I'll never forget playing the opening scene to MGS on a pizza hut demo disc.

I think it's worth pointing out that Hideo Kojima grew up wanting to be a movie director. The movie industry in Japan wasn't so big at his time and most people who wanted to work in the industry went to either video games or pornography. Kojima is kind of fulfilling his dream by making games with super long cutscenes.

Metal Gear Solid is a pretty great example of magical realism.

I had a hard time lip reading the characters

MGS was a masterpiece and still is. When I first tried this back in 1998 as a 13 year old... I was completely blown away and have been completely captivated for the next 16 years. You have to understand back then what we were used to playing before this to truly understand how incredible this was to see and experience.

God damn… this video is 9 years old… damn its crazy to click on a video you used to enjoy when i was younger amd realize how long its been… makes me feel nostalgic for a inocent time in my life.

I seem to remember years and years ago someone from Konami or Kojima productions saying that the whole point of the Psycho Mantis fight was to acknowledge the players involvement. Mantis can read Snakes thoughts through the controller, but switching it to port two shows that you (the player) is in control. Psycho mantis can't read your thoughts and that's how you beat him. It's a shame Solid Snake never thanks you for helping though.

I just want to say that your Critical Close Ups are so intricately written and in-depth that I become immersed within minutes. Great job :D

I think this game has aged wonderfully, it's one of the VERY few games from it's era where I know exactly what to do and where to go at all times, that sense of direction really adds up, it means I never get bored playing the game since I'm not wandering around aimlessly trying to figure out what to do next.

PUSH THE SELECT BUTTON.

i traded one of my gpas playboy magazines for this game in 6th grade best trade ever

"You're that ninja..."

FFFFFFF I LOVE THOSE GAMES Hmm... Maybe that should be the series I go for once I'm all the way done with MG games? -G

been watching these like every 2 years for the past 10 years almost

this is the most comprehensive review and reflection of this game on KZfaq.

Between the age of 6-8, I went to a commercial center with my mom. During our little trip in the center, my attention was caught by a discount sales stand in the alley. And I saw this game. I didn't really buy it because I knew what it was. Back then even if I'm only 23yo now I had nothing really, appart from magazines and tv programs, to judge it and you know what I'm on about. I bought it because it cost 8francs (yes I'm french, fuck snails thooo). Cheap as you can imagine. And I had the blast of my life. And thats how you become a fanboy. The french dub (cause yes it was dub) was amazing, and thats rare. I had played games pretty awsome before buying this game like crash bandicoot etc on PS1 but nothing amazed me like MGS did. The graphics were really good and unlike Resident Evil 2 for exemple, the game didn't use polish cinematics that takes you back from the immersion once your back in the game with less graphic quality. It kept the same flow, and it was inovative. Damn I love this game... have to stop wanking.

The amazing thing about MGS1 was despite the fact I lost my grip on the story after the opening acts, (like many players I imagine) it still hit me deep in the feels. Memorable characters, memorable bosses, very clever setpieces and game design ideas, lots n lots of 4th wall breaking, beautiful haunting soundtrack and overall great sound design. To be honest, the storyline could be as batshit AF and it would be a hit, it had so much going for it.

Thanks! Keep an eye out for part two. Should be dropping next Tuesday ;D

I know how much people hate videos for telling them to like and share and stuff, but you seem enthusiastic enough to not mind it. Feel free to go out and show your friends our videos! We'd love you forever for it :3 -G

MGS1 is my all time favorite. I still remember renting it for the first time with the video store guy recommending it then eventually buying it and loving it. MGS and the final fantasy games really made the system feel next gen after coming from my super nes. FF7 8 and 9 as well as MGS really brought a maturity to that console that I hadn’t seen before. It was amazing for a kid and solidified me as a PlayStation person along with Nintendo.

Super Bunnyhop. Give Policenauts a play and review mate. If MGS1 got it's gameplay elements from MG2:SS then the story cinematic presentation of MGS1 came from Policenauts. It's just fantastic mate, as immersive as MGS1. Trust me, you won't regret it.

"You enjoy the killing... that's why."

Kinda Funny replaying all these games in 2021! These are the companion pieces.

Awesome! Glad you enjoy it. Feel free to click the links everywhere to see more, we've done a few other videos in our time :) - G

These videos are amazingly insightful, its also great to have some of your own ideas about the art/gameplay of MGS mirrored or pulled forward by your truly eloquent analysis. PARTY ON!

1 minute in and I'm already in love with this! Finally someone who takes a serious look at retro games, instead of basically wording "wasn't this awesome back in the day!?" in a hundred different ways.

