'Metal Gear' Xbox debut worth the wait

By Mark Saltzman
Gannett News Service

•	REVIEW 'Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance' Platform: Xbox Genre: Action/adventure Developer: Konami Computer Entertainment Japan Publisher: Konami of America Price: $49.95 Rated: "M" for mature Web Site: www.konami.com Score: **** out of 5

It's the jam-packed "Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance," which not only incorporates the full "Sons of Liberty" game but also adds a handful of new games and other goodies.

The double-sided disc from Konami includes more than 150 bonus missions set in the "Sons of Liberty" universe, more than 250 virtual reality (called "VR") missions and a stand-alone game called "Snake Tales."

All of the bonuses make the collection well worth its $50 price tag.

Anti-terror theme

For the uninitiated, play in the "Metal Gear Solid" series challenges gamers to dismantle a terrorist organization by using cunning and stealth as well as a few high-tech weapons and gadgets. In "Sons of Liberty," the goal is to stop a malicious band of radicals determined to seize a weapon of mass destruction known as the Metal Gear Ray.

At the game's start, players are sneaking around a military ship adrift in the Atlantic Ocean. They must locate plans for the deadly device and take photos of the evidence for analysis. This information adds to the depth of the story and sets up a number of surprises revealed throughout the game.

For players already familiar with "Metal Gear Solid" on PS2, the new missions deliver fun. "Elimination Mode" is probably the most fun. The goal is to take down as many enemies as possible, which is a treat for players because "run-and-gun" game play isn't encouraged in "Metal Gear Solid" series.

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; players are presented with a specific objective and must complete it within a certain time period. The virtual environments allow players to practice stealth abilities or their prowess with a gun, plus they offer a chance to play the game as a first-person, 3-D shooter instead of from an "over-the-shoulder" third-person perspective.

Bonuses galore

Each of the stand-alone "Snake Tales" features a new story line outside of the "Metal Gear Solid" time line. Many characters from previous games also make appearances.

Other bells and whistles of "Substance" include new secrets, bonus outfits (including a James Bond-like tuxedo and Snake's clothes from the original "Metal Gear Solid") and silly minigames, such as a "Snake Skateboarding" diversion.

"Substance" also includes bonus materials from the European and Japanese versions of "Sons of Liberty," including a Boss Survival mode (consecutively fight against boss enemies) and a Casting Theatre, where players can toggle character skins during outtake sequences.

You can't play "Substance" online, which is disappointing, but this hearty collection of action and adventure should satiate fans until "Metal Gear Solid 3" arrives.

For an in-depth look at "Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance," visit the game's Japanese Web site at www.kcej.co.jp/products/mgs2_doc/english/index.html.