Outer Heaven Resistance HQ
REbellion, REclamation, REvolution-OHR
The Story
MG2 SOLID SNAKE-Platforms:MSX2
In central Asia, Zanzibar Land was a state that had risen up and declared itself independent back in 1997 and was under repeated attacks and attempts to suppress it from Russia. However, Zanzibar managed to hold out against repeated attacks by hiring some of the best mercenaries around. Basically, by abducting Dr. Marv, and having Nuclear capabilities, Zanzibar was trying to gain Military and Economic superiority over the world. (Sound familiar)?
The U.S. government decided that Oilix was too precious to be lost, so they enlisted Colonel Roy Campbell, a former Fox-Hound member and now its commander. He brought Solid Snake back out of early retirement, as was part of the Fox-Hound agreement that any member can be recalled if so wished by the commander. With the help of CIA agent and others, Snake managed to infiltrate Zanzibar. Once again he met up with Dr. Pettrovich, who was being forced to develop another Metal Gear. Dr. Pettrovich then told Snake just who Zanzibar Land's leader was, Big Boss. With the help of Natasha, Dr. Marv's guard and ex- Czech secret police officer, Snake rescued Dr. Pettrovich and went off to free Dr. Marv.
Snake then managed to get hold of Oilix, his mission nearly complete. But first he had to face Metal Gear and Gray Fox. Eventually Snake defeated Metal Gear, but Fox challenged Snake to a hand-to-hand fight, in the middle of a minefield! Snake accepted. Neither of them had any intent to kill out of hatred, just to fight. In that strange, unique moment of pureness, Snake finally managed to defeat his second greatest enemy and one of his best friends.
Alternate Versions
Metal Gear 2 Solid Snake-MSX2-Released 7/20/1990 Japan
Metal Gear 2 Solid Snake-Mobile Phone-Released 10/1/2004 Japan
Metal Gear 2 (MGS3 Subsistence)-PS2-Released 12/22/2005 Japan
Metal Gear 2 (MGS3 Subsistence)-PS2-Released 3/14/2006 America
Metal Gear 2 (MGS3 Subsistence)-PS2-Released 10/6/2006 Europe
Metal Gear 2 Mobile
On October 1 2004, Konami released a mobile phone version of Metal Gear 2 in Japan for the i-Mode, EZweb and Vodafone services. This was the first time the game was ported to another platform since its original MSX2 release in 1990. Several changes were made in order to modernize the game:
New game modes and items- All the new game modes (Easy Mode, Boss Survival) and items (Infinite Bandana) introduced in the mobile phone version of the original Metal Gear were included in this version as well.
Revamped character designs- The character face shots shown during the game's radio mode (as well as the opening intro) were redrawn by Metal Gear Solid character designer Yoji Shinkawa. While the original designs in the MSX2 version resembled actual movie actors and people, the designs in the new version are brought more in line with Shinkawa's designs from the Metal Gear Solid series.
Rewritten script- The script was changed to include more kanji characters than the MSX2 version.
Name changes- Like the mobile phone version of Metal Gear, some characters' names were changed:
Natasha Markova was changed to Gustava Heffner
Yozef Norden was changed to Johan Jacobsen
Pettrovich Madnar was given the fullname of Drago Pettrovich Madnar
Black Color was changed to Black Ninja.
Ultra Box was changed to the Four Horsemen.
Night Sight was changed to Night Fright.
Modified items- Some of the items were modified (graphically and functionality) to parallel their usage in the Metal Gear Solid series.
The graphical icons for each of three ration types are now colored differently to tell them apart.
Equipping the cigarettes will now drain the player's life bar. Moreover, the graphical icon was changed to no longer resemble a package of Lucky Stripes.
Thermal goggles are now available to see through infrared sensors as an alternative to cigarettes.
In the MSX2 version, the player could only place six landmines per screen. In the mobile phone version, this was increased to sixteen.
The time it takes for Natasha/Gustava's brooch to change shape was shortened slightly.
The time for an egg to hatch was also shortened as well.
Modified play mechanics- Certain aspects of the gameplay were changed to make the game easier for the player.
The tap codes were changed.
A mark will appear on the player's feet when making a noise while walking on certain types of terrain.
