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Friday, March 29
The Indiana Daily Student

Konami capitalizes on Snake nostalgia

A 'Metal' blast from the past

Many consider the original "Metal Gear Solid," released in 1998, as one of the best games of all time. But unfortunately, like many of the polygon-based games on the first PlayStation, gamers who elegiacally replay "Metal Gear Solid" may find the task a little uglier than they remembered -- especially compared to the amazing graphics and updated gameplay possibilities boasted by the sequel on PlayStation 2. However, the original "Metal Gear Solid" still holds an allure, with its far superior storyline -- possibly the most celebrated of any game.\nThankfully Konami and Silicon Knights realized this, and -- following the trend set by Capcom with its beautiful renovation of "Resident Evil" -- reincarnated "Metal Gear Solid" on GameCube in the form of "Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes." \nBut unlike other remakes, "Twin Snakes" remains impressively true to its predecessor. This may please hardcore fans or disappoint those looking for new areas to explore, but it is a respectable choice nonetheless. The script remains unaltered. The graphics are much improved -- characters have faces now rather than smears. The sound effects and music have also been drastically improved. Additionally, players can now aim in the first person, hang from ledges or stuff bodies in lockers just as in "Metal Gear Solid 2." Surprisingly, these new capabilities fit in the old level design quite seamlessly. The fabled cut-scenes have also been rechoreographed, adding some slightly over-the-top action but generally making the scenes players remember already as incredible even better, providing for a cinematic production unmatched in previous games.\nFor gamers who missed the game's first incarnation, this is a must-play game, no questions asked. For those already in love with the original, "Twin Snakes" may not offer much gameplay, but it's a collector's item anyway.

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