Why You Should (Re)Play Metal Gear Solid 2

[@matthewgubbins8515]

Kept you waiting Huh

[@maxderrat]

There are many reasons why Metal Gear Solid 2 is my all-time favorite video game, but what you outlined at the beginning is arguably one of - if not the - primary reason. Metal Gear Solid 2 is the best example of a post-modern ethos when it comes to game design, and it's in large part because so much of it should not work as well as it does. How do you have a character that's effectively Uncle Fester on roller-skates, and put him in a story that handles dark, challenging subjects like information warfare and child soldiers. How do you make a masterpiece out of a game that blatantly copies so much of the original? It shouldn't, but yet it does. Looking forward to hearing the podcast series on this game! Having it start on Christmas is a great gift!

[@apnwu369]

I loved how Kojima predicted how big tech would have a total monopoly on information, so much so that they could get away with stealing a presidential election like they did in 2020. We see that Trump was only able to win when a good person took control of the biggest battlefield in the information war - Elon buying twitter. When people are freely able to discuss the truth in a public way they begin to wake up from their programming. When the shadow government loses control of information all they can do is try to create as much chaos as possible and set off nuclear war

[@K_Dog253]

Not only does it copy the original game, it references that fact on many levels. The plot is designed around it, it makes fun of itself for it, and even calls out the expectancy of fans for wanting the same thing. There are so many levels to almost every point this game makes, and you can come back to this game for years, always finding something to take away.

[@yyoksetioxd]

I think this short intro to the analisis is a fantastic idea

[@AlexZenigata]

Legit replayed it a few days ago. A masterpiece.

[@ArcadianGenesis]

It's in my top 5 games of all time.

[@uchytjes10]

I look so forward to seeing you guys take on MGS2. I feel like it is often overshadowed in the public eye by MGS1 and 3, but I think it is by far the most interesting to dissect of the three.

[@GhostSandalsGaming]

This is my favorite game of all time. I got this for my birthday in December 2001, with my birthday money and a $20.00 check that my grandmother gave me. So many layers. I like how I’m learning more about this game over 20 years later.

[@oboronyon]

Also, placing "substance" into your script was very neat, Mike ;)

[@Pine2142]

"You lack the intelligence to exercise your own free will" They really just don't write stuff this good anymore

[@Esskaden]

SUCH A SMART VIDEO!!! Gets you all hyped for the next podcast series. Great marketing and great stand-alone video

[@TectonicImprov]

Definitely looking forward to this podcast. I played through the MGS series around a decade ago now and I still vividly remember being completely blown away by the finale of 2. I won't say anymore in case someone reading the comments hasn't played it yet.

[@TheSikThSenSE]

I do keep meaning to revisit this classic, and now seems like a good time! Super Bunnyhop did an incredible video on MGS2 many years ago that's absolutely worth a watch if you already know the story!

[@samueljames576]

Always loved some of the bts footage of Hideo Kojima using Legos to build the concept for the plant sections in MGS2. Absolutely excited for you guys to cover one of my all-time favorite games!

[@andresrosel821]

I replayed it last year, such an incredible experience and an immensely important message.

[@payphone86]

Not only is this a fun game and a thrilling ride, it’s also prescient considering it came out in 2001. I know it’s a meme, but the future (then) was pretty accurately predicted by this game.

[@owenashton2386]

I think the way you lay this out is really well explained - you're clear in your arguments and thoughtful. Thanks, for a serious and elegant introduction. I've just downloaded the game, I'll be playing along and subscribing

[@kurtmager1626]

Speaking making my way around more comically, at one point, I was shimmying along on a narrow ledge, back pressed to the surface. It was around one of the large orange Oil enclosures, there were two guards on top talking, and I moved below them so I could hear them better. The next thing I heard was the very distinctive sound of a guard urinating over the edge, and splashing on my head.

[@Zebb22]

Thank you so so so much for dropping this intro and letting us know where to buy the game now! That’s huge

[@ROKMO]

Excited for this with you guys!

[@agroed]

I was here when you did an excellent job of covering the first game, and I can't wait for you to dive into its even nuttier sequel. Both games are in my top 10 and I think both hold up to, if not surpass the standards of modern gaming in most ways. Also, I really enjoy this format of having a small little introduction video to the podcast, I hope you continue it in the future.

[@M4ruta]

Back when I played it for the first time, the idea behind the S3 program blew my adolescent mind. I kept coming back to this thought in the years since, that digitization carries the curse of removing all context since there's no filter to separate relevant from irrelevant information from being carried over to future generations.

[@striche]

Information Control! Gonna be so surprisingly relevant to things going on even today. Can’t wait.

