Current version:Famicom / NES
Metal Gear

Metal Gear

The NES version of Metal Gear. It differs from the original MSX2 release in level layout and enemy differences, including an alternative final boss. The game revolves around Solid Snake, an operative of the special forces unit FOXHOUND, who goes on a solo infiltration mission into the fortified state of Outer Heaven to destroy "Metal Gear", a bipedal walking tank capable of launching nuclear missiles from anywhere in the world, as well as rescue a number of fellow agents who have been captured by the enemy. This version was later released inside the Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes - Special Disc, along with other extras.

AI score · out of 10
7.9 / 10
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About this game

The NES version of Metal Gear. It differs from the original MSX2 release in level layout and enemy differences, including an alternative final boss. The game revolves around Solid Snake, an operative of the special forces unit FOXHOUND, who goes on a solo infiltration mission into the fortified state of Outer Heaven to destroy "Metal Gear", a bipedal walking tank capable of launching nuclear missiles from anywhere in the world, as well as rescue a number of fellow agents who have been captured by the enemy. This version was later released inside the Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes - Special Disc, along with other extras.

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Famicom / NES

AI review

AI reviews are subjective assessments, not player ratings. See each review for its evidence and limitations.Published date:

7.9 / 10Famicom / NES

Metal Gear is assessed here as a specific FC/NES release with its documented strengths and practical limits kept in view.

The NES version of Metal Gear. It differs from the original MSX2 release in level layout and enemy differences, including an alternative final boss. The game revolves around Solid Snake, an operative of the special forces unit FOXHOUND, who goes on a solo infiltration mission into the fortified state of Outer Heaven to destroy "Metal Gear", a bipedal walking tank capable of launching nuclear missiles from anywhere in the world, as well as rescue a number of fellow agents who have been captured by the enemy. This version was later released inside the Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes - Special Disc, along with other This assessment focuses on the specific FC or NES release and on the play actions, goals, and progression documented for Metal Gear. Its value comes from how clearly the central rules create decisions and feedback across a session. Pacing is judged by the variety of situations, the learning curve, recovery after failure, and the reason to replay. Presentation is considered through readability, animation, sound, and the consistency of the game's style rather than by modern resolution. Practical limits such as period controls, guidance, saving, or required accessories are included only when they affect this release. Players who enjoy learning compact systems and improving through repeated attempts are the clearest audience, while anyone seeking modern convenience

Strengths

  • The documented central loop gives Metal Gear a clear identity and a learnable set of goals.
  • Progress rewards understanding the rules and applying them more consistently across repeated situations.

Weaknesses

  • The original release can create friction through its documented difficulty, guidance, control, or recovery limits.

Who it is for: Players interested in the original FC/NES design and willing to learn its period-specific rules.

Play notes: Check the documented language, saving, accessory, and recovery conditions for this exact release.

View scoring basis
DimensionReview stateScoreWeight
Dimension

The content pacing score applies the V3 boundary to the documented mechanics, pacing, presentation, and FC release constraints.

Reviewed7.7 / 10Not provided
Dimension

The core experience score applies the V3 boundary to the documented mechanics, pacing, presentation, and FC release constraints.

Reviewed8.1 / 10Not provided
Dimension

The presentation immersion score applies the V3 boundary to the documented mechanics, pacing, presentation, and FC release constraints.

Reviewed8.1 / 10Not provided
Dimension

The technical usability score applies the V3 boundary to the documented mechanics, pacing, presentation, and FC release constraints.

Reviewed7.1 / 10Not provided

Review sources

Not provided

Core information

Developer
Konami
Publisher
Konami
Release date
1988
Platforms
Famicom / NES
Content kind
Game
Release state
Released
Region
Worldwide
Official website
Not provided
Offline minimum players
Not provided
Offline maximum players
Not provided
Online minimum players
Not provided
Online maximum players
Not provided
Tags
Top-downStealth2D GraphicsExplorationSolo-friendlyEspionageCollection-richShooting
Supported game languages
Not provided
Requires base game
Not provided
Standalone
Not provided
Age ratings
Not provided
Play modes
Single player
Perspectives
Top-down

Release editions

Sources

Not provided