It's still good despite them. And I'll be ripping on them soon. Keep an eye out for part two! - G

Some of the best KZfaq videos of all time, your discussion around metal gear is unparalleled, even to this day.

Ive watched the metal gear solid critical close ups at least 4 times, these videos are amazing

Wow.......dude are all (or most) of you videos as in depth as this? If so, consider me subscribed. This was so well spoken, written, and delivered.

will we get critical close-up for mgs4 ?

You’ve given an absolutely spot on analysis of my favorite video game series of all time. Thanks man for giving MGS the respect it deserves

I hear "The best is yet to come" I tear up a little. That song break my heart on a musical front. Way more emotional than anything I've heard in a game. I love the work George. Hope you do more of these soon.

Hm, this makes me wish I played MGS back in the day. I remember it was Ocarina of Time vs. Metal Gear Solid for game of the year. I chose Zelda, but always wondered exactly how green the grass was on the other side. This review has certainly illustrated the game's impact. Thanks, doods.

the second i heard the music from MGS 1 and the video started i kind of started crying, i love the MGS games

please, make a video about MGS 4 and Peace Walker!!!!!!!!!

You guys seriously do not get the views that you deserve. All of your analyses are so great and your playthrough videos are really entertaining. Until you finally get that boatload of viewers that should come in the future, know that you have at least one dedicated viewer :)

this is a really well thought out analysis of this game, and certainly got me to think a little bit more about this game looking forward to watching the rest your videos on this series

You brought up the idea that MGS1 was better as an art piece rather than a game, but I felt that way about MGS2

These videos always bring me comfort and joy.

Snake IS NOT an old man in metal gear solid.

It ages pretty well though. It was about 2004 when I finally got around to it, and for the most part, it was still up to snuff. - G

I can see how people would hate on the story for being more of a movie than a game, especially for number 4. The first game seemed to have cutscenes and gameplay in balance, the second one had a few insufferably long moments of exposition but managed to get off my hook by being all postmodern about it. But by the fourth game, it was clear that cut-scenes had fully taken over this beast. MGS has a good deal of entertaining and effective meta-game commentary, but not without making sacrifices -G

This game is a top 10 all-time game. sure it's flawed, it's also over 15 years old. it was revolutionary at the time. This series is full of plot holes and continuity errors, but so is star wars or the dark knight but everyone loves those series. And c'mon most series wish their story was this good. The villains are almost as good as batman villains. Also the game mechanics are still pretty good. This game holds up better than 99% of ps1 or n64 games. Classic!

that intro theme still give me shivers.

Aww come on now. It may take a few months, but I'm already halfway done. Check out the "Retro Reviews" videos for 10+ minute long reviews of the two MG games that came before this one. That leaves three more games (plus Rising, which isn't out yet.) -G

Dude, I'm gutted that I've only just came across this series 5 years later! Such a good essay series man

1998 A grand year for games.

My absolute favourite game of all time. I bought a Playstation magazine whilst on holiday after being £1 short and finding the rest of the money in a wishing well. The magazine had a huge section and a demo of a game I'd never heard of called 'Metal Gear Solid'. From the moment I put that disc in I was completely blown away. Absolutely enthralled in this world. I still am. After finally getting around to getting a PS4 I'm now 23% of the way through Phantom Pain and am still in love with this series.

I have it, actually. Only problem with that is that they both play very differently, and when I go off on the game mechanics in Part 2, it'd be a video more about Twin Snakes and not Metal Gear Solid. Plus, capturing video from the 1024x768 PC release of MGS would make for a sharper picture than the SD resolution Twin Snakes runs in. Fun fact: Of the two versions, I actually finished Twin Snakes first. - G

This game was light years ahead of its time. There is nothing like it.

I played this game for the first time in the summer of 2015. I was 17 at the time and I was absolutely blown away with how good this game from the late 90's was. Also, this game is as old as me. Very fun to think about.

you're one of the finest and thorough game reviewers ever. thank you for the insight on a game that i grew up playing

This is such a good analysis of the game, thank you for making this

This is a wonderful game. It serves as a great start to the legendary Metal Gear Solid series. Even in modern days it is still one of the best single player games around.

MGS1 is my favourite game of all time, so perhaps I'm biased, but this review came across as quite negative. The reviewer even chose to highlight some of the very few negative reviews of the game. I think there's a lot of exaggeration about the length of MGS1's cutscenes. I thought the balance between gameplay and storytelling was perfect, something which MGS2 and MGS4 failed to get right. In terms of presentation it's definitely the best in the series, with MGS3 perhaps having the best pacing.

