METAL GEAR SOLID: Portable Ops

Fans of the Metal Gear series, prepare thyself. It’s been a while since a game in the series has been released that was in canon with the main series, and the recent release of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (MPO) is the first time we’re treated to what’s been going on in Snake’s world.

MPO brings back the action-oriented feel of the main series and is the debut for the series on the PlayStation Portable. The stealthy soldier is rewarded, though the brash gamer has a home too. The brilliant schematic of progressing to newer, better weapons and building Snake’s arsenal is still here and will keep you excited throughout. One major concern was about aiming, given that the PSP doesn’t have those handy dual analog sticks. However, Konami did the series justice by making aiming a simple task, offering an auto-lock targeting system or else using first-person mode to fire while stationary, just like the console versions. Actually, MPO takes it one step further and allows you to move in first person. Gone are the days of being a sitting duck as you take precise aim at a guard and then running, hiding and waiting until warning mode goes away to shoot again.

All of the old Snake tricks are still here, such as wall hugging, peeking around corners, hanging off of ledges and the Close-Quarters Combat system. This one doesn’t feature the throat-slitting grapple that Metal Gear Solid 3 did, but the lack of jugular attacks doesn’t take away from the gameplay at all.

MPO also adds a new element to the series with a system of recruitment in order to finish a mission. To recruit a comrade, Snake must knock out an enemy with a chokehold or a tranquilizer dart, then drag him to a holding truck. It might take a few days of in-game time before they convert, but it’s a blast to build up an army or erstwhile enemies and utterly dominate a level.

The ranking and skills system of other action games comes into play here, with “S” being the highest/best grade and “C” being the lowest/worst grade. Depending on your current rank with a weapon or skill, you may unlock additional features or upgrade your aim/prowess with the weapon in question. Characters also have different careers at which they excel, such as dragging unconscious enemies back to the truck faster, creating remedies and munitions or moving quicker through certain terrain.

There is also great use of the PSP’s internet and Wi-Fi abilities, putting a ton of features at your disposal. It is possible to recruit better, stronger soldiers from an AP Scan-when the PSP detects a wireless internet access point-by playing a quick mini-game. Some of these soldiers are actually unique to their connection point and cannot be found in-game.

The online mode in MPO is not the greatest among the PSP’s attempts at connectivity, though it is a great way to hone skills and play with other gamers. Sadly, no headset support is included, so talking with your comrades or enemies is out of the question. It’s not that bad, given that the online feature is more a pavilion for trading soldiers than an online arena for actual play.

Of course, the primary reason for any Metal Gear game is the storyline, and this one does not disappoint. The storyline is as intricate and gripping as the first Metal Gear Solid, and almost impossible to discuss without spoiling. The only thing that can be said without risking spoilage is that the game takes place right after MGS3. This one will reveal a few things about characters and plot devices that came up in previous installments, and change your outlook on certain characters.

MPO is available for about $40, and is still too new to find used. If you’re a strategy guide sort of player, there are plenty available at all the game stores in town, and even if you’re a friendless PSP gamer, it’s pretty easy to find fellow MPO players to enjoy the connectivity with. Pick it up and then join the rest of us in the long wait until Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots comes out on the PlayStation 3…and until the PS3 price drops…and Kojima tells us all, yet again, that he’s going to retire. Hey, he’s been saying that since the first one, so don’t take him seriously until, say, Metal Gear Solid 14: Raiden and Master Miller’s Dungeon Adventure.