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Metal Gear Solid #2
Sons of Liberty
METAL GEAR THE BEAST IS BACK.
WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?
In a torrential downpour, former FOXHOUND agent Solid Snake stands on the George Washington Bridge–ready to launch himself onto the deck of the U.S.S. Discovery as it passes below. Inside Discovery is a new generation of Metal Gear. But in the next hour, Snake’s world explodes.
Two years later, a young, unproven agent code-named Raiden must penetrate the mystery of what went so insanely wrong that night.
In a labyrinthine superstructure in New York Harbor known as the Big Shell, enemies, allies, secret agents, and double-dealers Russian commandos, a cyber Vamp, a long-legged, leather-clad, rifle-bearing beauty named Fortune, a deformed, finely manicured bomber called Fatman, and a mysterious Mister X. Somewhere in the maze, as well, is the president himself–his biometrics coded to a bomb that can take out Manhattan, his loyalties unknown. Now the rookie Raiden is fighting his way to one discovery after another, including the rebirth of Solid Snake himself and a nightmare organization with a history, a plan, and a terrifying superweapon hidden in plain sight.
WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?
In a torrential downpour, former FOXHOUND agent Solid Snake stands on the George Washington Bridge–ready to launch himself onto the deck of the U.S.S. Discovery as it passes below. Inside Discovery is a new generation of Metal Gear. But in the next hour, Snake’s world explodes.
Two years later, a young, unproven agent code-named Raiden must penetrate the mystery of what went so insanely wrong that night.
In a labyrinthine superstructure in New York Harbor known as the Big Shell, enemies, allies, secret agents, and double-dealers Russian commandos, a cyber Vamp, a long-legged, leather-clad, rifle-bearing beauty named Fortune, a deformed, finely manicured bomber called Fatman, and a mysterious Mister X. Somewhere in the maze, as well, is the president himself–his biometrics coded to a bomb that can take out Manhattan, his loyalties unknown. Now the rookie Raiden is fighting his way to one discovery after another, including the rebirth of Solid Snake himself and a nightmare organization with a history, a plan, and a terrifying superweapon hidden in plain sight.
308 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
19 people are currently reading
755 people want to read
About the author
Raymond Benson
158 books306 followersRaymond Benson is the author of approximately 40 titles. Among his works are the critically-acclaimed and New York Times best-selling serial THE BLACK STILETTO, and he was also the third--and first American--continuation author of the official James Bond 007 novels. His latest novels are HOTEL DESTINY--A GHOST NOIR, BLUES IN THE DARK, IN THE HUSH OF THE NIGHT and THE SECRETS ON CHICORY LANE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 21, 2022
This is less an adaptation and more an exercise in plagiarism. Almost all dialogue is lifted word-for-word from the video game, and the parts that aren't are just strange and take you out of the narrative. For instance, Snake carries an AKS-74u during the tanker by slinging it over his shoulder, which you cannot do in the video game but makes sense for a story that isn't bound by video game logic. Later on, however, Raiden uses "hanging mode" to sneak past a guard. He doesn't hang over a ledge. He uses "hanging mode".
It's almost as if Benson watched an MGS2 ALL CUTSCENES video on YouTube and found a transcription on GameFAQs and used that as the source for this. Very disappointing, somehow makes reading Kojima's dialogue boring.
It's almost as if Benson watched an MGS2 ALL CUTSCENES video on YouTube and found a transcription on GameFAQs and used that as the source for this. Very disappointing, somehow makes reading Kojima's dialogue boring.
August 15, 2021
I'd say read only if you played and loved the games.
December 12, 2015
The only thing I can really give the book props to is that it's easy and quick to read. It had flashes of funny writing, but even that wasn't enough to boost this novel from bad to average. I've never even played a game in this franchise, but this novelization makes me want to go and play it because it would be a lot more fun than reading about it!
I'm very certain this is just the book form of the game, but that doesn't excuse Benson from writing like an uninspired amateur. Nevermind the fact that things that make sense in a game do not automatically make sense in a book!
