When Metal Gear Solid 4 came to an end, I’m sure I wasn’t the only gamer out there who felt a bit on the bittersweet side of things. Ever since my introduction to the series, Metal Gear Solid has been one of the peaks of my life as a gamer. Each new game has offered something new and fantastic, and with the story of Solid Snake coming to a rather definite end, it’s hard to imagine where the series can, or even should go from here. That said, until Konami figures it out, us fans have plenty of great schwag to revel in. To the mainstream, Solid Snake may not be the most recognizable of characters, but to those of us in the know, we know just how awesome he is. I’ve picked a few items this week that I think will help you show your love.
Metal Gear Solid 4 Belt Buckle
Price: $11.50
I promised you last time that I would pick a few wearable items a bit more on the bombastic side of the spectrum. For those of you out there looking for a gaudier way to express the solidness of your love for Metal Gear, this belt buckle may be right up your ally. I’ve never worn a belt buckle before, and chances are, I never will. For me belts are less a fashion item and more of an unfortunate necessity for my pants. If you are a frequent belt-wearer, though, and you don’t mind frequent stares at your crotch region, then this is for you. If you’re a guy gamer though, I wouldn’t approach many women while wearing this. I am fully aware that most women now play some sort of video game and that quite a few probably indeed do love Solid Snake. That said, the odds of finding one at random are still pretty small, and honestly, this isn’t what I would call a turn on for most ladies.
Metal Gear Solid 4 Dissolve Shirt
Price: $8.98
I don’t think a week goes by that I don’t wear this shirt. Even though I’ve tried to vary my wardrobe a bit in the past few years, adding in some color to augment all the blacks I was wearing during my high school years, this shirt easily stands out as the favorite of my collection. I don’t know what it is about it, but there is just something about this image of Snake that has always stirred me, and the first time I saw this shirt I had to have it. If you compare it to the shirts I have previously recommended in previous editions the Schwag Review, you’ll again notice it’s a bit more on the straightforward geek side of the spectrum (perhaps you can pair it with the belt buckle), but I make an exception here simply because it is such a cool damn shirt.
Metal Gear Solid Hardcover Comic/Novelization
Price $130.91/$10.36
Looking to relive Metal Gear Solid, but not looking forward to playing through some of the more dated gameplay elements? Well, if you have a Gamecube or Wii, you could just pick up Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes, but if that isn’t an option, or if it just strikes you as something you’d rather not do, there are alternatives of the literary variety. There exists a rather neat graphic novel adaptation of Snake’s original PlayStation adventure. Featuring some nice art and of course the great story of the first game, it’s a nice item for fans and collectors. That said, the comic is a bit rare nowadays and as such falls on the pricey side. If your funds, like many people’s in this time of economic turmoil, are a bit more limited, there also exists a pretty decent novelization of the first game. Now, the book might have been a bit better if the author had taken a few more liberties with the story and maybe even edited out some of the more awkward scenes (a la “love on a battlefield”) but if you’re interested in something that follows the game with relative closeness, this is a fair option.
Metal Gear Solid 3 Wall Scroll
Price: $14.95
Even though MGS4 was a glorious ending to the series, I do have to say that in terms of stories, Metal Gear Solid 3 easily takes the cake of the series. It is the only game I have ever played where upon finishing it, I was completely and absolutely shocked. The origins of Big Boss and moreover the plight of the Boss is easily one of the strongest plot lines in gaming. I had another wall scroll in mind for this week, but after seeing this one I had to include it. A printing of the original game art for Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, it personifies the game to a tee. You’re not Solid Snake, fighting with a bunch of high tech gadgets at your disposal. You’re a single soldier in the middle of the jungle, surrounded, outnumbered, and poised to kill your beloved mentor… What a great freaking game.
12” Metal Gear Solid Doll
Price: $199.95
How much do you love Snake? If you’re a fan of the series, you’ve followed his exploits through the course of four games, countless cutscenes, and who knows how many oddly named boss fights. But would you pay two hundred bucks for him? Easily the coolest action figure I’ve ever seen, this incredibly detailed replica is the perfect desk ornament for MGS fans with a few dollars to spend. That said, I won’t be getting one anytime soon, but I can always wish, right?
Collector’s Corner
Is there some bit of memorabilia you’d like to see here? Do you have a particular shirt or piece of schwag you’re particularly proud of? The Schwag Review is always open to suggestions, and if you have an idea for a product or theme that you’d like featured here, let me know by sending a link to Stew@TheGameReviews.com. Better yet, if you have a collection of your own to show off, send me a picture and barring a sudden influx of readers I’ll print it the next edition of The Schwag Review. I’m not saying a TGR account is a necessity, but if you happen to have one shoot me that and the number of forums posts you have to your name and maybe I’ll bump you to the top of the list.
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