M is for Metal Gear Solid

Author: Adam Turney
Metal Gear Solid is an epic video game series. Although the games have been around since the 8-bit Nintendo, the series did not achieve fame until it was released for the Playstation. The game was indescribable. The music in the game continues to bring chills as I listen to it. The opening sequence almost makes me cry because the orchestra music is masterfully composed. The game plays much like a movie. You play the role of a tactical espionage agent that is infiltrating a secret military base, and each game requires you to basically save the world. Many video gamers would argue that Metal Gear Solid is one of the greatest games ever created. The graphics for each game were progressively better, with the fourth looking realistic.

My friend David and I were amazed at the video clips we saw online and we knew that a playable demo was going to be in a magazine. We both had to play the game so David decided he would go to the local Wal-Mart magazine section and open two magazines and take out the demo discs so we could play. Looking back on that action we recognize it was dishonest, but at that point in our lives we didn't care because we simply had to have the tantalizing experience of playing Metal Gear Solid. When the game finally was released in its full glory we took it home and sat for several straight hours until we finished our games. It was easily the greatest six-eight hours of my video game life.

Later, Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3 were released for the Playstation 2. I never bothered with the second game, but Melissa watched me play through the third game during the early months of our marriage. She actually got mad at me because I stayed up late one night and finished the game...she was mad because she didn't get to watch. Fortunately I saved the game just before the ending.

The final game in the series, Metal Gear Solid 4, was recently released for the Playstation 3. I have only played the demo (this time legally) and have a craving to play the full version. Hopefully David will let me borrow it when I see him at Thanksgiving.

Some of you might be thinking that it is truly a waste of time playing video games...and at times I completely agree. However, I cannot even describe the happiness I experienced as my friends and I played through so many games. Certainly there were hundreds of hours that I could have spent doing something more active or productive, but I created some amazing friendships and memories playing video games. Sadly, I no longer have anyone that will play with me like my buddies did during the teenage years...I guess that is what happens when you grow up.