Achieving the Big Boss Rating
Recently, I accomplished a long-held childhood dream: securing the elusive Big Boss rating in Metal Gear Solid 1. This achievement has been both a source of fascination and trepidation for me since I first experienced the game on my PlayStation 1 back in 1998. My success can be attributed to a combination of determination, skill, and, admittedly, a touch of cleverness.
To expedite my journey, I opted for the Japanese version of the game, which is notably easier, and utilized a few speedrunning techniques to enhance my progress. While some may argue about the ethics of such an approach, I maintain that it counts. After all, the thrill of the achievement remains intact.
For those considering diving into Metal Gear Solid 1 on Steam, be mindful that the free-to-play trial ends on Monday, July 27, at 10 AM EDT / 1 PM PDT / 6 PM BST. While my method may have worked for me, I would recommend pursuing the challenge without shortcuts for a more authentic experience. It’s a personal journey that deserves to be undertaken with integrity.
Now, you might wonder why a three-year-old re-release of a nearly three-decade-old game is currently offering a free trial. There are two primary reasons. First, the upcoming release of the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol 2, which will finally liberate Metal Gear Solid 4 from its PS3 confines, is set for August 27. This trial serves as a strategic move to generate excitement around the franchise. Second, Konami, the company behind the series, often operates in ways that defy conventional logic.
If you were hesitant to purchase Vol 1 of the MGS Master Collection due to its initial state, there’s good news. The collection has undergone significant improvements since its launch. All three games included have received substantial patches, enhancing the overall experience. In particular, MGS1 now boasts higher-resolution rendering and improved analogue controls, making it feel more polished and enjoyable.
For those playing on Steam Deck or desktop Linux, the MGSM2Fix mod can be easily installed via Luxtorpeda, further enhancing your gameplay experience.
