http://retro.ign.com/articles/922/922494p1.html
Metal Gear Solid: Ten Years Later
It was revelation in 1998. What do you think now?
by Levi Buchanan 
October 21, 2008 - Ten years ago today, Konami released the hotly anticipated Metal Gear Solid for the PlayStation. Perhaps equaled only by Gran Turismo and Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid was the game that sealed the deal for the PlayStation, permanently establishing it as the premiere gaming destination of the generation. The game not only reintroduced Snake to gamers -- a hero that originally starred in a pair of Metal Gear games on the first Nintendo Entertainment System -- but it also birthed stealth as an entire genre. Splinter Cell, Winback, and Thief (although, that game was in development at the same time as MGS) all followed in Snake's barely distinguishable footprints. But it wasn't just the stealth gameplay that made Metal Gear such a phenomenon. In fact, MGS is likely to be better remembered for its narrative, characters, and incredible cinematics.
One of the most intriguing parts of Metal Gear Solid's history is that it was originally not destined for the PlayStation. Designer Hideo Kojima, now recognized as one of the industry's visionaries, plotted Snake's return on the 3DO. The inabilities of the 3DO to gain a substantial foothold in the industry lead Kojima to switch development to the PlayStation in 1995, where it gestated for nearly three years before finally debuting to almost universal acclaim.
Gamers lauded the deep, mature story. Critics were astounded by the production values -- Metal Gear Solid exists inside a complete, contained universe. And almost nobody forgets the awesome Psycho Mantis segment. Just try to convince me that you weren't totally spooked when your controller started moving around on its own. That was no cheap gimmick. I still consider it one of the most clever videogame moments I have ever experienced.
Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes on the GameCube.
Looking back on Metal Gear Solid, it's easy to catalog its achievements. More interesting is to go back in time and read then-current reviews of the game. Without a now famous legacy to reflect or other entrants in a genre to compare the game to, reviewers were stunned by just how special the game was. Hit rewind and go back to IGN's original review for Metal Gear Solid for October 21, 1998. And tell us if you think Metal Gear Solid deserves all the kudos it's obtained in the last ten years. Do you think it's still revolutionary? Or was it overrated? Hit the comments or send an email telling us about what you think of MGS ten years later. I'll post the best responses!
Originally Posted by PDS
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