Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Mar 3, 2003
  • Also On: PC
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
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  1. [Anonymous]
    Mar 12, 2003
    10
    Great.
  2. 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 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 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!… Expand
  3. MaccDaddy
    Mar 24, 2003
    6
    Not as good as the xbox version.
  4. Goggoggo
    Apr 12, 2003
    6
    actualy a 6.5 !
  5. ToriA.
    Mar 4, 2003
    10
    I can't wait till the next one comes out Solid Snake is Cool!
  6. SwinkX.
    Feb 25, 2003
    9
    YES!!! this is game is great... Sons of Liberty was fresh... but the only problems were the codec sequences.... i was in awe bout the cutscenes.... but the codec's were boring... now... Splinter cell probably is the better choice of espionage.. but i feel even though it does play better, it's too real for me........ HOWEVER thats not say i dont like it, i LOVE the game, but ps2 YES!!! this is game is great... Sons of Liberty was fresh... but the only problems were the codec sequences.... i was in awe bout the cutscenes.... but the codec's were boring... now... Splinter cell probably is the better choice of espionage.. but i feel even though it does play better, it's too real for me........ HOWEVER thats not say i dont like it, i LOVE the game, but ps2 is the homestation for MGS2, and if u still want splinter cell, play this first, (it'll do for the month while splinter cell's still on the queue list) then get it, u'll luv both..... and thats a fact....… Expand
  7. Stoney
    Mar 14, 2003
    10
    Metal gear solid rocks. All of the games are the best ever.
  8. CoryL.
    Mar 14, 2003
    10
    It's the best!
  9. JaseM.
    Mar 20, 2003
    10
    My favorite game and possibly the best gameplay around. You'll see few others like it in the gaming world. If you get any game on the PS2 or XBox thought you might have a challenge on XBox from Halo.
  10. JamesR.
    Mar 8, 2003
    10
    cool
  11. LeeP.
    Apr 20, 2003
    10
    The snake tales are my favourite, its the best game ive ever played.i wish they make more of it.
  12. JamesN.
    Mar 13, 2003
    10
    Brilliant masterpiece of modern day gaming. Kojima is a genius!
  13. VulcanRaven
    Mar 20, 2003
    10
    Brilliant! MGS always the best FOREVER!
  14. F.F.
    Mar 28, 2003
    10
    Itz Wokod.
  15. JamesR.
    Mar 8, 2003
    10
    cool
  16. Z|nEt
    Apr 21, 2003
    10
    Brilliant !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  17. JimB.
    Aug 1, 2003
    10
    F....ing kickass GO BUY THIS NOW!!!!
  18. AndyS.
    Mar 24, 2003
    10
    A Badass game and for MGS fans get this game you'll really like it.
  19. Vincent
    Apr 14, 2003
    10
    It's the best game i have ever played and its 10 times better than sons of liberty.
  20. MarkG.
    Apr 15, 2003
    10
    I love playing this game!! i am so addicted. it is one of the funnest games i have ever played! it is so cool with all the missions and stuff! i play it all day!
  21. AdemO.
    May 16, 2003
    10
    The snake's new uniform is excellent. I heard that gamecube is getting MGS back to their company to sell again. their new MGS game is MGS The Twin Snake. I wish that PS2 gets the MGS back again to make more and better ones.
  22. KevinV.
    Jul 14, 2003
    10
    This is a great game thats all Im saying.
  23. BigB0SSNakedSnake
    Feb 11, 2006
    10
    As with Sons of Liberty, Substance is a masterpiece. These added features make MGS2 a lot better. Buy or rent this version over Sons of Liberty. Enough said.
  24. Watermelon789
    Sep 6, 2011
    9
    Playing the same game with more features adds more replay value to an already classic masterpiece. So for anyone having a little of trouble in what version to buy, I mostly recommend you Substance by no other means. VR missions keeps a nice way of presenting something thats new for this episode, the other funny, fun, awesome new mode is the goofy MGS skate mode, where obviously you willPlaying the same game with more features adds more replay value to an already classic masterpiece. So for anyone having a little of trouble in what version to buy, I mostly recommend you Substance by no other means. VR missions keeps a nice way of presenting something thats new for this episode, the other funny, fun, awesome new mode is the goofy MGS skate mode, where obviously you will play as Snake or the infamous Raiden as skating on the Big Shell map. Maybe playing the same game with new stuff isn't as fun as playing for the first time the first original version of the game, but though is still a good "new" game/experience that can't be missed .… Expand
  25. Dezuuu
    Apr 10, 2012
    8
    A great game, but my least favorite Metal Gear. The story is, of course, amazing, and should be your main reason to play this. Controls feel awkward at times but they work fine, graphics look good but the environments are dull and repetitive. Boss fights aren't as great as in MGS1 or 3, but their personalities are interesting. The extras in this version aren't all that interesting, butA great game, but my least favorite Metal Gear. The story is, of course, amazing, and should be your main reason to play this. Controls feel awkward at times but they work fine, graphics look good but the environments are dull and repetitive. Boss fights aren't as great as in MGS1 or 3, but their personalities are interesting. The extras in this version aren't all that interesting, but this is still the superior version of MGS2.

