Definitive way to play MGS2 in 2025?
Im thinking of getting master collection ed. then installing some mods, but which ones?
There seems to be no consensus on this, at least i havent been able to find one yet

>>716204706 (OP)
it doesn't need any mods

>>716204706 (OP)
>mods on your first playthrough
???

>>716204706 (OP)
>modding MGS2
I unironically need to quit and leave this fucking shithole website

>>716204706 (OP)
>There seems to be no consensus on this
the answer it's always original game (1.0) on console, faggot.

>>716204706 (OP)
Don't waste of time. The only good thing about it was the graphics and they were only passable for the time.

>>716204790
Yes, I've seen people saying there's issues with graphics or some shit and there's fixes to them. I've had this issue with other games, just actually with mgs 1 where sometimes cutscenes wouldn't load. I've never not regretted installing mods to fix shit since otherwise the game unfortunately doesn't just work upon playing.

>Definitive
>mods
>consensus
Just watch a Let's Play, you're not gonna be able to finish the prologue let alone finish the game.

>>716204706 (OP)
Raiden, games will stop being an interactive medium and become a thought. People will find enjoyment in the idea of booting up a video game and not in the act of playing it, they're not capable of thinking for themselves.

>>716204756
it definitely did back when it launched locked at 1280x720

I emulated it a few years ago. You need a controller with pressure sensitive buttons to holster your gun after drawing it, or else you waste bullets after drawing your weapon.

>>716204706 (OP)
Master Collection.

You only need 2 mods
MGSHDFix for 1080p+ resolutions, fixed skyboxes and effects more faithful than PCSX2.
Every Substance-based release has broken skyboxes, even on PS2, since it was a back port of Xbox version.
https://github.com/Lyall/MGSHDFix/releases/tag/2.5.1

Audio Fix, for some reason they fucked up audio in cutscenes on PC
https://www.nexusmods.com/metalgearsolid2mc/mods/3

Optionally you can download decensorship mod, since every release of MGS2 that isn't the original Sons of Liberty in the US had toned down gore.
https://www.nexusmods.com/metalgearsolid2mc/mods/15

>>716206935
the hd editions don't require this

>>716204863
its only worse everywhere else.

>>716204706 (OP)
mgs2 substance on pcsx2

>>716204706 (OP)
probably the original pc release with a mod

>>716204706 (OP)

PS2

or PS3 HD Collection

>>716209270
inferior to Master Collection with fix mods

>>716209302
original PC port was trash

>>716209409
PS3 version is inferior to 360, let alone Master Collection

>>716209449
>inferior to Master Collection with fix mods
you mean on the same level
and mgs2 works out of the box on pcsx2, you dont need a gorillion mods because the master collection is shit

>>716209270
substance is shit and missing graphical effects from the original release all for some extra mundane dog tags.

>>716209524
>you mean on the same level
>and mgs2 works out of the box on pcsx2, you dont need a gorillion mods because the master collection is shit
Substance on PS2 (and every other platform) has broken skyboxes. This only works properly in Sons of Liberty and with latest MGSHDFix.
PCSX2 doesn't emulate hardware slowdowns accurately, resulting in inaccurate special effects, which was fixed in the latest MGSHDFix.
PCSX2 also has inaccurate effects when rendering at high resolutions, which once again, was fixed in MGSHDFix.

Master Collection on PC is now the best way to MGS2, especially since you can also restore the regional censorship, which was present in every version that isn't the original Sons of Liberty in the US.

>>716209642
>you can also restore the regional censorship
*revert

>>716205469
Kek. I try to recognize when I'm doing this. I've genuinely spent multiple hours trying to get CRT shaders to look nice before to just end up not fucking playing anything in the end.

>>716209642
>Substance on PS2 (and every other platform) has broken skyboxes.
can you elaborate?
i can see the sky clearly on pcsx2
>PCSX2 doesn't emulate hardware slowdowns accurately, resulting in inaccurate special effects
every special effect that is present on substance on ps2 is present on pcsx2, you might get some performance issues maybe
the only reason i can understand why you might want to play the poop collection is for higher resolutions, so yes, pcsx2 maybe has issues at higher resolutions but i wouldnt know since i play ps2 native resolution

>>716209642
>specially since you can also restore the regional censorship
talking about this like it's some major feature returning seems hilarious when as far as i can tell its just making the game slightly more gorey in a few random places

>>716207509
THIS!

