America is under threat, and the opening credits have started rolling. . .

No you haven't erroneously surfed to the Film section, this is Metal Gear Solid - pretty much the closest you can get to playing in a top secret-agent film without being called Pierce Brosnan.

Your name is Solid Snake, and your lords and masters have sent you to infiltrate a group of international terrorists (Foxhound) who have laid their hands on some nuclear weapons and started pointing them at the good ol' U.S. of A. The threat is real, and the words 'clear and present danger' spring to mind. One man against a heavily armed, well organized subversive organization, and your best weapon is. . . stealth.

Briefing over, what can you expect when you arrive outside Foxhound's hideout (a huge warehouse in Alaska)? Well, don't expect to be able to go storming in all guns blazing. Your superiors would not have sent you on this mission if they thought they could have done the job with the heavy mob. Instead, you're going to have to rely on your wits to outsmart your hostile enemies every step of the way. . . nerves of steel go without saying.

Metal Gear Solid takes place in completely 3D, Realtime environments, with your view changing from first- to third-person perspective as you go into the innovative 'stealth' mode. The action elements of the game can get very intense but this is definitely not a shoot'em up. . . to come through this mission alive you're going to have to employ strategy and mental agility as well as a sure aim. The game boasts a fantastic selection of hide and seek options - you should use every possible opportunity to avoid confronting the terrorists. Hide underwater or behind corners, crawl down air vents. . . you can even distract guards' attention by throwing objects or tap on piping.

Technically, Metal Gear Solid is as impressive as anything yet seen - the lighting effects provide a distinctive atmosphere to the game, whilst there are some impressive water and snow effects. MGS's film-like qualities run throughout the game - there are over 2 and a half hours of realtime cut-scenes which use the in-game graphics and engine to blend the plot and action sequences together seamlessly. 

There are also some outstanding touches to the gameplay which could end you up with a slug in the chest. Take care, for example, when you're standing at the corner of a building. . . your vapor breath might give you away to a guard on the other side. In short, you're at your safest when the terrorists catch neither sight, sound or sign of you. . .

Remember Snake, your mission is to save America, not be a hero. . .