Does Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance Hold Up? | Original Xbox Review

[@Armand723jx]

i remember back then i asked my grandma to buy me a console never would i’ve expect she bought me an xbox instead of an PS2 coz xbox first gen was popular back then in daly city san francisco where my grandma lived. best days of my life one of my first batch of xbox 1st gen games MGS2 aside from sega GT & jet set radio future.

[@whitecocksmatter]

shaut out to grandma, she sounds amazing

[@jaythomas468]

Funny but somewhat UNRELATED story: we took my OLD OG XBOX box that the console CAME IN and “repurposed” it to store a Xmas gift that we were wrapping and giving to my grandpa (who hadn’t played a video game since Pong). THE LOOK ON HIS FACE WHEN HE UNWRAPPED IT AND SAW THAT XBOX BOX WAS PRICELESS (just like, “what TF did you get me this for?!). 😂

[@ThommyofThenn]

I've not played this series but I've always liked the cool names the characters have like Iron Eagle or Liquid Smoke

[@sideshowbrowny4595]

Underrated comment

[@XWXS2]

Lmao

[@dittm3r]

I love Iron Eagle.

[@ThommyofThenn]

@@dittm3r it's a loveable spoof for sure

[@matthewwilliams3827]

Octagon 🛑

[@gammaphonic]

Raiden really was the Jar Jar Binks of the series for a while, haha. I remember getting the game on its original release for PS2 and being absolutely bewildered by the switch in main character. It’s difficult to imagine these days, but literally no one had any idea Raiden was the main character of the game until the game was released.

[@matj3296]

The whole Raiden thing was about like Jar Jar back then, but as the years go by having Raiden in the game(and the reason for him) is genius... Multiple Meta layers

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

Makes me think of Halo 5 and Locke.

[@jaythomas468]

Considering the WHOLE GAME’S theme about the “censoring, control, and manipulation of information in the digital age,” Raiden being the ACTUAL MAIN CHARACTER brings about a WHOLE NEW “meta-layer” of the game’s central thesis (since prior to the game coming out, they had ONLY just shown us Snake in parts of the game where you’d ACTUALLY end up playing as Raiden). It’s CRAZY how this game had a contingency of people that “disliked” it upon release, only for its message, story, and themes to become VINDICATED years later.

[@PepeTheJonkler]

If you beat all of the VR missions in Metal Gear: Ghost Babel, then you get a message asking your character to "get some rest,... _Jack."_ Jack (Raiden) is the player of the VR missions in Ghost Babel, and that game is his canonical 300 VR missions. This is the only way people would have known in-advance (since it came out in 2000 and MGS2 came out in November of 2001). Even then, Kojima and team trolled everyone with all the promotional materials to fit the theme of the game. The trailers showed scenes that weren't even in the game to begin with.

[@jaythomas468]

@@PepeTheJonkler That’s WILD. I’m a MGS superfan and even have Ghost Babel on Game Boy Color in its ORIGINAL BOX and I didn’t know this. You just lowkey BLEW MY MIND.

[@waifubreaks1572]

I have the PS2 version with the skateboarding minigame.

[@seannilsen3072]

This game is the reason I bought a Xbox back in late 2002. I was saving up for a Gamecube, but MGS 1 and 2 were my favorite games at the time so when I saw the commercial for Substance and saw it was on Xbox, I saved for the Xbox and game instead

[@NineToFiveGamerUC0079]

Thoughts on The Twin Snakes?

[@seannilsen3072]

@NineToFiveGamerUC0079 I picked that up brand new at the time and played it all the time as well. It's goofy as hell and the MGS2 engine makes it super easy, but I just recently played through the game again and I still enjoyed it. I recommend first timers to play the ps1 original still

[@davemoore7808]

I really appreciate how upfront you are with your previous experience with the game and series. Gives the viewer a good idea of your perspective.

[@j.r.shartzer]

This is the only reason I owned an XBOX. Substance came out, like, 9 months earlier on XBOX, and I didn't want to wait. So, I bought an XBOX and really didn't do much else with it. I had already played MGS2 to death on PS2, it really was just for all the extra content. When the PS2 version came out, I kinda never went back. I appreciate that It gave me a reason to own and spend time with an XBOX before deciding it wasn't for me. I did get a 360, really just for Gears of War, but again, I didn't do much else with it, and spent that gen gaming on PS3. I never bought another XBOX again, but Kojima is doing an exclusive thing there now so... I may plunge back in for that.

