• Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Oct 21, 1998
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
94 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. A cinematic classic. [Feb 2003, p.97]
  2. 100
    It is literally full of those 'classic' moments that are all too rare these days. Whether it's the first time your footprints are discovered, the first time you perform a stealth kill, finding out the identity of the 'Ninja', solving the method of defeating Psycho Mantis, obtaining the camera and seeking out your first 'ghost'... there are so many classic memories.
  3. This game is full of surprises and you never know what is going to happen, and that is a very good thing.
  4. Gripping. You will not be able to make your way through this unrelenting adventure without feeling your stomach flip and churn into knots.
  5. Adding to the story is some of the best voice acting to ever come to a videogame. The entire cast did an absolutely top-notch performance.
  6. 100
    The rarest of things: a video game with looks, brains, and heart.
  7. We may be looking at the greatest game of the decade here.
  8. With the sequel out on PS2, you don't want to fall behind, do you? [Mar 2002, p.34]
  9. The amount of quality that's been pumped into this title is simply astonishing.
  10. This will be the game that everyone will be playing, talking about and demanding for Christmas and the rest of 1999.
  11. A Solid story, inventive gameplay mechanisms, both third and first person views, a slew of spy equipment, awesome weapons, unique emotional plot and stealth make MGS one of PlayStation's greatest games ever.
  12. 98
    I'm in awe...From beginning to end, it comes closer to perfection than any other game in PlayStation's action genre. Beautiful, engrossing, and innovative, it excels in every conceivable category.
  13. To accompany the breathtaking graphics is a soundtrack of pure extravagance, and it does wonders to heighten the action and suspense, we can tell you.
  14. The tense atmosphere and sense of urgency the game is able to generate is downright stunning. I often found myself gripping the controller so tight my knuckles would be turning white!
  15. Its diminished length and excessive no-interactive plot hold it back from truly reaching the highest plateau. Still, this is a must have for any PSX library and a ton of fun.
  16. A wonderful espionage sim with rich graphics and great playability. The attention to detail is uncanny and the story is engaging and fun.
  17. Metalgear is distinctive in that the game is woven around the story, rather than the opposite way around.
  18. The game lasts about 12 hours for the average player, but it is an action-packed ride the whole way. Definitely worth the cash.
  19. While the game surely has its share of problems, it must be said that the game presents itself extremely well and really is fun to play, even if it is almost completely devoid of challenge.
  20. While it is playable, and actually pretty fun a lot of the time, it has some serious, nearly game ruining flaws that, for me, made it a complete disappointment.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 179 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 83
  3. Negative: 0 out of 83
  1. To put it simply, I can't think of a better game. Even with Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 graphics nowadays, I would still prefer to sit down and play this ground-breaking game. The graphics may be terrible but it is understood that this was released in 1998. However, the story alone makes up for the graphics. The immersive storyline of the mission at hand is disrupted by heartbreak, danger and deceit and captures the player immediately. This game will continue to overshadow the rest in the series, simply becuase of the fact that this game is phenomenal. Full Review »
  2. The grandfather of the stealth game is a masterpiece of engaging story and thrilling gameplay. What makes MGS so special is the unique features which were never seen before and haven't been seen since. Having Psycho Mantis "read the players mind" by accessing the memory card and switching controllers to beat him. Looking at the back of the CD case in order to progress through the game, These are truly iconic moments giving Metal Gear Solid a special place in gaming history. Full Review »
  3. This game was a masterpiece. Metal Gear revolutionized the game industry with it's idea of: "You don't have to kill them, just sneak past them!" Many gamers like the idea that you can slip past people. Others like the idea that you can just blow through them like a steamroller. While that isn't impossible in MGS and it's sequels, it isn't recommended. The story is deep, enthralling and full of twists and turns. Some might find it hard to grasp. I give this game a 10/10 for a astounding story, great gameplay, and above par voice-acting. Full Review »