• Review: Metal Gear Acid

    by
    Chris "WildCardCorsair" Garcia
    Published on 04-17-2011 06:51 PM
    0 Comments Comments


    Review: Metal Gear AC!D

    Developer: Konami Computer Entertainment Japan
    Publisher: Konami Computer Entertainment
    Platform: PSP
    Genre: Tactics
    Rating: Mature
    Release Date: March 22nd, 2005

    Metal Gear Acid is a very unique and very obscure entry into Hideo Kojima's popular game series. Not directed by Kojima himself the game has been both slammed and lauded by longtime fans for its unique card based tactics system. Although the system itself is done incredibly well games like these usually don't attract the same kind of attention as other games.

    Presentation
    In Metal Gear Acid the player takes the role of the legendary hero Solid Snake, however it's certainly not the same Snake we remember. Taking place in an alternate universe this Snake is asked by Colonel Roy Campbell's long time friend CIA operative Roger McCoy to obtain information to prevent the terrorist bombing of a plane in mid-flight. Of course in true Metal Gear fashion things are nowhere near this simple. The player must navigate a labyrinth of espionage beset on all sides by supernatural villains, double agents, and of course a new Metal Gear.

    Graphics
    The style of Metal Gear Acid retains many similarities to the graphics in Metal Gear Solid (thankfully) updated to utilize the PSP system's hardware. The main downfall with this however is Metal Gear Solid was such a dark game and that style on a PSP creates a lot of difficulty seeing at times without the brightness level on the PSP being turned way up. Compared with other games on the system the graphics certainly aren't terrible but are nothing spectacular when compared to later games like God of War: Ghost of Sparta. Of course because this was released at the PSP's launch it should be noted the full potential of the system had really yet to be explored.

    The game also features many conversations represented by 2-D line art used in a manner very similar to Japanese RPGs. These are drawn beautifully and similar full screen art helps take the place of video cutscenes in which Snake is not present. As disappointing as this is there are ironically several movies on the game that play when certain cards are used. Most of them are taken directly from several of the Metal Gear games including the most recent title at the time, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.

    Sound/Music
    The music is for the most part very fitting of the mood in the game. The player can make their journey through the game's complex story amidst dark and ominous tones, short orchestrations and heart pumping alert music.

    The sound effects are quite a treat as they are the same trademark sound effects that have gained popularity since the Metal Gear Solid series debuted on the Playstation console in 1998. Anyone who has played any of these can tell you the "!" noise NEVER gets old!

    Gameplay
    Metal Gear Acid features an excellently designed card based spin on the tactical espionage action of other games with similar themes. In the game players will build decks of cards to be drawn at random allowing your characters to move, perform normal actions, fight, or use items. The game of course gives the player their first deck and does a good job of explaining how customization works. And don't worry Metal Gear fans, the trademark knock, cardboard box items and stealth feel of the game all remain.

    Basic turn layouts are simple: the player chooses a card to use or may discard a card to move. Two or more cards can be played a turn and each card used adds a "cost" to that character. Accumulated costs for all characters count down simultaneously and any character (enemy or otherwise) whose cost value hits 0 gets to take another turn. This cycle repeats of course until the mission's objective is reached.

    Objectives can range from activating certain objects to simply reaching certain spots on the map. Once an objective is completed you are given a score based on the total cost it took, how many times you were discovered by enemies and how many kills were made. Higher scores yield level-specific bonuses such as cards and points. Most missions can also be repeated in order to score higher or obtain more points.

    Points can be used in between missions to purchase additional cards from the card shop. Cards are based around characters and items through out the Metal Gear series and this alone makes obtaining new cards a treat for Metal Gear fans. Of course after certain missions are completed the player gains bonuses to health or the maximum number of cards than can be used in your deck, giving a wide variety of options to the player.

    In addition to the normal game mode there is also the Link Battle option. Via wireless, you and a friend (with his own copy of Metal Gear Acid) can go head to head against each other to compete for exclusive cards. Both players are tasked with collecting information disks scattered across the map with a limited line of sight. Unfortunately this is really the only multiplayer mode, making the Link Battles repetitive after a time.

    Lasting Appeal
    Konami games usually aren't known for anything but a new game+ feature and this title is no exception. Starting a new game allows several cards to be added to the pool of cards you can obtain through your next play through although that's basically it. If you aren't a player known to play games over for story alone then this will probably not see much replay.

    Conclusion
    While this game is very good in its own right I feel its downfall lies entirely in its genre. Many people simply don't like card based systems in game which makes the player base for this sort of game a narrow one. This game features the most fluid card based system I've ever played and is certainly worth a try for fans of the genre or Metal Gear fans in general.

    Score
    8.0/10

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.

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