Metal Gear Acid (PlayStation Portable, 2005)

First off, it's safe to say Metal Gear might be my favorite game series ever. It started when I got Snake's Revenge when I was 8, and even though that game isn't series canon since Hideo Kojima had nothing to do with it, I still loved it. MG is the reason I own a PS2, PS3, and PSP (really), and I've even played the games very few other people had played before MGS3 Subsistence (Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2:Solid Snake for the defunct MSX Japanese-only gaming system, the Metal Gear: Ghost Babel Game Boy Color game, Twin Snakes on GameCube, VR Missions, etc.). Clearly, my loyalty to the Metal Gear line is beyond reproach. So when I first heard Konami was making a card-based MG game, I was livid. "I like my stealth action just the way it was, thank you very much," I thought to myself. And while I do still greatly prefer the more straight-forward MG games, Ac!d really has surprised me.

It's definitely a different experience, and although I hate card-based games with a passion still (both video-game ones and the physical card games), I have found myself quite addicted to this game over the last few days. The strategy is surprisingly deep, and you have to customize your deck differently to suit different styles of play. Plus, adding an ally into the mix changes things up even more, adding a whole new level of depth to an already deep game of "strategery." (Ha.) The level of fan service will do even the most jaded Metal Gear fanboy (myself included) justice, as references to EVERY Hideo Kojima-produced game abound (MG: Ghost Babel, ZOE, Policenauts, and Snatchers even... Sorry, Snake's Revenge - you're the black sheep). Seeing what various characters' cards from my favorite games would do was always interesting.

The graphics might be a bit subpar for the system (it looks barely - and I emphasize BARELY - better than a PS1 title), but the camera is usually quite cooperative, and the controls are fine, although there's not much you can screw up with a card game's controls. Also, like the aforementioned Snake's Revenge, since this game was not produced by Kojima, it does not count in the MG canon, and the story is nowhere near the level that he produces, although that's not to discount the story entirely by any means. However, if you're a diehard completionist like myself and you love this series even half as much as I do, it's completely worth it to pick this game up.

Defintiely an enlightening approach to a series that's already merited on such a stealth genre of gameplay. This is still Metal Gear in all of it's glory but with a, believe it or not, more direct/thoughtful tactical approach to the Metal Gear idea. You have to actually think a few moves ahead as opposed to a few moments ahead as with the "Tactical Espionage Action" installments. Getting it used should be no problem for a good price and is a must have title for the Metal Gear enthusiast. Considering this was a launch title for the PSP in 2005 and still holds a cult-fan folloing like it does only proves it's worth a great portable adventure. If you pick up Metal Gear ACID 2- your card deck from the first one will carry over to the second so keep that in mind.

Personally, I've always been a fan of the Metal Gear series. This PSP portable version is a different, fun, new take on the game genre. Fans of games such as Parasite Eve and Final Fantasy Tactics should play this. The game is played via a turn-based, card game type system. The player must guide Snake using a much more strategic view and stealth approach, rather than all out fighting. It's almost like Metal Gear meets chess! Fun if you want a break from Kojima's "Big Boss" games on the home consoles. It's also great to take around on a car trip or something. My only negative complaint is that there's no David Hayter doing any voice overs. Ah well...can't have everything. I give it an 8 out of 10!

The legendary Metal Gear series comes to the PSP in METAL GEAR ACID. Experience a whole new gameplay system that focuses on deep tactical strategy with an entirely new Metal Gear storyline. As the role of top-secret agent, Solid Snake, players will make calculated decisions to plan out their infiltration strategy and accomplish the mission in a turn-based style of game. Through the use of strategic battle cards, players are given different abilities and stealth tactics to achieve the mission objectives. METAL GEAR ACID delivers the trademark stealth-action experience in a completely new game for the portable gaming audience to enjoy.

The game is fun and the graphics are good. It is a little slow because it's turn base strategy but it is really fun to play and the story is great and I enjoyed playing it. I decided to buy it because I heard it was good and because it was metal gear.