Metal Gear Solid 2: Locating Ames Guide

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of the Patriots is divided into two parts. The Plant Section focuses on Raiden's mission to rescue the President and eliminate the terrorist threat at the Big Shell. After dealing with Fatman and neutralizing his bomb threat, players must acquire an AK from Strut-F and make their way to the Core of Shell-1 to locate Colonel Ames. Ames, a Secret Service Agent, holds crucial information about the President's whereabouts as mentioned by Mr. X.

Finding Ames in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of the Patriots presents a challenge as Raiden is unaware of his appearance. Therefore, Raiden must find a means to identify him before being able to locate him. This entails conducting further exploration to find a Directional Microphone, which will be explained in detail in this guide.

How to Find the Directional Microphone

Upon entering Shell 1 Core, players should maintain their disguise and keep their AK at the ready. This will ensure that Soldiers and Cameras do not pose a hindrance, as long as Raiden remains composed. It is important to proceed slowly and avoid any accidental contact while exploring the area. The primary objective is to reach the elevator located at the top of the map and descend to B2. In B2, there is a sizable computer room where a chatty parrot can be found, with the D Mic situated on the left side near the parrot. By utilizing Raiden's disguise, players can easily approach and retrieve the D Mic without concern for the guards.

Within this room, there are numerous Easter eggs, particularly involving the parrot. Firstly, players will spot a Policenauts poster as they enter the computer room. Additionally, the parrot offers a variety of dialogue options when interacted with in different ways. Shooting the parrot will prompt it to utter similar lines to those spoken by guards during an alert, potentially triggering an actual alert. If an alert occurs in close proximity to the parrot, it will mimic the guards' lines. Moreover, if Raiden sprays the parrot with the Coolant, it will exclaim, "This Sucks!"

If Raiden directs the Directional Microphone towards the Parrot and repeatedly presses the interact button, asking "Are you Ames?" multiple times, the Parrot will start occasionally repeating "Are you Ames?" in addition to its other dialogue.

Once in possession of the D Mic, it is now necessary to proceed to B1 and locate Ames.

How to find Ames

Players will encounter a cutscene on floor B1 that showcases the operation of the security system. Access to the room where the hostages are kept is secured by a retina scanner. In order to bypass this, players need to discreetly apprehend a guard from behind and bring them to the scanner. The most effective method is to wait for the patrolling guard to move away from the guards in the break room, drop the AK, and stealthily capture the guard.

It is crucial to avoid rendering the guard unconscious, using tranquilizers, or causing their death, as this will render them unable to operate the retina scanner. Instead, players must keep the guard conscious while dragging them towards the scanner, periodically reapplying pressure to prevent them from escaping. Once Raiden uses the guard to activate the scanner, they will be automatically incapacitated.

After entering the room where the hostages are, players must utilize the D Mic discreetly while the guards are not observing in order to listen to the hostages’ heartbeats. The objective is to identify a heartbeat with the distinct sound of a metallic "chink," signifying the presence of a pacemaker. Among the hostages, Ames can be easily identified by his pacemaker. By directing the action button towards a hostage and asking, "Are you Ames?" players can trigger a cutscene if it is indeed Ames. However, if it is not him, this action can draw the guards' attention, requiring players to temporarily retreat, rearm their AK, and move away to avoid detection.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Metal Gear Franchise

Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, PS Vita

Release Date: November 13, 2001

Developed by: Konami

Published by: Konami

Genre: Stealth

Rated: M for Mature 17+ due to Animated Blood and Animated Violence

Estimated Gameplay Duration: 13 Hours

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I appreciate the updated graphics and gameplay mechanics of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of the Patriots. The game's story is engaging, and the characters are well-developed. I enjoy the challenge of locating Colonel Ames, as it requires stealth and careful planning. The use of the Directional Microphone is a unique and innovative way to track down Ames.

Overall, I think Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of the Patriots is a great game that is still enjoyable today. I would recommend it to any fan of the Metal Gear Solid series or stealth games in general.