Browsing through Gamestop last weekend, I spent some time staring longingly at the new copies of Dragon Quest 4. Being a huge fan of old style RPGs and turn-based gameplay in general, I was tempted to purchase the game right there and then. I only make $100 every two weeks, and with bills and gas to pay for, that doesn’t leave a lot of leeway for overly priced, albeit cool, video games at the moment. That in mind, I’ve taken it upon myself to use this week’s Bargain Bin to point you toward some of the more affordable, yet still awesome turn-based games you can play on the go.
Metal Gear Acid 1 and 2
While not official entries into the Metal Gear Solid canon, the Metal Gear Acid games are to date two of the most creative entries in the franchise. Playing very much like a turn-based strategy game or even a tactical RPG, the games combine the stealth centered action of the main series with turn-based actions, and most oddly, playing cards. Every action the player makes requires the use of a playing card which is drawn from a virtual deck the player can customize. Cards can be earned in any variety of ways: by completing missions, throughout the various maps that make up both games, and most commonly by purchasing them with points earned by completing missions.
The game play is fun, addictive, and easy to pick up for veterans of most any turn-based game. What makes the Acid games interesting is that unlike most other games that rely on turn-based strategy, the goal is often not to kill your enemies but, in true Metal Gear form, to sneak past them undetected. This focus makes the game a far more versatile beast; while there are some standard search and destroy missions in which Snake must wipe out his foes, the sneaking missions challenge the player to eek out new strategies. Furthermore the ability to customize your deck allows you to shape Snake’s abilities to your personal style. It is perfectly possible, if not advisable, to make Snake into a tank, and have him plow through each mission heedless of any semblance of stealth.
The missions are in no short supply either. Ditching the relatively story-heavy tendencies of their kin, the Acid games revolve far more around the gameplay, and offer a lot of replayability.
Aesthetically, the game is also very nice, featuring some good character models and relatively detailed maps that do the generally high-quality visuals of the Metal Gear games justice. The music is a bit of a non-presence, but it’s a slight complaint against the countless things the games do well. In fact the most disappointing thing about these games is that there probably aren’t going to be anymore. Despite some good critical reception, the Metal Gear Acid games were met poorly by series fans hoping for a more traditional MGS experience. Having played Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops however, and acknowledging it as a good game, I must say the Acid games are better. They work around the limitations of the PSP in creative ways and use its strengths to fashion a fun, challenging and unique gaming experience. Above all else, the games are incredibly affordable for the package you’re getting. I suppose some good things can come from a series not catching on with people.
- Metal Gear Acid
- Metal Gear Acid 2
Video Game Reviews 
