Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 54
  2. Negative: 1 out of 54
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. 100
    Konami could have done more, for sure. There are several titles that really could have been included in this collection for the sake of completion – Metal Gear Solid 4 remains locked to the PlayStation 3, while MGS Acid and Twin Snakes look pretty set to be lost to time at this point. Sure, MGS V remains a viable product in its own right, but Konami really could have filled us in on the rest...With that being said, the original Metal Gear Solid trilogy isn’t just a trio of great games that people have strong nostalgia for. They’re genuine masterpieces and deserve to be preserved into perpetuity. This collection is a perfectly adequate way of preserving them for this hardware cycle.
  2. Oct 23, 2023
    95
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is a staggering piece of history that further cements the impact of Snake's legacy in gaming.
  3. Nov 6, 2023
    91
    METAL GEAR SOLID: Master Collection Vol.1 includes some of the most groundbreaking video games ever made so even if the featured ports aren't all that special, you still get one awesome package and the extras are quite lovely to boot.
  4. PLAY
    Nov 23, 2023
    90
    All the games here are nicely presented versions of the classics as they stand, without too many frills. [Issue#34, p.82]
  5. Oct 23, 2023
    90
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 brings three classic stealth action games to a modern generation of players, and along with it, brings a host of goodies and books that are quite fun to dig through. The extra gameplay goodies, like different versions of classical games, are also fantastic additions.
  6. Oct 23, 2023
    90
    Although I can point out some things to improve, in general they are based on errors that were inherent in the game and that when seen (such as some "strange" expressions in conversations with the codec or that classic "I get up in front of the enemy instead of staying hidden"), more than a curse, they bring a smile and a memory to me. I can only praise this collection for offering this love letter to a capital series for players and, although he and Konami parted ways long ago, bringing together much of Kojima's masterpiece in one place.
  7. Oct 23, 2023
    90
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 brings together five stellar video games from a beloved series. While a lack of further improvements and minor bugs get in the way, newcomers and die-hard MGS fans alike can find a trove of incredible content in this bundle. Kojima’s masterpieces have been respected, honoured and have demonstrated their quality through the ages, a meme passed down worthy of the title of Big Boss.
  8. Oct 24, 2023
    85
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is a really great deal of great games with lots of good extras. Its main flaw is the absence of graphical upgrades, but if you don't mind about this just buy it.
  9. Oct 23, 2023
    85
    Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 is a comprehensive and considered omnibus that, despite dearly missing its creator's input, makes for a definitive way to play one of gaming's greatest series.
  10. Oct 25, 2023
    83
    Overall, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is a pretty substantial collection (even with Vol. 2 in the works) with six games and a ton of bonus content ranging from graphic novels, soundtracks, scripts and more. Metal Gear Solid is really the only game I have any complaints about. Since it’s being emulated, and there are plenty of emulators out there that can smooth out or upscale textures, they could have used or created an emulator that allows for some smoother textures and/or upscaling. This is still a must have for any Metal Gear fan, and even if you are new to the series or have only played Metal Gear Solid V, this is a perfect opportunity to play the games that started it all!
  11. Oct 24, 2023
    82
    Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 is a huge callback for every Metal-Gear-fan. While it does not offer any new content, it brings the classic games back to the current generation of gamers. Therefore you get a huge collection of stealth-games – with all its strengths and weaknesses.
  12. Jun 9, 2025
    80
    It is a pleasure to experience Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, with every single entry holding up as well as it did when first released. For a pure gaming experience, this would be pushing perfection. What keeps it in a category below is the question of purchase for long-term fans. New content? Certainly. Best way to play? Possibly. Enough to warrant the price point? Potentially not until every Metal Gear is given the collection treatment.
  13. Nov 16, 2023
    80
    The first part of the collection includes some of the most influential and unique games of a bygone era. New and old gamers alike have a great opportunity of reliving these gems albeit with some technical caveats from Konami's emulation of those titles.