[@cika3leches]

Can't wait for the deep dive. I'll be playing along with the SOS mod.

[@michs7451]

This podcast trailer is very well made. I’m excited to follow along for the MGS2 podcast and learn from the guys.

[@Tostigroover]

Metal Gear Solid blew me away when it released, and Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty managed to do that all over again. Fitting, really, given the content of the game. It's my favourite instalment of the entire series--it's just too cool. Also, I taught me the phrase "you passed with flying colours."

[@ryanmcallister2321]

One of those rare games that rises above and truly is a work of art. I've played through too many times to count. Many all night sleep overs beating the game. The attention to detail is astounding. The story is superb. The visuals are still spectacular. And the gameplay is as fun as anything.

[@oboronyon]

Played the PS2 demo countless times back in the days at my friend's house (I didn't own a PS2 at the time). I remember booting the PS2 as silently as I could at night time, blasting that CRT screen light into my retina. The tanker sequence, the jump, the rain, the lights, Snake's range of movement and facial expressions, the rain, the small details like the possibility to gently release the aim button to withdraw you weapon and not shoot or being spotted because of your shadow... The technical leap forward that this game imprinted into video game history and my own experience is something is extremely difficult to fully explain considering the state of the industry today. When I finally got the game some years later, even tough most of it's subtext passed right above my head for they were very complex, it was impossible NOT to replay it again and again until all it's secrets and hidden mecanics were exhausted. Which never happened.

[@erikmclennan3934]

I have yet to actually "play along" week by week with you guys but I may do it for this one - I haven't played this game in 14 years and I know that I will appreciate it much more now that I am older.....I wish wish the switch physical version actually contained the games on cartridge, or the digital version wasn't so damn expensive.

[@CoffeePotato]

MGS2 is Incredible, but I'll always appreciate when he stepped in to do the second MG Acid. What other strategy game opens up the map with a challenge to set claymores around the entire zone to one shot a boss through an elaborate ping pong maneuver?

[@krausewitz6786]

Hey, this is not Tactics Ogre! Get back in your box! ;)

[@CoffeePotato]

@krausewitz6786 Hey now, I'll have you know I absolutely used to be nutty the skateboarding mini game! Nowadays I just replay the VR missions over and over. The gunplay is so good despite being so jank.

[@The810kid]

Strut F's music was the perfect background music background for this video

[@RanAkano]

A great summarization of the franchise! 👍 Love Hideo for all that he is and I'm looking forward for your take on Metal Gear Solid 2. ✌

[@frogerfanjump1884]

I've missed these videos from you guys

[@Zoombeanie132]

Timeless masterpiece, boldest entry in the series by far. The twist and climax of this game is still unmatched.

[@kylecrumbley4443]

You should do a video like this before every series i loved it!

[@BrockWalshCTD]

Already got it locked and loaded on my Vita thanks to the HD collection. So excited for an excuse to revisit this thanks to your guys coverage.

[@AceBadguy]

Man, you pointed out some things that I totally forgot about back when I played the game.

[@mietek7068]

Been waiting for this.

[@TheBeird]

Way ahead of you there. Replayed it again at the beginning of the year, and replayed it a load of times trying to get the Trophies. It's convinced me more than ever that MGS2 is brilliant.

[@K_Dog253]

I appreciate the post, even if its just a short video. As silly as these games are, its had a profound effect on my life. From the anti war messages, avoidance of conflict, historical references, looking at both sides of a situation, even the conspiracy theories, this game delves into a lot of ideas that just dont seem very prevalent in the mainstream, and yet feel so obvious and correct. Ive been looking forward to you guys continuing to cover the mgs series. Loved the mgs1 retrospective, even if I thought it was short. Thank you for your work.

[@reloadpsi]

Metal Gear is a downright peculiar series. It is essentially an anime plot wearing the skin of a military shooter. It's like the Japanese arcade shooter decided to "grow up" and went completely insane in doing so. I kinda love it.

[@TheEvilOmega]

Yeaaaaaahhhhh! Really excited for this. One of those truly fascinating games that has a lot of themes and philosophical discussion that has only become more relevant with the modern times. I certainly enjoy how well Kojima crafts together his unique blend of rule of cool, Hollywood-influenced style, serious political themes, dark undertones, and absolute goofball sense of humor into games that just stick with you forever.

[@Scimarad]

I think if I enjoy a Kojima game it's genereally in spite of all mad nonsense rather than because of it. I tend to quite enjoy the gameplay but a lot of that style, the characters and dialogue grate on me quite a lot. I think I just have to accept that these things really aren't for me but the why it appeals to so many is always going to be a bit of mystery I think. But, dammit, you almost got me to dive in with that bloody Harry Gregson Williams theme at the end there; I LOVE that theme:)

[@DKZK21]

Really looking forward to this one!

