Metal Gear Solid

Game Details:

This title is an original creation from Hideo Kojima's team for the GBC platform. Despite its 2D graphics, it masterfully captures the essence of the MGS gameplay mechanics. Players take control of Solid Snake to infiltrate a heavily guarded fortress with the objective of destroying a new Metal Gear weapon. The game features intricate and complex level design, requiring players to use limited vision and audio cues to sneak past enemies. The GBC's hardware limitations led the developers to implement a "vision cone"* mechanic, where enemy sight is restricted to a fan-shaped area in front of them. This forces players to meticulously plan their infiltration routes.

*Metal Gear: Ghost Babel* retains the series' signature elements, including the radar system (which, though simplified, is still key to stealth), the Codec radio for receiving hints and advancing the plot, and a variety of classic items like the cardboard box, silenced pistol, and grenades. Although the story is standalone, it features extensive cutscenes and dramatic plot twists, with a narrative quality that rivals even the mainline entries in the series. The boss battles are also incredibly diverse, featuring snipers, heavily armored soldiers, and the final Metal Gear fight, all of which test the player's stealth skills and combat strategies. The game is divided into two main parts: VR Training missions and the main infiltration mission, ensuring a wealth of content and a high level of challenge.

Game Guide:

Successfully completing Metal Gear Solid on the GBC relies heavily on precise management of enemy vision cones and clever use of items. With its 2D top-down perspective, players must constantly watch the radar in the top-right corner of the screen to track enemy positions and their fan-shaped vision cones. As long as you don't step into a vision cone, enemies won't spot you, even at close range. When moving, try to stick close to walls or the edges of obstacles, using cover to move quickly or hide. In areas without radar (e.g., due to jamming) or during an alert, you should immediately go prone or hide in the cardboard box to reduce the chances of being detected.

During infiltration, players should prioritize non-lethal methods for dealing with guards. Approaching a guard from behind and holding the A button will allow you to perform a CQC takedown to stun them, which is preferable to using a handgun. Stunned guards will wake up after a while, so you'll need to plan your escape route accordingly. The cardboard box remains an effective tool for stealth and transportation; using it in specific transport areas can get you to the other side of the map quickly. When facing enemies or mechanisms that require precise aim, you can hold the B button to enter a first-person view for accurate shooting—an innovative feature for the GBC platform.

The Codec radio is a vital tool for obtaining key information, solving puzzles, and restoring health. When you're stuck on a puzzle or can't find the way forward, try calling your commander or technical support staff. They will usually provide clear instructions or information on a boss's weakness. Strategy is crucial in boss battles. For example, when fighting a sniper, you need to use environmental cover like smoke or obstacles to protect yourself and counter-attack during the brief window when they reload. The final Metal Gear battle requires players to precisely throw grenades or fire rockets at its weak points while constantly moving to evade its powerful attacks. Remember, patience is the most important weapon in this game.