  14. Oct 30, 2023
    80
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol 1 celebrates the early years of the legendary tactical espionage epic. Each game comes with region-specific versions, a wonderful companion book and even a screenplay. This allows fans of the franchise to delve deep into the iconic world but also provides newcomers with the material to engage with the series. Extra content such as graphic novels and the soundtrack give even more incentive to revisit the groundbreaking games. While the package itself has a strange segmented design that requires you to switch applications, everything that’s included is magnificent.
  15. 80
    While this bundle lacks a thoughtful touch, the Metal Gear Solid Masters Collection Vol. 1 proves that these classic games still hold up; age hasn't slowed them down one bit. Menu management needs help, buttons cannot be adjusted on MGS1, and most of the additional content needs additional downloads outside of the games themselves. This collection could have been better, but any opportunity to make these beloved games available is still an opportunity well spent - even if a technical makeover would still be very much welcomed for each title.
  16. Oct 24, 2023
    80
    Konami has created an excellent way for new players to get introduced to the Metal Gear Solid series, which includes a lot of extra content and three popular installments. MGS: MCV1 is now the best way to play what some consider some of the best action games ever made. The treasure trove of knowledge and content included in the collection is sure to interest fans of the franchise who want the games on newer hardware. However, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 will likely help new generations get introduced to Solid Snake and Hideo Kojima's wildly entertaining action epic.
  17. Oct 23, 2023
    80
    It might not honour the series’ creator, but Metal Gear itself is paid due homage, in one of the best, and most complete, retro compilations there’s ever been.
  18. Oct 23, 2023
    80
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection – Volume 1 serves as both a fantastic collection of video games and as an impressively detailed look at the evolution of the iconic video games series, but is unfortunately hampered by a sense of déjà vu due to providing few upgrades to the core games from the previous HD collection release. Despite this, the Master Collection remains the only way to be able to experience these games on modern consoles and each title is well worth revisiting. The real stars of this collection are the screenplay and master books which provide meticulously crafted breakdowns of each game and serve as a treasure trove of information for die-hard fans to pore over.
  19. Oct 23, 2023
    80
    From the today’s Konami you would expect a lazy port of the HD Collection and of the original Metal Gear Solid. But in Tokyo someone still love the series, and this first of volume of the Master Collection really shows some heart in reselling three masterpieces of the video games history and a bunch of the 2D chapters (including Snake’s Revenge).
  20. Oct 23, 2023
    80
    For the first time in many years, the Metal Gear Solid trilogy is available on modern systems. The Master Collection gives us the experiences we remember with three of the greatest games ever made and includes the majority of the content ever released for those games - including some new content for dedicated fans.
  21. Oct 23, 2023
    80
    The granddaddy of stealth returns in a no-thrills rerelease that lets a whole new audience experience the superlative sneak-’em-ups. A few “of their time” moments make the story awkward, but there’s no denying every game in this collection still has the magic.
  22. Oct 23, 2023
    80
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is a compilation that, although it is very conformist and barely adds significant improvements, allows us to enjoy one of the best sagas in the history of video games on the same platform. And that's just what fans have been asking for for years.
  23. Oct 23, 2023
    80
    Konami has still put together a comprehensive bundle, collecting five highly influential games (and multiple variations) from a period spanning 24 years. There are other ways to play these games, but I think we often undersell the appeal of convenience. Being able to easily access them all on a modern console is a major selling point. For someone like me, who only ever owned the original games on their original consoles, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is indispensable. It's disappointing that there aren't any optional visual improvements or behind-the-scenes material, and the lack of a central hub makes the bundle feel scattershot. The bonus content that is here is simply a cherry on top, however, lending the entire package a sense of reverence for one of the most important series in video game history.
