What's the best way to play through Metal Gear Solid?

PopsMaellard · Jan 17, 2019

One of my smaller/chill 2019 goals is to play through Metal Gear Solid, as it's a franchise I've always wanted to dive into but never have actually put the effort into doing. What's the best way of doing this?

I was about to pull the trigger on a PS4 Slim earlier but upon digging it doesn't seem like really any of the older MGS titles are available on it. I knew that 4 was completely out of the question, but is there a way that I could play through 1-3 and V on a PS4, and then pick up a cheap used PS3 for 4?

fucking Konami; where is my MGS Collection on current gen systems

Datajoy · Jan 17, 2019

PS3 can play 1-5 I think. But you'll wanna play V on current gen hardware for that sweet 60 fps tactical action.

Strangelove_77 · Jan 17, 2019

You can play 1-4 on a PS3. That's about the best way.

Rickenslacker · Jan 17, 2019

If you're gonna get a PS3 for MGS4, you're going to more easily be playing MGS1-3 on there as well.

_zoipi · Jan 17, 2019

Play it in cronologically release (MGS, MG2, MGS3 and MGS4) until MGS4. AC!D and portable ops are skippable. After MGS4 the series is a trainwreck and only redeemable things are the songs Heavens Divide, Sins of the Father and Quiet's theme.

cvbas · Jan 17, 2019

Get a cheap used PS3. Play 1 (PS Classic), then 2, 3 and Peace Walker (HD Collection) and, finally, Metal Gear Solid 4. Then you can play Ground Zeroes and Phantom Pain on either the PS3 or the PS4.

Samanosuke Akechi · Jan 17, 2019

Metal Gear Solid Legacy Collection - Playstation 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KTZELMY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_0qcqCb7X18MJX

At the moment, this is probably your best bet. You'll just need a ps3.

matrix-cat · Jan 17, 2019

You can play everything on a PS3 if you want:
- PSX copy of MGS1
- 2 and 3 in the HD Collection
- PS3 copy of 4
- Peace Walker in the HD Collection
- PS3 versions of Ground Zeroes and MGSV

I'd recommend a current-gen (or PC) version of Ground Zeroes and V, though.

You can also do 2, 3, Peace Walker, GZ and V on an XB1 thanks to backwards compatibility, but that leaves you high and dry for 1 and 4.

PopsMaellard · Jan 17, 2019

So is there like genuinely no way to play 1-3 on a PS4? I suppose it doesn't matter if I have to buy a PS3 anyway to play 4, but I was going to cop the PS4 first and play some other exclusives around 1-3 and then cop a PS3 in a few months once I'm ready for 4. As much as this is a bad take, I don't see myself really using the PS3 for anything else once I've finished 4.

Edit: Legacy collection looks pretty good; does that include 4 or just 1-3?

Datajoy · Jan 17, 2019

Don't listen to the people shitting on MGSV, its an amazing and sublime game, although a very different experience than you'll find in 1-4.

GMM · Jan 17, 2019

1-4 can be played on a PS3, but I would recommend playing 2, 3 and Peace Walker on Xbox One if you have that console.

Ground Zeroes and Phantom Pain is best played on PC, but the PS4 versions are totally fine.

Waddle Dee · Jan 17, 2019

Back in 2013 I played The Twin Snakes, then MGS2 and 3 on the HD Collection on PS3. I know a lot of fans have issues with The Twin Snakes but I still enjoyed it.

PopsMaellard · Jan 17, 2019

Datajoy said:
Don't listen to the people shitting on MGSV, its an amazing and sublime game, although a very different experience than you'll find in 1-4.

I'm absolutely playing V, suuuuuuper excited about that despite some of the backlash I've heard since release.

GMM said:
1-4 can be played on a PS3, but I would recommend playing 2, 3 and Peace Walker on Xbox One if you have that console.

Ground Zeroes and Phantom Pain is best played on PC, but the PS4 versions are totally fine.

Any particular reason to play those on Xbox? I have a One X and could for sure.

matrix-cat · Jan 17, 2019

PopsMaellard said:
So is there like genuinely no way to play 1-3 on a PS4? I suppose it doesn't matter if I have to buy a PS3 anyway to play 4, but I was going to cop the PS4 first and play some other exclusives around 1-3 and then cop a PS3 in a few months once I'm ready for 4. As much as this is a bad take, I don't see myself really using the PS3 for anything else once I've finished 4.