[@AntonioCunningham]

I don't like stealth games, but I'm so tempted to pick this up so I can follow along with the podcast.

[@spyrochrisgaming]

OMG you are finally covering MGS2 and hopefully the entire series?????????? I cannot WAIT for this!!!

[@FantasyYeet]

As a youngling, those posters in the lockers made me grow up faster than intended. Pun pun pun!

[@AtotheZness]

Metal Gear Solid: Forever!

[@farronhart5761]

That style that you talk about in the video is something that i always noticed about Metal Gear Solid (MGS2 in particular). The themes and subject matter is mainly about western warfare, characters and locations. But the execution by Kojima's narrative vision and Shinkawa's artistry and designs is very eastern. For me, someone that considers himself to have eastern sensibilities for their entertainment preferences, this is a big part of what makes Metal Gear work for me. I imagine this same subject matter and premise wouldn't be nearly as compelling to me if it was created by western studios like Ubisoft, Bethesda, CD Project Red, etc. Not because they can't make quality games in their own right, but rather the stylistic sensibilities would be completely different. An ever present example of this is western animation vs anime: Like how Snake or Raiden move compared to any western made military character. This combined with Kojima's penchant for 80's western action films, is as you said, does a lot of the heavy lifting on making MGS work... and it definitely worked on me!

[@markasscop]

I wish you acknowledged the "substance" pun

[@DashXero]

In spite of not celebrating Christmas, it seems I'm getting a present. I can't wait!

[@durden6627]

Great video! Keep up

[@Dzzy123]

I'm excited for this one.

[@Razzledazzle1234567]

hell, I'm looking forwards to this.

[@stevezac_cptlpnshmnt]

I think this is my fav game of all time! Im so ready!

[@hipiticlivi7400]

Look, it's the only Metal Gear Solid I don't like, but can't wait for the discussion.

[@luciosemirsahagun8376]

It was way of its time Kojima 🐐

[@perfectchaosone8253]

I'm assuming you guys have already watched it for your research but in case any other viewers aren't aware there is a very good making of documentary that released with the pal version of the game. It is on youtube if anyone is interested.

[@theme6530]

This is going to be great

[@suditeh]

I think you should always make a small video like this to sell and convince people to jump to the next game for the podcast.

[@Hasan86ism]

Can you discuss the Tomokazu Fukushima theory

[@GnanaPrakash86AP]

Mgs 2 is somehow way more relevant today than it was even back then. This is the peak era of Kojima imo

[@MasterJonberry]

I'd love for you guys to try a Yakuza game some time. They have that same tonal dissonance of a serious story interspersed with ridiculous side quests that somehow just works. Yakuza Like A Dragon (Yakuza 7) is my personal favorite and has the turn-based combat that so many in this channel adore, but Yakuza 0 is the other logical starting point I think.

[@michaelsriqui7898]

I can't wait. I consider Metal Gear Solid 2 to be one of the most profoundly prophetic works of science fiction that I have ever experienced, regardless of medium. It more or less predicted the post-truth world that we live in today.

[@MantisGiant]

MASTERPIECE

[@andreiulyanov9241]

Great news, everyone!

[@havocbringer2100]

Sweet, I bought MGS 2 on the Switch during the November sale, perfect time to start it 👍

[@DarkOfLight42]

CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY

[@Reddeth6332]

MGS2 is absolute cinema

[@LogosSteve]

Don't gotta convince me!

[@quezcatol]

I have nothing against Raiden, but Solid Snake and his ship infiltration was 10/10 back when it launched.

[@manbearpigsereal]

i've always held to my belief that MGS2 is the best Metal Gear game, and in the past 5 years i've only felt more vindicated in that stance, looking forward to this

[@nicolasjonasson4820]

This will be very good, no doubt.

[@kingofthesharks]

I hear it's amazing when the famous purple stuffed worm in flap jaw space with a tuning fork does a raw blink on Hari kari rock. I need scissors! 61! *I typed this all from memory, idk why it's burned into my brain. Hopefully got it all correct.

[@BrockWalshCTD]

I think it has been mentioned on other episodes, but does anyone remember what they will be covering on the first episode? I want to start preparing for my replay to play along with this. Thanks ahead of time!

[@dudemcguy1227]

The first episode just dropped today and it is on the development history of the game. There is a long section in the middle of that episode that has some spoilers for later on, but it is timestamped in the video. They have both already completed the game, but not discussed anything from the beginning section yet.