The novel also gets bogged down with useless explanations, terrible descriptions (sometimes even contradictory!), and way too much 'going from point A to B or wherever aka I no longer care'. It all just felt like useless padding to me.
Normally the saving grace would be either the plot or the characters. I got neither. The plot is goofy, it's silly and crazy but I got none of that in the novel. The writing just turns the goofyness into absurdity or idiocy if it isn't being dull.
The characterization leaves much to be desired. Snake and Raiden (when in their pov) just read like the same person. Both having leering male gazes makes it even worse. Having detailed descriptions of the women, and making their physical beauty the most important thing is just infuriatingly disgusting. Take for example Emma, she's a genius and then we get a comment somewhere along the line of 'beautiful and smart'. It reads like the fact that she's brilliant is just an afterthought, which really undermines her strong points and makes Raiden look like a pig.
But above all of it everyone either feels like crazy (and not in a good or fun way) or stupid. Like really stupid in a way that makes you want to scream and knock some sense into them.
As a novelization of the game I never played, i'd reccommend you go play the game instead or watch a LP on youtube, it's bound to be a lot better than this. As a stand alone book I wouldn't recommend it unless you get it for free and want to play spot the mistakes or how not to write.
I'm very certain this is just the book form of the game, but that doesn't excuse Benson from writing like an uninspired amateur. Nevermind the fact that things that make sense in a game do not automatically make sense in a book!
The novel also gets bogged down with useless explanations, terrible descriptions (sometimes even contradictory!), and way too much 'going from point A to B or wherever aka I no longer care'. It all just felt like useless padding to me.
Normally the saving grace would be either the plot or the characters. I got neither. The plot is goofy, it's silly and crazy but I got none of that in the novel. The writing just turns the goofyness into absurdity or idiocy if it isn't being dull.
The characterization leaves much to be desired. Snake and Raiden (when in their pov) just read like the same person. Both having leering male gazes makes it even worse. Having detailed descriptions of the women, and making their physical beauty the most important thing is just infuriatingly disgusting. Take for example Emma, she's a genius and then we get a comment somewhere along the line of 'beautiful and smart'. It reads like the fact that she's brilliant is just an afterthought, which really undermines her strong points and makes Raiden look like a pig.
But above all of it everyone either feels like crazy (and not in a good or fun way) or stupid. Like really stupid in a way that makes you want to scream and knock some sense into them.
As a novelization of the game I never played, i'd reccommend you go play the game instead or watch a LP on youtube, it's bound to be a lot better than this. As a stand alone book I wouldn't recommend it unless you get it for free and want to play spot the mistakes or how not to write.
March 20, 2017
As someone who has yet to play the game, this book was a quick and fun read that helped fill in some blanks I had about the franchise. I could see having played the game then reading the book that the game would have more depth, but simply from a novel point of view I found it very enjoyable.
It also made me excited to finally pick up the game and play it.
It also made me excited to finally pick up the game and play it.
May 28, 2018
Everything about this book was just not good. Like, okay, I wasn't expecting it to be good, but I at least expected to kind of have fun reading it. But it wasn't even entertainingly bad, it was mostly just boring. There's no depth, no emotion, no creativity, no enthusiasm, no connection, no subtlety, no artistry, no heart, and definitely no understanding of what made MGS2 good (and based on the writing style, it probably had no editing, either). It's just a rote repetition of the sequence of events from the game. This isn't a story, it's a GameFAQs walkthrough.
November 18, 2020
Порівняно з першою частиною - достатньо слабко.
Сюжет слабший (хоча да, обидві частини просто переповідають ігри, причому прямо дослівно), малюнок теж - незвичний стиль, який мені дуже подобається, залишився, але панелі значно більш стандартні.
Сюжет слабший (хоча да, обидві частини просто переповідають ігри, причому прямо дослівно), малюнок теж - незвичний стиль, який мені дуже подобається, залишився, але панелі значно більш стандартні.
