Metal Gear Solid

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Oct 21, 1998
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. GMR Magazine
    100
    A cinematic classic. [Feb 2003, p.97]
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  2. Gamestyle
    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. Total Video Games
    100
    This game is full of surprises and you never know what is going to happen, and that is a very good thing.
  5. Electric Playground
    100
    Gripping. You will not be able to make your way through this unrelenting adventure without feeling your stomach flip and churn into knots.
  6. Armchair Empire
    100
    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.
  7. GamePro
    100
    The rarest of things: a video game with looks, brains, and heart.
  8. Games Domain
    100
    We may be looking at the greatest game of the decade here.
  9. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    100
    With the sequel out on PS2, you don't want to fall behind, do you? [Mar 2002, p.34]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. All Game Guide
    100
    The amount of quality that's been pumped into this title is simply astonishing.
  11. Cheat Code Central Platinum
    100
    This will be the game that everyone will be playing, talking about and demanding for Christmas and the rest of 1999.
  12. PSX Nation
    99
    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.
  13. IGN
    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.
  14. TotalGames.net
    97
    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.
  15. Absolute Playstation
    93
    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!
  16. Game Revolution
    91
    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.
  17. Happy Puppy
    90
    A wonderful espionage sim with rich graphics and great playability. The attention to detail is uncanny and the story is engaging and fun.
  18. Computer and Video Games
    90
    Metalgear is distinctive in that the game is woven around the story, rather than the opposite way around.
  19. Hot Games
    90
    The game lasts about 12 hours for the average player, but it is an action-packed ride the whole way. Definitely worth the cash.
  20. GameSpot
    85
    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.
  21. Adrenaline Vault
    70
    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.

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PS1 Game of 1998
1
#1 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1998
3
#3 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1998

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2118 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,789 out of 2118
  2. Mixed: 52 out of 2118
  3. Negative: 277 out of 2118
  1. RFCxDaViDxRFC
    Apr 24, 2011
    10
    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 andTo 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. ImUnavailable
    Jul 19, 2011
    10
    The grandfather of the stealth game is a masterpiece of engaging story and thrilling gameplay. What makes MGS so special is the uniqueThe 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. CulturalFiend
    Feb 22, 2013
    10
    Metal Gear Solid is one of the first cinematic games ever created. I remember playing this game as a kid, it took me hours, HOURS, to get pastMetal Gear Solid is one of the first cinematic games ever created. I remember playing this game as a kid, it took me hours, HOURS, to get past the first part. But I loved every second of it. I've since replayed the game once a year, and when I lost my Playstation, I downloaded it off of Playstation store for my PS3. I remember going to Gamestop, buying Call of Duty Black Ops, coming home then seeing that Metal Gear Solid was available on the Playstation Store. I didn't even open the Black Ops case, I bought MGS, downloaded it and played it for hours that night. I eventually played Black Ops, two days later after I beat MGS for the ninth time. Even if this game had terrible gameplay (It DID NOT!), I would still play it for the story. The plot is so complex, interesting and engaging, that it took me quite a while to really wrap my head around it. Of course, when I was a kid, I had no clue wtf was going on, plot-wise! But, years later I figured it out, and it's better than any novel or movie I've ever seen. I recommend this game to anyone that wants to experience an amazing story. Hideo Kojima is a genius, and a master storyteller. I'm actually a little embarrassed to say this, but, I cried at the end of every Metal Gear Solid game. They are just so powerful, and so immersible. Thanks for reading. Signed- Culture F.… Full Review »
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