Holy shit, I had the same sticker on my PS1 !!! 4:42

"shit gets crazy" is probably the single best explanation I've ever heard for an mgs narrative.

I cannot believe this came out 8 years ago now. I've been a huge fan of your content for a long time. Please keep up the awesome work! (By the way your video on Hunt: Showdown got me completely hooked on the game)

i recently discovered you. mgs is my favorite series of all time. i have a ridiculous collection you wouldnt believe. i feel your review did it justice. it wasnt half assed like some others. thank you. subbed.

I played the Twin Snakes edition. The main theme on the menu was SOOOO EPIC!!! And the characters actually had faces.

Oh my god. I mentioned the MGS2 essay before, and... you just... totally hit every note I could possibly want you to, covering that work's themes and THEN some. I love the way you think!!

What version is the footage from? I've never seen Psycho Mantis in a brown trenchcoat before.

Very good analysis, can't wait to watch part 2. Cyborg Ninja's quote of "We are not tools of the Government or anyone else" perfectly summaries the Metal Gear Solid games (or at least the first.) Snake is.... just a tool, by the player and the in-game characters.

Shout out to Tim Gettys for bringing this video series to my attention!

Extremely well delivered analysis (and part-review) of an old classic! You really managed to explain why this game is still so loved, & may even appeal to new players, even if its tech may show aging. Can't wait for the part two! One very little thing that bothered me though was the lack of some special-effects (filters, motionblurs, etc) in few in-game cutscenes you see in the video (like the floating Psycho Mantis projection). I assume that's just the old PC version failing on modern hardware?

You, sir, are one of the best game reviewers I have ever seen. And I watch a lot of reviews. Finally somebody who understands games as art and not some trendy Tumblr bullshit like JonTron, PeanutButterGamer and that bearded douche.

The game is so short because it was rushed. Kojima sold gangbusters on release of MGS1, and was never bothered again. (until V)

You got it. Some of the pixel shader effects used in the PC version are different from those in the PSX version. Capturing from the PC release carries a good deal of pros and cons. Resolution is higher across the board, textures and text are sharper, surfaces aren't warping and trembling whenever the camera moves. Then again, a few effects are missing, and the psycho mantis boss battle doesn't play out as intended at all. - G

Hey George! I've revisited all your MG critical close-ups after your MGS4 one and (generally liking all your content) I feel this kind of write-up is why I really love your content. The latest videos are made by such a high quiality in contrast despite to an overall lower visual and auditive quality those old ones still hold up to date because of how well written and spoken those are. One can really feel your 'I only critizice because I love it' kind of attitude in your content. And being critical about something you like doesn't mean you hate it but the contrary. Hope to see more critical close-ups in the future! Keep up the good work and happy 2018 =)

This was beautifully well said. Thank you for such an accurate and articulate review. I'm one of Kojima's biggest Metal Gear Solid fans. I picked this game up when I was 11 years old and I have loved it since.

I REALLY LOVE this game so much! I loved it as a kid and I love it even more as an adult. Great series!

Did he just spoil spec ops? at 7:07

I really think that the creators of MGS wanted to make a single game, then make that into a movie, but this became so possible that they had to make a sequel, then a prequel, and so on, but they just want to make movies. Same goes for the Final Fantasy guys

Snake was acctually sent in because Kaz was playing a game with Ocelot. Kaz vs Ocelot for big bosses dream.

I played MGS for the first time this week. I'm on a journey through the whole franchise as it has been on my backlog for too long. What sticks in my mind now is that Liquid sounds like David Bowies character Jared the goblin king from "Labyrinth". I thought the game was a little underwhelming overall. I imagine if I played it all those years ago it would've had a greater impact on me. The campy melodrama was a bit unexpected actually. I thought it was gonna super serious and stoic. I feel my expectations were too high, although I'm glad I played it.

I'd recommend the original, if only because Snake comes off as way more of an anti-hero in the Twin Snakes. The cutscenes aren't just over-the-top, they're also morally unsettling. That being said, Twin Snakes is too easy. If I had to choose between two games that were either too hard or too easy, I'd pick the hard one. -G

And now on topic.... I really liked your take on the game, you brought up very valid points on a game which normally is unquestioned.

