Let me just start this review by answering a few questions that some of you might have about Metal Gear Solid 2 (MGS2). First, for those veterans of the original Playstation series, yes, this game is as good, and most of the time, even better, than the first game, and proves to be a worthy successor to the legacy. And second, for those that have followed the countless articles and previews, have watched the movies, and played the demo, yes, this game does indeed live up to all that hype, and then some. So for most of you who were waiting for the answer to those questions, turn off your computer, get yourself to the nearest video game store (or some reasonable facsimile) and buy this game. Period. Okay, for those of you left, who still have doubts, and are still reading, I will attempt to convince you that this is game of the year material, and quite possibly one of the best, most compelling, most amazing experiences you can have on the PS2.

Unfortunately, it is very hard to review MGS2 without giving away all the best parts, all the fun, all the little things that keep you playing for just a little longer, to get just a little further, to see what's around the next corner, until you realize its 3 am, and your body is badly in need of sleep. Yeah, I know, it sounds like I'm jumping on the band wagon, and hyping this game beyond all possible reason. But I cannot emphasize my point enough - MGS2 is that good. The graphics are virtually flawless, down to the smallest detail - the interactivity with your environment and the attention to detail will have most people playing through multiple times just so they can find every little secret. Just as an example, you can shoot a guard in the arm and it will hang limp at his side, or shoot out his knees and he will attempt to crawl away, leaving a trail of blood. Or spend some time in an area with a lot of seagulls, and you may find yourself on your back, victim of that slippery seagull doodie. These are some of the few things I can mention without ruining the experience, because half the fun is exploring the environment, finding every piece of the puzzle. The sound is easily on par with the graphics. Once again, all the little touches shine through, like the way your heart beats louder as you hide from the guards in a locker, or the idle chatter of the patrolling guards you overhear. And for once, the sound and even the graphics are more than just tools for telling a story. They are the story. The novel way your sense of hearing and sight are incorporated into MGS2 is incredible, forcing you to explore and to listen in order to solve many puzzles and indeed, just to survive. The story crafted to back up all the purty pictures and fancy sounds is better than most of the plots found in blockbuster Hollywood productions, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing right up until the end. Heck, even replay value is through the roof, with enough easter eggs and unlockables to bring you back for a long time to come.

Of course, with all things, there is a dark side - a few (very) minor problems. The most noticeable is the difficulty level. With so many things to do, and so many ways to do them, this game can be a bit daunting at first, at least until you become fairly comfortable with the controls. Fortunately, if you've played the original, or the demo, its not nearly as frustrating. And the enemy AI is simply devious, using real military tactics and calling in backup whenever you are spotted. It won't take long before you learn how to sneak past the guards without being seen. Another minor gripe is if you take the game as a whole, you will realize that the story line is fairly linear, at times almost leading you by the hand to your next objective. But MGS2 is so well crafted, with enough freedom, that you will hardly, if ever, notice.

So there you go. For newbie and MGS veteran alike, if any question remains, this is a must buy game. Heck, there are even complete synopsis of the first games, so that no one will be left out. As I said, much more and I'd be giving away all the good stuff, all the compelling little tricks and techniques that make this game a joy to play. With Metal Gear Solid 2, the line between video game and movie, and at times, life, has been blurred. This isn't a game, its an experience. One that nobody should miss.

Gameplay: 10
Never before has your Dualshock controller been used for so many different things, in so many varied situations. And that's a good thing.

Graphics: 9.7
As mentioned before, this game is a joy to look at. The attention to detail is mind boggling, from the way water drips off the camera and the lens momentarily steams up, to the trails of blood the guards use to follow you when you're badly injured, this is one game that needs to be seen to be believed. A few hiccups do little to mar a beautiful cinematic experience.

Sound: 9.8
Simply gorgeous. Although usually relegated to the background, it is the sound that truly draws you in to this game, and you will learn to love, and hate (in a good way), the sound effects. Even the music is enough to help build tension, but is never overbearing or obvious.

Difficulty: 8.9
Yup, this is a hard one, even on the easiest difficulty levels. Prepare to spend some time mastering the controls. But once you do, pure gaming bliss.

Concept: 9.4
Yeah, its a sequel. As such, there is much that is carried over from the original. But it is so well done, and there is enough new ideas and concepts, that even the most jaded veteran will find him/herself surprised and amazed many times over.

Overall: 9.8
This is the game. This is the one that shows what the PS2 can do, and indeed, what this next generation of console systems can achieve. My only gripe is that more developers don't have the money to make games this good. But then again, if they did, games like this wouldn't be as awe inspiring. In other words, play this game. Even if you don't think you'll like it, rent it. You just might be surprised.