October 11, 2025
eh. practically a one-to-one copy of the game in book form. zero changes were made to the dialogue, + I read the mgs2 script beforehand and thus noticed some straight-up copy and paste descriptions here and there. veerry seldomly you'll get some more insight into a character's thoughts. all in all I can't imagine why you wouldn't just want to read the script instead if you're aching for a book-like mgs2, as it's included with the master collection for the ps5 totally free of charge...... but regardless I've bumped this rating up because despite eveything I was squealing and bursting with joy on account of my horrific mgs hyperfixation. I did very much enjoy myself. I mostly rate books based on my level of enjoyment, and seeing as mr benson chose to go the safe route and leave any and all aspects of the source material unaltered (the source material in question being something I greatly enjoyed if you couldn't already tell), I was thrilled. I am oftentimes very easy to please
February 14, 2011
Sons of Liberty suffers from the same problem of blind faith to the original source material as the first Metal Gear Solid novel.
Most of the dialogue is taken from the game line for line. There is also mention of "hanging mode" and other video game kind of things that just don't belong outside of the video game context.
I was really hoping that Benson would take some liberties with the story. There are several opportunities for using multiple character viewpoints or a third-person omniscient narrator, but just like the game, the book follows Raiden. The inclusion of Snake Tales would have been nice too.
This is one of the most polarizing entries in the MGS franchise. Some regard the game as a work of post-modern genius, others as an overwrought, over-dramatic case of sequel-itis. However you feel about the game, the book will not change your mind, and if you're not familiar with the game, you're not going to get any of the amazing visuals that at least made the game worth playing. If you're looking for an MGS2 refresher without replaying the game, this might be for you.
Most of the dialogue is taken from the game line for line. There is also mention of "hanging mode" and other video game kind of things that just don't belong outside of the video game context.
I was really hoping that Benson would take some liberties with the story. There are several opportunities for using multiple character viewpoints or a third-person omniscient narrator, but just like the game, the book follows Raiden. The inclusion of Snake Tales would have been nice too.
This is one of the most polarizing entries in the MGS franchise. Some regard the game as a work of post-modern genius, others as an overwrought, over-dramatic case of sequel-itis. However you feel about the game, the book will not change your mind, and if you're not familiar with the game, you're not going to get any of the amazing visuals that at least made the game worth playing. If you're looking for an MGS2 refresher without replaying the game, this might be for you.
February 18, 2010
Solid Snake to me is one of the greatest characters ever created. The history between this character and I go back a long way, and although unfortunately his creator has announced that Guns Of The Patriots will be the very last story in the Metal Gear world, I hope that many more books are written with this loveable character included, for I believe he is the greatest of his genre. I especially like how the storyline includes some of the most creative villains, and how they all possess good reasons as to why they are the way they are. I laugh uncontrollably when the villains converse about a random cardboard box appearing here and there, and how they perceived it. Only a true Metal Gear fan could appreciate the cardboard box trick, and how it relates to Solid Snake. I hope the Author of this book finishes the Metal Gear series in book form.
October 31, 2020
2.3/5
Raymond Benson's second Metal Gear Solid takes all of the problems prevalent in his novelization for the first game and cranks that shit up to 11. Despite all the action and the creepy philosophical themes that have become painfully accurate by the progression of society almost two decades after the game's release, this is a dull book. He clearly didn't care much for the source material, and it's reflected all too clearly in his uninspired writing. Granted, Benson does a lot of novelizations for stuff he did not create, but even his first Splinter Cell novel was a lot better than this.
I don't have much more to say about this. I like the games and the original storyline, but this was a slog.
Raymond Benson's second Metal Gear Solid takes all of the problems prevalent in his novelization for the first game and cranks that shit up to 11. Despite all the action and the creepy philosophical themes that have become painfully accurate by the progression of society almost two decades after the game's release, this is a dull book. He clearly didn't care much for the source material, and it's reflected all too clearly in his uninspired writing. Granted, Benson does a lot of novelizations for stuff he did not create, but even his first Splinter Cell novel was a lot better than this.