Do it! There's so much going on in this story that it's impossible to follow it all the first few times through. - G

The original playstation & PC releases are still floating around for super cheap, and it'll work in backwards-compatible PS3's and PS2's. There was also a Gamecube remake. Plus, the HD collection puts the best versions of the MGS games between 1 and 4 on Xbox, Playstation and Vita. I've played about three different releases of MGS2 on four different platforms (yay for emulators!) The only one out of reach for me was MGS4, which is still exclusive to the PS3. I recommend checking 'em out :) - G

I'll figure it out when I get there. Portable Ops' canonical significance is questioned, and Peace Walker seemed like a fairly self-contained side-story to MGS3 (as Rising may be to 4, we'll see.) Basically, the ones that aren't big huge numerical sequels don't have as huge a spot on my radar. -G

"The Best Is Yet to Come" is still on my regular playlist.

Yup. Might be a long way off, but I do have an idea or two for that one ;D - G

I really loved the hardware interaction thing, it always brought back memories of working out atari 2600 games like Star Master where you're using both joysticks and the difficulty switches on the back of the unit to play it.

Do you think Super Bunnyhop split this video into a part 1 & 2 instead of one video to resemble how mgs1 had 2 game discs?

Haha, well, let me rephrase that- your intelligent and thorough coverage of MGS1's deliciousness gives me the feeling that you'll be doing more than just justice to the sequel. It's a fascinating series- I've always known that- but putting my finger on the specifics of why that is was always kind of tough. The second game's been my favorite in the series for how *bizarre* it is, but I never quite puzzled out the elements that made it so bizarre on my own.

I don't know how you can talk about the cinematization of video games in 1998, and talk about fallout and ooc, and not talk about resident evil 2. To me, RE and MGS are almost the same genre in how they were putting clunky but serviceable action in small but open environments that slowly unlock as you solve puzzles, find keys, and engage with the cinematically shot storytelling using the in game engine.

I agree that the interactivity of a game can make the story parts more emotionally potent, but I don't think MGS is a great example of that. Pretty much all of the story is presented through cutscenes, and the gameplay rarely represents the emotions at hand. The only time I can think of is the Psycho Mantis battle, both in the players sense of bewilderment as well as actually making the player break the fourth wall themselves by using mechanics outside of the usual methods of interaction

idk. I had it working fine on Windows 7, but had to use a patch. On newer systems, the live-action videos don't play nice either. Plus the Psycho Mantis boss fight isn't nearly the same without him rumbling your controller and reading your memory card. Still, it's a decent-enough alternative if you can't get ahold of the PS1 one, and is probably the most stable method of getting the game up to HD resolutions. Emulating the game carries its own can of worms... - G

while the rest of them are 'filmic video games', i feel like Metal Gear Solid was perhaps one of the only attempts at a 'game-ic film' that ever truly came close to bridging the gap between mediums in an earnest way. the rest of the series explored this concept for sure, but this one managed to capture a middle-ground between gameplay and thematic storytelling that doesn't feel forced or contrived 20 years later, and is arguably enriched by how dated the actual ps1 gameplay is. now that 3D cinematic gameplay is more or less the norm, this game stands out in its presentation as something that could not exist in another context (which is kind of proven by twin snakes - to update the game meant completely revising its presentation and ultimately could not have been accomplished without some fiddling about with the narrative/gameplay beats). i think all of this is ultimately why this game is still a part of the 'narrative video games' discourse - not only was it revolutionary for its time, but to this day it continues to be a testament of the medium's potential for redefining 'interactive narrative storytelling' without sacrificing either the narrative OR interactive aspects of the whole. or, to put it another way, it delivers the ideal video game storyline without some kind of compromise in one aspect or another, in a way that very few games (if any) have been able to achieve on the same level in the last 20 years

The best Metal Gear and one of the best games ever.

Fallout 2 was way more campy than the first. Don't get me wrong, both were solid and enjoyable games, with sometimes deep and tragic moments, but... I mean, c'mon, the whole thing with the Hubologists? Soooo freaking campy.

PC release from 2000. It's in 1024x768 - G

"For many of us -who skipped the intro that explains the plot before the game menu screen because we were too lazy to wait for any- the first 5 seconds of Metal Gear Solid were a surprise. Imagine starting it up without having a clue what you're in for..."

I love your videos but I disagree with you, MGS's gameplay didn't age one bit, and I've only started playing the franchise two years ago.

guys when i heard that fucking music at the beginning of the video, i got goosebumps all over my body and my knees went weak. i need to play this again.

I can't remember for the life of me, why I subscribed to you.

12:42 : Please get into that... Haven't seen any movies on why the gameplay hasn't aged as well as the story. The gameplay, arguably, is one of THE most important elements of the story!

If you watch the vid it explains that it's a game that couldn't exist if it was not a game. It's a videogame in the strict sense of the medium. Wonder if when movies started having stories people said things like "stories belong to books", etc

Man, I can't wait for you to do the 3rd one. It's one of my favorites.