Johnny vs. Metal Gear: Ghost Babel

In today's episode, I'm going back a bit to the Game Boy Color! Yep, there was a Metal Gear game released for it, but it's not very easy to come by nowadays. Still, let's check it out and see if we're missing out on anything.
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[@blackdeadtree1]

this game looks reaaaaaaaaaaaally good for a game boy game.

[@Volcanic_Rave]

You could tell me this was a GBA game and I would believe you

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

Metal gear games always try to look the best in their game console in competition of the other games.

[@WH250398]

Mgs 3 on the ps3 looks like it belongs on the platform.

[@AAhmou]

That metal gear... Is gorgeous for Gbc.

[@dyltack5349]

WH250398 well that’s because mgs 3 was released for ps2

[@Pan_Z]

8:08 Well then, this Metal Gear is brutally honest. In the past games, you'd get some animal rank. If you did poorly, you'd get a rank like "sheep" or something. This one is blatantly stating "you suck."

[@GatorRay]

+Pan Z LOL!

[@Akechi_The_Phantom_Detective]

+Pan Z Kinda reminds me of the rankings in the Timesplitters multi-player. Pathetic shot, coward, hoarder ;-)

[@Spaztron64]

+Pan Z I got a rank "cat" in MGS PSX. In ghost babel, 70% of the time I got "terrible". That means I suck :P.

[@DeepDiveDevin]

Status: FUCKING SICK

[@NamekuBushi]

The codename ranking still exist. I just finished the game myself not even 5 minutes ago. It just happens to show up when you beat the game.

[@DTHVaren]

"Maybe Ghost Babel 2 can happen......" Kojima, what happened?! Kojima?! KOJIMA?! KOOOOOJJJJJIIIMMMAAAA!

[@apollojustice5338]

D.T.H. *cue dramatic MGS Game Over music*

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

Well, he didn't direct or write the game so it all really depends if Konami is willing to allow a next installment for the mgs team left in the company to make.

[@Wexdarn]

I'm just genuinely floored by how much content they seemed to fit into the cartridge

[@Sjono]

It's funny how despite being non-canon, Ghost Babel seems to have inspired many elements that are present in MGSV: TPP

[@professorno3242]

How

[@professorno3242]

+wildcardsniper that's pretty much every metal gear game, lol

[@zayaannashrid1374]

+Sjono Lol. A Portable game that inspired the console hit

[@macafromthewired]

+Zayaan Nashrid "hit"

[@zayaannashrid1374]

MyHeroMacadamiaNuts MGSV is Peace Walker. :P I've seen the error of my previous statement

[@Shift_Salt]

So Ghost Babel is basically the 3rd Metal Gear 2 but also a Solid Spin-Off... yeah.

[@daveKoRnfan]

If you play through all the VR missions it's revealed at the end of them that you were playing them as Raiden training for what happens in MGS 2 I think that's pretty sweet

[@steamboshow606]

You seriously have the best reviews. I work from my computer and I usually have a show or soundtrack playing while I work. Two weeks ago I binge watched all your reviews. Every one from SGB to Vs. You have outstanding content. Please keep doing what you do, Johnny. It's very much appreciated.

[@KidSnivy69]

Welcome to the SomeCallMeJohnny fanbase!

[@Pan_Z]

+SteamboShow If you're interested in other reviewers that give actually reviews that actually analyze gameplay and story (like Johnny), I have a few.

[@Akechi_The_Phantom_Detective]

+SteamboShow Daw, give him a hug. =) Yeah I think what I love about the reviews is the fact Johnny doesn't look at them from any on technical or mechanical view point but as a neutral.

[@123pirules]

Anotaré verrugosa good reviewr i like is Matthewmatosis really recomend him

[@IlSH2]

+SteamboShow If you like having a review as a backrground sound, try mathewmatosis`s. he did a couple of metal gear reviews that are long and chill to listen to

[@JediKammy]

PARKER!! I WANT PICTURES OF SOLID-SNAKE!!

[@Draggobuttboi]

can you pay me in advance?

[@SonarClash]

@@Draggobuttboi is you serious pay you for what standing there

[@ayanoaishi7189]

Weeezzing laugh

[@LorenHelgeson]

@@tsyumamatsuthehavenofguard32 Always a classic!

