When discussing the best entries in the Metal Gear Solid series after Snake Eater, many would undoubtedly rank Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker at the top. Both titles are fan favorites thanks to their deep narratives, gameplay systems, and compelling characters. Yet, despite their popularity, Konami has never ported them to other modern platforms (with Peace Walker only appearing once on the PS3). Finally, the long-awaited dream of fans is coming true: Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2 will finally bring both MGS4 and Peace Walker to our screens. Let's dive into the details
For those unfamiliar with Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, the story follows Solid Snake—a clone of Big Boss and the protagonist of MGS 1 and 2. It’s important to note that he is a different person from the Big Boss featured in MGS 3 and 5 (as the series timeline jumps back and forth according to the creator's vision). What makes MGS4 so iconic and highly anticipated is its exclusivity; since its launch, it has remained trapped on the PlayStation 3, never once ported to another system. Furthermore, the game features a unique 'Battlefield' system where you act as a third party in a war. If you kill local militia, they will turn on you, but if you help them, they will become your allies
One of the coolest mechanics is the camo system—your suit changes color based on the surface you're touching, even in cutscenes! Then there's the stress system that makes Snake’s aim shaky when he's under pressure. Since you're dropped into a battlefield where two NPC sides are duking it out, listening for footsteps is key. Narrative-wise, this is the big finale for Solid Snake. It explains why he’s aged so fast and wraps up all the loose ends from MGS 1 and 2. Just a heads-up: the cutscenes are famously massive—you might spend more time watching than playing!
To be honest, the gameplay and overall scale of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker might not seem groundbreaking or 'wow' you at first. However, the reason it's so beloved is that it serves as a direct prequel to Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain. Many who played MGSV found themselves confused—wondering who certain characters were, why they acted that way, or why Big Boss's base was even attacked in the first place. All of those answers are found in Peace Walker. Playing this title first provides much-needed context for the world of MGSV, which is exactly why fans hold this game in such high regard
Now, let’s talk about Metal Gear: Ghost Babel. This one is set right after Metal Gear 2 (the MSX version). If your head is spinning, here’s a quick breakdown: the original Metal Gear 1 and 2 and their sequels, MGS 1 and 2, all star Solid Snake and represent the 'modern' era of the timeline. Ghost Babel sits right in the middle of MG2 and MGS1. In short, the games featuring Solid Snake (MG 1, 2 and MGS 1, 2, 4) are the future, while the games starring Big Boss (MGS 3, 5, and Peace Walker) go back to the past. If this sounds like a total maze, don't feel bad—that’s just the Metal Gear experience
Interested in the full timeline? You might want to do some homework because the Metal Gear lore is a massive, tangled web that can leave newcomers' heads spinning! Also, here's a cool bonus: if you’ve got save files from Master Collection Vol. 1, you’ll score a Gold Camo in MGS 4 and a Gold Uniform in Peace Walker. Mark your calendars: Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2 drops this August 27th. Time to get those wallets ready!
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