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Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1
Item: Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Shooter, Single Player

AvailableOct 24, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperKonami

Overview

The origin of stealth action returns. Metal Gear Solid Master Collection: Volume 1 unifies the beginning of the Metal Gear gameplay experience in one single package. Infiltrate enemy fortresses all over the globe, complete your missions with stealth and experience the thrilling cinematic story of the Metal Gear series. Volume 1 line-up features the original titles and beginning of the Metal Gear series: Metal Gear, METAL GEAR (NES version), Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, Snake's Revenge, Metal Gear Solid (Including VR Missions/Special Missions), Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (HD Collection version), Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (HD Collection version) Title lineup Metal Gear Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake Metal Gear Solid (Including VR Missions/Special Missions) Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (HD Collection version) Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (HD Collection version) Metal Gear (NES/FC version) Snake's Revenge Regional versions of the titles are available as additional downloads. [Video] Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel Metal Gear Solid 2: Digital Graphic Novel [Digital book] Metal Gear Solid: Screenplay Book Metal Gear Solid: Master Book Metal Gear Solid 2: Screenplay Book Metal Gear Solid 2: Master Book Metal Gear Solid 3: Screenplay Book Metal Gear Solid 3: Master Book Metal Gear & Metal Gear 2: Screenplay Book Metal Gear & Metal Gear 2: Master Book The digital books can be accessed from the game's main menu screen. [Soundtrack] Metal Gear Solid: Digital Soundtrac

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the captivating storytelling and impressive narratives in the Metal Gear Solid games, praising the compelling writing and memorable voice acting that make them industry masterpieces. While some critics note controversial moments and outdated elements, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority hailing the collection as exceptional for its political commentary, humor, and timeless narratives.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics, such as Areajugones, Digitally Downloaded, Finger Guns, Gameblog.fr, God is a Geek, Hobby Consolas, Noisy Pixel, PlayStation LifeStyle, Press Start Australia, Push Square, SpazioGames, VG247, and Vandal, praise the captivating and impressive storytelling of the Metal Gear Solid games. They highlight the strong narratives, compelling writing, and memorable voice acting that make these games masterpieces in the gaming industry. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and Metro GameCentral also mention the games' exploration of themes such as militarism, patriotism, information, propaganda, AI, government surveillance, and personal data abuse, which adds depth and relevance to the storytelling. However, there are some criticisms raised by certain critics. GameSpot acknowledges the inclusion of some controversial and outdated moments in the story, while TRG points out the problematic treatment of women in the series. Metro GameCentral also mentions that the storytelling feels outdated, with long cutscenes and divisive humor. Additionally, Multiplayer.it does not provide much detail about the story of Metal Gear Solid or the overall storytelling quality of the collection. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Story of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is exceptional. The majority of the critics, including Areajugones, Finger Guns, Gameblog.fr, God is a Geek, Hobby Consolas, Noisy Pixel, PlayStation LifeStyle, Press Start Australia, Push Square, SpazioGames, VG247, and Vandal, consider the story of the Metal Gear Solid games to be captivating, compelling, and unmatched. They praise the intricate political commentary, the mix of off-the-wall humor and political drama, and the unique and timeless narratives that make these games stand out. While there are some criticisms regarding certain aspects of the storytelling, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics recognizing the exceptional quality of the story in the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics widely praise the gameplay of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 for its stealth, strategic planning, and challenging puzzles. Positive reviews highlight the depth of mechanics, immersive experiences, and fun standalone stories. Some critics mention dated combat mechanics but overall agree that the gameplay offers a unique and enjoyable experience. With a consensus of positive feedback, the game's well-crafted gameplay shines through, earning acclaim for its quality, innovation, and engaging elements.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 are generally positive. Many critics praise the gameplay mechanics of the Metal Gear Solid games, highlighting elements such as stealth, strategic planning, and challenging puzzles. Finger Guns describes the gameplay as brilliant, emphasizing the depth of mechanics introduced in MGS2 and the immersive experience of MGS3. GamingBolt also praises the gameplay, mentioning the fun standalone stories and unique crossovers between the games. They also appreciate the control schemes and the inclusion of extra gameplay content. Gameblog.fr and Gamereactor UK mention the varied gameplay that mixes action, stealth, and puzzles, and praise it as well-crafted. These positive opinions indicate that the gameplay of the Metal Gear Solid games offers a unique and enjoyable experience. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by a few critics. Multiplayer.it states that the gameplay of Metal Gear Solid has aged and feels rough and clunky, especially during combat. They do note that revisiting the game can still be a nostalgic and enjoyable experience. This criticism is supported by Vandal, who mentions that while the gameplay of the Metal Gear Solid games is revolutionary, some aspects have not aged well. These negative opinions suggest that certain aspects of the gameplay, particularly combat mechanics, may feel outdated to some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is enjoyable and well-crafted. Atomix, Cultured Vultures, GGRecon, God is a Geek, Metro GameCentral, PlayStation LifeStyle, Press Start Australia, TRG, The Games Machine, VG247, and WellPlayed all praise the gameplay of the Metal Gear Solid games, mentioning elements such as quality, innovation, enjoyable stealth mechanics, and the importance of planning and strategy. The positive opinions outweigh the negative ones, indicating that the gameplay of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is generally well-regarded by critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Reviewers have mixed opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1. While some praise the visual direction and artistry, others criticize the lack of updated visuals like 4K resolution and performance issues on certain platforms. The collection's graphics are seen as a mix of strengths and weaknesses, with some games aging well and others needing improvements.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