  24. 80
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 does not have everything that a modern collection should have. Its inability to ubiquitously implement modern features like save states and rewinding only keeps players from fully celebrating the history this compilation seems intent on celebrating. But the extras paint a decent portrait of its accomplishments by delving deep into its lore and speaking to almost every entry’s significance within the medium. And even though the actual games haven’t seen many improvements, they are still unique marvels generations later that lovingly balance quirky jokes and deadly serious diatribes about nuclear proliferation. The bundle largely captures what makes the franchise so beloved, even if some useful quality-of-life features have sneaked on by it.
  25. Oct 22, 2023
    80
    The Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection bundles together three of the greatest games ever made, but does so in a convoluted manner. Spread across five separate apps on PS5, it can be a challenge to locate the specific version or the bonus feature you need. The digital packaging surrounding the three classics doesn't quite feel like the labour of love it should do, but once you sink into the PS1 original, Sons of Liberty, or Snake Eater, it's abundantly clear there's still nothing quite like Metal Gear Solid. Konami's Master Collection gets by on the ever-lasting quality of its fallen series, not the means that have brought it back.
  26. Oct 22, 2023
    80
    If there are indeed plans to continue, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is a hell of a first volley. From tweaks and fixes of previous re-releases to an abundance of supplemental material across a whopping seven (arguably more) games, Konami really rolled up its sleeves. Even with some problems and weird choices here and there, this collection exceeded my expectations for sure. Whatever follows this will really put the format to the test, as there’s less precedent and/or existing ports for games like Metal Gear Solid 4 or Metal Gear Acid. The foundation laid is awesome though, and shows that despite past drama there are people at Konami who definitely care.
  27. Nov 10, 2023
    78
    This is a collection of some of the greatest video games in history. On the other hand, it’s based on an old HD collection and yet somehow manages to look and perform even worse than 12 years ago. In terms of what it is, it’s an amazing package. But in terms of care it’s given, it’s absolutely disappointing.
  28. Nov 6, 2023
    75
    The Master Collection is a robust bundle comprising three classic games and a plethora of additional content. It serves as a warm invitation to both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the franchise. However, it's important to note that MGS 1 hasn't aged as gracefully.
  29. Oct 31, 2023
    75
    If I had to summarise the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 into a single word, it would be inconsistent. There have been great efforts by Konami to provide the most complete experience of the original Metal Gear Solid here, but this contrasts strongly with how little has been done to attempt the same for MGS 2 & 3 in terms of preservation and breadth of content.
  30. Oct 24, 2023
    75
    This review and its respective rating have nothing to do with the video games found in this collection. Those already have their place in history and some are enshrined among the best video games ever created. From this perspective, Konami didn't deliver garbage, but it also didn't exploit the potential and opportunity there was to deliver a high-quality homage to its once-star franchise. However, the essence of Metal Gear remains intact and its high points are good enough to consider it in your library, maybe not today, but at some point.
  31. Oct 23, 2023
    75
    Having this games on modern platforms is fantastic and yes, they still are masterpieces that we would recommend without a doubt. But a series as legendary as Metal Gear deserves something more than just a collection without any substantial improvements.
  32. Oct 23, 2023
    75
    The games are good, MGS is good, the package is not bad... If they had a little makeover visually, it could have been perfect...
  33. Oct 23, 2023
    75
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is a nostalgic journey that allows new players to experience the iconic Metal Gear series on modern hardware. While some of the games may not have received extensive visual improvements, the timeless narratives, and innovative gameplay mechanics continue to shine. The emphasis on stealth, the intricate political commentary, and the potential for experimentation make this collection a must-play for any gaming enthusiast.
  34. 75
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 does precisely what it claims to do - bring the first three Metal Gear Solid games to all major platforms after a much-felt absence. While the technical updates given to each game are scarce, this still represents a great way to get into one of the most important and prolific series in video games. Could there be some more touch-ups to modernise these games? Absolutely. But it’s hard to ignore the quality of the games included in this package, and it’s a testament to their strengths that, even with slight improvement, they’re still as compelling as ever.
