Every Metal Gear Solid Game, Ranked

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Among the most distinguished video game series ever made, Metal Gear Solid holds a significant place in this esteemed group.

Hideo Kojima’s franchise has revolutionized the video game industry in every aspect, consistently providing games that advanced the boundaries of gaming.

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The video game franchise created by Hideo Kojima has significantly impacted the entire gaming industry, continuously delivering installments that propelled gaming to new heights.

Across its original series and spin-offs alike, the Metal Gear franchise has seen a mix of triumphs and setbacks. However, it has consistently remained one of the most influential and esteemed intellectual properties within gaming’s chronicles.

Clearly, it’s high time we celebrate one of the video gaming world’s true masterpieces by compiling a list ranking each and every instalment in the legendary Metal Gear Solid series.

8. Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes

A Great and Inexplicable Product

Despite the fact that Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes offers an extraordinary gaming experience, it leaves me puzzled about why it was released as a separate product rather than being part of a larger series or expansion pack.

As a gamer, I understand that each title within a series has its unique charm, but comparing them to one another might not be fair since they are distinct gaming experiences. They’re not just different versions of the same game; they’re separate entities offering unique gameplay.

Ground Zeroes functions as a prelude to Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, making it somewhat insignificant or lacking value on its own, if you haven’t played the latter game.

Even though this introduction boasts the best graphics, animations, and gameplay the series has ever offered, it’s challenging to judge its superiority over full-fledged campaigns, given that it is just a single mission.

Reflecting on how I would perceive Ground Zeroes if it were a standalone game like Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater’s Virtuous Mission, I find myself labeling it as an excellent introductory piece but a disappointing individual buy.

7. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops

Weird but Valuable

In contrast to the last entry, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops stands as a fully-fledged game, introducing numerous fresh and engaging concepts.

Beyond the discussion of whether it’s considered canonical or not, the narrative continues to be just as captivating as the series is known for, boasting an excellent utilization of the PSP’s unique capabilities.

Beyond the argument about its canonicity, the story keeps us hooked in a way that’s typical of this series, skillfully taking advantage of the PSP’s distinctive features.

Compared to the primary versions of this series, it might not stand out as much. However, its captivating charm and fun factor make it a top-tier game for the portable console, worthy of recognition.

Additionally, when considering its musical elements, characters, and backstory, Portable Ops stands the test of time, earning it a reputation as an underestimated gem in the world of video games.

Given its role in introducing the idea of military conscription, essential to Big Boss’s narrative, it’s clear to appreciate both its significance and excellence.

6. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

An Underrated Experience

It’s quite apparent that Portable Oops gets less recognition than it deserves, but the underappreciation towards Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is particularly striking.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my awe at

Enhancing upon the base established by its spiritual forerunner, it delivers an improved and user-friendly adventure, boasting a narrative and visuals that rival those found in the primary series.

Despite having mixed feelings towards its management, who I tend to recall with apprehension rather than warmth, I find Peace Walker utterly captivating and believe it should receive more acclaim. Particularly noteworthy is the way it explores Big Boss’s narrative in such depth.

5. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Settling Outstanding Debts

Apart from the initial sluggish start, Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain stands out as one of this era’s most exceptional video games.

Despite some flaws stemming from its development challenges that led to a debatable plot structure and an unusual climax, the newest installment of this series still delivers a remarkable finale.

In numerous aspects, The Phantom Pain represents the peak of Metal Gear Solid’s excellence, boasting seamless gameplay, jaw-dropping visuals, and expansive, awe-inspiring level design.

Although it may not reach the heights of its immediate forerunners in terms of transcendence, the skillfully crafted adventure is still an essential chapter for fans of the series to complete and conclude this delightful saga in a satisfying manner.

4. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

An Unforgettable Ending

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, despite some debatable choices, undeniably ranks as one of the top PlayStation 3 games. This testifies to its exceptional quality.

In simpler terms, the ending of Hideo Kojima’s creation may contain instances that make you raise an eyebrow and catch your breath, yet the manner in which it wraps up one of the most remarkable tales ever told is unmatched.

The feelings evoked by “Guns of the Patriots” surpass those of the rest of the series, offering a thrilling mix of excitement, suspense, and curiosity at each move you make. Moreover, it delivers plenty of fan service and an abundance of captivating visuals, which are key elements that draw its audience in.

In my opinion, what truly makes this adventure special is discovering aspects of it that resonate deeply only after having embarked on numerous legendary escapades alongside Solid Snake. The visual and gameplay enhancements certainly enrich the experience, but it’s the emotional journey that comes from our shared history with Solid Snake that sets this game apart.

3. Metal Gear Solid

Redefining Video Games

Among numerous game titles that have shaped the standards of modern video gaming, only a handful can compare to the legendary and enduring status held by Metal Gear Solid.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my awe for the installment in this series that ushered in a groundbreaking three-dimensional world, breathtaking visuals never before seen, formidable adversaries etched into memory, and a narrative and characters so captivating they seemed impossible.

In a unique manner, Metal Gear Solid challenges traditional hero stereotypes, gives depth to its villains, and presents a sharp commentary on senseless war actions, placing it far beyond nearly everything else that was prevalent at the time. Moreover, it demonstrated the remarkable capacity of video games as a medium for communication.

It’s no overstatement to say that modern video games would look quite different without its influence. Its effect on storytelling and design principles continues to be a topic of study in today’s game development.

Therefore, it’s undeniably a remarkable game that every player ought to experience at least once. This is not just to appreciate why it stands among the best, but also to grasp when and how gaming started to evolve towards greater depth and significance in its development.

2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

The Pinnacle of Storytelling

Amongst all the traits that set this franchise apart as one of the most influential and captivating ever created, there’s no denying that Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater encapsulates its essence at its finest.

During Big Boss’s initial adventure, it’s nearly inconceivable to imagine an aspect out of order, given the game’s exceptional execution and meticulous attention to detail.

In the exceptional game mechanics that incorporate survival aspects, the memorable and imaginative boss battles, the brilliant narrative with captivating characters, and its renowned soundtrack, every aspect of Snake Eater is impeccable.

Additionally, its thoughtful anti-war stance, intellectual insights, and knack for creating tension and suspense make it an enduring classic that is both lauded and effortlessly enjoyable.

Based on common observation among players, it appears that they generally concur that it is the superior Metal Gear Solid. Its compelling plot developments, striking visuals, and well-balanced pacing make it a standout choice, which explains why such an agreement exists.

1. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

A Transcendental Masterpiece

On the contrary, while Snake Eater offers a lot, it’s exactly what Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty excels at that sets them apart – the capacity to surpass the boundaries of conventional gaming.

Instead of just being an exceptional video game, it surpasses all expectations by providing entertainment, a captivating narrative, and challenging the norms we use to judge interactive experiences. Its aim is to revolutionize our perception of such experiences.

Hideo Kojima’s ability to capture the essence of our current era through political, societal, cultural, and technological aspects, with a near prophetic and scholarly accuracy, is unparalleled in its representation.

As a dedicated fan, I must confess that the remarkable enhancements in graphics, gameplay, level design, and cinematography from the original Metal Gear Solid were merely the beginning. However, Sons of Liberty is not simply an exceptional follow-up; it’s a testament to the series’ evolution, brimming with innovation and depth that continues to surprise and captivate me.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty stands out as a bold and unparalleled work, blending elements of captivating storytelling, groundbreaking innovation, and intricate gameplay in ways that can’t be easily categorized into just one aspect.

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2025-03-30 16:10