I don't have much more to say about this. I like the games and the original storyline, but this was a slog.
February 17, 2010
Beautiful story, reletively well written. This is just a second installment of a very intricate story that gets better with every layer you peel back from it. The characters are amazing. I would recommend playing the games more than reading the books to experience and feel the story rather than read it, but if you don't play games, you still don't want to miss out on this amazing story. I cannot wait for the third installment.
October 6, 2014
Raymond Benson achieves to immerse us on the plot so brilliantly, as a fan of the Metal Gear franchise, I was impressed. When you play the game and read the book, the complete experience is outstanding. But even if you didn't play it, please read it. You won't regret it.
December 18, 2024
In the early 21st century, master of interactive narrative and storytelling Hideo Kojima, released the much anticipated sequel of the universally acclaimed video game, Metal Gear Solid(MGS). Even though he was already celebrated as as one the few non-film directors who could justifiably claim the title of "auteur", it was difficult to imagine what he would accomplish in this new installment called "Sons Of Liberty". While the backbone of the story remains true to the "Tactical, Espionage, Action" genre—one Kojima pioneered— few could have predicted the philosophical and thematic depths he would explore in his new endeavor.
Kojima's narrative ventures boldly into existentialism, social engineering, fake news, and freedom of thought, among other complex notions. This was groundbreaking, particularly for mediums such as gaming consoles, often dismissed at the time as incapable of delivering such intellectual challenges.
Set two years after the Shadow Moses Incident in 2005 (MGS), the special operations unit FOXHOUND has disbanded. Solid Snake along with his friend Otacon have established a new anti-Metal Gear non-governmental organization called "Philanthropy". The mission starts when Otacon receives intelligence of a new type of Metal Gear being transported through the Hudson River. Snake is sent in to investigate and is tasked with infiltrating the tanker, securing photographic evidence, and exposing this threat to the public.
While the initial plot appears to be a straightforward espionage tale, as the story unravels, a wider premise that challenges traditional conceptions is revealed. Initially, critics were divided about the overall quality of the story. Since then, Sons of Liberty is considered a masterpiece and has received critical acclaim, particularly as its narrative on social manipulation and disinformation has become increasingly relevant in the 2010s and beyond. The story is undeniably ahead of its time and stands as a wonderful example of artistic expression in video gaming.
This book closely follows the game's original plot, instantly making it a compelling read, while delivering added layers of depth to longtime fans. In the meantime, it offers a unique and invaluable view in the context of currents affairs while prompting profound inquiries into our everyday interactions, within the public sphere.
Kojima's narrative ventures boldly into existentialism, social engineering, fake news, and freedom of thought, among other complex notions. This was groundbreaking, particularly for mediums such as gaming consoles, often dismissed at the time as incapable of delivering such intellectual challenges.
Set two years after the Shadow Moses Incident in 2005 (MGS), the special operations unit FOXHOUND has disbanded. Solid Snake along with his friend Otacon have established a new anti-Metal Gear non-governmental organization called "Philanthropy". The mission starts when Otacon receives intelligence of a new type of Metal Gear being transported through the Hudson River. Snake is sent in to investigate and is tasked with infiltrating the tanker, securing photographic evidence, and exposing this threat to the public.
While the initial plot appears to be a straightforward espionage tale, as the story unravels, a wider premise that challenges traditional conceptions is revealed. Initially, critics were divided about the overall quality of the story. Since then, Sons of Liberty is considered a masterpiece and has received critical acclaim, particularly as its narrative on social manipulation and disinformation has become increasingly relevant in the 2010s and beyond. The story is undeniably ahead of its time and stands as a wonderful example of artistic expression in video gaming.
