Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance

 Xbox
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance Image
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 49 Ratings

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  • Summary: Solid Snake returns in Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance, the expanded edition of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, with all-new game modes, hidden characters, and storylines. Top-secret weapons technology is being mysteriously transported under cover of an oil tanker to an unknownSolid Snake returns in Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance, the expanded edition of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, with all-new game modes, hidden characters, and storylines. Top-secret weapons technology is being mysteriously transported under cover of an oil tanker to an unknown destination. It's up to Snake to infiltrate the transport and keep this deadly weapon of mass destruction from falling into the wrong hands. You'll have plenty of ways to practice, as the game offers more than 350 virtual reality missions in addition to more than 15 alternate missions.… Expand
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Metal Gear Solid 2 Movie 5

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. G4 TV
    100
    Easily makes up for any shortcomings just by its sheer volume. The missions alone will take over twenty hours to complete. It's hard to argue with a release that features over 500 mini missions, a ton of unlockables, and a complete game that was one of last year's most acclaimed titles.
  2. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    95
    All the added VR missions take advantage of the game's biggest strengths (gameplay) and cut out its one real weakness (silly story line). [Jan 2003, p.200]
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  3. Game Informer
    93
    One of the greatest games of all time... [but] feels as though it was rushed off of the development floor well before completion. [Jan 2003, p.112]
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  4. GameSpot
    87
    The extras in Substance--while perhaps not as substantial as Metal Gear fans had hoped--help make the wait for this Xbox version justifiable, but in the end, it's the core game itself that's still very worthwhile.
  5. Cincinnati Enquirer
    80
    The extra missions can be played as either Solid Snake or Raiden, the two heroes from last year's hit game. The VR missions are equally compelling.
  6. GamerWeb Xbox
    80
    The excessive amount of FMV movies in the story mode is something that really hampers the enjoyment.
  7. Maxim Online
    60
    The only "improvements" consist of a slew of extra outfits, yawn-inducing training missions, and a handful of bonuses that only the most avid Gear geek could appreciate. If that’s you, fine.

See all 28 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 3 out of 22
  1. Guo56
    Jun 9, 2020
    10
    An awesome game on an underrated console that deserves more recognition in the console genre of gaming. Game still has cool twist.
  2. I_likeRosemaryRaidendoes'ntlikeher
    Jan 6, 2003
    10
    THIS IS THE BEST GAME EVER (besides Blinx and Kingdom Hearts). Screw everybody who gives it anything lower than a 9!!!!!
  4. McMooN
    Apr 1, 2003
    10
    The best Metal Gear Solid yet the AI's are very good the story line is good the best sneaking-'em-up yet only thing is rainden is The best Metal Gear Solid yet the AI's are very good the story line is good the best sneaking-'em-up yet only thing is rainden is very boring i think that snake is a better.… Expand
  5. SolidJake
    Nov 25, 2002
    9
    People who haven't played this need to. so go 'head talk crap about it, it still is one of the best games, and other than that the People who haven't played this need to. so go 'head talk crap about it, it still is one of the best games, and other than that the story is great.… Expand
  6. JesseS.
    Jun 18, 2005
    9
    Easily one of the greatest games ever made! However, this is a given, when you know you're reading a review ona Metal Gear Solid game. Easily one of the greatest games ever made! However, this is a given, when you know you're reading a review ona Metal Gear Solid game. The story is easily one of the most gripping stories in a video game yet. Its one of those that will make you think about things. The graphics have been smoothed pretty nicely from the Playstation 2 to the Xbox, but nothing to completely gawk over. The gameplay is your standard Metal Gear Solid fare, which is nothing short of amazing. The only problem is the controls on the Xbox. At times you'll find that you wished the first person view wasn't mapped to the left joystick's button. This can be annoying, especialy in certain boss battles that require you to move around a lot. That is just a small gripe, however. Now to the extra features. They add a TON of replay value to the game. The VR missions will keep you busy for hours, especially if you are either trying to hone your MGS skills or boast. The Snake's Tales missions are also great, but they may be a little bit of a disappointment to those who expected to be able to play through Snake's point of view in the big shell. Overall, this is one great game, packed with a whole slew of extra gameplay.… Expand
  7. WilliamT.
    Nov 24, 2007
    8
    A fun game. Filled with special gameplay and a constantly twisting plot, MGS 2 is great. The only gripe would have to be the long, long, A fun game. Filled with special gameplay and a constantly twisting plot, MGS 2 is great. The only gripe would have to be the long, long, long, long, long, long, constant cut scenes. But if you're into story, then get this today.… Expand
  8. JaredJ.
    Oct 21, 2007
    0
    With a confusing story and anoying cammera angels, makes this game a bad one. For the last hour of the game only ten minutes are of With a confusing story and anoying cammera angels, makes this game a bad one. For the last hour of the game only ten minutes are of game-play, the rest of the time you are stuck with and increadbly boring cutscene, I also hate games where they tell you it is a game! Exampels: *Campell: "Raiden, turn off the game console right now." *Rose: "Your hurt your eyes playing so close to the TV." *Snake: "Infinate ammo."* With right in the middle of a battel Rose with start talking about Raidens sex-life. Do yourself a vavor, spit on it if you see it in the store.… Expand

See all 22 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best Xbox Game of 2002
8
#8 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2002
22
#22 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2002