[@SeelkadoomandJokic00]

Maybe Ghost Babel 2 can happen...... sorry I almost laughed cause Konami

[@jravee5994]

Kachinko Babel 2

[@DemonicsInc]

talk about beating a dead horse on both terms

[@calvcoolidge]

+MrDemonking30 but a true dead horse

[@whodatninja439]

+Human Jokic #FucKonami

[@xLithiumFlower1]

+Who Dat Ninja ayy don't you always post on RedLetterMedia shit?

[@hughlingard]

"A huge climax that never happens..." Yeah, I know how that feels.

[@macafromthewired]

bro

[@DannyJennyArtz]

1:07 "sometimes I just wanna go back in time to tell my younger self to grab some of these old things when they released on the market." Me too John, (looks at prices for old Power Rangers Megazord toys on amazon and ebay) me too John.

[@KidSnivy69]

Same. Do you know how many Power Rangers morphers I wish I could get.

[@paulpott261]

I could get Lego 2012 Tie Fighters for half the price. And a PS2.

[@DannyJennyArtz]

+KidSnivy69 IKR? I mostly just want the megazords, but the morphers are still cool. I actually remember having Dino Thunder, SPD, and Mystic Force morpher toys myself when I was a kid. But they all broke or got lost, which really makes me sad. :(

[@nexusgiga]

+PyroFinnTheManiac me too *looks at the empty spot where my ps2 should be*

[@KidSnivy69]

PyroFinnTheManiac I was just relating

[@thecommenter6773]

Woah, this game ,for the game boy Colour looks really good, with that fluid animation of snake and those cutscenes....

[@SQGReviewShow]

This game is pretty underrated. Although I hate that conveyor belt maze, lol

[@TBrizzle01]

Always wanted to play Ghost Babel, looks like a fun simple Metal Gear. There's always been an appeal to Game Boy Color games for me. I might just go the "unethical" route to play this lol

[@GatorRay]

+TBrizzle01 I'm playing it right now on my VisualBoyAdvance because my dad would freak out if he found out how much an actual cart costs. So I don't blame you for doing that.

[@GatorRay]

+snake7753 Considering that Konami owns Metal Gear I think they're to blame for it not being on the VC.

[@sterlingmuse5808]

I wouldn't be surprised if they don't think its worth the price of putting it on the VC. Which seems completely ridiculous to me, regardless of the quality of the game itself, but whatever. Personally, I don't usually care for Game Boy or Game Boy Color games, probably because I grew up with a GBA. But I will say that this looks great for the system, and it's probably one of the few games I would try for it.

[@pierre-lucpelletier2442]

Has anybody noticed in the title of the game, Metal Gear: Ghost Babel? Like Ghost Babel, GB, Game Boy? Maybe? I don't know, it's just something I noticed.

[@GatorRay]

+Pierre-LucPelletier Looking back I'm pretty sure that was an intentional pun.

[@snetmotnosrorb3946]

Now that you say that, I get a vague memory telling me that Metal Gear: GB was in fact the working title. Or maybe I just made that up. Either way I think it was intentional.

[@factualopinion8849]

It's kinda like the play on words for Kingdom Hearts 3D "Dream Drop Distance" 3 D's.

[@randomduck8679]

Pierre-Luc Pelletier Castlevania dawn of sorrow (DS)

[@Viichan777]

@@factualopinion8849 or resident evil deadly silence and ninja gaiden dragon sword

[@brunocar02]

if you hug the wall and press the punch button you will make noice and atract guards

[@hulkman245]

serieusly johnny you deserve WAY more subs. enjoined watching you and your bros for about a year now. usualy dont like game revieuws but im always looking out for yours

[@KidSnivy69]

Right on!

[@carlbloke8797]

So true

[@AlphaPHK]

I would love to see Johnny covering the Boktai Series, or at least the first Boktai, since the game is pretty much Metal Gear with vampires :D!

[@NekitoTwilight]

I surprised you didn't mention the smooth as butter animations and the amazing graphics (for gbc of course)

[@jacobmonks3722]

Honestly, Metal Gear as a series has always been graphically impressive for their console generations. MGS 3 looks like it could have been released 5 years later and it almost wouldn't stick out at all. MGS 4 and especially V still look great in 2019, even though 4's framerate isn't too consistent.

[@5-Volt]

I wish this was on the e-shop. :/ I wouldn't mind playing through it again for nostalgia.

[@GatorRay]

+5 Volt Too bad Konami is Konami.

