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The Metal Gear series has come to be known for its stealth based gameplay, impressive
visuals, and a deep intricate story. Because of these things, I would never expect to see
Metal Gear on the gameboy color because at the time I felt the hardware could not handle
what Metal Gear required. But Metal Gear Solid, or Metal Gear: Ghost Babel as it is formally
known, squeezes every little ounce of juice out of the Gameboy Color to produce a true
Metal Gear experience on the go.
The story is officially not part of the Metal Gear franchise, but this does not mean the
story is not interesting. The story takes places right after the events of Outer Heaven,
with Solid Snake living out his days in Alaska. But a new military force, the GLF, has captured
a new Metal Gear and Snake is brought out of his retirement. The story is very interesting,
mostly being told through Codex conversations and text cutscenes. It will keep your attention,
and lives up to the high standards of the series.
But the really question isn’t the how the story is but rather can the stealth gameplay
translate to the Gameboy? The game plays from a top down perspective, much like the first
two games. While this may seem like a old style, it is also a very effective one. You
will sneak through the levels, using your wits and your radar to avoid enemies and make
it to your objectives. The game makes good use of the limited controls of the Gameboy,
with several buttons serving multiple functions. You will crawl through areas, pin yourself
against walls, tap on the walls to lure enemies, and use the games collection of weapons. It
might take a little bit of getting use to but after you do you will be feel very natural
and you will realize Snake can do everything you have come to expect of him. And all this
looks amazing, with a very detailed Snake and even more detailed environments. This
is very impressive to see this, with it not even on the Gameboy Advanced.
This is one of the most impressive Gameboy games out there. The game offers some great
visuals, intuitive gameplay, and a deep compelling story. Everything you could want in a Metal
Gear game is here, only in a portable form. If you are lucky enough to find a copy, do
not hesitate to pick it up. It is be enjoyed by anyone who is a fan of the Metal Gear franchise,
Gameboy games, and great games in general.