I've heard a lot of good things about the Metal Gear series, and I'm considering trying it out. The problem is, as was made clear by Kingdom Hearts Union ep. 31, that Metal Gear is a huge franchise with a very complex plot. So I was wondering if anyone could suggest a good game to start with. There are two aspects to this:
1. Which game would be most helpful in understanding the storyline of the series as a whole, and
2. Which game is the best example of the themes and gameplay of the series, to help someone tell whether to bother with the rest of the series?

Should I start with MGS3 so I can see the entire story from the beginning? MGS1 as the start of the modern Metal Gear Saga? The original Metal Gear for the NES/MSX to see the earliest games in the series? Metal Gear Acid so I can get some idea of the themes in the series without worrying about continuity? Or is there another game I should start with?

I don't have a PS3, so I can't play MGS4, but I don't think that would be a good game to play first anyway. Aside from that, I think every Metal Gear game is playable in some form on either the PSP or PS2, both of which I have.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

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"Aren't you a little young to be a l'Cie?"
"Why yes, yes I am."

well, if you have MGS1 and MGS3subsistance, you've got 2 great choices of where to start. basically, you don't need to start with Metal Gear 1, but it is a great place to start. I would suggest that or Metal Gear Solid 1. Don't go for Metal Gear Solid 3 first though, you might wind up missing some of the better jokes that come from the entire series before.

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MGS1 is a great starting point. Though MGS3 technically does happen before all of the other games, it is written for someone playing from the perspective of previous Metal gear experience.

It has a case of what I call prequelitis. Even though it technically is a prequel, you need to know a lot about the series to understand it. It also changes how you see the story.

For example. If you watch star wars from Episode 1, then the fact that Darth Vader is Luke's father isn't surprising, infact most of the suspense and surprise you would normally get from watching the movies is destroyed.

I would say to play them in release order. MGS1-MGS4. That is how they were intended to be played.

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I agree. If you can get your hands on MG1 and 2, start with those. If not, MGS1 is the place to start, followed by Sons of Liberty. Snake Eater can only be truly appreciated after playing MGS1 and 2. That's where all of the backstory starts to make sense.

Also, don't forget about Portable Ops or Peace Walker, they help flesh out even more of the backstory.

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Thanks for the help. It sounds like MGS1 is the place to start. I think I'll probably get it from PSN as soon as I buy a memory stick large enough to hold all the games I want to download. Unless, of course, the console experience is really an integral part of the game and it's important to have a physical copy. I've heard that the PSN version detracts from the experience: no memory card for Psycho Mantis to read, no second controller slot, no CD case, etc.

(August 10, 2011 08:29:35 PM)Colin Wrote:  If you can get your hands on MG1 and 2, start with those.

I actually have a copy of Metal Gear for the NES... I just don't have a working NES to play it on. But I think that MG1 and 2 are included as bonuses in MGS3: Subsistence. I may want to pick that up and just refrain from playing MGS3 itself until I've played MGS1 and 2.

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"Aren't you a little young to be a l'Cie?"
"Why yes, yes I am."

(August 11, 2011 01:10:17 PM)LockeStockeAndBaryl Wrote:  I actually have a copy of Metal Gear for the NES... I just don't have a working NES to play it on. But I think that MG1 and 2 are included as bonuses in MGS3: Subsistence.

Yea, I've played the NES version, and although they are essentially the same story, there are some differences between the original MSX version and the NES port, not to mention the fact that it's quicker to get through menus on the PS2 port of the MSX version

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Quote:Unless, of course, the console experience is really an integral part of the game and it's important to have a physical copy.

I'd say try to play MGS1 on the PS3 first if you end up getting the digital version. It will add to the experience when you end up meeting Psycho Mantis, TRUST ME.

Also, make sure if you've played Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and have a save file on your PS3, keep it, when you get to Pyscho Mantis, TRUST ME!!

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really I think if you do play them make sure to play them in order, or at least the solid series should be played in order because if you don't there are parts of the games which really do hinge on some previous knowledge.

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