I just played through this game for the second time (I own MGS1-3). I think MGS2 is good because it introduces some much needed gameplay variety via the player controlling Raiden. Given, I didn’t think this at first when I played through it but after I beat it I really understood why they had you play as Raiden. Being Snake all the time can get to be old imo. Plus I think it really shows through Raiden how Snake feels about being called a hero. Also in this way players will really learn why Snake has changed from being the person he was in MGS1 to who he is in MGS2.

People who are looking into these games need to keep in mind their emphasis on story, context, and gamestyle. Metal Gear Solid 2 is really as it’s labeled on the box: “Tactical Espionage Action”. It stresses realistic tactics while at the same time it gives you realistic results: if you shoot someone with a Socom pistol you’re going to see blood (unless you turn blood off). It’s not there to glorify violence (the overall story of the series goes out of its way to show that that is not the intent of the games) but perhaps instead is there to show you how dirty war can be. Keep in mind you don’t have to attack every guard nor do you have to use lethal weapons. The sexual content in it is usually there in a sort of James Bond form with a few sexual references and suggestive themes. Keeping that in mind it should also be noted that the series points to the fact that Snake is too disciplined as a soldier to give into these impulses during his missions.

All in all, I would say MGS2 is a very good sequel to a great game. Regardless of whether you like the changes it makes you will most likely enjoy it for being a video game that really makes you think.