Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty needs little introduction. For many, it was the only reason to own a PS2 back in 2001; the excitement and anticipation in the build up to its launch simply cannot be understated. MGS2’s critical reception was unprecedented at the time, holding a 96 on Metacritic, thanks to its superbly innovative gameplay, beautiful aesthetic and breathtaking cinematic production.
In comparison to games such as Deus Ex and Snatcher, MGS’s cyberpunk nuances are perhaps a little less obvious, but the entire series is certainly centered around several themes linking it it to the genre. In particular, Sons of Liberty’s famously complex and heavy plot is deeply centered around information control, cyber surveillance and the notorious “La Li Lu Le Lo” (the description of the Illuminati).
Criticized for being far too technical and convoluted for an action game, MGS2’s elaborate plot is certainly an example of Kojima’s most forward thinking and creative narrative. It has since been called the first example of a post modern video game, lauded for touching on many philosophical issues that video games do not typically tackle.
Cyberpunk fans will no doubt appreciate MGS2’s near future setting, AI and social engineering agenda and the game’s wonderfully digital ambiance, complete with a funky computerized soundtrack.