  35. Oct 22, 2023
    75
    The Metal Gear Solid games remain as masterful as ever, but the same can't be said for this rather rudimentary compilation.
  36. Nov 6, 2023
    70
    The first volume of the new Metal Gear collection brings several legendary titles from the beginning of this once extremely popular series, along with a couple of never-before-released bonus content that definitely has something for old fans. However, KONAMI's laziness to devote more time to polishing these titles makes the compilation seem like only a half-sincere attempt to bring players' attention back to Snake and crew.
  37. Nov 1, 2023
    70
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 has plenty of technical frustrations, but at least it remains true to the classics.
  38. Oct 29, 2023
    70
    Cult video game saga, Metal Gear Solid remains equal to itself and this compilation reminds us of all the qualities of the works of Japanese creator Hideo Kojima. Let it be said, it's a real pleasure to do each episode in chronological order (or not) and to relive some of the most epic moments in video game history (yes, yes, we can say...). But on the other hand, with such a series available, we cannot help but rail against the absence of certain elements (Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes to name but one) and a technique which would have deserved a best treatment. Konami's initiative is not bad in itself, but we keep the bitter feeling that they recovered the HD Collection by dusting it off slightly to create this compilation. After all, these video games will forever remain pure masterpieces and it can be a wonderful opportunity to (re)discover them.
  39. Oct 23, 2023
    70
    The Metal Gear Master Collection Vol.1 is nothing less than the ultimate compilation for all fans of the license. As its name suggests, it is only the first part of a collection, and therefore does not include all the games in the franchise. Nevertheless, it allows fans and the curious to play the first 5 games, notably MGS 1, 2 and 3, the triplet released on PS1 and PS2. Legendary episodes that, in essence, haven't aged a day, but which in form still show their age. If nostalgia speaks to you, if you're a hyper-fan or if you've had the audacity to miss out on the Metal Gear license, now's the time. On the other hand, don't expect anything more than simple ports and a ton of digital goodies that will only speak to lovers of the franchise. If you were hoping for remasters worthy of the PS5 or remakes, you'll have to wait for MGS Delta (3 remake), which will arrive much later.
  40. Oct 23, 2023
    70
    Extras aside (which are fantastic), it’s a compilation that feels a bit lazy, but, at least, we can finally play some of the best games ever made on any current platform.
  41. Oct 23, 2023
    70
    It's hard to separate the two souls of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, because it's glaringly obvious how the one put together by Konami is a mere commercial operation, but at the same time it represents the only way to play a series of great classics of undeniable value.
  42. Oct 23, 2023
    70
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is well-stocked but incomplete, containing great games that could have been updated.
  43. Oct 23, 2023
    70
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is divided into two souls, which both have a fundamental weight: the first is the indisputable value of the works it includes, which in many aspects are still unmatched and unmissable for understanding the communicative power of the video game. On the other side of the coin, and absolutely not up to par, we find the work of re-proposal carried out for this box set, which is limited to the homework, almost as if having to start these games was a nuisance to be done as soon as possible and with minimal effort. The result is a collection that winks at those who already loved Metal Gear Solid, which is unlikely to be able to make new fans discover the saga because it makes no effort in that direction, partially embellished with bonuses that are however forgettable. If this is the modus operandi envisaged for future box sets, including prices, things could get thornier, because - perhaps beyond Metal Gear Solid 4, still confined to PS3 - neither the excellent Peace Walker nor MGSV enjoy the driving force of the extraordinary original trilogy. And if it is true that you can never say goodbye to yesterday , and Konami knows this very well, in this case it would be difficult to think that the best is yet to come.
  44. Nov 21, 2023
    66
    MGS Master Collection gives Metal Gear fans the chance to play the original 80s games on modern consoles. With a few neat inclusions, like story books. The collection scratches some itches, whilst bringing subpar quality ports to the modern day.
