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While the announcement of the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection (Vol 1) was initially met with excitement, subsequent details deflated much of that hype. Lightly put, the games were revealed to be basic effort ports instead of proper remasters. Given the long-lasting legacy and popularity of Konami's Metal Gear franchise, fans were still hopeful that the end result would be alright.
Now that launch day is here, is this bundle of some of the most influential stealth games ever made worth purchasing? Or does Konami treat them with less respect than they deserve? Let's explore more.
Should gamers consider buying the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol 1?
The answer to that question is not so simple. The bundle includes:
- METAL GEAR & METAL GEAR 2: Solid Snake
- METAL GEAR SOLID - Master Collection Version
- METAL GEAR SOLID 2: Sons of Liberty - Master Collection Version
- METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version
- METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol.1 BONUS CONTENT
In short, it includes the first three MGS games released for the PS1 and PS2. Additionally, the first two titles in the series released for the MSX2 console are also included. This is topped off with bonus content, such as artwork and soundtrack. Sounds good, doesn't it?
Perhaps, until gamers realize the technical state it is in. A user on the MGS sub on Reddit has highlighted problems with the game's PC version, many of which are also applicable to other systems. The original MGS game is a straight port of the PS1 version, complete with a raw rendering resolution of just 240p and 30 FPS.
The sequels MGS2 and MGS3 also render at a max internal resolution of 720p, which is then upscaled to 1080p. That's right, no 4K option on any system, not even the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S platforms. The Nintendo Switch rendition, in particular, is the worst offender, as players had feared before.
It doesn't just max out at 720p in both handheld and docked modes, but MGS2 and MGS3 have also been downgraded to run at just 30 FPS. It is bizarre when players realize that the PS3/360 versions of this bundle and even the PS2 original (for MGS2) ran at 60 FPS. It is not like the Nintendo Switch lacks headroom in the hardware department, as these are very old games.
Conversely, there are more technically demanding and visually impressive games that render at native 1080p and 60 FPS on Nintendo's hybrid console. The same is true for the other machines as well. All in all, it is a baffling outcome. In this state, we absolutely cannot recommend the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1.
Perhaps consider it when it hits bargain bin price, especially on the Nintendo Switch. As it stands now, gamers should find their stealth fix elsewhere and hope that the inevitable MGS4 and MGS5 collections will fare better.
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