[@Evilriku13]

+5 Volt what are you talking about? It's on the eShop o.O Dunno if ur american that u ain't having that one D:

[@GatorRay]

***** But not in America!

[@SeedyZ]

TWO new videos in one day?! Christmas has come early!

[@awesomeguy2009]

Or, it came late.

[@Chawinyaw]

+Phantom Drags Or SUPER early

[@TECH097]

+Chawinyaw Or it just came.

[@TheTeddyWG]

+Mr. Cow i certainly did

[@spartan117i2008]

You must be using internet explorer lol

[@Zehnter]

I actually saw this game for like 8,- a few years ago ;-; I now regret not buying it

[@superevilfencinator]

+ZehnTRGF YOU DIP

[@Zehnter]

+Shawn Wright regretting life choices lol

[@donnelwaddledee965]

+ZehnTRGF Hey, I saw a Ness Amiibo and thought it was common...and a few years back I saw a Wii copy of Xenoblade Chronicles...for 20 bucks...

[@Zehnter]

Owch... now I'm not sure what would hurt more...

[@itskipz3865]

+Pikachu Thirteen xenoblade chronicles....for 20 bucks..... WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[@BlueBlur86CP]

This needs a 3DS rerelease.

[@someguynamedtrevor6081]

BlueBlur86CP let's be honest it's never going happen

[@SHR7778]

BlueBlur86 it was just not in America

[@metalfuk69]

I wish smh

[@marianokaz1503]

I can inject it as a CIA on my 3DS.

[@torgogorgo1888]

This was the only Metal Gear game I played as a kid. It may not be a great Metal Gear game story wise, but it is a very good gameboy colour game.

[@thedubiousbard9370]

8:09 Rank: *T* *E* *R* *R* *I* *B* *L* *E*

[@BigTiddy]

Man this is such an underrated game.. I played it recently, just wish I really experienced it as a kid.

[@WishMakers]

I just revisited this review and I'm just lamenting at what could've been. This is such a great setup for a sequel that was destined to never happen.

[@Snikeros]

Is it just me or does Viper's story sounds like Venom's snake story? Also he looks like the main character from Zone of the Enders 2

[@whatisabidoof1896]

Its so wild to think I was like 15 and 16 when this marathon started

[@Winterheart87]

"It's like I'm playing fukin Pac-Man" 🤣

[@RosserSmith]

At the very end of the game when you complete the final VR mission they call you jack, as in Raiden. This who game your playing as Raiden playing a VR quest so he can become just as good as snake. Everyone you talk to is just AI. This game takes place in-between MGS1 and MGS2. Even the country's name....starts with a galude or something the AI Campbell mentions it during his breakdown at the end of MGS2. Mind blow, you're very welcome

[@djphildeez6357]

This game looks and plays amazingly well on the Gameboy Color. It still surprises me of what that little system was capable of. (Cannon fodder's graphics OMG)

[@Japanime20]

I love going back to old videos like this

[@SeelkadoomandJokic00]

Finding out what happens at the end of Ghost Babel VR missions, we really did get a sequel to Ghost Babel & that was MGS2 since GB was VR missions for Raiden

[@HopefullyHope11037]

Thank you Johnny for a good start to my evening

[@Innerste]

Managed to find this game in very good condition the other day for about $30 and I love it! I also love how my particular retro game shop replaces the save battery with a new one every time they get a game in, so you never buy a Gameboy game with a dead battery.

[@thejamman4070]

Damn, Snake’s run cycle looks really good in this!

[@copilots3159]

6:23 - 6:28 Viper is literally Venom Snake before Kojima came up with Venom Snake.

[@michaelmacvittie6977]

Her name is Chris Jenner?

[@theinimitablejora522]

@@lowearthsurfer Jesus dude, he didn't mean anything by it. Calm down.

[@theinimitablejora522]

@@lowearthsurfer I highly doubt I'm the only one that would take it that way.

[@theinimitablejora522]

@@lowearthsurfer I don't think anyone else had the balls to humor a commenter like you on the internet.

[@theinimitablejora522]

@August Canaille Is this thread still alive? My god. I forgot about it. I get it now. Joke. Sheesh. Now let me get back to My Hero Academia.

[@AlphaladZXA]

@@lowearthsurfer yeah even I have to raise an eyebrow jumping to calling them transphobic so fast wtf man? That's not a good to do socially, it makes you look like an asshole.