81%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the critics. Starting with the positives, several reviewers praise the visual direction and art direction of the games. Finger Guns mentions that the visual direction of the games was always stellar and holds up surprisingly well today. GamingTrend also mentions that while the graphics of the older games may appear slightly blurry on modern TVs, the visuals are still enjoyable. Additionally, Press Start Australia acknowledges minimal improvements in graphics and visual design, with the HD remasters of Sons of Liberty and Snake Eater being praised for their 1080p resolution and 60fps. On the other hand, there are several criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of the collection. Areajugones criticizes the lack of updated visuals, specifically mentioning the absence of 4K resolution and limited performance on the Nintendo Switch. Atomix and Cultured Vultures both criticize the graphics and performance of the collection, with Cultured Vultures mentioning the lack of resolution and frame rate improvements. GameSpot acknowledges that the visuals of the original Metal Gear games are showing their age, mentioning the blocky PS1 textures in Metal Gear Solid. Gameblog.fr also mentions that the controls and visuals of Metal Gear Solid show their age and lack graphical enhancements or options to change the aspect ratio. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while the visual direction and art direction of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 are generally praised, there are significant shortcomings in terms of updated visuals and graphical enhancements. The lack of 4K resolution, limited performance on certain platforms, and the aging graphics of the original Metal Gear Solid are commonly criticized. However, there is also recognition of the enjoyable visuals and improvements in the HD remasters of Sons of Liberty and Snake Eater. The collection's graphics and visual design are seen as a mixed bag, with some games holding up well and others lacking significant improvements.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics praise Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 for original Spanish voice acting and David Hayter's iconic performance as Snake. The soundtrack includes new versions of classic songs, but some critics feel it lacks depth and audio quality issues like crackling and clipping. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the collection is generally well-received for its music and sound design.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, there are several positive aspects that stand out. Areajugones and Gamereactor Spain both highlight the inclusion of the original Spanish voice acting, which is considered a highlight of the collection. Digitally Downloaded praises the iconic voice acting of David Hayter as Snake, noting its contribution to the overall experience. Atomix and GGRecon mention the inclusion of a selection of music and new versions of classic songs in the soundtrack, respectively. WellPlayed mentions a jukebox of iconic tunes and optional background tunes, adding to the overall appeal of the collection. However, there are also some negative opinions expressed by the critics. GamingBolt criticizes the soundtrack, stating that it is lacking beyond the most iconic songs and the absence of certain tracks. Cultured Vultures mentions crackling audio during gameplay, which can detract from the immersive experience. Stevivor criticizes the audio quality across the Solid titles, noting clipping throughout. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while there are some positive aspects to the Sound Design and Music of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, there are also some areas for improvement. The inclusion of the original Spanish voice acting and iconic voice acting by David Hayter are widely praised. The selection of music and new versions of classic songs in the soundtrack is also appreciated. However, there are criticisms regarding the lack of comprehensive tracks in the soundtrack, audio quality issues such as crackling and clipping, and the absence of certain tracks. Despite these negatives, the overall sentiment seems to lean towards a positive reception of the Sound Design and Music in the collection.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1. Some praise the iconic performances, like David Hayter's portrayal of Snake, enhancing the cinematic experience. However, others criticize occasional awkward moments and outdated terms, especially in the Spanish dub. While the voice acting adds to the storytelling, there are flaws that may affect the overall enjoyment for some players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 are quite varied. Several critics, such as Digitally Downloaded and Hobby Consolas, highlight the iconic and memorable voice acting in the Metal Gear Solid games. They specifically mention David Hayter's portrayal of Snake as a standout performance. This positive sentiment towards the voice acting adds to the overall appreciation of the collection's cinematic presentation and aids in the unique storytelling, as mentioned by PlayStation LifeStyle. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the voice acting in the collection. God is a Geek mentions occasional awkward moments and cringey dialogue, suggesting that not all performances are consistently strong. Stevivor criticizes the lack of consultation with the original voice actors, resulting in outdated terms being used in the game. Vandal also points out performance issues in the Spanish dub, which may affect the overall experience for players who prefer that language option. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is a mixed bag. While there are standout performances and iconic portrayals, there are also occasional flaws and issues with certain language options. The inclusion of the original Spanish voice acting is appreciated by Gamereactor Spain and Vandal, but the performance issues mentioned by Vandal may dampen the overall enjoyment for some players. Despite these mixed opinions, the voice acting contributes to the overall cinematic presentation and storytelling of the Metal Gear Solid games, which is generally seen as a positive aspect of the collection.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 receives mixed reviews for technical performance. Some critics praise smooth gameplay on PS5 with improved graphics, while others criticize bugs, framerate drops, and freezing issues. Lack of higher frame rates and 4K support disappoint some reviewers. Overall, the collection's technical performance falls short of expectations, with room for enhancements in resolution, frame rate, and bug fixes.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, there are both positive and negative aspects mentioned by the critics for each gaming platform. Starting with the positives, some reviewers, such as Noisy Pixel and GamingTrend, highlight that the games run smoothly without any performance issues or anomalies on the PS5. Additionally, GamingBolt mentions that the games play and perform fine, with particular praise for the loading times and the use of SSD. Gameblog.fr also mentions that Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3 have been remastered with improved graphics and controls, indicating a positive technical experience on the PS5. Moving onto the negatives, there are several criticisms raised by the reviewers. Atomix criticizes the presentation and technical aspects of the collection without providing specific details. Finger Guns mentions minor bugs and framerate drops in MGS1, lock-ups in MGS2, and wonky upscaling in MGS3, which are considered frustrating and relatively inexcusable. Cultured Vultures mentions freezing issues and aesthetic bugs, which are seen as problematic for a port to modern hardware. Shacknews also mentions slight performance issues in Metal Gear Solid 1, further highlighting technical shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among the critics for the technical performance of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is mixed. While some reviewers, like Noisy Pixel and GamingTrend, report smooth gameplay and no performance issues, others, such as Finger Guns and Cultured Vultures, point out various technical problems like bugs, framerate drops, and freezing. The lack of higher frame rates and 4K support is criticized by Gamereactor UK and Push Square, indicating a disappointment in the technical enhancements. However, it is worth noting that Gameblog.fr highlights the remastered graphics and controls in Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3, suggesting some positive technical improvements. Overall, the technical performance of the collection seems to have received a lukewarm response from the critics, with room for improvement in terms of resolution, frame rate, and bug fixes.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics generally praise Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 for its abundant content and extra features that enhance replay value. Positive aspects include enormous content variety, extra gameplay options, updated Trophy lists, and the convenience of playing on the Nintendo Switch. However, some critics express concerns about the lack of substantial enhancements and high price, especially for existing owners of previous collections. Overall, the majority of critics view the collection favorably for its replay value, making it a worthwhile purchase for both fans and newcomers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 are generally positive. Many critics highlight the abundance of content and extra features that enhance the replay value of the collection. Finger Guns describes the amount of content as enormous, bordering on infinite replay value. Gamereactor Spain mentions the inclusion of extra content such as information files, soundtracks, different versions of the games, and non-canonical and VR versions, which adds to the replay value. GamingBolt emphasizes the availability of extra gameplay content and the ability to play different versions of Metal Gear on different platforms. Press Start Australia acknowledges the inclusion of updated Trophy lists, providing an incentive for replaying the games. These positive aspects contribute to the overall replay value of the collection. However, there are a few critics who express some concerns about the replay value. SpazioGames mentions the lack of substantial enhancements and high price, which may make it a questionable purchase for new players. VG247 states that there is relatively little within the games themselves to make this a must-have if you have access to previous collections and releases. Press Start Australia also mentions that if you already own the HD Collection versions of Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3, the inclusion of these games in the collection may not be worth it for you. These criticisms suggest that the collection may not offer enough new content or improvements to justify a purchase for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 offers a good amount of replay value. Areajugones highlights the convenience of playing on the Nintendo Switch, which adds to the appeal of revisiting the games. GamingTrend states that each title in the collection is well worth revisiting, especially for die-hard fans of the series. Noisy Pixel mentions that the games offer replay value through unlockables and experimentation, even after multiple playthroughs. God is a Geek emphasizes the great value for money offered by the collection. While there are some concerns raised by critics regarding the lack of substantial enhancements and the potential redundancy for existing owners, the overall sentiment is positive, with the majority of critics recognizing the replay value and the appeal of the collection for both long-time fans and newcomers.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