[@thevirtuouscollector]

MGS2 is my fav game of all time and I'm actually meeting David Hayter today to give him a custom MGS2 Snake figure I made! Crazy!

[@campxbox]

Hope that went well. David Hayter rocks!

[@burrritoprince]

1:09 The IBM Metal Gear cover is based on the North American NES release but a bit different from the original MSX2 version that Kojima directly worked on

[@shaynekatchmark810]

Mgs3 snake eater is one of the best games ever made fr

[@mjdf122]

Hello and Welcome to Camp Xbox Snake it’s been a long time

[@bumpndump9643]

I love MGS2, classic among the classics! A bit of a shame about some of the techinical issues of the xbox version in particular but still a great game

[@campxbox]

Yeah it's a game that's good enough to overcome some of its technical issues.

[@CheesyX2]

The xbox version does not hold up so well. This and the PC port (without fixes) are in most parts technically inferior to the PS2 version.

[@vasilijemx]

Dude this video is awesome! Hope it blows up in the algorithm, it's at 1k views rn. keep it up!!

[@campxbox]

Appreciate it! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@37Kilo2]

Even back in the day on PS2, I couldn't get used to the control scheme. I tried to replay it last year on Xbox.

[@joshm9363]

I’ve only ever played the original ps2 release and the gun firing mechanism was always awkward. The DualShock 2 was supposedly pressure sensitive on the face buttons and I think that’s what was going on with my complaint. Curious as to how that got used in the OG Xbox release as well as the contemporary collection release. Aside from MGS2 is up there with MGS1 and Breath Of The Wild as my favourite single player games.

[@35milesoflead]

​@joshm9363 I have played this on PS2, PS3, Original PC port, and the Master Collection. The pressure sensitive controls on the PS3 & PS2 are far superior to the Xbox control scheme.

[@Evoboss1]

@@35milesoflead have you tried using those controller adapters that lets you use any controller on the original xbox? I really want to know how that goes..

[@35milesoflead]

​@AnonymousBoss1 Pass. I have only used the systems I mentioned and never owned an Xbox. The xbox/PC port is the same game when it comes to controls. And I wouldn't try a Duke original Xbox controller, ever. If I had one, it would be used as the doorstop it is! 😊

[@jaythomas468]

That’s one of the BIGGEST ISSUES with the Xbox version and I ADMIT, it’s ENTIRELY a PERSONAL one. I played SO MANY HOURS of this game on the DualShock controller than then trying to “adjust” to the slightly different button placement (and lack of analog buttons) on the OG XBOX version made it kind of a HEADACHE (where I was CONSTANTLY pulling my gun out and firing shots that I DIDN’T MEAN TO).

[@HUYI1]

It's easier now to just play on switch or PS5 these days even though i still have my subsistence PS2 copy still

[@nohcam22]

One of the 🐐s

[@tissuesstuff1016]

Yup. Still the MGS 2 version we all know and loved. I always why the OG Xbox version of MGS 2 had some frame rate issues. Maybe Konami were rushing to optimize their products to increase sales during that time? Either way, still a great game with a thematic theme about information in the digital age that has never become more relevant than ever before.

[@gregoryberrycone]

games that were designed specifically for the ps2 took advantage of specific features of the hardware much like ps3 games. obviously the original xbox was capable of visuals that outclassed the ps2 in many respects (for example the ports of half life 2, doom 3 or escape from butcher bay) but i can only imagine it was very time consuming and difficult to convert games from ps2 to xbox or pc

[@scary_fu]

i played mgs1 last year for the first time, then went right to this one. the graphical leap blew my mind. even in 2024 😂. fantastic game other than the stupid diffusing bomb part i got stuck on

[@Annomaney]

I've recently played the backwards compatible HD Collection for the Xbox 360. The one that includes 2&3 + Peace Walker. Currently playing through PW. I really like the port with its widescreen support, and I didn't come across any stuttering on the Series X.

[@campxbox]

Peace Walker is so good!

[@johnnyfiveisking]

This was my first experience of mgs2 as I didn’t have a ps2 so it was a bit of a wait but worth it. Same with San Andreas!

