Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel

Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel is a stealth action game developed by Konami for the Game Boy Color. The game was released in 2000 and is a spin-off title in the Metal Gear series, featuring similar gameplay mechanics and a storyline that takes place outside of the main series continuity.

Ghost Babel was actually the Japanese name; in Europe and US, the game was also sold with the simple (and confusing) name Metal Gear Solid, but this is clearly a very different game compared to the Windows and PlayStation release. The "real" Meal Gear Solid is a 3D game, while Ghost Babel has a top-down view, and it's clearly in 2D, considering the limited capabilities of the Game Boy. But in a way, it's even better, or more nostalgic, for the fans of the original MSX Metal Gear.

Interestingly, the events of Ghost Babel are supposed to happen in 2002, which is between Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, which was set in 1999, and Metal Gear Solid, which happens in an imaginary 2005. In fact, this game can be considered in many ways Metal Gear 3.

In Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel, you play again as Solid Snake, a former member of the elite special forces unit FOXHOUND, who is tasked with infiltrating a military fortress in the fictitious country of Gindra. You will find your friends Roy Campbell and the beautiful Mei Ling again. As you can expect, the game focuses on stealth and strategic combat.

Unlike the Metal Gear Solid we have played on PC, this Game Boy Color version goes back to pixel art of the classic MSX Metal Gear but with several improvements. Despite being released on a handheld platform with limited hardware capabilities, Ghost Babel impresses with its well-crafted gameplay and engaging storyline. The game features a wide range of weapons and gadgets for you to use, as well as various enemies and bosses to overcome. The stealth mechanics are also well-implemented, with several ways to approach each situation and avoid detection. Some features, like the ability to flatten yourself against walls, punch terrorists, and a plethora of gadgets and ammo, are nice additions. Additionally, you can flesh out the story through codec conversations with colleagues, a feature that was introduced in the MSX version of the game. There is also a very nice tutorial at the beginning, where you learn how to check the radar and avoid enemies.

The game features detailed, well-animated sprites and environments that push the Game Boy Color's hardware to its limits. The music and sound effects are also top-notch. The soundtrack is a perfect adaptation of the Playstation music. The game also features some nice cutscenes, like the ones you have seen in Ninja Gaiden or other titles.

If you really want to find a negative aspect, the difficulty level is probably too high, at least for a GameBoy game. The game can be quite challenging, with some sections requiring precise timing and careful planning to complete. Additionally, the game can be quite short, with only a few hours of gameplay to be found in the main story.

Anyway, we are talking about a masterpiece here. There must be a reason if many consider Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel the best game ever created for the Game Boy Color. Whether you are a fan of Metal Gear or not, this is a title you have to try.