OP this is THE perfect answer. Got all 3 of the important ones.

I have the exact same. Literally nothing else matters.

>>716210751
you people kept crying over transparent laser sight, which was barely visible for a split of second, like the world is coming to end

>>716204706 (OP)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NbXmgvEtVPk

>>716207509
>>716209642
wake me up when the master collection has the skating minigame

>>716204706 (OP)
>but which ones?
better audio
hdfix
afevis's sons of liberty restoration (if you want the original gore that was censored after 2001 also fixes some music)
afevis's texture fixes (not totally necessary, just fixes a lot of misaligned textures)
that's about it.

>>716211009
>there's no separate mini game that is accessible at any time from the menu, which can be emulated separately for curiosity
>so I'll refuse to play a version of the game that runs and look better

Is the concept of taking the best of both completely alien to some of you?

>>716210880
have no idea what you're even referring to, obsessing over minor issues like that or your image is a stepping stone to long-term mental illness though. i can tell you're already on your way there given the fact that you romanticized it so hard by pretending it was some major returning previously "censored" (:0) feature.

>>716204706 (OP)
PS2, either Sons of Liberty version or Substance since neither really changes the core experience.
On CRT obviously.

>>716211145
>ask for the best way to play to MGS2
>get slightly elaborative answer that denounces misinformation
>"HOLY AUTISM"

>>716211249
>whats the best way to play MGS2
>THE PC IS THE ONLY DEFINITIVE WAY TO PLAY THE GAME BECAUSE YOU CAN DOWNLOAD ALL THESE MODS AND IT MAKES IT THE DEFINITIVE VERSION DUDE IT EVEN REMOVES THE CENSORSHIP THATS NATIVE TO EVERY RELEASE SINCE THE ORIGINAL ONE MAN
>censorship in question is a few blood particles
yeah you have autism

>>716211373

That was literally my post >>716207509

If you have issues downloading and installing 2 drag and drop mods, you'll have more issues downloading the bios for PCSX2 and setting up the controller to get around pressure sensitive controls.

>>716204706 (OP)
mod fags are so annoying desu

>>716211448
>setting up the controller to get around pressure sensitive controls.
you dont have an actual dualshock 2?

A LIST OF NAMES BELONGING TO JEFFREY EPSTEIN'S CLIENTS!]/spoiler]
Kojima really is a prophet...

>>716211448
when did anyone mention having troubles installing mods?
i just thought it was funny, and also a sign of mental illness, that you felt the need to assert so confidently that PCSX2 is a definitevly worse way to play the game, with one of your main points to support this being you emphasizing that it's "ESPECIALLY" because PC mods "remove censorship", which is a hilariously romantic way of saying that there are a few areas where things are slightly more gorey
there you go autist, i've explained the joke to you, and you've not convinced me that you're any less autistic for requiring the explanation. you're also annoying. i hope you don't act like this to people irl.

>>716211601
Damn, installing and figuring out how to make dshidmini work is more straightforward than 2 drag and drop mods?

>>716211645
>here are the reasons why Master Collection with mods gives you better experience than PCSX2
>also you can do this
>AUTISM AUTISM AUTISM

>>716204706 (OP)
Go to pcgw for the link to the unfucked audio mod

>>716211715
>autistic meltdown to a simple "lol seems a bit silly to characterize this as some massive feature"
not beating the allegations lil vro

>>716211805
considering how this board cries over the slightest removal of licensed product as deal breaking censorship, decensor mod is always worth mentioning

>>716211805
>>716211913
or the change of red cross to green
meanwhile gore is actually something bigger

>>716211673
>dualshock 2
>dshidmini
youre mixing them up buddy
which one uses dshidmini do you know?
and no its not hard to set it up

>>716212339
I have DS2 with USB adapter for PS3, so it's detected as DS3

>>716204706 (OP)
PS2, because you'll need a shitton of savestates.