41%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Overall Verdict of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, it is clear that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. The positive aspects highlighted by the critics include the opportunity for fans to enjoy the legendary Metal Gear Solid saga on a single platform, the preservation of these iconic games for the current hardware cycle, and the inclusion of extra goodies and gameplay extras. Critics such as Finger Guns and GGRecon specifically praise the collection as an easy win with incredible games and a trove of content, while GamingBolt commends the games as masterpieces of the medium. The Games Machine also praises the collection for its care and attention to detail, surpassing expectations. On the other hand, the negative aspects mentioned by the critics include the lack of significant improvements, missed opportunities, and the absence of certain visual and control enhancements. Critics like Atomix and Stevivor express disappointment in the collection, with Atomix considering it one of the biggest disappointments of 2023 and Stevivor calling it unnecessary and a lazy bundle for its price. Cultured Vultures criticizes the collection for its rudimentary nature and lack of updates, while Vandal feels that it is a missed opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Metal Gear Solid. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are praises for the quality and preservation of the Metal Gear Solid games, there is a general sentiment that the collection lacks significant improvements and enhancements. Critics like GameSpot and PlayStation LifeStyle acknowledge the disappointments but emphasize the convenience and value of being able to access the games on a modern console. Despite its flaws, many reviewers still consider the collection a must-have for fans of the franchise, as expressed by Gameblog.fr and God is a Geek. However, some critics, such as Stevivor and Atomix, do not recommend purchasing the collection due to their dissatisfaction with its offerings.