[@jimmyrolls37]

When it came out, the Xbox version felt underwhelming IF you already played the ps2 original, but if you instead just had an Xbox, it was great to have it ported over

[@yummyjackalmeat]

I loved MGS on the original PS, but never got to play MGS2. At that time I wasn't really gaming and focusing on music and school. Also I just didn't get a PS2. Then a roommate of mine in college had an XBOX with MGS2. So MGS2 on XBOX was my first introduction to the game! Can't say I noticed anything off about it, but I grew up with crappy equipment and wasn't one to complain about being able to play a great game.

[@failthesystemcollab7247]

A game case of this was not found in every store. A specific now defunct store had this on xbox, discounted. Picked it up and as one of few played it on th og xbox around 2003. Found it difficult to understand as opposed to MGS on windows. Did like the water effects, action movie cutscenes, music and the surreal last chapters. There was also a cutscene character change extra that was humorous and made it likeable. However I would never play it over Splinter Cell.

[@monarc009]

I love the OG Xbox series. I mean I love all your videos. But I would love to see you bounce back and further between Xbox and 360. 1 review Xbox the next 360. There are so many underrated gems on both consoles and many games I haven’t played.

[@campxbox]

Glad you enjoy the videos! I'd like to get on a ratio of OG and 360 games. I think my main focus is on the OG, but I want to try to get on a 2:1 ratio for OG and 360 content since I do love talking about both. Definitely be on the look out in October for more 360 lists and I do have at least one 360 review coming out.

[@jaythomas468]

From what I remember, despite PS2 (and PlayStation in general) being LARGELY thought of as the “home” of the MGS franchise, these games still got ported to Windows and I BELIEVE the original release of MGS2: Substance hit the Xbox FIRST and THEN came to the PS2 like 4-6 months (actually, I think it was 9 MONTHS) later. I played the CRAP out of the original PS2 release, but sadly, never got the Substance edition because at the time, I was a broke teenager who wanted to focus the little bit of MONEY that I DID RECEIVE on getting games I “technically” hadn’t ALREADY EXPERIENCED. A few years after it came out, I did end up using a “perk” of my job at the time at a popular used games store to “rent” an XBOX copy of the game to see what the hype was about. Needless to say, I was SHOCKED at how much WORSE it performed on a much more powerful SYSTEM (the OG XBOX) compared to the original PS2 release that I had played like 5 YEARS PRIOR (to be fair, though, I do also remember the OG XBOX version looking slightly “sharper” liking it was displaying at a slightly “higher” native resolution). All that being said, if ALL YOU HAD was the Xbox at that time, this was STILL an “adequate” way to play and experience this AMAZING GAME.

[@Mr.X---47]

MGS 2 is fantastic it's perfect in almost every way. I loved it then and now. Thanks for the upload good work man

[@campxbox]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GamelordNito]

I know I've said this before but I'll reiterate again: This is such an underrated channel. Xbox may be in a bad spot right now but historically they have secured their place as innovators in this industry. Xbox Live, hard drives, party chat, the rise of casual multiplayer gaming, all of this comes from their ingenuity. The attention to detail regarding the early days of Xbox and the many ports and oddities the system had are so underrepresented. Thank you for shining a light on this and remembering the history and sharing it with others. In terms of gaming preservation, and actual commentary and thoughts and criticisms regarding this topic, I find you and this channel to be important work. Keep it up.

[@jimmythegamer2231]

Xbox is in a perfectly fine spot right now, in fact, they're more of a juggernaut in the gaming industry than ever before based solely off all the first-party studios they now own. I'd argue they're still innovating to this day, what with Game Pass, cloud gaming, and even multiplatform releases lol. Microsoft makes a lot of baffling and sometimes terrible decisions but those decisions often end up being reflective of the future of the gaming industry. Problem is Xbox is typically 10 years too early and they try to push gamers into the "future," so they get most of the flack. Xbox's innovation and drastically different approach to PS and Nintendo is what makes them interesting to talk about IMO.

[@campxbox]

I appreciate your kind words! I'm happy that my videos resonate with you. I'm glad we share the same love for the brands early days!

[@jaythomas468]

The OG Xbox, IMO, is still their BEST SYSTEM. It just had SO MUCH unique software compared to the other two consoles (and with custom soundtracks and local HDD support, it often made it the BEST PLACE to get most third-party multiplatform releases like Burnout 3 and the various EA Sports games).

[@Sturdywarme]

I remember renting this game from Blockbuster back then, such a great weekend lol. Also for what it’s worth I recently finished playing the game on the ps3 HD Anthology collection and it had frame drops during the harrier and the metal gear boss fights. Not sure if maybe the original ps2 was spared and then substance, subsistence and anthology are the ones with the bugs but it is what it is

[@campxbox]

I've heard that the 360 version of MGS2 on the HD collection runs better which is an interesting turn.