If a hollow wall is punched, a question mark will appear over it.
Frequency numbers are now saved under a memory window after dialing them the first time.
Campbell's second frequency (which originally could only be learn by checking the rear side of the MSX2 version's packaging) is now given to the player instead.
The Characters
Metal Gear 2 Solid Snake (Zanzibar Land,1999)
Solid Snake- A former Fox-Hound squad member, he is Japanese-British, with an IQ rating of 160. He is conversant in 6 languages, well trained in high-altitude skydiving, scuba-diving and free climbing. Able to sneak anywhere, and under any circumstances; he is "a man who can make the impossible possible". He retired, but was later scouted by the CIA. He served as a deep cover agent there, but opposed to its system, and left the organization after 6 months. True name and family are concealed through "Classified National Security Codes".
Big Boss- Former general troop commander of Fox-Hound. An American who participated in LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol) in Vietnam, and afterwards, exploited his superior skills in SOG (Special Operations Group), the Green Berets and the Wild Geese. He has completed more than 70 missions. In the late 80's, he participated in several regional conflicts and race liberation wars. Then he lost an eye, and retired from the front line to concentrate on military education and training. The 1990's arrived and he was nominated as general planning commander of the international special forces squad Fox-Hound. Then, Big Boss, transformed by greed and dreams of absolute power, managed to take control of Outer Heaven, and tried to establish world domination. He was stopped by Solid Snake in operation N313. He has since fled to the Middle East. Exact location is unknown.
Roy Campbell- General planning commander of Fox-Hound. The American responsible for Operation Intrude F014. He has called Solid Snake back as an intruder for this operation. After holding high rank in the United States Marine Corps (USMC), Fifth Marine Legion, and the Green Beret Squad, he joined Fox-Hound, and became vice-commander. Was known for the code name "Chicken Fox" in his early days. His strategic planning ability was clearly evident after Big Boss was gone. Campbell discarded code names, and built up the already hi-tech special force team by utilizing recon satellite orbits and other implementations, creating a completely new Campbell-way Fox-Hound. In contrast to the instinctive and wild strategies of Big Boss's, he ekes out operation plans with caution and detail, and "zero residual presence" is of utmost importance. One of the few commanders who remembers the old Fox-Hound of Big Boss days.
Holly White- An American free-lance journalist. Born from a French mother and an English father, she became interested in literature at an early age. Was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her shocking Afghanistan report. Moreover, she is famous as a documentary program director for KTV, and won a Grammy Award for her documentary, "Unknown Bloodstream". Her fame has multiple aspects, like once being contracted as a fashion model for "Vogue" magazine. Now, she actively utilizes her position and honor to the extreme, playing a spy role for the CIA. She has sneaked into Zanzibar Land under the guise of a journalist.
Natasha Morkova- Former professional figure skater. Was called "a fairy on ice" in world championships and the Olympics, and won 2 championships in a row. Came to knew a western man in Calgary, and she fell in love with him. Tried to seek asylum with him, but failed, and Natasha was stripped of her competition rights. Then she joined STB (Czechoslovakia International Secret Police). On a mission to escort Dr. Marv to America, the plane was hijacked by Zanzibarians. Natasha was among the passengers and her current situation is unknown.
McDonnel Miller- Hired by Campbell as survival consultant for Fox-Hound. Born in the United States 60 years after his grandparents immigrated there, he has served as a survival master in SAS (Special Air Skytroopers of Britain), The Green Beret Squad, US Marine boot camp, and most recently Fox-Hound. He is also volunteers as a coach in Merc School (Mercenary School) twice a year. When he served as a drill sergeant in the Fox-Hound, he was referred to as a "Hell Master" and draftees called him "Master Miller" with respect. He divorced his first wife (Nadine), and is currently residing in Los Angeles with his daughter (Catherine). Miller is full of ideas and is quite knowledgeable in the area of science.
Yozef Norden- Expert on all animal matters. A zoologist, also known as a UN endangered species preservation authority. Has been acquainted with Pettrovich since they were college graduates. He was once a Green Peace member when he was young. Norden is currently the vice president of WWARF (World Wide Animal Rights Federation) and also a living matter accountant for the science magazine "Maxwell". He is now in near Zanzibar to investigate animals indigenous to the area.
