parent nodes: Mercedes Meyers | Metal Gear Solid 2
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (commonly abbreviated MGS2) is a stealth-based game that was developed and published by Konami for the PlayStation 2 in 2001. Directed by Hideo Kojima, it is the fourth game in the Metal Gear series and the sequel to the renowned Metal Gear Solid.
As with Metal Gear Solid, the trailer for this game was shown at the 2000 E3 to critical acclaim. Noted were the incredible level of detail, and the extremely high quality graphics to which normal gameplay graphics could double for in game movie scenes. Up to then, no game has had this level of quality in graphics even in their FMV sequences, bar Soul Calibur. The gameplay is largely unchanged from Metal Gear Solid, apart from allowing players to take 1st person aim when shooting and giving players the option to tranquilize, instead of kill, their enemies.
Fan Reaction
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty extends the series plot line and introduces a new main character into the series. For the first time in the series, Solid Snake is not the playable character in the majority of the game. Instead players control Raiden, a new member of Foxhound fresh from VR training. Almost immediately negative feedback erupted over this new twist in gameplay, with complaints including, but not limited to Jack's effeminate and whiny persona, Rose's long-winded speeches, and the blatant decrease in the quality of detail in the game.
The game is known for its focus on conspiracy theories, having as the main villains a group known only as "The Patriots"; twelve men who seek the establishment of a New World Order, having the President of the United States as their puppet. This is a clear reference to the Illuminati.
This is the 4th game in the series. Following Metal Gear for the MSX and NES in 1987, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake for the MSX in 1990, and Metal Gear Solid for the PlayStation in 1998.