Edit: Legacy collection looks pretty good; does that include 4 or just 1-3?

Unfortunately not right now. You can't play PS1 Classics on a PS4, and there's no current-gen version of the HD Collection. Maybe one day, but as far as we know there's nothing in the works.

Yeah, the Legacy Collection includes 4. I think it's a download code for 1, a disc copy of the HD Collection for 2, 3 and Peace Walker, and another disc for 4.

sleepnaught · Jan 17, 2019

Play the PSX version of MGS1, not Twin Snakes. After that, do as you wish.

Samanosuke Akechi · Jan 17, 2019

GMM said:
1-4 can be played on a PS3, but I would recommend playing 2, 3 and Peace Walker on Xbox One if you have that console.

Ground Zeroes and Phantom Pain is best played on PC, but the PS4 versions are totally fine.

Why split them up? All the mgs games minus 5 are in the legacy collection on PS3. OP just needs a PS3 and a copy of legacy and he's good to go.

GMM · Jan 17, 2019

PopsMaellard said:
Any particular reason to play those on Xbox? I have a One X and could for sure.

Short answer, it has the best picture quality and performance of the console versions out there, the digital foundry video on it is pretty good:

Datajoy · Jan 17, 2019

If you are dead set on playing the entire series, you are gonna need a PS3 no matter what. So I would just play through 1-4 on the PS3 and play through GZ and Phantom Pain on your X.

Samanosuke Akechi · Jan 17, 2019

Ground zeroes and TPP and all dlc.

PopsMaellard · Jan 17, 2019

GMM said:
Short answer, it has the best picture quality and performance of the console versions out there, the digital foundry video on it is pretty good:

Will peep, surprised I haven't stumbled across this before. Good to know.

Datajoy said:
If you are dead set on playing the entire series, you are gonna need a PS3 no matter what. So I would just play through 1-4 on the PS3 and play through GZ and Phantom Pain on your X.

This seems to be the way to go. Looks like I need to start digging around for a cheap PS3 to dive into this.

Vimes · Jan 17, 2019

As mentioned before, a PS3 and Legacy Collection is the way.

If you have even a small stomach for the old school, I highly recommend playing Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 (the MSX games) before you start Metal Gear Solid. You can access them through the main menu of MGS3. MGS has several plot points that simply make no sense without having played MG2.

Sacul64 · Jan 17, 2019

Samanosuke Akechi said:
Metal Gear Solid Legacy Collection - Playstation 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KTZELMY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_0qcqCb7X18MJX

At the moment, this is probably your best bet. You'll just need a ps3.

PSA: THIS MAY BE POINTLESS TO BUY ANY MORE! MGS1 is a code so likely already used or expired on any copy you can find. MGS4 is dirt cheap at gamestop 3$ the MGS 2/3/Peace Walker collection (also had mg1/2 as part of MGS3) and buying MGS1 digital on ps3 is basically what you will have to do. Unless you have a way to confirm the codes are still valid do not buy this.

Samanosuke Akechi · Jan 17, 2019

Sacul64 said:
PSA: THIS MAY BE POINTLESS TO BUY ANY MORE! MGS1 is a code so likely already used or expired on any copy you can find. MGS4 is dirt cheap at gamestop 3$ the MGS 2/3/Peace Walker collection (also had mg1/2 as part of MGS3) and buying MGS1 digital on ps3 is basically what you will have to do. Unless you have a way to confirm the codes are still valid do not buy this.

Good idea. Thanks for pointing that out. Didn't realize that wasn't from amazon directly. Here's a brand new factory sealed copy on eBay for OP with voucher code.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/351266271031

PopsMaellard · Jan 17, 2019

Sacul64 said:
PSA: THIS MAY BE POINTLESS TO BUY ANY MORE! MGS1 is a code so likely already used or expired on any copy you can find. MGS4 is dirt cheap at gamestop 3$ the MGS 2/3/Peace Walker collection (also had mg1/2 as part of MGS3) and buying MGS1 digital on ps3 is basically what you will have to do. Unless you have a way to confirm the codes are still valid do not buy this.

