For now, let's dive into the best Metal Gear games on Nintendo systems. Just don't let anybody see you, Snake.
The biggest thing going against the NES version of Metal Gear is, of course, the simple fact that it has been disowned by franchise creator Hideo Kojima and is not considered canon. Other than that, it's not that bad.
The bones of the original MSX game are still here and it fundamentally still plays pretty well. It's a little on the short side, as are many NES games, but there's still a good deal of fun to be had here if you're inclined to dive into one of the franchise's more curious entries.
Snake's Revenge gets a bad rap for simply being the direct sequel to the non-canonical Metal Gear, thus making it one of the few games not to involve Hideo Kojima. Yes, it's got a rather forgettable plot compared to the mainline series, but we won't say no to a cybernetically enhanced version of Big Boss.
We can't wholeheartedly recommend it as a must-play, but for those looking to experience everything the Metal Gear franchise has to offer, it's not a bad way to spend a couple of hours.
Released all the way back in 1987, the original Metal Gear may look and feel quaint by today’s standards, but it’s nevertheless a game that is remarkably ahead of its time.
Playable on Switch if you buy Metal Gear Solid, all the hallmarks of the stealth franchise — including codec calls, memorable boss fights, and even sleeping soldiers — can be felt here like a seed waiting to blossom.
It’s a short game, for sure, but it’s a near-essential experience for fans of the franchise; one that satisfyingly bridges the gap between Big Boss and Solid Snake.
Playing Metal Gear Solid on the Switch serves as a stark reminder of why the game is considered one of the greatest of all time, but it also highlights some of the ways it has aged in the decades since.
With its release on Switch, Konami has opted to remain as faithful as possible to the original game, which means there's certainly some room for graphical and gameplay improvements. That said, the release also includes some tasty extras, such as the VR/Special Missions expansion and the Japan-only Integral release
If you can stomach the blocky visuals and quaint gameplay, it's a must-buy.
Rarely has there ever been such a drastic improvement regarding visuals and gameplay than with Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. It boasts a wide range of optional mechanics that, while certainly a bit fiddly for newcomers, result in a stellar gameplay experience.
The story hits many of the same beats as the original PS1 classic, yet still manages to be original and engaging, with frighteningly prescient commentary on the dangers of AI.
The major downside with this release on Switch is the 30fps performance, which may feel fine in practice but is still immensely disappointing in principle.
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D may not be the definitive version of Snake’s Cold War escapades but that doesn’t stop it from being a clever, well thought-out and simply great game — frame rate hiccups aside, the impressive and intelligent use of autostereoscopic 3D makes the game an absolute joy to look at as well.
It's not often that games as dense and exciting as Snake Eater see the light of day on any platform, which makes the 3DS version all the more worthwhile whether it's your first romp through the jungle or just to see an old friend from a new perspective.
Shifting the perspective from Solid's 3D back to the series' 1987 roots, it's incredible just how faithful this 8-bit portable Metal Gear Solid is to both the 2D games of the MSX/NES and the later polygonal PlayStation entries in terms of gameplay, tone, and aesthetic.
Known in Japan as Metal Gear: Ghost Babel, this one isn't part of official canon - it's one of those alternate-timeline jobs, but don't let that put you off. Lengthy, challenging and rewarding, MGS GBC is far and away one of the best carts you can put in your Game Boy Color.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was a landmark achievement back in 2004 and remains so almost two decades later. It represents a significant shift in gameplay style from the previous two games, which might prove overwhelming for newcomers, but ultimately makes this one of the most involving Metal Gear titles available.
The 30fps performance on Switch is certainly disappointing in principle, but the gameplay holds up regardless, making this a must-play if you're wondering what all the fuss is about.