    A must have for any MGS or stealth-action fan.    … Expand
  26. Termin8ter
    Feb 1, 2016
    9
    Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance is a worthy re- release to the excellent Sons of Liberty. Substance adds a heap of new VR missions, which add more value to the 30$ package. Substance also adds Snake Tales, which just lets you replay the Big Shell chapter, except as Solid Snake. This gives players who hated Raiden, to play through the vast majority of MGS2 as Snake. The only drawback is thatMetal Gear Solid 2 Substance is a worthy re- release to the excellent Sons of Liberty. Substance adds a heap of new VR missions, which add more value to the 30$ package. Substance also adds Snake Tales, which just lets you replay the Big Shell chapter, except as Solid Snake. This gives players who hated Raiden, to play through the vast majority of MGS2 as Snake. The only drawback is that there is no cut scenes, or Codec, only lines of text, so be wary of that. Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance is an excellent re-release of an already amazing game. Buy this game on sight.… Expand
  27. GreenSkullRider
    Jan 31, 2017
    9
    Quizás nadie le preste mucha atención a este juego, pero el avance técnico y tecnológico que fue implementado acá fue gigantesco con respecto al primer juego de la serie Solid, Personalmente considero que es la mejor entrega de la serie, Largo, variado, la inclusión de Raiden, una experiencia realmente. Muy Recomendado
  28. andrelbe24
    Feb 18, 2017
    8
    All we need just CQC system added in this game, overall I can said this game was a one of masterpieces from Kojima, really recommended for gamers who loves stealth battle system, with a long long looooong cutscene and story off-course.
  29. 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, 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.
  30. Leontorres7
    Nov 15, 2018
    10
    Legendary game, play it, this game changed my life for good, all I have for this game is LOVE.
  31. sebastianali
    Aug 2, 2019
    7
    Mejor que el primero pero no mucho mas. Si bien la jugabilidad, los gráficos y la historia son mejores que el primer juego, tampoco es decir tanto. La música es peor y poco notoria y los controles y la IA siguen siendo frustrantes sobre todo a la hora de combatir.
  32. RADNMGSLOVER
    Jun 26, 2020
    9
    the game is AMAZING but there are some flaws on pc,example,getting this game for pc
    1-its not that easy
    2-after getting it,you find that the game's graphics are broken
    3-after fixing the graphics,the pc controls are not the best (thankfully v's fix provides dualshock 4 support)

    i guess thats all the flaws,the game is really fun would recommend
  33. Onlyclassicvg1
    Sep 21, 2022
    9
    olid Snake returns in Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance, the expanded edition of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty with all-new game modes, hidden characters and storylines. Top-secret weapons technology is being mysteriously transported under cover of an oil tanker to an unknown destinatio
  34. gamingmachinery
    May 21, 2021
    10
    this game is the worst evar!!,
    there is no first person cardboard boxing. kojima was mad because of this review...
  35. Naked_Snakee
    Mar 21, 2023
    9
    Just text (crutch) to save the game to the list. Such things. Maybe I'll do a review later.

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. 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]
See all critic reviews »