (weight 0.04): Reviewers suggest watching YouTube videos or other supplementary content to better understand the game’s complex narrative, especially for first-time players.
- Wait for sales for better value (weight 0.04): Some reviewers recommend purchasing the game only during sales to maximize value, given its age and the availability of alternative versions.

Other player notes:
- Personal series journey (weight 0.11): Reviews reflect personal connections to the series, including multiple purchases, modding experiences, and reflections on its impact over 20 years. Some players mention platinum achievements or long completion times.
- Game as narrative masterpiece (weight 0.1): Players describe the game as transcending typical gaming experiences, calling it a 'masterpiece' and a 'vehicle' for deeper narrative immersion. The artistic and postmodern evolution of the series is frequently highlighted.
- Themes of control and manipulation (weight 0.07): The narrative explores information control, Big Data, and real-world parallels, including a lecture by Kojima on these topics. Players engage with its commentary on societal and political issues.
- Intentional MGS1 parallels (weight 0.06): The game intentionally references and parallels *Metal Gear Solid 1*, with players noting replaying older titles to appreciate the design choices. This reinforces the series' continuity and thematic depth.
- Port criticized as low-effort (weight 0.06): The recent port is labeled a 'cash grab' due to perceived lack of effort, with players requesting a proper re-release instead. Pricing and discount issues further fuel dissatisfaction.
- Narrative complexity accepted (weight 0.04): While the game's complex storytelling is acknowledged, players generally do not see it as a major flaw. The 'Big Boss rank' is humorously noted as diabolical.
- Bonus content distribution (weight 0.04): Feedback mentions issues with how bonus content is distributed, though specifics are vague. This ties into broader criticisms of the port's quality.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.22): Players report widespread technical issues with the port, including frequent crashes, poor optimization, and bugs that disrupt gameplay (e.g., disc errors, save file corruption). Many also criticize clunky controls, repetitive stealth mechanics, and tedious sections like the bomb disposal or sniping segments, which are exacerbated by outdated design choices.
- Admiration (weight 0.14): The game is praised for Hideo Kojima's visionary storytelling, thematic depth, and innovative gameplay mechanics, which blend cinematic presentation with philosophical commentary. Players highlight its cultural impact, character development (e.g., Raiden), and technical achievements for its era, such as sound design and narrative twists.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.1): Reviewers reflect on personal connections to the game, often tied to childhood memories or its release in the PS2 era. Many revisit it after years, appreciating its timeless qualities, historical significance, and the emotional resonance of its story and mechanics compared to modern titles.
- Disappointment (weight 0.07): The port's poor quality—including unaddressed bugs, lack of modern features (e.g., native controller support), and subpar optimization—fails to meet expectations, especially given the original's acclaim. Some also express dissatisfaction with the story's complexity, outdated graphics, or Konami's perceived neglect of the re-release.
- Awe (weight 0.05): Players are struck by the game's prophetic themes about digital culture, AI, and societal control, which feel eerily relevant decades later. The narrative's depth, late-game revelations, and ambitious storytelling are frequently cited as groundbreaking and thought-provoking.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.05): Despite its flaws, players find the game rewarding due to its engaging stealth gameplay, improved mechanics over its predecessor, and the emotional payoff of its story. Some note satisfaction from overcoming challenges (e.g., achieving Big Boss rank) or the port's eventual improvements via patches or mods.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): The game's unpredictable narrative, dynamic AI, and tense stealth sequences generate excitement, particularly during boss fights and late-game twists. Players highlight its immersive atmosphere and the thrill of uncovering its layered storytelling through replayability.
- Amusement (weight 0.04): Absurd or humorous elements—such as Raiden's character quirks, bizarre boss fights, or over-the-top dialogue—provide unintentional entertainment. Players also find amusement in the game's self-aware tone and meta-commentary on gaming culture.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Reviewers commend the game's attention to detail, boss fight design, and its role in advancing narrative-driven gaming. The modern enhancements (e.g., visuals, soundtrack) are praised for preserving the original's vision while making it accessible to new audiences.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): The game's convoluted, philosophical narrative and abrupt shifts in perspective (e.g., Raiden replacing Snake) leave many players struggling to follow its themes. Some technical issues, like monitor glitches, also contribute to a sense of disorientation.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Players derive joy from the game's cinematic storytelling, character interactions, and the satisfaction of mastering its stealth mechanics. Despite its age, the blend of action, tension, and narrative depth makes it a uniquely enjoyable experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): The game's bold narrative twists (e.g., Raiden's introduction, late-game revelations) and attention to detail (e.g., running on water) shock players, subverting expectations for the era. Its predictive themes about technology and society also surprise modern audiences.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Technical failures—such as disc read errors, crashes, or lost progress—provoke strong frustration, especially when compounded by Konami's perceived lack of support for the port. Some also express anger at the game's divisive story choices or poor optimization.
- Joy (weight 0.01): The game's blend of storytelling, gameplay, and nostalgia evokes pure joy, with players celebrating its characters, memorable moments, and the overall experience of revisiting or discovering it for the first time.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Players express optimism for future updates, mods, or additions to the Master Collection (e.g., MGS4), hoping for fixes to technical issues or expanded content. The game's themes of connection and collective responsibility also inspire hope for its lasting relevance.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Reviewers thank Kojima and the development team for the game's profound impact on their lives, citing its emotional depth, personal resonance, and the way it challenged their perspectives on storytelling and gaming as a medium.
- Fear (weight 0.01): The game's themes of AI control, digital surveillance, and societal manipulation unsettle players, particularly when reflecting on how prescient these ideas feel in the modern era. The eerie behavior of the AI colonel in the finale amplifies this unease.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): The port's poor quality—including broken controls, missing features, and technical instability—elicits strong disgust, with some players feeling betrayed by Konami's handling of the re-release. Specific gameplay moments (e.g., being peed on) also provoke visceral reactions.}