Samanosuke Akechi said:
Good idea. Thanks for pointing that out. Didn't realize that wasn't from amazon directly. Here's a brand new factory sealed copy on eBay for OP with voucher code.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/351266271031

Thank you! I was just about to buy a used copy on Amazon and didn't even think about MGS1 being a code.

Hilarious_Bearious · Jan 17, 2019

Best experience is probably MGS1 in an emulator, 2 & 3 on an Xbone, 4 on a PS3 then 5 on a current gen consoles or high end PC.

Easiest is probably just 1-4 on a PS3 (as others have said, you need a PS3 anyway), then 5 on a current gen console/PC.

abady-25 · Jan 17, 2019

KONAMI should release the the collection again to the ps4
its waste that the full experience for MGS series is only in ps3
i hope SONY help KONAMI with that like what they did in castlevania games

RazzDCO · Jan 17, 2019

Buy the Legacy Collection and play all of those on the PS3. And a PS4 for GZ/PP. They hop around with prequels and sequels but ignore all of that and just play by release date.

Alex840 · Jan 17, 2019

If you have a Vita (don't laugh) that's the best way to play MGS1.

TheMadTitan · Jan 17, 2019

Download MGS1 on PSN, get MGS HD Collection for 2, 3, & PW. Make sure it's the PS3 version. Play MGS1-3, then play MGS4. Watch Portable Ops cutscenes on Youtube, then jump into Peace Walker. MGS5's two parts should be played on XBone, PS4, or PC.

Alternatively, you can play MGS1, MGS2, MGS3, Portable Ops, and Peace Walker on PC emulators, but you get the worst version of PW that way, and dealing with DS3 drivers for PC in order to get analog controls for MGS2 and 3 is kind of a hassle unless you get a mayflash adapter. Also, Portable Ops lacks twin analog controls and trying to emulate it by mapping camera movement to a joystick feels off. Not to mention, playing the game above 25 FPs causes issues with leaning on walls.

Mekanos · Jan 17, 2019

Waddle Dee said:
Back in 2013 I played The Twin Snakes, then MGS2 and 3 on the HD Collection on PS3. I know a lot of fans have issues with The Twin Snakes but I still enjoyed it.

As someone who played Twin Snakes first, I thought it was a pretty good game.

Then I played the PS1 version and it became my favorite game.

PSOreo · Jan 17, 2019

I have the legacy collection for PS3; it's the best way to play through them. If the code is expired (I assume the copy with be secondhand) you can pick up MGS1 on PSN for relatively cheap.

Konami just give us a new Legacy collection for current gen. Its all I want from you now.

Blade Wolf · Jan 17, 2019

At night.

Schlauchkopf · Jan 17, 2019

You seem to know what to get already, so I'm just gonna add: The earlier games for PS1 and PS2 kinda expect you to read the manual beforehand, at least in regard to your controls and moves, so do that. The first game throws you into the action, already expecting you to know how to deal with enemies and stuff. They will Interrupt the game and tell you to press the action button to climb a latter but not some of the more elaborate actions. The first game *does* have something called VR Training which lets you face various challenges but it still doesn't really teach you much tbh.

ChewbieFR · Jan 17, 2019

Play 1 via the PS3 store, get the 2, 3 and Peace Walker via the PS3 or 360 collection, buy the 4 on PS3 and then play Ground Zero and Phantom Pain on whatever current platform. In this order. You'll see the one is still the best.

Blackpuppy · Jan 17, 2019

I am kinda going through the same thing. I bought the 1st game and the HD collection on Ps3. I'm stuck on a boss in MGS1

Psycho Mantis. I know HOW to beat him, but it takes forever to get the fight started from the save point and he has so many different forms... it gets frustrating.

so progress has been slow... but the game definitely holds up.

Ravelle · Jan 17, 2019

Get the Legacy Collection and play From 1 to 4, then Play Ground Zeroes.

nickfrancis86 · Jan 17, 2019

If you like handheld then you could always play 1-3, PW , the Graphic Novel 'games', AC!Ds and Portable Ops all on the Vita and then you could play GZ and TPP on your X1X.

