Before there was Snake Eater. Before there was Sons of Liberty. Before there was Solid Snake versus a giant mech on Shadow Moses — there was a man sneaking through a facility on the MSX. Metal Gear. 1987. The origin.
The Master Collection Vol. 1 gathers the first five main entries in the Metal Gear franchise into a single package, released in 2023 to mark the series' 35th anniversary. It is, in the most literal sense, where everything begins.
What is in the collection
The original Metal Gear (1987) and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1990) — the MSX originals, playable in full. Metal Gear Solid (1998) — the game that invented modern stealth action and introduced Solid Snake, Shadow Moses, and Psycho Mantis reading your memory card. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001) — one of the most divisive sequels in gaming history and, viewed from 2026, one of the most prescient. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004) — the Cold War jungle survival stealth game that many consider the finest entry in the series.
Bonus content includes the Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel, screenplay books, master books, and a digital soundtrack.
The honest caveat
Vol. 1 launched in a state that drew criticism. Resolution issues, missing features, a rougher port than the games deserved. Konami addressed these with updates, and Noriaki Okamura acknowledged the problems publicly — noting they used the feedback to ensure Vol. 2 would launch in better shape.
The games themselves remain extraordinary. The collection is the most accessible way to play them.
Available now
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC. Also available as standalone digital titles for MGS1, MGS2 and MGS3.
Kage played the original on MSX. He does not speak of it lightly.