[@BrockWalshCTD]

@@dudemcguy1227 awesome, thanks! I am actually toward the tail end of their first episode, but I have played and beat the game, so I was thankfully aware of the spoilers. Thanks for the heads up tho! Appreciate it.

[@daveonezero6258]

This was the only one I played and it was the GC remake.

[@bsr19eighty9]

I can’t get past the portion where Raiden has to carry Emma. I’ve given up.

[@GMrDrew]

Yo I thought Vamp was Vamp because he's a Vampire (until the MGS4 nano machine plot revelation). You mean he was just dancin with Raiden the whole time?! 😂😂😂

[@Vulpas]

If they remake this game then Vamp's weird trivia about being bisexual will become his dominant character trait.

[@devilmandiavolo2876]

Greatest video game of all time

[@OverZaEast]

Fission Mailed

[@Aerisetta]

Wow...even this 6 minute vid is full of substance

[@JasperJunior94]

La li lu le lo

[@matthewgubbins8515]

Can't be

[@shpladau]

I've played this game about 15 times. You're asking me to play it a 16th? Because I will!

[@CassidyListon]

I do not like this entry in the series. Most naysayers point at Raiden as the reason they dont like it. I think Raiden is fine. The reason why i don't like this one is because of the moment: "I live on... THROUGH THIS ARM." 💪🏻 Thos moment was a deathblow for me. To be clear, there had already been plenty of silly logic-defying moments in the series before. There are plenty of logic-defying silly moments in the following entry, MGS3. This moment doesn't ruin things for me because it is silly, but rather because its a step back for the story development and character development. Snake had already faced off against his nemesis and had overcome that obstacle in the previous game. There was no need or no loose ends to address with Liquod. This turn that MGS2 takes feels lazy or at best ill-considered, especially since I thought Ocelot was already as-is an interesting enough adversary. Going back to the well just poisons the whole franchise from that point on, chronologically. Which is another reason why MGS3 is so much better.

[@ghostmkc4045]

I love it personally, everything from mgs 1 to 4 is fire for better or for worse. Its 5 and after that's trash for studio reasons

[@BOSIE321]

Aside from the philosophy, and the great cutscenes, the cool gameplay, boss fights etc. it's also still one of the funniest games of all time for me. It never loses a sense of playfulness despite its serious subject matter.

[@jacekraniowski3891]

❤

[@hushlorentz]

huh? just a box...

[@tazmanceltic]

F u c k YES

[@cronoesify]

On the ps2

[@salmark9080]

qanon the game

[@GracelessTarnished]

Metal Gear Solid is superior to its sequel when it comes to voice acting, memorable villains and cohesive storyline. MGS2 trumps its predecessor by its incredible presentation, which was second to none when it released. Unfortunately, the storytelling was a convoluted mess and bit off certainly more than it can chew. Still, no other game was more anticipated than MGS2 back in 2001.

[@realkingofantarctica]

I did replay it, recently. Sucked. Obviously, it's a game that's worth appreciating and analysing in the modern day, but holy moly is it stupid. Kojima is a bizarre synthesis of Stanley Kubrick and Garth Marenghi.

[@nanoglitch6693]

pass

[@blossom357]

This is going to be a little paradoxical, but my favorite thing about MGS2 is it's an awful sequel. For any other game, this would of course not be a good thing... but since it's largely intentional, it's brilliant.

[@_sparrowhawk]

Never played a single MGS game

[@ghost-in-the-ciel]

Played MGS2 as my first MGS in 2003, thought it was interesting when the Colonel did his thing and sort of forgot about it. Saw video essays about how brilliant it was over the next 20 years. Replayed it again a couple months ago and it was pretty insubtantial but I could see why a middle schooler would think it's deep. I heard the most notable ideas it vaguely gestures at were all stolen word for word from some Japanese book about information technology. Pretty awful as a stealth series gameplay-wise, even compared to contemporaries like Splinter Cell

[@reloadpsi]

The translator for MGS2 had some very choice words for Kojima's writing quality. As for the gameplay, MGS wasn't originally setting out to be a gritty military shooter series, which is why it didn't usually have the gameplay of one. The apparent tone is kind of a fake out. If you've ever seen games like Operation Thunderbolt, the Aerofighters series, Metal Slug, Contra, all Japanese games that lift visuals from Western military fiction but with absolutely none of the _narrative_ tone and instead coming off very cartoony despite a serious exterior, MGS' sheer Japaneseness is a lot less surprising to a new player. It's not for everybody, but it certainly was for most.