  45. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 12, 2024
    60
    This game is a compilation that every true computer addict should have in his home. Actually play it... he probably doesn't need to. [Issue#332]
  46. Nov 6, 2023
    60
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 isn't necessarily an atrocious bundle of Metal Gear ports. The games that have been included here generally still hold up well in 2023 and have been fun to revisit. Still, it's disappointing to see that Konami has done virtually nothing to touch up these titles in the slightest of ways. As such, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 feels like something Konami is simply releasing to make a quick buck. Rather than improving these games to ensure that the the legacy of Metal Gear is something that remains intact for newer generations of fans, this Master Collection fails to put its best foot forward given what modern hardware is now capable of. And for longtime fans like myself, there's very little reason to buy this bundle outside of the convenience of having the series on current platforms.
  47. Oct 27, 2023
    60
    Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Volume 1 is a poorly handled emulation of some truly fantastic games. Its baffling that they got handled this poorly, and I hope we see some fixes soon.
  48. Oct 27, 2023
    60
    The biggest advantage of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is that it lets you play the early installments of the series on modern platforms. As a fan of the franchise, I enjoyed additional content such as Master Books, screenplays, visual novels, and the soundtrack, but unfortunately this is not enough to rave about this bundle. Konami could have done much, much more for these classics but didn’t and missed the opportunity to reach younger players with them.
  49. Oct 23, 2023
    60
    The Master Books are bursting with interesting tidbits that helped me to contextualise each game and the storyline as a whole better than ever before, but there’s relatively little within the games themselves to make this a real must-have if you still have access to previous collections and releases.
  50. Oct 23, 2023
    60
    Who is Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 for? In general, the truth is that I have little desire to recommend spending on this package, but I think that considering that we are looking at seven games in the series that are definitely in a playable state, I think you could consider giving it a try if not you have access to them in no other way. If, on the other hand, you already have the original versions or the HD Collection, my advice is that you completely stay away from this new option, as it basically provides nothing in terms of technical or playability, while on the side of extras, I wouldn't say either. that there is a lot. We are undoubtedly facing one of the great disappointments of this 2023 that has been giving us so many good moments. Let's hope that at least this serves as a lesson for Konami to understand that it is in an industry with high quality standards in which it cannot disrespect its own legacy like this.
  51. Mar 9, 2024
    50
    There is no reason to buy the compilation, except for a lot of extras. Instead, you can only buy games you'd like to play on modern platforms, such as MGS 3.
  52. Nov 9, 2023
    50
    The Master Collection stays afloat solely because the first five Metal Gear games remain superbly playable and timeless even after two decades. However, the minimal effort put into archiving and bringing these legendary espionage thrillers to modern platforms resulted in an incoherent collection riddled with technical glitches and perplexing unfinished elements.
  53. Oct 22, 2023
    50
    Here, the question isn’t whether or not Kojima’s works are good, it’s if Konami should have repackaged them. Again. I’d argue not. Or at least, I’d argue not in this fashion.
  54. Nov 20, 2023
    40
    At best, the Metal Gear Solid HD Master Collection is a cynical cash grab that is trying to repackage and resell you on nostalgia. There are very few reasons to part with your cash at this point: wait for a proper ground-up remake.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.
  1. Oct 31, 2023
    More than anything, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is a way for people to own these games physically and to keep their contents without a need to rely on a digital marketplace. While the ports definitely need some work in terms of performance, it’s nice just having a tangible version of these games, and to have all of the extra content that was previously region-exclusive along with design materials and documents. It’s a way to preserve some of the most influential titles in the history of gaming as we know it.
  2. Oct 23, 2023
    I’m not going to say I’m disappointed with the results. I think it’s great that such a huge swathe of Metal Gear history is now readily available and easily playable on modern systems. But there’s also a part of me that thinks Konami missed an opportunity to give Metal Gear Solid in particular a fresh coat of paint and update it for a modern audience.