>>716212434
fair

i havent played it but i feel like the xbox one port might be it. The xbox version of the ps2 game looked better in a lot of ways but the ps2 was better than the xbox at some niche stuff so it had performance issues in a few areas. my guess is the xbox one not only fixes that but makes the game look even better than it did on the xbox.

im a big fan of ninja gaiden black and seeing that on the xbox one was really impressive. looked crisp and even better.

>>716204706 (OP)
the only mods id be interested in based on my experience with the game, would be if anyone could make new VR missions. that was some of the most fun i had growing up gaming with my friends. we would take turns trying a vr mission and pass the controller around. as we got better we would play riskier and do more retarded shit to see if we could still win.

can you guys imagine how kino it would be if someone made like 50 or 100 new VR sneaking challenges? talk about BASED CAN I GET A FUCK YEAH?

>>716207509
Got any for MGS3 as well?

>>716213728
It's the same, really

The very same MFSHDFix https://github.com/Lyall/MGSHDFix/releases/tag/2.5.1

Audio Fix https://www.nexusmods.com/metalgearsolid3mc/mods/4

I also recommend this, it's upscaled UI, so it looks better at above 720p resolutions.
The original uploader didn't upload this to new Nexus Mods page, after Master Collection page was split between games
https://mega.nz/file/GYY2XYrb#FhBu__d1lnnrpcV7yxF5JQvmRzTKq6HRs-E5lz4nf7U

digital foundry grasping for topics again...
patreon money still dwindling down?

>>716204706 (OP)
So ignore every other faggot in the thread so far.

STOCK Sons of Liberty on PCSX2 (pic related iso) for the campaign.

Either STOCK MGS2 Substance on PCSX2, OR MGS2 Master Collection PC for all the bonus content like the VR missions and Snake Tales. However HD/MC version are missing skateboarding.

The reason you need to play the original PS2 version of Sons of Liberty campaign is that there is a laundry list of differences between it and all the HD rereleases that severely destroy art assets, bonuses like the shaver working correctly, misspellings in the cutscenes, wrong lighting, worst of all replacing some of the 2001 voice acting with 2011 rerecordings for controls that sound jarringly out of place with the aged actors performances as well as several other misgivings that are really only present in the campaign but not in any of the bonuses.

So yeah just pick up a PS2 MGS2 iso and emulate it if you're Pkek. Really the best way is on an actual PS2/PS3 with pressure sensitive buttons and a CRT but whatever.

>>716209449
>PS3 version is inferior to 360, let alone Master Collection
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahaha

>>716204863
if you're not modding why tf you playn on pc ya whole assed kinsey sixed up faggatron

>>716215731
Not only the framerate is worse, but in MGS2HD on PS3 there's a lag every time you load up the codec conversation, making it objectively worse.

And the updated controls are fine.

>>716215824
Fuck up every last thing if you're giving me pressure sensitive buttons in return.

Reminder MGS2 is a 50% complete rush job of a game that should have been released in 2002.

CUT SEGMENTS

>Tanker Escape: After Ocelot takes over RAY and starts causing mayhem, Snake has to escape the sinking ship by backtracking all the way to the beggining, however, there was a timer as water waves came out of the bottom and if it reached Snake, it would be game over, also while avoiding enemies in alert mode. It is unknown how long it lasted or where did Snake start from. Was removed because Kojima didn't find it entertaining enough or "fun".

>Hudson Bridge Harrier boss fight: Unknown how this worked timeline wise, but after escaping the sinking ship, Snake manages to get on top of a passing bridge, later encountering the Harrier, which then a boss fight ensured. Probably removed cause it's too convoluted and because it complemented the escape segment better, it is also unknown who would have been piloting the Harrier, probably Vamp. However, this would have explained how Snake and Otacon were familiar with the Harrier and Vamp.

emulate the PS2 version on low res cry shaders on

CUTSCENES

>Snake's overview of RAY: Snake watches RAY rise from the tanker as it sinks, he is seen with a FAMAS contacting Otacon, telling him this is bad. This probably later was proceeded by the Hudson bridge harrier fight.

