Essential Gaming Guide for Newbies | Insights from the Community
A complete beginner to gaming is seeking guidance on how to get started with iconic titles. Players from various forums are weighing in on the best approach, fostering lively debates about the order in which to tackle the series.
Many commenters advocate for playing games in release order, specifically highlighting the Metal Gear series. One user remarked, "Pick up The Master Collection on Steam; it has all the games up to MGS3. It's typically recommended you play in release order." Others echo this sentiment, while also noting that earlier entries like Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake are not crucial to understanding the story, suggesting they are mostly optional.
Importance of Metal Gear 2
Some players remain firm on the significance of Metal Gear 2. One commenter asserted, "You'll get much more out of MGS1 if you play MG2 first." This title, despite its retro graphics, is reported to deepen players' understanding of key narrative elements in the series.
Dimensionality is added to the conversation as players share various views on which earlier games to skip. Notably, many suggest bypassing the 1987 Metal Gear, as it is viewed as non-essential. The preferred starting lineup goes:
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Recommended Expansion
For those enjoying their initial foray, several sequels expand the gaming experience. Included are:
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Newcomers are encouraged to watch lore videos for deeper context, particularly if they opt to skip some older titles.
Diverse Opinions from Gamers
A mix of playstyles and preferences has shaped the conversation. One player noted, "MGS3 is fantastic, but make sure to check out Portable Ops and Peace Walker afterward." Others caution against dabbling in spin-offs, advising that many are not canon and don’t impact the overarching narrative.
Interestingly, there's mention of bugfix modpacks that improve the player experience, and a few were shared.
"Here are a couple bugfix modpacks that fix issues still present in the Master Collection" detailed one enthusiast, further emphasizing the importance of playing the games in an optimal format. Those on PC have options available on platforms like GOG and Steam, and it’s suggested that newcomers take note of the release order.
Key Points to Keep in Mind
🕹️ Start with Metal Gear 2 to enhance understanding
🌟 Essential order to follow: MG2, MGS1, MGS2, MGS3
🚫 Optional: Skip MG1 but leverage lore videos for background
As discussions progress, it’s clear the gaming community remains passionate. The right play order can significantly boost a newcomer’s experience with the Metal Gear series, igniting further conversations.
What Lies Ahead
Expect ongoing debates as gamers continue to share their preferred play orders. The community's input may lead to more detailed guides, enriched by personal stories, shaping how newcomers approach the series. With increased engagement on forums, the probability is high that this lively dialogue will inspire new players to join, as veterans refine their recommendations.