4. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)

The concluding chapter of the Metal Gear Solid saga in terms of its story was one of the biggest landmark moments of the PlayStation 3 era. A title boasting beautiful graphics, the promise of every story thread receiving closure, and a new control scheme and set of mechanics that brought the series into the modern era made Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots the talk of the town back in June 2008. And with single cutscenes that stretched to the two hour mark alone, boy did it deliver for series veterans. While the Beauty and the Beast Unit weren’t quite up to snuff when it came to boss fights, the concluding chapters more than made up for their mediocrity. We doubt the hysteria surrounding Solid Snake’s final hour will ever be beat, as a story 20 years in the making made its final bow.

3. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PS2)

Probably the greatest bait-and-switch in vide ogame history, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty divided fans for a long time. The introduction of Raiden was a sticking point for many devotees, despite taking centre stage for one of the series’ most bonkers journeys. It’s here that we are introduced to the Patriots, the phrase “La-Li-Lu-Le-Lo”, Vamp is presented as a vampire who can walk on water, and Colonel Campbell turns out to be an AI who strongly suggests you turn the game off. It was utter insanity, and it’s here where the series really got its reputation, thanks to a number of otherworldly occurrences that could only have come from the mind of Hideo Kojima. It’s a good job then that the gameplay that tied every one of these bizarre strings together was more than up to scratch then. Did we mention that the final boss fight with Solidus Snake, the former president of the United States, takes place on top of Federal Hall?

2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2)

Not only did Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater turn the clocks back with an origin story that helps to set up every other game in the franchise, it also flipped the gameplay on its head with a jungle setting that posed brand new challenges. Animals became a threat, weather affected your visibility, and a new camo system played a part in detection whenever an enemy happened to cross your path. It was innovative for the time, with certain mechanics expanded upon in sequels down the line. And then there was the cast of bad guys: The Boss, Ocelot, and The End probably stand out the most, but they only scratch the surface of the outlandish foes you’ll meet along the way. It was a phenomenal experience, but there’s one game we think is even better.