This book closely follows the game's original plot, instantly making it a compelling read, while delivering added layers of depth to longtime fans. In the meantime, it offers a unique and invaluable view in the context of currents affairs while prompting profound inquiries into our everyday interactions, within the public sphere.
November 16, 2018
Carico questo in inglese perchè quello in italiano non si trova stranamente, e la scansione tramite cell non funziona bene.
Libro dell'omonimo gioco. Questo libro me l'ha prestato un mio amico conoscendo la mia passione per la lettura e avendolo essendo super-appassionato di videogiochi, anche se in modo "rigido". In realtà non ho giocato a Sons of Liberty ma ho potuto comunque godere della lettura conoscendo il mondo MGS, avendo giocato a qualche titolo per (non ricordo se) PS1 e PS2.
Un libro che 1) mi ha fatto venir voglia quasi di giocare i vari titoli della saga, 2) mi ha appassionato ad un genere di libri, e non intendo libri su videogiochi, che leggo poco, 3) mi ha ricordato un libro di un ragazzo italiano che lessi pochi anni fa.
Ovviamente non un capolavoro, non un "classico", ma un libro godibile nel suo genere.
Finito e "promosso".
Libro dell'omonimo gioco. Questo libro me l'ha prestato un mio amico conoscendo la mia passione per la lettura e avendolo essendo super-appassionato di videogiochi, anche se in modo "rigido". In realtà non ho giocato a Sons of Liberty ma ho potuto comunque godere della lettura conoscendo il mondo MGS, avendo giocato a qualche titolo per (non ricordo se) PS1 e PS2.
Un libro che 1) mi ha fatto venir voglia quasi di giocare i vari titoli della saga, 2) mi ha appassionato ad un genere di libri, e non intendo libri su videogiochi, che leggo poco, 3) mi ha ricordato un libro di un ragazzo italiano che lessi pochi anni fa.
Ovviamente non un capolavoro, non un "classico", ma un libro godibile nel suo genere.
Finito e "promosso".
February 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this relatively accurate retelling of MGS2, and can certainly appreciate the story a little more now.
In terms of writing, I’ve read quite a few other books by this author, including MGS1. The narrative for the tanker chapter I would say is, bizarrely, weaker than the Plant chapter, but certainly by the end I had fallen in love with the book. The action is done great and you really do feel the tension - but perhaps that is because I’ve also played the games?
I hope to soon read Itoh’s MGS4, sadly there being no formal English novelisation of MGS3.
Would recommend for any fans of the MGS Videogames.
In terms of writing, I’ve read quite a few other books by this author, including MGS1. The narrative for the tanker chapter I would say is, bizarrely, weaker than the Plant chapter, but certainly by the end I had fallen in love with the book. The action is done great and you really do feel the tension - but perhaps that is because I’ve also played the games?
I hope to soon read Itoh’s MGS4, sadly there being no formal English novelisation of MGS3.
Would recommend for any fans of the MGS Videogames.
November 24, 2021
A great novelization of one of the best video games I played in my childhood. I could see my younger self playing MGS2 at every page of this novel.
In retrospect, it is incredible how far ahead of its time this game was, being able to anticipate and predict many of the dilemmas we experience in today's information society, dealing with interesting issues such as information saturation or fake news, all at a time when the explosion of social networks, smartphones and the internet as we know it today was still a few years away.
In retrospect, it is incredible how far ahead of its time this game was, being able to anticipate and predict many of the dilemmas we experience in today's information society, dealing with interesting issues such as information saturation or fake news, all at a time when the explosion of social networks, smartphones and the internet as we know it today was still a few years away.
April 1, 2018
Corny and far-fetched at times, with cartoon characters I was expecting a lot more from this novelization of Sons of Liberty. I did not care for this novel. Villains were ridiculous, the hero was naïve and poorly trained to be even close to a special forces operative. Too many weak points to make a good story.
June 16, 2019
While not adding much to the story of Metal Gear Solid 2, it perfectly summarizes the story and makes clear the haunting message of the finale.
