When Konami released Metal Gear Solid, it was considered revolutionary by a
great number of people. However, others complained that it lacked in the
gameplay department and was more of a movie than anything else (a very GOOD
movie mind you). If you're a person who falls in the latter of those two
arguments, then VR Missions is probably not for you. Basically, if you
didn't like the original, this one won't do too much to change your mind.
While it's more of an add on than a stand alone title, the various modes of
play should occupy gamers for quite some time while awaiting a proper
sequel.
This game is all about variety. From mystery missions to "Kill everything
in sight before they kill you", VR Missions has a lot going for it.
Boasting a whopping 300 levels (including time attack), you'll be replaying
this one for quite some time. The only problem is that you have to go
through a lot of tedious assignments before getting to the really good
stuff. But believe me when I say, the time you put into this title will all
be worth it once you get to the later stages. The main draw being the
ability to play as the Ninja, which is just amazingly cool. In addition to
the 3 Ninja missions, you'll also be spending a lot of time in the mystery,
variety, and puzzle stages. MGS diehards will eat this game up.
Visually, nothing has changed. The game still uses the Tron-esque
backgrounds of the original VR training missions, which is good or bad
depending on how you feel about squares. I actually enjoy the simple
futuristic style, so I'm not complaining. The character models are still
sharp and finely detailed, and the overall presentation has also remained
untouched. While the graphics don't make the huge impact they had a year
ago, they get the job done admirably.
The music has also remained untouched, and is as tense as ever. There's
even an "extra" option in the game that lets you view preview movies of MGS
at various stages in development, one of which includes the now famous "The
Best is Yet to Come" tune that's heard at the ending credits of the
original. Very cool indeed. As a huge fan of MGS' soundtrack, I'm very
happy that they kept the original tracks, but I wouldn't have minded a
little variety.
Another interesting (see: pointless) feature is the picture taking option.
Basically, the more of the game you complete, the closer you can get to Dr.
Naomi Hunter for a few snapshots. What purpose this serves, I have no clue,
but I guess you won't mind if you're into polygonal babes. It's a bonus
either way I guess. Still, I wish that Konami would have included the
original game in the package, like they did for the Japanese release.
So while MGS fans should know what to expect with this title, it shouldn't
stop them from purchasing it. The MGS universe is very unique and distinct
from any other franchise out there, and VR Missions carries on that
tradition. Newcomers should probably play the original masterpiece first,
and then give this add on a try. For those of you who simply can't get
enough of blowing stuff up, and snapping necks, then VR Missions is a solid
purchase (ouch!).
-- Alex Makar