TL;DR

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 receives mixed reviews. Critics praise the legendary games' preservation and content but criticize the lack of significant improvements. While some recommend it for fans, others consider it a disappointment and unnecessary purchase.

MONSTER

Reviews

107 reviews found

100

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 5

Oct 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the Metal Gear Solid games as genuine masterpieces that deserve to be preserved. It also mentions that the collection is a decent way of preserving them for this hardware cycle.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Oct 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 as an important piece of gaming history and expresses a desire for a second volume.

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GamingBolt

PlayStation 5

Oct 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is an excellent release, praising the games, extra goodies, and gameplay extras. The weak point mentioned is the soundtrack.

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Gamereactor Spain

PlayStation 5

Oct 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives the game a score of 9 out of 10, praising it as a great opportunity to reunite some difficult-to-find classics and highlighting the Spanish voice acting and quality of life improvements, while mentioning some localization errors and the lack of certain visual and control improvements.

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Finger Guns

PlayStation 5

Oct 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is an easy win, with five incredible games and a trove of incredible content. It acknowledges the lack of significant improvements and minor bugs but states that the games are masterpieces of the medium.

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WellPlayed

PlayStation 5

Oct 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the Master Collection for its preservation of Metal Gear, but notes the absence of Kojima's influence and the incomplete feeling of the collection.

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The Games Machine

PlayStation 5

Oct 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the collection for its care and attention to detail, and states that it surpasses expectations.

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GGRecon

PlayStation 5

Oct 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 is an excellent deal and gives it a 4/5 rating.

TRG

PlayStation 5

Oct 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is a treasure trove of stealth games that have stood the test of time, although the treatment of women in the series is problematic.

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Shacknews

PlayStation 5

Oct 22, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that the collection exceeded the reviewer's expectations and praises the supplemental materials, adjustments made to previous ports, and cool bonuses, but mentions some problems and weird choices.

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