August 19, 2020
It's cheesy but fun.
February 29, 2024
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty written by Raymond Benson (& Hideo Kojima), is a novelization based on the 2001 MGS game entry “Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty”.
Two years after Shadow Moses incident, Former Foxhound operative Solid Snake waits patiently for the point of no return when the tanker U.S.S. Discovery sails under the bridge so he can leap on board, which he does. However, outside of his landing nothing else goes right on this mission involving an anonymous tip from an associate's stepsister re new metal gear that looks increasingly like a Russian trap
Two years later, a rookie agent Raiden is assigned to investigate what happened on that fatal rainy day in the Hudson. Implications strongly tie that explosive event with a hostage situation in New York Harbor where the Big Shell environmental facility has become occupied by the terrorists Sons of Liberty, who have captured President. The Sons of Liberty killers have worked with the precision of a unit led by Solid Snake, MIA for two years, and rumored to be in charge of these terrorists ready to trigger POTUS to blow up Manhattan.
As with the first book Metal Gear Solid, the well written second tale the Sons Of Liberty obviously ties to the popular game; as such it targets fans. For those who are not players, this is a fun read with a lot of action and a somewhat cartoonish cast inside a thin plot. Still for MGS gurus, Sons of Liberty is an entertaining tale although it does not expand upon the knowledge MGS lore.
I have NEVER read something as faithfully adaptable as this book. It basically was a word-for-word complete clone of the game. Raymond Benson almost copied everything word for word in the book, and it almost begs the question. Did it offer anything new? Well… Not really. One of the most exciting things about novelizations of shows, movies, and games is the chance to learn details that are only shown but not described in the show. While Benson does faithfully adapt this classic game it doesn’t really add mush to the experience.
While this novelization doesn’t really add much. This book is a great introduction to any newcomers to the Metal Gear series. Perhaps you're considering picking up Metal Gear Solid game ? Well, this book is a great gateway to the Metal Gear Solid world. The story has it's quirks. You have to suspend your beliefs for a while because the story is unrealistically realistic... if you catch my drift. That said, the story is good and is a great quick read.
The novelization speaks from the point of view of the characters. And we usually get to hear their inner voices and perspectives. Unfortunately, this book really doesn’t do that and I basically just replayed MGS2, but just in my mind.
For those who are already fans of the series, this book is a double edged sword. It's great to see that Benson faithfully recreated the original Metal Gear Solid 2 into a novel, and he does it well for the most part. The problem is that many die hard MGS fans will feel short changed, that the book offers nothing new. And they'd be right.
The book adds a few scenes to the story for more background info, which is fine by me. The problem I have with the book is that boss battles seem incredibly abbreviated and overall inconsequential to the story. Which is a shame because in the actual game, these were some of the best parts. What Benson does do superbly is that he created Solid Snake/Raiden to be a human. Gone is the idea that he can carry 30 different weapons... Rocket Launchers, Sniper Rifles, etc... and he writes this very effectively.
This novel is a fairly good adaptation of the video game. It takes the plot of the game and condenses it into a better-paced story. Gone are the lengthy cutscenes which contain little relevance to the overall plot of the story. Instead, Benson chooses to stick to the basic story of the game and let the characters shine through. This, alone, is a smart move on Benson fault. While having lengthy cutscenes works well in a video game, it doesn’t work so well in a novel. Had Benson adapted the game exactly as was, the book would’ve felt very repetitive very quickly.
Benson’s rendition of MGS2: Sons Of Liberty is both well-written and engaging with its overall storyline and plot. Gamers who are familiar with the Metal Gear series will enjoy the background facts and information provided in this adaptation, as the author details many of the plot-holes and mysteries not present in the storyline of the original game. For fiction and science-fiction lovers, alike, this book is a true page-turner that will grip your attention for its entirety. I was particularly impressed with how each chapter flows seamlessly with one another in this book, and Benson’s ability to "paint" a colorful and vivid picture into the minds of the readers.
