METAL GEAR SOLID: Peace Walker - Master Collection Version Review Summary

Excellent controller support and praised co-op make for fun gameplay, but broken mouse and keyboard controls, missing Japanese voice and language, and poor PC port quality hold it back.

Controller support is excellent: Players consistently report that the game plays flawlessly with a controller, with no input lag, stuttering, or other issues. This positive experience is noted across multiple controller types, including Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam controllers.

Co-op mode is highly praised: The co-op experience is a standout feature, described as fun, unmatched, and one of the best co-op games ever made. Both local and online co-op modes are highlighted as excellent and a major reason to play.

Game remains fun and engaging: Even after 16 years, the game is still considered very fun, engaging, and enjoyable to play. The gameplay loop and overall experience have aged well, keeping players entertained.

Upscaled cutscenes look great: The high-resolution and upscaled cutscenes are a significant enhancement, with players noting they look crisp, incredible, and beautiful. This upgrade is a key positive aspect of the rerelease.

Runs well on PC and Steam Deck: The game performs smoothly on both PC and Steam Deck, with players reporting a flawless experience. It plays like a dream on the Steam Deck, making it a great portable option.

Mouse and keyboard controls broken: Many users state that mouse and keyboard controls are completely non-functional or severely broken, with no proper support or key mapping options. This makes the game unplayable for PC players.

Japanese voice and language missing: The game advertises Japanese voice and language support, but it is not available in international versions or is region-locked. Players are frustrated by the missing content and false advertising.

Poor PC port quality: The PC version is widely criticized as a poor port, with broken controls, lack of optimization, and forced controller use. Players feel the port was not properly tested or adapted for PC.

Camera control erratic and laggy: Camera movement is slow, delayed, and sometimes moves on its own or spins wildly, affecting gameplay. This issue is reported with both mouse and controller inputs.

Controller deadzone issues: Gamepad users experience a large deadzone on the analog stick, making fine aiming difficult and the game barely playable. The deadzone setting is flawed and not adjustable enough.

Co-op and multiplayer modes: Players frequently highlight the game's co-op and multiplayer features, including online co-op, versus modes, and support for up to four players. These modes are seen as a core part of the experience.

Originally a PSP game: Many reviews note that the game originated on the PSP and was later ported to other platforms. This background is often mentioned in the context of its design and controls.

Base and Mother Base management: The game includes base-building and management systems, particularly Mother Base, where players recruit soldiers and research weapons. This adds a strategic layer and encourages replaying missions.

Mission-based structure with side ops: The game is described as mission-based, featuring main ops, side ops, and episodic missions with ranks. This structure is appreciated for its bite-sized lengths and variety.

Controller support and preference: The game supports both controller and keyboard/mouse, but many players find it plays better with a controller. Standard controller support is appreciated.

Severe mouse and keyboard input lag: Multiple clusters report significant input delay with mouse and keyboard controls, making the game feel unresponsive and, in some cases, unplayable. This is the most frequently cited issue across the feedback.

60 FPS cap in gameplay: The game is consistently reported to run at 60 FPS during gameplay, but cutscenes and base areas are capped at 30 FPS. This inconsistency is a common observation.

Frame drops and hitches: Players experience occasional frame drops, hitches, and lag spikes, though not consistently. This suggests performance can vary depending on the system or scene.

Resolution capped at 1080p: Players note the game's internal resolution is hard-capped at 1080p, with no proper resolution options for higher displays. This limits visual quality on 4K monitors.

Frequent crashes during gameplay: Some players report the game crashes frequently during normal gameplay, making it unstable and frustrating. This is a separate issue from cutscene crashes.

Wait for patches before buying: A significant number of reviewers recommend waiting before purchasing due to unresolved issues. They advise not buying until patches fix bugs, crashes, and other problems.

Worth it for co-op: Reviewers highlight the co-op experience as a major selling point, recommending the game for playing with friends. It is considered a great buy for a fun co-op stealth game.

Recommended for Metal Gear fans: Multiple reviewers recommend the game specifically to fans of the Metal Gear series, especially those who grew up with it, as a way to revisit gaming history. It is considered a must-have for Metal Gear Solid fans.

Recommended to everyone: Some reviewers recommend the game to a broad audience, suggesting it is worth trying for most people. They express strong overall recommendations.

Definitely buy the game: A few reviewers give unconditional recommendations, saying the game is definitely worth buying and 100% recommended. They encourage players to go ahead and purchase.

Community fair range: $15.00 - $25.00.

Story completion: 14.5h.

Session length: 15.0h.

Endgame: 200.0h.

Peace Walker on PC starts with control, crash, and connection friction, but once players adjust settings, use a controller, or get co-op working, it becomes an addictive and beloved experience.

Friction: Unusable keyboard and mouse controls; Crashes after the tutorial; Multiplayer connection errors and long loading times; Lobby type mismatch causing failed match starts; Repetitive extra ops and loading screens between menus; Missing voice chat for co-op.

Unlock drivers: Switching to a controller; Adjusting mouse polling rate to 125Hz; Changing sensitivity settings in options; Retrying connection attempts; Checking lobby type and rejoining; Playing with friends in co-op.

Nostalgic Veteran: Familiar with original controls, grinds missions, adjusts settings for optimal performance, plays solo or co-op. Motivation: Nostalgia and replaying a beloved classic, mastering all content. Stance: sale.

Co-op Enthusiast: Plays co-op missions, PvP, and versus modes, often with a group of friends. Motivation: Social play and shared fun with friends. Stance: buy.

Technical Critic: Attempts to play but is hindered by technical issues, may use workarounds or wait for patches. Motivation: Wanting a polished, fully functional port. Stance: no buy.

Performance varies by hardware tier: lower and mid-range VRAM systems report mixed to negative results, while higher-end and Steam Deck users generally report smooth performance.

Windows <8GB VRAM: mixed. Reports are split; some users report smooth performance, while others experience frame drops, input lag, and crashes.

Windows 12-15GB VRAM: positive. Most users report good performance with a controller, though keyboard/mouse input lag and occasional crashes are noted.

Windows 8-11GB VRAM: negative. Users report significant input lag, frame drops, and poor optimization, with many recommending emulation instead.

Steam Deck: The game has mixed feedback on Steam Deck. While many users report it runs well, there are notable issues with crashes, stuttering, and input problems that require Proton version changes and controller use. The need for tinkering and occasional crashes places it in the 'Tinkering Required' category.

Linux and Proton: The game shows mixed Linux compatibility. Many users report it works out of the box, while others need to switch to Proton GE or adjust DXVK versions for older integrated graphics. Crashes are often resolved by changing Proton versions, but some visual glitches remain. Overall, it's playable with minor tweaks.

PSP origin and port: The game is a port of the 2010 PSP title, later released as the HD Collection version on PS3/360 and now on PC. This explains its dated visuals and some control limitations.

Mouse input lag issues: Players report significant mouse input lag and unresponsive controls, especially at high polling rates. Lowering the mouse polling rate to 125Hz or using a beta branch fixes the issue, but the main branch remains unfixed.

Comparison to MGS4 port: Reviewers compare this port unfavorably to the MGS4 port, which runs better and has better keyboard and mouse support. This highlights the technical shortcomings of this release.

Comparison to other MGS titles: Players compare the game to MGS5 and MGS3, noting that MGS5 improves on many features and that the game feels like a mix of MGS3 and MGS5. This provides context for expectations.

Playable without emulator: The game is now playable on PC without an emulator, which is a positive for players who previously had to rely on emulation. This is a key selling point for the PC release.