Gray Fox- Former Fox-Hound member. Owns a "Fox" title which is the maximum commemoration in Fox-Hound, and he is senior to Solid Snake. Was always a top in the Fox-Hound troop. In operation N312, he sneaked into Outer Heaven and actively collected Metal Gear information. When Big Boss disappeared, all trace of him was lost and it appears he followed after his commander. True name is concealed by "Classified National Security Codes".
George Kessler- Fox-Hound strategist. After his career in various mercenary troops like South Africa mercenaries and French Foreign Legion, in the Zanzibar Independence War, (commonly referred to as "War of the Mercenaries") he was severely wounded in his right thigh, and his professional military career was over. He once worked as a negotiator but shortly afterwards became a war informant using his battlefield experiences and knowledge. For a very long time he has been serving as an advisor for Fox-Hound. At this moment, it is said there is no mercenary he doesn't know of. On the other hand, it's also said that if you don't know him you are not worth being branded a first-class mercenary.
Kio Marv- A Czech scientist. Professional in bio-technology. In the east he was conducting a study on fertilizer evolution planning using bio-masses. By accident, he discovered the "Oilix" prototype in one of his experiments. He has made improvement after improvement on it, and the world spotlight now shines upon him. He has no families. He was also famous as a computer games maniac, and he subscribed many games he made himself to various magazines, and was regarded as splendid game designer. On his way to America to join the International Energy Problem Conference, he was kidnapped and taken to a fortress in Zanzibar Land. Has severe heart problems.
Pettrovich Madnar- Former Eastern scientist prodigy. Professional in Robotology. In N312 times he developed TX-55 Metal Gear Prototype , TX-11 "Cyberoid" (Arnold) and was forced to utilize these technologies and others in Outer Heaven. Reformed the base using engineering and powered-gear technologies of the time, and is famed as a "Father of Robotology". After the N313 incident, he sought asylum in the west leaving his only daughter Ellen. Pettrovich is an academic friend to Marv the Czech scientist.
Night Sight- A survivor of a legendary guerrilla squad "Whispers", which is said to be more advanced than Green Berets about jungle warfare in North Vietnam. He attacks with a Wei Shen Sho Ciang, a gun with few noise. He has latest camouflage system so he is invisible. Moreover he is radar-stealth so even a radar cannot reflect him.
Running Man- Former short-range runner which was famed during Barcelona Olympic. Doping ended his life as an athlete, and he became a mercenary. Later, he joined European terrorism. Fully acquainted in detonation technique, he sets booby traps depending on his fast legs. In France, he once served as a sub-leader of an extreme terrorists group Les Enfants Terribles (terrible children). Within SEK (German domestic anti-terrorism special force), he is feared as a "running man".
Red Blaster- An elite assassination-the only man who achieved special operations degree in Rumumba University of USSR. He had career in Spetsnaz (special commandos in Russian army), he favors detonating operations using explosives, and also is a master at throwing grenades.
Predator- From former RECS (reconnaissance) commando squad. Professional in ambush and favors guerrilla tactics, he is called as "an assassin without form".
Zanzibar Guard 1
Gas Mask Guard
Green Beret Guard
Metal Gear Unit(s)
Mechanics
Vehicles
Transport Vehicle
Transport Vehicle 2
Tank
Aircraft
Transport Helicopter
Hind D Helicopter
Security Countermeasures
Security Camera
Security Mine
Arsenal
Beretta Pistol: A Beretta M92F semi-automatic handgun with optional silencer.
Sub-Machine Gun: A Ingram M11 uzi sub-machine gun with optional silencer.
Landmine: An M78 anti-personnel landmine which is invisible without detector.
Stinger Missile: An anti-aircraft stinger missile. Can be fired within radar range.
Remote Controlled Missile: An American M47 Dragon anti-tank missile.
C4: Plastic explosive. A lightweight explosive with a switch or timer detonation.
Grenade: An M68 impact-detonating shrapnel grenade with target indicator.
Gas Grenade: An ABC M25A2 gas grenade. Emits CN1 gas upon explosion.