Overall, While it does faithfully adapt the game. It’s doesn’t really add much to the larger Meta Gear universe. As novelizations go, this is a fairly uncomplicated one, but at the same time it’s nice to have a way to relive this story again that doesn’t involve a game controller.
Two years after Shadow Moses incident, Former Foxhound operative Solid Snake waits patiently for the point of no return when the tanker U.S.S. Discovery sails under the bridge so he can leap on board, which he does. However, outside of his landing nothing else goes right on this mission involving an anonymous tip from an associate's stepsister re new metal gear that looks increasingly like a Russian trap
Two years later, a rookie agent Raiden is assigned to investigate what happened on that fatal rainy day in the Hudson. Implications strongly tie that explosive event with a hostage situation in New York Harbor where the Big Shell environmental facility has become occupied by the terrorists Sons of Liberty, who have captured President. The Sons of Liberty killers have worked with the precision of a unit led by Solid Snake, MIA for two years, and rumored to be in charge of these terrorists ready to trigger POTUS to blow up Manhattan.
As with the first book Metal Gear Solid, the well written second tale the Sons Of Liberty obviously ties to the popular game; as such it targets fans. For those who are not players, this is a fun read with a lot of action and a somewhat cartoonish cast inside a thin plot. Still for MGS gurus, Sons of Liberty is an entertaining tale although it does not expand upon the knowledge MGS lore.
I have NEVER read something as faithfully adaptable as this book. It basically was a word-for-word complete clone of the game. Raymond Benson almost copied everything word for word in the book, and it almost begs the question. Did it offer anything new? Well… Not really. One of the most exciting things about novelizations of shows, movies, and games is the chance to learn details that are only shown but not described in the show. While Benson does faithfully adapt this classic game it doesn’t really add mush to the experience.
While this novelization doesn’t really add much. This book is a great introduction to any newcomers to the Metal Gear series. Perhaps you're considering picking up Metal Gear Solid game ? Well, this book is a great gateway to the Metal Gear Solid world. The story has it's quirks. You have to suspend your beliefs for a while because the story is unrealistically realistic... if you catch my drift. That said, the story is good and is a great quick read.
The novelization speaks from the point of view of the characters. And we usually get to hear their inner voices and perspectives. Unfortunately, this book really doesn’t do that and I basically just replayed MGS2, but just in my mind.
For those who are already fans of the series, this book is a double edged sword. It's great to see that Benson faithfully recreated the original Metal Gear Solid 2 into a novel, and he does it well for the most part. The problem is that many die hard MGS fans will feel short changed, that the book offers nothing new. And they'd be right.
The book adds a few scenes to the story for more background info, which is fine by me. The problem I have with the book is that boss battles seem incredibly abbreviated and overall inconsequential to the story. Which is a shame because in the actual game, these were some of the best parts. What Benson does do superbly is that he created Solid Snake/Raiden to be a human. Gone is the idea that he can carry 30 different weapons... Rocket Launchers, Sniper Rifles, etc... and he writes this very effectively.
This novel is a fairly good adaptation of the video game. It takes the plot of the game and condenses it into a better-paced story. Gone are the lengthy cutscenes which contain little relevance to the overall plot of the story. Instead, Benson chooses to stick to the basic story of the game and let the characters shine through. This, alone, is a smart move on Benson fault. While having lengthy cutscenes works well in a video game, it doesn’t work so well in a novel. Had Benson adapted the game exactly as was, the book would’ve felt very repetitive very quickly.
Benson’s rendition of MGS2: Sons Of Liberty is both well-written and engaging with its overall storyline and plot. Gamers who are familiar with the Metal Gear series will enjoy the background facts and information provided in this adaptation, as the author details many of the plot-holes and mysteries not present in the storyline of the original game. For fiction and science-fiction lovers, alike, this book is a true page-turner that will grip your attention for its entirety. I was particularly impressed with how each chapter flows seamlessly with one another in this book, and Benson’s ability to "paint" a colorful and vivid picture into the minds of the readers.
