5 Simplest Metal Gear Games

Article Key Points

Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions offers bite-sized stealth missions that are perfect for newcomers to the franchise, providing a satisfying and accessible gameplay experience.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a spin-off game that offers a combination of action and stealth gameplay. Players take control of Raiden, a lightning-fast cyborg, as they engage in hack and slash combat against enemies.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, available on the PSP, features smaller episodic missions and introduces the comrade system. This aspect makes it one of the more accessible games in the series.

Below are some of the more accessible games in the Metal Gear franchise, which offer a great entry point for those who may find the stealth gameplay and complex storylines daunting.

5. Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions

Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions

Platform(s) PS1Released September 23, 1999Developer(s) Konami Computer Entertainment JapanGenre(s) Stealth, Action-Adventure

Just a year after Metal Gear Solid, VR Missions was released on the PlayStation in 1999, offering an enhanced gameplay experience. With over 300 bite-sized missions focused on stealth and weapon mastery, VR Missions serves as an excellent entry point for fans of the renowned franchise. Players will navigate guards, cameras, and utilize signature mechanics like footprint recognition and controlled breathing to avoid detection. Originally released as an expansion, VR Missions later received a stand-alone release and is comprised of skillfully designed tests that leave players craving more. The weaponless sneaking missions are the standout feature, providing a thrilling sense of accomplishment as players conquer each obstacle-filled challenge. While the difficulty level does increase as players progress, the game continues to offer accessible and engaging tactical espionage action in manageable increments.

4. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Platform(s) PS3, Xbox 360, PCReleased February 19, 2013Developer(s) Platinum GamesGenre(s) Action

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a spin-off installment in the popular Metal Gear series that transforms the stealth-focused franchise into an action-packed adventure. Players control Raiden, a katana-wielding cyborg, as they navigate a post-Metal Gear Solid 4 world and battle against rogue private militaries. Developed by PlatinumGames, known for their work on Bayonetta, this game brings the thrilling combo-based sword gameplay to the Metal Gear universe. Fans of Raiden's impressive katana skills from Metal Gear Solid 2 will not be disappointed, as Revengeance allows players to unleash havoc as the lightning-fast cyborg.

Featuring a concise story mode and action-oriented gameplay, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is one of the more accessible titles in the series. The plot retains its philosophical depth, and players can choose to implement stealth tactics to avoid direct combat. However, it is worth noting that the campaign presents some challenging difficulty spikes.

3. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops

Platform(s) PSP, PS3, PS VitaReleased December 5, 2006Developer(s) Konami, Kojima ProductionsGenre(s) Stealth, Action

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops garnered critical acclaim upon its release for the PSP in 2006. Serving as a sequel to Snake Eater, the game is set six years later and puts players in the shoes of Big Boss as he combats the rogue FOX unit in Columbia. PSP owners were treated to a game that pushed the limits of the system, delivering a seamless transition of the console games into a handheld format.

Utilizing the Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence engine, the gameplay is divided into quick missions, some of which are story-based while others offer a different focus, yet all contribute to an immersive experience. Notably, Portable Ops introduced the comrade system, allowing players to recruit comrades for Snake's squad, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses, providing numerous playable characters.

Like most other PSP games, this game is specifically tailored for shorter episodes of gameplay rather than lengthy missions. The recruitment aspect of the game adds a unique RPG element to the Metal Gear series, making it a standout title in the franchise. Additionally, it is also one of the easiest games to pick up and play.

2. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

Platform: GameCube

Release Date: March 9, 2004

Developers: Konami, Silicon Knights

Genres: Action, Stealth

The original Metal Gear Solid gained immense popularity when it was released for the PlayStation in 1998. Nintendo gamers were pleasantly surprised when its remastered version, The Twin Snakes, arrived on the GameCube six years later. Retaining the same game design, storyline, and iconic boss battles, The Twin Snakes also impressed fans with its enhanced graphics and re-recorded voice acting. However, some features borrowed from Metal Gear Solid 2 were met with mixed reactions. The addition of a first-person aim and tranquilizer ammo received criticism for significantly reducing the game's difficulty level.

1. Metal Gear Solid/Metal Gear: Ghost Babel (GBC)

The excessive use of bullet time in the new cutscenes received criticism; however, despite this, the sound remake was positively reviewed upon its release. It serves as an excellent starting point for newcomers to the series, with gameplay additions that significantly improve the overall experience.

Metal Gear: Ghost Babel

Platform(s) Game Boy Color

Released: May 5, 2000

Developer(s): Tose

Genre(s): Stealth

Metal Gear Solid for the Game Boy Color, released in 2000, is a non-canon entry that follows the legendary PlayStation title by two years. It takes place seven years after the original Metal Gear game and puts players in the role of Solid Snake, who is brought out of retirement to thwart a mercenary outfit in Central Africa that has stolen a Metal Gear prototype. The game features the overhead view of the original 2D Metal Gear games and incorporates elements from the 3D Solid titles, such as sidling against walls and knocking on them. Despite its 2D presentation, the stealth mechanics in the game offer a challenging and diverse experience across its 13 stages.

This Game Boy Color entry is highly acclaimed on the platform, serving as a brilliant connection between the original Metal Gear titles and the subsequent Metal Gear Solid games. With its conveniently sized stages and well-crafted stealth challenges, it stands out as one of the most user-friendly installments in the series.

Editor's P/S

As a long-time fan of the Metal Gear series, I am excited to see that Konami is making efforts to make the franchise more accessible to newcomers. The Metal Gear Solid series is known for its complex storylines and challenging gameplay, which can be intimidating for those who are new to the genre. However, the games on this list offer a more streamlined and accessible experience, making them a great starting point for those who want to get into the series.

I am particularly interested in Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions, which is a collection of bite-sized stealth missions that are perfect for newcomers to the franchise. I also think that Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a great option for those who are looking for a more action-oriented Metal Gear game. Overall, I think that these games are a great way to introduce new players to the Metal Gear series, and I hope that Konami continues to make efforts to make the franchise more accessible in the future.