Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty vs. Substance: A Tale of Snakes, Skateboards, and Substance Abuse (of Content)
Ah, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. A game so mind-bending it left players questioning reality itself (and possibly wondering what Raiden was eating to get those acrobatic moves). But did you know there's another version lurking in the shadows, whispering promises of extra missions, snake tales, and... skateboarding? That, my friends, is Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance, and today, we crack open this digital can of worms to see what treasures (and maybe a few oddities) lie within.
The Main Course: It's Still Solid, Baby!
Let's get this out of the way: the core story, gameplay, and mind-blowing plot twists are identical in both versions. You'll still be sneaking around Big Shell as Raiden, battling cyborg ninjas, and trying to decipher the Patriots' confusing web of control. So, if you're just looking for the classic Sons of Liberty experience, either version will do you right.
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.![]()
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But Wait, There's More! (Or is There?)
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Substance throws in a bunch of extra content, like:
- VR Missions: Think Metal Gear meets shooting gallery. Hone your combat skills in hundreds of bite-sized missions, featuring everything from target practice to bomb disposal. Just don't get too cocky; that Metal Gear RAY simulation might put you in your place.
- Snake Tales: Five non-canon missions starring Solid Snake himself. Think of them as bonus slices of Metal Gear goodness, with some wacky scenarios and even a mech battle against... Big Boss on skates? (Yes, you read that right.)
- Casting Theatre: Ever wanted to see Otacon play Solidus Snake, or Vamp strut his stuff as Raiden? Now you can! This mode lets you swap character models and voices, leading to some truly bizarre (and hilarious) combinations.
- And Then There's... Evolution Skateboarding: Remember those Tony Hawk games? Imagine a Metal Gear version, starring Snake and Raiden carving up Big Shell on skateboards. It's... an experience. Let's just say it didn't exactly revolutionize the skateboarding genre.
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So, Which Version Should You Choose?
If you're a Metal Gear die-hard or just curious about the extra content, Substance is the way to go. The VR Missions are fun distractions, the Snake Tales offer a different perspective, and the Casting Theatre provides endless amusement. Just be prepared for some... questionable additions like skateboarding Snake.
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If you're strictly a story purist and want the classic Sons of Liberty experience, the original version is perfectly fine. You won't miss any crucial plot points.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, my fellow Metal Gear aficionados. Just remember, whether you're sticking to the original or diving into Substance, you're in for a wild ride. Just try not to get lost in the simulation... or the existential dread.