Overall, While it does faithfully adapt the game. It’s doesn’t really add much to the larger Meta Gear universe. As novelizations go, this is a fairly uncomplicated one, but at the same time it’s nice to have a way to relive this story again that doesn’t involve a game controller.
January 19, 2021
Huge fan of the MGS franchise. Totally loved the book. Would highly recommend.
December 28, 2021
Not as good as the first MGS novelisation, but still a pretty fun read!
February 5, 2022
A great novelisation of an amazing game. Loved every page
May 15, 2022
Interesting and face paced read. I enjoyed my time with it but it’s probably more aimed at fans of the game than a person who hasn’t played them
April 15, 2023
Honestly better than the MGS1 novel. Also I can't imagine thinking copying the dialogue directly from the game is a bad thing, that's like exactly what I wanted.
May 6, 2023
Just plain plagiarism :(
Not worth reading, rounded up to two stars cause it’s metal gear.
Not worth reading, rounded up to two stars cause it’s metal gear.
October 9, 2025
A newer genre for me, books based on video games. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had played the video game.
November 5, 2025
Loved this book, enjoyed it more than the first one! Great novelisation of the masterpiece video game which is one of my favourites, happy it got released!
May 2, 2022
This was a step up from the first book Raymond Benson wrote. The first one he made Snake just sound like a cheesy action hero. This one stuck more to the script of MGS2 thank goodness. I fairly enjoyed this!
December 6, 2017
The entire book reads like a glorified game walkthrough, even going so far as taking skillset and move descriptions straight from the game into the pages. 'Hanging mode' being an obvious one, it only worsens as you progress through the book. Rather than taking creative liberties to flesh out backstories, explaining what other characters were up to all this time (Snake), or generally making the book that much more enjoyable, Benson sticks to the game like super glue. It's as if he saw someone play the game from start to finish, and penned down everything he saw. The only exception is Raiden's mindset and thoughts, to clarify his emotions and actions. At least that's something.
Most of Benson's recent bibliography details game novelizations, and it's plain obvious when reading them.
Most of my reading is spent on science fiction, but I do like the occassional thriller or action novel. Having recently read Benson's 'Zero Minus Ten', one of his James Bond novels, I can only say this Metal Gear Solid 2 adaptation is not so much a step backwards, but rather a full leap. I only mildly enjoyed ZMT, but it seems Benson's style of writing doesn't suit me. While ZMT was passable, this isn't. It's far too simplistic and straight forward.
I read somewhere that this MGS novelization was closely monitored by Kojima, as were the other ones. If only Benson had the nerve to ask Kojima if he could expand on the original story.
I bought this at a bargain price of €1,75, and I'm glad I did. All this book does is invoke flashbacks to my days playing MGS2, and the urge for me to revisit them, because reading this won't do.
I wanted to read Benson's Hitman novel, because I'm a fan of those games as well, but I think I'll have to pass on that.
Most of Benson's recent bibliography details game novelizations, and it's plain obvious when reading them.
Most of my reading is spent on science fiction, but I do like the occassional thriller or action novel. Having recently read Benson's 'Zero Minus Ten', one of his James Bond novels, I can only say this Metal Gear Solid 2 adaptation is not so much a step backwards, but rather a full leap. I only mildly enjoyed ZMT, but it seems Benson's style of writing doesn't suit me. While ZMT was passable, this isn't. It's far too simplistic and straight forward.
I read somewhere that this MGS novelization was closely monitored by Kojima, as were the other ones. If only Benson had the nerve to ask Kojima if he could expand on the original story.
I bought this at a bargain price of €1,75, and I'm glad I did. All this book does is invoke flashbacks to my days playing MGS2, and the urge for me to revisit them, because reading this won't do.
I wanted to read Benson's Hitman novel, because I'm a fan of those games as well, but I think I'll have to pass on that.
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