When Metal Gear Solid first launched in 1998, it didn’t just raise the bar for stealth action games — it redefined what storytelling could look like in video games altogether. Now, with the release of Metal Gear Solid Remastered as part of the Master Collection Vol. 1, Konami invites players new and old to step back into the boots of Solid Snake and relive one of gaming’s most iconic adventures.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol 1 (PS4)
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 (PS5)
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 – Xbox
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 (PC)But how does this classic hold up in a modern context? The answer is complicated. Metal Gear Solid Remastered retains the brilliance of the original design but makes few meaningful improvements to the experience. It’s a loving preservation, not a full-fledged reimagining — and that distinction matters.
Gameplay That Stands the Test of Time
Mechanically, Metal Gear Solid remains an incredibly solid experience. The stealth-focused gameplay, the tension of sneaking past genome soldiers, and the clever boss encounters — from the infamous Psycho Mantis fight to the tense battle with Sniper Wolf — all still shine today.
Sure, controls feel clunky by modern standards. Movement is rigid, aiming is awkward, and camera limitations can frustrate. But rather than detracting from the experience, these quirks contribute to the game’s distinct rhythm and challenge. Metal Gear Solid demands patience, precision, and creative thinking — a far cry from the more forgiving stealth systems of recent years.
The remaster offers minimal quality-of-life improvements. There are save states and the ability to rewind gameplay, which newcomers might appreciate. However, this is still fundamentally the same 1998 game, for better and worse.
Visuals: Preservation, Not Transformation
Visually, Metal Gear Solid Remastered does little beyond modest resolution bumps and minor clean-up work. The original PlayStation 1 models and textures are still present, sharpened slightly to look cleaner on modern displays but very much intact in their blocky, low-poly glory.
Character faces remain expressionless; environments are sparse by today’s standards. Konami chose authenticity over visual enhancement, ensuring that the experience is preserved rather than modernised. For purists and retro enthusiasts, this is welcome news. However, players expecting a full graphical overhaul akin to Resident Evil 2 Remake or Final Fantasy VII Remake will be sorely disappointed.
The result is charming but undeniably dated. If you have fond memories of late-90s gaming, you’ll find plenty to appreciate. If not, the ageing visuals may pose a barrier to immersion.
Audio and Voice Acting: As Impactful as Ever
In contrast to the visuals, the sound design in Metal Gear Solid remains remarkably effective. The iconic soundtrack — from the stirring main theme to the atmospheric background tracks — still enhances the tension and drama of every mission.
The voice acting, led by David Hayter’s legendary performance as Solid Snake, retains its raw power. Dialogue is delivered with a sincerity and theatricality that few games today even attempt. Although the recording quality reveals its age, the emotional impact remains untouched.
Konami has wisely preserved the original audio without intrusive modern edits. For a game so dependent on mood and atmosphere, this was absolutely the right call.
Fun, Legacy, and the Limitations of Nostalgia
There’s no denying that Metal Gear Solid is still fun to play, especially for those willing to embrace its old-school design. The combination of clever puzzles, memorable boss fights, and cinematic storytelling keeps players engaged even when mechanics show their age.
However, this remaster also highlights how much video games have evolved. Players accustomed to modern conveniences — auto-saves, fluid controls, clearer signposting — may find frustration in Metal Gear Solid’s stubborn adherence to late-90s norms.
Ultimately, Metal Gear Solid Remastered succeeds best as a preservation project. It offers newcomers a chance to experience a vital piece of gaming history in a relatively accessible form, and it offers veterans a chance to revisit a beloved world. But it stops short of fully updating the game for a new generation, leaving it very much a product of its time.
Verdict
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Gameplay | 8/10 |
| Graphics | 6/10 |
| Sound | 9/10 |
| Story | 8/10 |
Metal Gear Solid Remastered is an essential piece of gaming history lovingly preserved — not revitalised. For fans and curious newcomers alike, it offers a nostalgic, rewarding, if occasionally creaky journey through one of the greatest stealth adventures ever made.