[@Dominus4776]

MGS2 was my first mg. I didn't understand at the time why everyone hated Raiden

[@howilearned2stopworrying508]

IMO the whole concept of playing the Arbiter for most of Halo 2 was an homage to MGS2 - and was about as well received by fans lol

[@matthewwilliams3827]

I always preferred the first game more than all the others, maybe it’s because it was the first one I played.

[@jaydickstein]

I remember being disappointed by the slowdown when it was released

[@DCGX]

Not counting MGS for GBC (which I didn't understand as a kid and would run around the same screens getting no where), this was my first MG game. However, I got it as the same time as Splinter Cell, and even though I enjoyed and beat MGS2, as far as stealth action went, Splinter Cell was way better game to me. I kept with Splinter Cell and didn't play another MG game until Twin Snakes, and I actually haven't played an MG game since. I do have the HD collection for Vita, so, one day.

[@adamknight8127]

Great game! Challenging and fun! Hideo Kojima was and still is the master.

[@Mobius_Ap3x]

I really love this game! 😎

[@CD-Gaming]

I bought an Xbox ahead and for Halo 2, but along with Halo Combat Evolved (who didn't?), but I picked this up a week later as I wanted more than jus Halo! I've still got it, don't have a manuel, like, but then again, I don't have a manuel for Halo Combat Evolved, either, so... Mind you, I was clever when I picked up Sons of Liberty on PS2, I actually chose a slightly cheaper copy, still got everything I should with it, though! That, I don't have any more, but I did pick up Substance for PS2 a few years back!

[@musclemark2710]

Top 5 Xbox game is so worthy 😉

[@1moblin2]

i heard this game sold crazy bad on xbox. i beginning to think that all Japanese games no matter what they are will sell awful on xbox consoles regardless. just don't know why it's always this way

[@RodgertheNegotiator]

Substance is the same as Sons of Liberty right? I loved the game. the swim levels were unique and not too hard.

[@CrispyChrisss]

Never knew MGS2 had an Xbox port

[@jimmythegamer2231]

MGS3 was on the OG Xbox as well

[@campxbox]

MGS 3 never made it to the OG Xbox just the 360.

[@TheGrizzledAncient]

I remember MG fans hating this when it came out because of the bait and switch from Snake to Raiden lol. That said, it's even more hilarious that Kojima was able make all those same people that hated Raiden love him by reintroducing him in MGS4 as a super bad ass cyber ninja. And then they gave him his own game with MG Rising lol. Also is the skate boarding mode in the Xbox version? I know the PS2 version had it but I don't remember if the Xbox version did. Great video, great game, the ending of this game is downright prophetic. If you ever want a deep video game story rabbit hole to go down then look up videos on the MGS 2 ending lol crazy stuff.

[@campxbox]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Unfortunately skateboarding only came to the PS2 version of Substance.

[@damage.per.second]

it's so perfect - thank you for looking back on this W of a game

[@campxbox]

Thank you for watching!

[@chriscros13]

based

[@CatalystOfFire]

Kept you waiting, huh? So the game was specifically built for PS2, because it had two processors. That's why it runs like crap on Xbox, PS3, etc.

[@worldcollapse]

I love MGS2 since 2001 honestly couldn’t see myself playing any mgs game not on a PS controller. Wouldn’t personally recommend this version but if for some reason its the only one you got you’ll still have a great time

[@gooneybird808]

Snake tails

[@gooneybird808]

If another mgs needs remade it’s this one… so cool

[@gregoryberrycone]

definitely not the ideal way to play the game, a decent amount of visual and performance compromises on the original xbox version (same with silent hill 2) but obviously MGS2 is one of the greatest video games of all time and there are a myriad of better options to play the game at this point (original ps2 version of substance still the best in my opinion, followed by the HD or legacy collections, and i think ive heard the pc port might have gotten fixed by fans ill have to look into that)

[@afevis]

Hi, it's me, one of the fans who's fixed the PC port. For ez setup of all the mods you can find my Bugfix collections on Nexusmods which contain all the major fixes preconfigured for one click installation via any mod manager of your choice (ie MO2/Vortex/ECT) :3

[@ReviewWingsDSP]

Yes, as a world record holder it does. Best entry in the series. Fight me.