>Cyborg Ninja meets Pliskin: At some point in the Plant chapter, Olga makes contact with Pliskin, probably when they fought in secret. Unknown why it was removed, however, there is a screenshot of this scene behind the CD case.

>Arsenal Gear Manhattan and Federal Hall crash: Raiden and Solidus go through the city of Manhattan and experience a crazy chain of events, with the ship first hitting and collapsing the Statue of Liberty, later buildings getting destroyed and collapsing, sirens all over the place and cars getting launched in the air, there was also a part were they passes through a building with American flags on it, and Solidus ripping them one by one as Arsenal Gear moved. Later they stopped at federal hall, and the sudden stop makes them fall from the ship. This was cut because of 9/11.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNSPx-oRV60

>Solidus Speech: There was more to his speech that was cut, involving "Freedom", and showing shots of the Statue of Liberty. Probably cut because of 9/11.

>Karen Hojo: After defeating Solidus, there was a cutscene that showed a news reporter talking about the destruction of Manhattan, her name being Karen Hojo. This was removed because of 9/11. Later reused for the Graphics Novel.

>>716211145
>you refuted my claim on the internet? That's a sign of mental illness you know
Hilarious new trend that I've seen other midwits regurgitate here and there

MAPS

>Aquarium: Strut D bottom originally had an aquarium filled with marine life. The cut character "Doc" would have filled you in on the different fish species that inhabited the Big Shell and Raiden could take his time and relax in this room.

>Playable Hudson Bridge: While the bridge appears in game, it does not appear as a playground, however, a boss fight was supposed to take place in said location.

>Strut H interior: This strut apparently was going to be accessible, possibly were Snake and Olga had their second match.

>Strut I Interior: Same with H, as somehow suppose to be accessible.

>Arsenal Gear on Manhattan: A map that was going to show the destruction caused by Arsenal Gear.

>Shadow Moses Heliport: Unknown why would they revisit such location, probably planned for games modes or story flashbacks.

>>716216412
>content that was cut because it didn't fit anywhere
>HURRR THE GAME IS LE UNFINISHED, JUST LIEK MGSV
I'm not a kojimadrone, but come the fuck on lmao

WEAPONS:

>SPP-1M Underwater Pistol: A handgun that could be used while underwater, probably removed because it serves no purpose.

>Balloon: No ideas what in the Alabama was this, probably to make enemies think you're Pennywise?

>FAMAS: The iconic assault rifle from MGS1/TTS was going to return, Probably brought by Snake. Later reused for TTS.

>Fire Extinguisher: Probably useless because the games didn't have a fire segment, and the Coolant Spray kinda replaces this.

>Fatman's C4: His special ultimate package C4 was usable in game, probably removed because it is unnecessary.

>M Spray: Unknown.

>>716204706 (OP)
you dont need mods anymore just play the fucking game why are you even here if you havent played metal gear solid 2

>>716205040
Just emulate the original game. Use whatever enhancements you like, run it in 4k if you want or the original resolution if youre a nostalgiafaggot. The original ps2 version runs at a stable 60 fps even on original hardware so there is no real advantage of playing any of the ports.

The same cant be said of mgs3, that game can barely stay above 20 fps in the original version

>>716206935
Oh yeah i forgot about this, the ps2 original has terrible controls. Might be preferable to play a port after all

>>716215824
>And the updated controls are fine.
the mgs2 and 3 controls are convoluted enough as it is, trust me the controls aren't "fine" by being further complicated. The most annoying thing about this is that they kind of could have mostly solve this by removing the raise-weapon mechanic and simply have the weapon raise automatically when you press L1 if you have the weapon equipped, that way you'd just push square to fire, and let go of L1 if you want to back up. One less push

This wouldn't solve all pressure sensitivity related issues but it'd solve the biggest one

>>716204706 (OP)
>ctrl-f
>substance of subsistence
>0 results
hate this board, op substance of subsistence, adds subsistence camera from mgs3 to mgs2
https://github.com/oct0xor/mgs2sos

>>716217129
Although not really since with emulation you could just bind the pressure sensitive actions to a completely different button

>>716217165
thats cool
too bad the audio sucks

>>716217158
Did you even play them with updated controls? You press L3 to raise weapon up and down. You can still just hold Square to aim, free square button to shoot and press L3 to lower the gun.