Equipment
B1-B3 Rations: Combat "Meal ready to eat" food rations. Restores life.
Binoculars: A pair of Nikos F500 binoculars. Capable of long-distance sight.
IR Goggles: Night vision infrared goggles useful in dark areas.
Gasmask: Useful in poisonous gas areas. Also useful against CN1 gas.
Mine Detector: Helps find the positions of all mines on your radar.
Pills: A medicine and drug controls runny nose.
Hair Spray: Spray made from Thymethyl Ether to make a torch.
Lighter: A Zippo lighter used to mix with hair spray to make a torch.
Oxygen Tank: Doubles your oxygen when you are under water.
Cigarettes: A carton of Lucky Strikers. Help sense which direction the wind is blowing.
Box: Cardboard box used for transport. A label reads- "To Zanzibar Complex".
Bucket: A metal bucket used to wash lavatories.
Vest: Bulletproof vest prevents damage from bullets.
Hang Glider: Glide across the damaged bridge from 20F Tower building.
Brooch: Zanzibar Land brooch given by Natasha. Have's her scent and turns into a key.
Key Card: Opens secured doors according to their level of safety from levels 1-9.
Red Card: Key card compatible with doors from levels 1-3.
Blue Card: Key card compatible with doors from levels 4-6.
Green Card: Key card compatible with doors from levels 7-9.
Disc: A game cartridge for MSX from Dr. Marv and contains Oilix plan sheets.
Egg: Found in the bio lab and hatches into either an owl or a snake.
Owl: The famous Zanzibar owl. Hoots and draws attention to fool guards.
Snake: A type of Boa and is nocturnal and non-aggressive.
Mat: A camouflage mat hides you from enemy sight.
Mouse: A robotic mouse searches for sensors and traps.
Silencer: Suppresses the noise of your gun. Compatible with the Beretta and Mac 11.
Gameplay
Other changes made include:
The player can switch from standing to crawling mode by pressing the weapon and punch buttons simultaneously. In doing so, the player can hide under desks and seats, enter air ducts and pick up landmines. The player can also avoid making noises on any terrain by crawling instead of walking. However, no weapons be used while in the crawling position.
Facts
Gray Fox's true name is revealed during a radio conversation with Kessler as being Frank Jaeger (sometimes Romanized as Frank Yeager). His last name is actually the German word for Hunter, an alias he once used during his time in Calgary. In Metal Gear Solid, his foster sister Naomi also uses the Hunter surname.
The first boss in the game, a member of the space ninja unit Black Color, was based on the titular characters from Timothy Zahn's novel, The Blackcollar. In Japanese, Blackcollar and Black Color are pronounced the same way.
During the game, Kessler tells Snake a rumor about Big Boss being given cybernetic implants by Dr. Pettrovich after reportedly losing his limbs during the events of Metal Gear. While certain fans interpreted this as a jab directed at Snake's Revenge (in which Big Boss is a cyborg), in reality this is a reference to Kojima's previous game Snatcher. In Snatcher, the Dr. Pettrovich Madnar character was the head of original snatcher project.
Another boss, the close-quarter assassination specialists known as Ultra Box, were named after synth-pop band Ultravox, one of Kojima's favorite bands.
Hideo Kojima, the game's designer, originally didn't have plans to do a Metal Gear sequel himself after the lackluster sales the game had in Japan. It was only after he became acquainted with one of the game designers behind Snake's Revenge (a sequel to Metal Gear made with the western market in mind, where Metal Gear was a surprise hit) that Kojima was inspired to develop a sequel himself.
The game's instruction manual features a fictional document outlining Snake's mission to the reader. The document was actually based on a similar mission sheet featured in the J.C. Pollock novel, Crossfire. Moreover, other aspects of the game (such as the romantic relationship between an American solder and a Czech skater) were also based on aspects in Pollock's book. J.C. Pollock is reportedly one of Hideo Kojima's favorite authors.
Most of the main characters' face shots were modeled after well-known celebrities:
Solid Snake- Mel Gibson
Roy Campbell- Richard Crenna
George Kessler- Dolph Lundgren
Gray Fox- Tom Berenger
Pettrovich Madnar- Albert Einstein
Big Boss- Sean Connery