Introduction
Metal Gear?!  No matter how many times one hear these two words, they never lose their bewildering charm.   The series, named after the walking death tanks of the same name, continues to amaze with each new game.   First there were the original Metal Gears, probably not even worthy of the title of "cult classic."  Not at the time, anyway.   Then came the Playstation and Metal Gear Solid, an almost instant hit.   Then, finally, came the PS2 and with it, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, one of the most hyped games ever.After spending a pathetically large amount of time with this game (instead of spending said time on silly things like family, food, and bathroom breaks), this reviewer can safely say that it was well deserving of all the prerelease coverage it got.

Gameplay
With so much going for this game, it's hard to find fault.   The only thing that really seems to be wrong with this game is that, for the most part, the gameplay gets a bit repetitive after a little while.   Luckily, it's great fun, so that hardly makes a difference.   Aside from that, MGS2 seems a bit too short and maybe a tad bit confusing.   These are only minor complaints for a game that exceeded almost everyone's expectations.  


Story
Years have passed since the Shadow Moses incident that took place in Metal Gear Solid.   Solid Snake, protagonist and Metal Gear destroyer, has apparently let himself go since the events of the first game.  The real action begins when Snake "sneaks" onto a tanker carrying a new type of Metal Gear.   After a few controls are explained by his partner, Otacon, the player is able to take over.   The controls are basically the same as in MGS, with sensible button layout and an extremely easy learning-curve.   To add to his repertoire,Snake now has the ability to do a little dive jump (just to add some drama to things and trip unsuspecting guards) and a neat ability to hang off the sides of things; a marketable skill if there ever was one.   Weapons and items are plentiful, ranging from pistols to rocket launchers and even a cardboard box.   This is just a hint of the variety MGS2 has to offer.   Gameplay, for the most part, consists of sneaking around from place to place and fighting the occasional boss.   Sometimes, a little side mission will be tossed into the mix,
such as disarming bombs or helping hostages.   Along the way, you're bound to see dozens of interesting cut scenes that advance the complicated plot.   Character designs are fairly unique, as usual.   One has to wonder what Hideo Kojima was thinking the first time they see the monstrous, roller-blading blob of flesh known as Fatman.  The voice acting helps a bit, too.   For the most part, characters are brought to life in believable ways, not counting the few of them that sound like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.   Sound and music is still
just as good as ever.   This is mainly because the soundtrack was composed by the amazing Harry Gregson-Williams.  The whole game just screams "Epic."  For those coming in late, the game even includes a summary of the events of the last Metal Gear games.   Unfortunately, there are no VR missions, but Metal Gear Substance will probably clear all of that up once it's released.   Graphics are nice, for the most part.   Aside from a few ugly parts, there isn't much to complain about in the looks department.   This game's hotter than a beauty queen and half as likely to give you some sort of venereal disease.   Even the most jaded of gamers are sure to find at least one scene in which they will be blown away.   The law of averages demands it.  

Graphics
Is Metal Gear Solid 2 worth owning?   Do you even have to ask?   Buy it for the style and keep it for the replay value.   To make things more interesting, each of the guards you encounter in the game have dog tags.   Collect enough and you get a new secret item for one of the main characters.   Maybe it's stealth camouflage or unlimited ammo, or even multicolored wigs for the trendy secret agent on the go.   And when you get every dog tag, well, you'll just have to wait and see when you get there.   Expect to spend a lot of time playing this game.  
It's certainly worth your money.   Besides, what other game lets you battle a harrier, corrupt a minor, and engage in an epic journey for clothes all within the same few hours?   Not many, outside of Japan.