[@vulpixsmi]

Glad to get some back to SomecallJohnny back to back this evening...

[@TonySpike]

"Imagine Lord of the Rings with no Two Towers or Return of the King" Dont need to ...thanks Ralph Bakshi

[@clarke1823]

Love your stuff man, keep it up :)

[@BraxBox]

Replaying this right now. Very cool review. And I hate that conveyor belt maze...

[@TheMandalore4]

I always loved how GameBoy games looked. Don't know why, but this, pokemon, Link's awakening, Samus returns, all look fucking amazing due to I think the styling experience people had thanks to the fact the GameBoy was around so long, and thus people had refined their skills with such a limited yet well supported console. It's like that whole "You can't go beyond your boundaries, but you can push your boundaries further" thing, if that makes sense.

[@KeybladeBrett]

I cant wait for your KH reviews!

[@MagicMaster667]

What the schell!? Two videos? This is amazing!~ :D

[@Solidus0508]

I remember playing this game and loving the fact that it played so much like the Playstation version. That the game fit and played and looked the way it did on the Gameboy player was amazing. Looking back, I'm sorry I traded it in (like all of the games I traded, I'm slowly trying to get them back) and I agree that it's expensive and finding a reasonably priced cartridge is near impossible. Great review, sir!

[@RyanStorey1231]

I always tune out while Johnny summarizes the complex plots of the Metal Gear games. I can't even say that they're spoilers because I can't keep up with them, anyway.

[@moonman375]

can you imagine a future Kingdom Hearts marathon?

[@Yourwaifuisntreal]

+Should we Play? I'm actually hoping he does a Kingdom Hearts marathon.

[@danielcunningham3333]

I'm actually surprised he hasn't already

[@KidSnivy69]

John is a busy KZbinr. Don't get me wrong it'd be cool for a Kingdom Heart marathon.

[@DragunNexus]

+Should we Play? I believe he said he'd be doing one some time this year.

[@chillplayer1234]

+Should we Play? He said he'll do one later this year.

[@ilovevirtualconsole]

Great review Johnny! Can't wait to see that Metal Gear Solid 4 review.

[@pyrolee17]

AHHH Back to back?! Back to back episodes! No Johnny staph!! my body is not ready for this onslaught

[@rgmusic4769]

just in time thanks for a new video johnny :)

[@megagrey]

This is actually my second favorite, right behind Metal Gear 2. I guess I just prefer my Metal Gear in 2D. The bunny ain't breathin'.

[@Ayngar]

Metal Gear Solid 4 made Ghost Babel somewhat cannon, but it's only mentioned in the 5.7's weapon description

[@welon17]

This game impressed me so much when I played it!!

[@Mirauge]

really enjoyed the review. good job

[@329link]

This game looks pretty damn great for GBC. There's some good looking cutscene graphics and the overall animation looks pretty smooth.

[@floofalpacafloof]

I didn't know Kris Jenner was in a Metal Gear game!

[@daiujin]

Metal gear predicted the future!

[@shellshock24classicgames61]

SO DOES THIS MAKE METAL GEAR GHOST BABEL STUNNING AND BRAVE!!!!

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

Shellshock24 Classic Games don’t bring that kind of shit anywhere near metal gear topics. Jenner and metal gear needs to be FAR apart as possible.

[@andreworders7305]

4:15 Changing backstory makes this more of an alternate universe then an alternate timeline

[@PurpleSnake]

This game already looked interesting, and after watching this video it's even more interesting to me. Should totally get someday!

[@GuyOnAChair]

Chris Jenner you say?...conspiracies intensify.

[@Mikewolv007]

This was released a year ago, but it felt like yesterday. I'm only in high school and I still feel old.

[@AugustFourSeven]

Great video! My first time seeing one of yours. I'll be sure to check out others... I have to know, though, where did you get your shirt?!?

[@FoneyBone1]

Two Johnny videos? In one day? Am I dreaming?

[@chrissre7935]

Wow didn't knew this game existed. Have to get it right away

[@TheFawfulfan]

I'm surprised that you didn't talk about stage 8. I enjoyed the game and all, but man did that level take forever.

[@ifeelsomni]

the fact that theres a dog there is funny because outer heaven’s soldiers were originally of the diamond dogs

[@samcrumpit3081]

Damn. The coverart for this game is amazing. Chris' design is pretty beautiful and it's a litte sad that it only gets used for this game.

