Undeniably, Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance (MGS2:S) is a game of just that –Substance. MGS2:S encapsulates a brilliant combination of stealth, story and cinematic ambience which will expose players to a truly unique experience. However, it must be stated that this game is not Splinter Cell and may not necessarily be a game for Tom Clancy purists. Originally released on the PS2 as Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, the xbox has been rewarded with this unique and progressively bizarre edition from Konami.

Starting with the first chapter of the Sons of Liberty campaign, players take on the mullet-fashioned role of Solid Snake; a veteran hero who once again is required to battle adversity and defend the free world from the tyranny of the Metal Gear war machine –a large Mech like weapon. While the game may initially appear to be somewhat daunting, persistence will equip gamers with sufficient skills to become a snake master of their own.

Much of MGS2:S is spent sneaking, crawling between objects, hiding in lockers with pictures of scantly clad women, and getting from point ‘a' to ‘b' in order to stay alive and foil the actions of those who seek power through the use of Metal Gear. Unfortunately, the player only gets to play as Solid Snake for the first chapter of the Sons of Liberty campaign -consisting of the Tanker and Plant chapters consecutively. The issue with this is that the Tanker chapter feels more like a lengthy introduction rather than a fulfilling portion of the game itself. Just as the player has adapted to the games unique presence and grown a deep appreciation for the stealth veteran, it's all over.

However, with one door closed another is opened and this beckons the awakening of a new hero, Raiden (pronounced Rye-den). Raiden is an inexperienced field operative that has been sent in to assess the looming danger surrounding the Big Shell complex; a monstrous cleanup facility located off the coast of New York City. Fortunately, Raiden, Like Snake, is not alone and finds aid using a telecommunications device called a Codec.

This allows Raiden to communicate with other operatives and learn vital information plus gain new objectives. Furthermore, this device is also used to save the players progress, which for the most part is at any point during the game. However, during timed events saving is not possible and this often results in some repetition. A limitation of the Codec is that players are often subjected to mindless babble from other characters, which quite often can be dull, boring, and irrelevant. However series fans as well as other gamers may find this to be a charming attribute that adds to character development and fleshes out the game world.

MGS2:S does not use levels, rather it progresses between each of the two chapters with a sprinkling of cinematic sequences and a garnish of boss battles. The cinematic sequences are of pure brilliance and would stand on their own as a fantastic animated movie. The opening sequence is outstanding and just as in the game itself, it can be seen that the developers at Konami have passionately crafted this work of art. However, like all art, critics may find the interruption of its cinematic prowess to be overtly distracting.

Boss battles are of a positive nature and add to the story's progression while also testing the player's dexterity. However, the challenge with the games combat is its control system and perspective switching. One must often switch to third person mode in order to move and evade, and then switch to first person mode in order to accurately fire. Finger gymnastics occasionally caused a sense of disorientation as this reviewer had to make a cognitive effort to simultaneously move and fire.

Opponent AI is an interesting issue. While the enemy's actions are obviously scripted and routine they are positively challenging. MGS2:S incorporates an effective radar HUD system located in the corner of the screen. This illustrates the alert status of the game as well as the position and viewing distance of enemies. Be sure to stay out of the enemy's sight, as they will not hesitate to call for backup. Once detected you will see an exclamation or question mark appear above the enemy's head. Immediately your radar system will be jammed and the entire environment sent into a flurry of panic. "Quick, hide, evade!” will be one of the many things you might say when caught and will be the only thing to do in order to survive.

Even though Snake and Raiden are equipped with an assortment of manoeuvres (run/walk, dive/summersault, crawling/crouching, ledge hanging, wall hugging, peaking, making a noise/distraction, fighting, chocking, throwing, dragging- try saying THAT fast!), combat is not a wise option and will often lead to certain death. A locker, cardboard box, or empty room will make for a great hiding place, however be sure to duck as enemies will peer through vents, track blood trails, look for disposed bodies, all while conversing with other soldiers. After successful evasion the alert status will slowly diminish through a series of lower caution modes until the ‘all clear' is given. At this stage enemies will revert back to their standard patrolling pattern and drowsy malaise. It's still a tad implausible, but is far more believable than some of the stealth offerings around.

A key strength of Metal Gear Solid 2 is without a doubt its immaculate visual presentation and immense detail. While it can be seen that the game is of PS2 origin, MGS2:S is a refined graphical affair. MGS2:S is filled with amazingly detailed eye candy, including everything from believably cold-hard rain, to seagulls flying overhead and their ample excrement, which players have the fortunate ability to slip and slop around in, to vaporous gas being expelled from a fire extinguisher in the aid of revelling hidden security beams, to hundreds of cockroaches scurrying about the depths of an ominous oceanic steel giant. The visual pallet of MGS2:S may appear to be a little monotonous from screen shots, however the glory of this game is fully expressed on screen with fantastic aesthetic appeal. MGS2:S may not be a visual benchmark like Splinter Cell, but what it does it does well and in vast detail.

MGS2:S utilises a stylised quasi-fixed/third person perspective camera system, emulating the cinematic depth of a Hollywood movie. This has its strengths and weaknesses, as the player never has full control over what they are seeing. One must often revert to wall hugging to see around corners. Fortunately, this method does induce a sense of tension, as players must remain vigilant, ready for what may be lurking around the next corner. The character animation is also of high quality and it is always a pleasure watching Snake's headband ‘swish' around during intense movement.

Complementary to the game's top-notch visuals, MGS2:S has an incredible music score, and is composed by Harry Gregson-Williams who scored the films Armageddon and The Rock. In fact it's surprising that Jerry Bruckheimer hasn't picked up the movie rights to Metal Gear Solid. At any rate, the soundtrack creates a fantastic atmosphere, as well as intense drama and mood. Voice acting is also of high standard -even though some of the Codec moments tend to drag on longer than they deserve. In game sounds are all there too with fantastic exuberance and it is great to hear enemies shriek "Huh?” when you are detected.

The Sons of Liberty campaign is unbelievably engrossing and will probably lure a few attempts. It is a hardy single player mission, which suffers mildly from backtracking. The inclusion of 350 VR and 150 alternative missions make a nice addition, however they felt more like filler rather than compelling gameplay. Only sheer enthusiasts will gain satisfaction from hours of tutorials. The real compelling addition includes five new ‘Snake Tales', which are an absolute bonus and add to the weight of the Substance package.

Simply put this is a rewarding single player experience, but it may only be compelling enough for die-hard fans.