The controls are fine.

substance on ps2 is the only version with the skateboarding minigame

>>716217318
Did you read my post? Because that's one extra button, again making a rather convoluted control scheme even more convoluted.

>>716204706 (OP)
Just play the game. I recommend doing:

1. First playthrough on normal.
2. Snake Tales (these are set to Hard mode)
3. Mission Mode.(these range from Easy to Extreme)
4. (optional) Second playthrough on European Extreme. Try Big Boss rank foo if you want.
5. (optional) Collect all dog tags.

ITEMS:

>ST Camera: Another version of the camera, probably replaced by the regular Camera.

>M Spray: No idea.

>Ear Plugs: Snake was going to be able to use ear plugs as a noise control from using Stunt Grenades. Probably removed because its useless gameplay wise, although it makes sense to use them.

MODELS:

>M1 Abrams Tank: Raven's tank was going to return somehow, probably for real time flashbacks. Later reused for TTS.

>Hind D Helicopter: Liquid's chopper was also supposed to return in a way, probably for flashbacks. Later reused for TTS.

>Osprey Helicopter: Was going to make an appearance some point during the Plant Chapter, unknown why it was removed, probably was going to show up during the Arsenal Gear crash, or after.

>Metal Gear REX: Was going to make an appearance, probably as a flashback. Later reused for TTS.

>>716205040
MC versions have a ton of bugs and deficiencies. Emulation is the best way to play all of them.

>>716217464
A regular person would be more confused by pressure sensitivity thresholds.

Or if a controller had fucked up sensitivities. I had to switch to DS2 on PS3, since on my both DS3s the buttons were too clicky and I unintentionally kept doing wrong actions.

There is a pack that includes all the mods needed to fix most of the bugs (others are still being worked on), but if you don't want to bother, emulate.

MG 1 - MGS 1 in the MC are all inferior. For MGS 1 they were either lazy or wanted to focus on accuracy to how it looked and played on an actual PS1, the game upscales quite nicely on modern emus that let you fix the texture warping and jittering.

>>716217556
Wrong. MGSHDFix fixed stuff that is broken on PCSX2

>>716217709
They left the sky broken because they thought it looked better. It was his choice.

>>716204760
It pisses me off that he had cigarettes with him and refused to use them to heat up the fucking thing.

>>716217760
ok, lol

>>716216412
The Harrier on the bridge (Verrazano I think, the one Snake jumps off at the beginning) was just for demo purposes afaik, to show more technology

>>716219604
Sorry it was Hudson, not Verrazano - That's passed when Snake is in the bowels of the ship

>>716217765
I'm gonna use my cigarettes that I hid in my STOMACH
..
AWESOME

>>716219864
He seemed to want to smoke them just fine.

>>716204706 (OP)
Just buy the Master Collection. Both MGS2 and MGS3 have up to 4k upscaling options as well as a High Resolution cinematics mode. Way better than buggy emulation.

Youtube.

PLEASE BE GOOD PLEASE BE GOOD PLEASE BE GOOD PLEASE BE GOOD PLEASE BE GOOD PLEASE BE GOOD

>>716221217
>hideo
skip

if you get the ps2 version make sure you get the right madcatz controller because the OEM factory one is flawed in multiple ways. madcatz improved on the design and has a wide selection of controllers to choose from.

>>716221217
>Metal Gear with famous actors
>famous actors that the VA directors are too intimidated to actually give directions to leading to stilted performances
Yeah it's hideo time

>>716221217
The fact that "Cinematic" is part of the core identity of the game and the fact that Kojima described it as being unable to tell it apart from an actual movie when you play it makes me wonder what it actually is going to be.

Is it going to be some hyper linear Uncharted type of stealth experience?

>>716226801
I really hope it's something like
>The camera angles while you play make everything looks very cinematic