[@Its_PizzaTime]

The dogs in the bush maze reminded me heavily of RE4. I'm surprised you didn't use that comparison.

[@XGames-94]

Time labels would've been just fine, but that means less adsense, so good for you.

[@LuisNunesNEO]

damn this game looks nice pretty good pixel art for a gameboy

[@Bananeurysm]

The point of pressing up against a wall, is that if you press the Weapon Button, you can actually pan your view a little past the borders of the screen. Of course you can also knock on the walls to lure guards, but there were countless situations where that extra bit of viewing distance saved me from strolling right into an alert state. Those cameras are notoriously difficult to see on your radar, especially if you’re playing on vanilla hardware. I believe I was about 10 when I got this game, and despite having vision so good I could circumcise a gnat without magnification, I still could hardly see those damn cameras lol.

[@bubbles46853-ep9if]

Dawww...that little dog head island is so cute!!!

[@NelLopez]

i had a black cartridge version of this game, i really love the game was one of my favorite gameboy games.

[@shsrpr]

1:16 Lol, when I saw this on the shelf, I thought, "Oh my God!! A new 2D Metal Gear!?! On a handheld!? Yes!! Take my money!!" Pretty sure it was the reason I got a gameboy color.

[@alejo_reviews4414]

As strange as it may seem, I remember more about the gameplay than the "cutscenes". I don't remember how my brother got a copy of this game, but I remember playing it fairly regularly back when I was really into Gameboy Color. Since I was obsessed with all things related to Metal Gear Solid, it was easy to be into this game. It's for sure not on the same level as the canon games, but it's still entertaining.

[@richardmack330]

Another great vid Johnny. Any chance you could do Resident evil gaiden at some point?

[@NaXEthan]

after watching these reviews I'm going to look into playing MGS. Don't know if I'll like it, but I think it's worth a shot.

[@solaris6428]

I would start with mgs1. you don't have to play the story in order.

[@solaris6428]

so play in release order

[@NaXEthan]

Solaris642 aight, thanks.

[@professorno3242]

Start with metal gear 2: solid snake

[@TBrizzle01]

AND HIS NAME IS JOHN... Parker.

[@evan_6594]

SO ... SO MUCH NOSTALGIA

[@theSuper1Player]

This game look surprisingly good, I wish there was either a follow up or improved remake

[@dariusalba2480]

That's crazy, this video was a posted like 5 min ago, but the first review was a month ago, like shit time flies by

[@corrda1993]

Viper is a 1 armed mercanary who feels betrayed. So is Venom Snake. Coincidence.

[@1800Hernandez]

I heard a noise in my room, I think it was a ghost babel-ing

[@MatthewCobalt]

0:40 Oh, so that’s why the whole thing with the game’s Canonisity is in question now. The Writer for MGS2 must have really wanted to leave a hint for the next game. 2:00 Oh it was, Johnny. It really was… Also a very apt comparison.

[@soundsofstabbing3627]

is the mgs fandom into fan games or fanfics because I really want a continuation to this game's story

[@thegoldengleax]

Damn! Just researched how much Ghost Babel costs and it was marked down from $127 to only a whopping $98. That is a pretty penny...

[@jesseminton4368]

Also a lot of references to metal gear solid two as well as a poster in mgs 2 for ghost Babel

[@LorenHelgeson]

I bought this very recently. Nearly cost a solid hundred, and I'm really looking forward to getting around to it.

[@solaris6428]

great review

[@EagleSharpPro]

Damn, this game is great for a GBC title! Better game than I thought!

[@nwolfe-de6hy]

This was my first MGS game I ever played and I love it. Then of course i played mgs1 and so on

[@eustachekuhn7672]

*Playing KH 2 without even knowing of CoM's existence flashback is triggered*

[@GatorRay]

I'll be playing this game on my Visual Boy Advance. It's my first Metal Gear game.

[@The1upBlock]

You know, maybe it's a Fox Head. That'd be meta as shit.

[@mohammedelsheikh5342]

Never heard of this game before, and I thought I know every part of the franchise.

[@kinglegault]

thats actually a good question about the battery backs on gameboys

[@sethp8947]

Rest in peace Johnny, rest in peace

[@horricule451]

6:20 gee, where have I heard that one before?