Extremely Solid · Jan 17, 2019

Every mainline title can be played on PS3. I recommend starting with MGS1 (1998) and playing in release order from there. Maybe revisit Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, if you fall in love with the series. MGS3 HD includes these original MSX titles.

Metalix · Jan 17, 2019

Mekanos said:
As someone who played Twin Snakes first, I thought it was a pretty good game.

Then I played the PS1 version and it became my favorite game.

I did this but still preferred TTS, it's hardly an economocial option if OP is looking to play as many titles on the same system as possible, unfortunately.

john titor · Jan 17, 2019

Alex840 said:
If you have a Vita (don't laugh) that's the best way to play MGS1.

I am looking to get MGS HD Collection on Vita, does it include MGS1 as well? Or do you mean the PSX version? As far as I know, it is not available on the EU store :(

Mekanos · Jan 17, 2019

Nicktim said:
I am looking to get MGS HD Collection on Vita, does it include MGS1 as well? Or do you mean the PSX version? As far as I know, it is not available on the EU store :(

HD Collection on Vita only has MGS2 and MGS3. The console version has Peace Walker. MGS1 is separate and only on PSN.

Deleted member 16876 · Jan 17, 2019

Nicktim said:
I am looking to get MGS HD Collection on Vita, does it include MGS1 as well? Or do you mean the PSX version? As far as I know, it is not available on the EU store :(

It is. You might be thinking of the US because I am sure I got it from the PS Store and played it that way.

Alex840 · Jan 17, 2019

Nicktim said:
I am looking to get MGS HD Collection on Vita, does it include MGS1 as well? Or do you mean the PSX version? As far as I know, it is not available on the EU store :(

Yeah, I mean the PSX version. Here's the link for the EU store: https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/product/EP0101-NPEF00036_00-GMETALGEAR000001

The HD collection is great on Vita by the way (but the Vita version doesn't include Peace Walker, just 2 & 3).

immortal-joe · Jan 17, 2019

Vita provides a fantastic alternative way to play, especially for MGS 1, which scales beautifully on the screen.

john titor · Jan 17, 2019

Alex840 said:
Yeah, I mean the PSX version. Here's the link for the EU store: https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/product/EP0101-NPEF00036_00-GMETALGEAR000001

Yeah, it is available in the UK but not in the UA which is a weird thing but oh well.

RionaaM · Jan 17, 2019

There are PC ports of MGS1 and 2, though they require some tinkering to get them running in modern rigs. The former is a great port, removing the texture warping that was so annoying in the PS1 version. Unfortunately it's missing a very unique thing that happens during one of the boss fights, so if you want the complete experience it's better to play on PS1 or PS3, or even the GC remake (and even then, you won't see that thing unless you've fulfilled the necessary condition).

As for MGS2, the PC port is trash. If you can play it somewhere else, please do that.

Vimes said:
As mentioned before, a PS3 and Legacy Collection is the way.

If you have even a small stomach for the old school, I highly recommend playing Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 (the MSX games) before you start Metal Gear Solid. You can access them through the main menu of MGS3. MGS has several plot points that simply make no sense without having played MG2.

While this is true, MGS1 has a summary of the MSX titles accessible from the main menu, so you can read that instead.

AztecComplex · Jan 17, 2019

Whatever you end up doing do NOT play the MGS1 remake The Twin Snakes for GC. An inferior game to the original in almost every possible way.

Kerotan · Jan 17, 2019

Strangelove77 said:
You can play 1-4 on a PS3. That's about the best way.

5 is on ps3 too though personally I much prefer playing on ps4.

OP, I'd go mgs1, mgs2, mgs3, peace walker, mgs4 and finally Ground Zeroes and MGSV.

Deleted member 47318 · Jan 17, 2019

Waddle Dee said:
Back in 2013 I played The Twin Snakes, then MGS2 and 3 on the HD Collection on PS3. I know a lot of fans have issues with The Twin Snakes but I still enjoyed it.

The Twin Snakes also plays at 60fps, making it fit in more with the HD Collection ports of 2 and 3 without much discrepancy.

Mexen · Jan 17, 2019

PopsMaellard said:
fucking Konami; where is my MGS Collection on current gen systems

You feel it too, don't you?

You will understand that reference soon enough

What's the best way to play through Metal Gear Solid?

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