Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Mar 3, 2003
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
87 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. IGN
    91
    There's so much new content that working your way through all of it will easily take more time than the actual Sons of Liberty game.
  2. GameSpot
    75
    The hard-core Metal Gear Solid fan should get a kick out for the VR missions and other extras, so Substance wouldn't make a bad rental if you went into it knowing what to expect.
  3. GameZone
    93
    Substance is well designed, tremendous graphically and in the audio department, and a great, addictive ride.
  4. Cheat Code Central
    70
    One of the best looking games on the PS2 to date.
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  5. Game Informer
    85
    Yes, the action is still exhilarating at times, but without Kojima's story and cinematics, I found Snake's Tales to be rather dry. [Apr 2003, p.85]
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  6. GameSpy
    82
    The VR Missions alone could keep you busy for weeks. If, however, MGS2 didn't light your fire, your logs will remain unburnt by Substance.
  7. GamePro
    90
    Although the PS2 game comes some three months after the Xbox release, this version is the better of the two—mostly because of its superior controls.
  8. Play Magazine
    90
    This version's a hair better than the Xbox one, too. [May 2003, p.60]
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  9. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    92
    A huge selection of new minimissions allows for more time playing as famed series stud Solid Snake, and they further exploit "MGS2"'s strongest suit: the gameplay. [Apr 2003, p.111]
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  10. Armchair Empire
    90
    If you totally enjoyed MGS2, this definitive version is certainly worth a look, delivering all of the extras and the original game in one package.
  11. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    100
    Given that Snake is the ultimate videogame stud, it's great to work through some new objectives with his gritty new perspective. [Apr 2003, p.87]
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  12. PSM Magazine
    90
    I still love this game. However, it's become more obvious that the storyline is way too clunky, confusing and - sometimes - downright silly. [Apr 2003, p.34]
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  13. Gamestyle
    90
    Where Substance really comes alive is the various VR modes and alternative missions.
  14. PSX Nation
    90
    The ultimate “MGS” fan’s dream come true. And, with Solid Snake now front and center throughout the proceedings (Snake Tales anyone?), this “MGS” sequel can be enjoyed the way it was meant to: with as little Raiden as possible!
  15. netjak
    84
    This is the BEST version of Metal Gear Solid 2 you can buy, so if you didn't play through the game yet, well, go get this one.
  16. GMR Magazine
    90
    Nothing's more hysterical than replacing Solid Snake with an old office lady, and watching her sneak off to take care of business on Big Shell, SOCOM at the ready. [Apr 2003, p.63]
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  17. Absolute Playstation
    90
    I would say, if you don’t presently own MGS or MGS2, this would be a good investment.

User Reviews

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User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 80 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. KristmundurS
    8
    My real ranking for this game is 8.5. Anyway, this re-release of MGS2 was originally an Xbox exclusive but was later sold for PS2, Xbox and PC. This version of the includes the same main game with slight improvements and add-ons. This version has a bigger replay value than the original release. Over 300 VR training missions that help you practice the game's mechanics and stealth formula also weapons training. There are also five Snake Tales that are mini games starring Solid Snake. They are bit harder with no cutscenes or dialogue. There is also a Skateboarding Mode that resemþles Konami's Revolution Skateboarding game. There is also an interactive DVD called the Document of Metal Gear Solid 2 that is included in the PAL version which has Charcater Models, Area Models, Scetches, script, Game Plan and many more treats. This is a pretty good deal. If you've never played MGS2 settle for this version, but if you do own it but you're not an MGS buff skip it but if you are... go with it!… Full Review »
  2. Dezuuu
    8
    A great game, but my least favorite Metal Gear. The story is, of course, amazing, and should be your main reason to play this. Controls feel awkward at times but they work fine, graphics look good but the environments are dull and repetitive. Boss fights aren't as great as in MGS1 or 3, but their personalities are interesting. The extras in this version aren't all that interesting, but this is still the superior version of MGS2.

    A must have for any MGS or stealth-action fan.    … Full Review »
  3. Watermelon789
    9
    Playing the same game with more features adds more replay value to an already classic masterpiece. So for anyone having a little of trouble in what version to buy, I mostly recommend you Substance by no other means. VR missions keeps a nice way of presenting something thats new for this episode, the other funny, fun, awesome new mode is the goofy MGS skate mode, where obviously you will play as Snake or the infamous Raiden as skating on the Big Shell map. Maybe playing the same game with new stuff isn't as fun as playing for the first time the first original version of the game, but though is still a good "new" game/experience that can't be missed .… Full Review »
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