Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Mar 3, 2003
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    100
    Given that Snake is the ultimate videogame stud, it's great to work through some new objectives with his gritty new perspective. [Apr 2003, p.87]
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  2. GameZone
    93
    Substance is well designed, tremendous graphically and in the audio department, and a great, addictive ride.
  3. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    92
    A huge selection of new minimissions allows for more time playing as famed series stud Solid Snake, and they further exploit "MGS2"'s strongest suit: the gameplay. [Apr 2003, p.111]
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  5. IGN
    91
    There's so much new content that working your way through all of it will easily take more time than the actual Sons of Liberty game.
  6. GamePro
    90
    Although the PS2 game comes some three months after the Xbox release, this version is the better of the two—mostly because of its superior controls.
  7. Armchair Empire
    90
    If you totally enjoyed MGS2, this definitive version is certainly worth a look, delivering all of the extras and the original game in one package.
  8. PSX Nation
    90
    The ultimate “MGS” fan’s dream come true. And, with Solid Snake now front and center throughout the proceedings (Snake Tales anyone?), this “MGS” sequel can be enjoyed the way it was meant to: with as little Raiden as possible!
  9. PSM Magazine
    90
    I still love this game. However, it's become more obvious that the storyline is way too clunky, confusing and - sometimes - downright silly. [Apr 2003, p.34]
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  10. Play Magazine
    90
    This version's a hair better than the Xbox one, too. [May 2003, p.60]
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  11. Absolute Playstation
    90
    I would say, if you don’t presently own MGS or MGS2, this would be a good investment.
  12. GMR Magazine
    90
    Nothing's more hysterical than replacing Solid Snake with an old office lady, and watching her sneak off to take care of business on Big Shell, SOCOM at the ready. [Apr 2003, p.63]
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  13. Gamestyle
    90
    Where Substance really comes alive is the various VR modes and alternative missions.
  14. Game Informer
    85
    Yes, the action is still exhilarating at times, but without Kojima's story and cinematics, I found Snake's Tales to be rather dry. [Apr 2003, p.85]
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  15. netjak
    84
    This is the BEST version of Metal Gear Solid 2 you can buy, so if you didn't play through the game yet, well, go get this one.
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  16. GameSpy
    82
    The VR Missions alone could keep you busy for weeks. If, however, MGS2 didn't light your fire, your logs will remain unburnt by Substance.
  17. GameSpot
    75
    The hard-core Metal Gear Solid fan should get a kick out for the VR missions and other extras, so Substance wouldn't make a bad rental if you went into it knowing what to expect.
  18. Cheat Code Central
    70
    One of the best looking games on the PS2 to date.
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PS2 Game of 2003
44
#44 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
77
#77 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 206 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 181 out of 206
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 206
  3. Negative: 10 out of 206
  1. KristmundurS
    Jan 1, 2007
    8
    My real ranking for this game is 8.5. Anyway, this re-release of MGS2 was originally an Xbox exclusive but was later sold for PS2, Xbox and My real ranking for this game is 8.5. Anyway, this re-release of MGS2 was originally an Xbox exclusive but was later sold for PS2, Xbox and PC. This version of the includes the same main game with slight improvements and add-ons. This version has a bigger replay value than the original release. Over 300 VR training missions that help you practice the game's mechanics and stealth formula also weapons training. There are also five Snake Tales that are mini games starring Solid Snake. They are bit harder with no cutscenes or dialogue. There is also a Skateboarding Mode that resemþles Konami's Revolution Skateboarding game. There is also an interactive DVD called the Document of Metal Gear Solid 2 that is included in the PAL version which has Charcater Models, Area Models, Scetches, script, Game Plan and many more treats. This is a pretty good deal. If you've never played MGS2 settle for this version, but if you do own it but you're not an MGS buff skip it but if you are... go with it!… Full Review »
  2. [Anonymous]
    Mar 12, 2003
    10
    Great.
  3. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Mar 23, 2023
    9
    The definitive edition of "Sons of Liberty" for the PS2 is better than the Xbox version. It features the exclusive Snakeboarding, Snake Tales,The definitive edition of "Sons of Liberty" for the PS2 is better than the Xbox version. It features the exclusive Snakeboarding, Snake Tales, a boss battle mode and tons of VR missions. The PS2 controller is preferable to the Xbox's for controlling Snake/Raiden. While the main game remains untouched, it's the extra content that makes this a must buy for fans. I would rate it with a 9.3 out of 10.… Full Review »
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