Metal Gear Solid – Master Collection Vol. 1 review (PS5)

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 for the PlayStation 5, brought to us by Konami, is a celebration of the iconic stealth-action franchise that has left an indelible mark on the gaming world in the past four decades. This collection includes the first three titles in the Metal Gear Solid series, along with a host of bonus content that enriches the experience for both newcomers and die-hard fans.

At its core, this collection serves as a bit of an entry point to Hideo Kojima’s groundbreaking series – or a way to play some of these classics for longtime fans. For those who may have missed out on these titles earlier due to various circumstances, this compilation offers a great opportunity to capture a piece of gaming history. The games, while not receiving a 4K treatment, still exhibit a noticeable visual improvement on the PlayStation 5, rendering at a higher 1080P resolution this time around. This upgrade, especially evident in Metal Gear Solid 3, elevates the experience, though we had set higher expectations when we saw a “master collection” was coming.

The narrative complexities of the Metal Gear Solid series are well known, and the Master Collection thoughtfully addresses this. The inclusion of Master Books provides an organized and informative overview of the intricate storylines and memorable characters – which are a great way to catch up before playing or just to reminisce over. This is a boon, even for seasoned players, as it sheds light on hidden nuances and plot intricacies you might have missed out on the first time.

Each game in the collection is equipped with its complete screenplay, offering a deep dive into the narrative. This is particularly valuable for the earlier titles, where slightly dated controls and visuals may present a minor hurdle. The cinematic brilliance that underpins the storytelling across the trilogy remains a testament to Kojima’s visionary approach though, even though you still get a “PS2” feeling here at times.

Besides the limited technical upgrade, there are other areas where the collection falls slightly short. The decision to split the games into separate applications rather than have a nice museum-like presentation layer for the entire package, leads to a somewhat disjointed user experience. Additionally, while this collection is a treasure trove of content, some notable omissions leave room for improvement. The absence of Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes and certain content from Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence is a noticeable gap in an otherwise comprehensive package, and we’re doubtful that Volume 2 will fix that.

In summary, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 stands as a remarkable tribute to a legendary franchise. It offers a comprehensive experience, rich in content and historical significance. While there are minor hiccups in presentation and some missed opportunities for additional content, the collection remains a must-have for both ardent fans and newcomers looking to embark on Solid Snake’s legendary journey – a must-have piece of gaming history.

Score: 7.9/10