Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Discussion related to the most well-known series by Kojima. News, debate and any related discussions are welcome. IMPORTANT Any topics related to MGS4 should temporarily go in the appropriate forum. Please keep spoilers out of signatures too.
Post Reply
JimboKudo
Major
Posts: 604
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:06 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by JimboKudo »

I was wondering what the differences between Sons of Liberty and Substance were, because I own SOL, and I was trying to figure out if I should go and buy Substance. Is it worth it?
User avatar
RandommodnaR
Runner
Posts: 134
Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2007 2:37 pm
Location: Boston Atlanta Metropolitan Axis

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by RandommodnaR »

FUCKING HELL YESH. Substance is SOL with a lot more fun stuff. Lemme check mah bawxs. "It has over 350 VR missions, and over 150 Altenrate missions. You can play the all-new Snake Tales with Solid Snake as the protagonist. Unlock new characters and modes you can play!"
And then the long pulse of Zion Dub...
User avatar
87th
General
Posts: 2150
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 3:35 pm
Favorite Game: MetalGear 2: Solid Snake
Kojima games owned: METALGEAR SERIES
MetalGear (MSX2) [European]
MetalGear (NES) [European]
MetalGear (Famicom) [Japanese]
MetalGear 2: Solid Snake (MSX2) [Japanese]
Snake's Revenge (NES) [European]
MetalGear Solid (PlayStation) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Premium Pack (PlayStation) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Integral (PlayStation) [Japanese]
MetalGear: Ghost Babel (Gameboy Color) [European]
MetalGear: Ghost Babel (Gameboy Color) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance + The Document of MGS2 (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (Xbox) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (PC) [European]
MetalGear AC!D (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Premium Pack (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear AC!D2 (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - 1st Edition (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - Promo copy (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - 1st Edition (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Portable Ops (PSP) [American]
MetalGear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - Limited Edition (+ Bonus Disc, Soundtrack and 6" Old Snake Action Figure) [European]

SNATCHER SERIES
Snatcher (Mega CD) [European]
Snatcher (Saturn) [Japanese]

POLICENAUTS SERIES
Policenauts Pilot Disk (3DO) [Japanese]
Policenauts (3DO) [Japanese]
Policenauts (PlayStation) [Japanese]
Policenauts (Saturn) [Japanese]
Policenauts (Saturn) [Japanese]

ZONE OF THE ENDERS SERIES
Zone Of the Enders (PlayStation 2) [European]
Zone Of the Enders: The Second Runner - Special Edition (PlayStation 2) [European]

BOKTAI SERIES
boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hand! (Gameboy Advance) [European]
boktai 2: Solar Boy Django (Gameboy Advance) [European]

OTHER SERIES
Penguin Adventure (MSX) [European]
Kabushiki Baibai Trainer Kabutore (DS) [Japanese]

KOJIMA-RELATED GAMES
Konami Krazy Racers (Gameboy Advance) [European]
Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii) [American]
PSN: eighty7th
Wii Friend Code: 4890580757769739
Location: Zanzibarland
Contact:

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by 87th »

Basically, if you enjoyed VR Missions / Special Missions, you'll probably enjoy Substance, too. The extra missions really teach you to think differently about how you use your techniques in the main game. The Snake's Tales missions are a little disappointing, as they were advertised as "what-if" scenarios, each with their own plot, but it's basically a series of goals tied together by text-based interludes. The FPS and Skateboarding modes are pretty bad, but I really enjoyed the VR and Alternate Missions. If you can play it, I recommend getting the PAL PS2 version, which comes with The Document of MetalGear Solid 2. The Xbox and PC versions have their own respective problems.
User avatar
RandommodnaR
Runner
Posts: 134
Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2007 2:37 pm
Location: Boston Atlanta Metropolitan Axis

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by RandommodnaR »

87th wrote:The Xbox and PC versions have their own respective problems.
Tell me about it! I spent 2 years trying to get the PC version to work. But in the end it was SO WORTH IT :3
And then the long pulse of Zion Dub...
JimboKudo
Major
Posts: 604
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:06 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by JimboKudo »

I guess that's on my next-to-buy list. Thanks for the help guys.
User avatar
Johnny Undaunted
Major
Posts: 547
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:34 pm

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by Johnny Undaunted »

Basically Substance is just Sons of Liberty with lots of extra game modes. There's some subtle differences between the main portion in both games, but you're not missing much if all you want is the main game.
User avatar
Henry Spencer
General
Posts: 1380
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:07 am
Favorite Game: Shenmue I, MGS, Snatcher, Zelda: Ocarina Of Time.
Kojima games owned: Metal Gear (NES)
Metal Gear: Ghost Babel (GB)
Metal Gear Solid (PSX)
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance (PS2)
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence (PS2)
Policenauts (Saturn/PSX/3DO)
Snatcher (PC Engine/Mega CD)
Zone Of The Enders (PS2)
Zone Of The Enders 2: Special Edition (PS2)
Super Smash Bros. Brawl; it counts, right? ;P
PSN: henryspencer666
Xbox Live: Magiking
Location: Right Behind You
Contact:

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by Henry Spencer »

In the US original version:

Solidus refers to Raiden by his codename, but in Europe for the original version, and all versions of Substance; Solidus refers to him as "Jack" (which is better).
I think there's like one new line of dialogue in Fatman's introductory scene, could be wrong though.

Can't think of anything else.
User avatar
Spike
J.U.N.K.E.R.
Posts: 274
Joined: Tue Aug 23, 2005 4:41 am
Kojima games owned: Metal Gear Solid 2 : Sons of Liberty
Metal Gear Solid 3 : Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid 3 : Subsistence
Zone of the Enders 2 : The Second Runner
Location: Belgium

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by Spike »

Henry Spencer wrote:In the US original version:
Solidus refers to Raiden by his codename, but in Europe for the original version, and all versions of Substance; Solidus refers to him as "Jack" (which is better).
I think there's like one new line of dialogue in Fatman's introductory scene, could be wrong though.
Even if Solidus calls Raiden "Jack" most of the time in the European SOL, I seem to recall that he calls him by his codename before / after (?) the fight against the RAYs (No more games, Raiden.).

In the European SOL (and Substance as well, I guess) :
- The game asks you a few questions to determine which chapters and which difficulty mode you should play the game on.
- The game is less bloody (you don't see the cuts in the Marines' necks in the Tanker chapter and there's less blood when Vamp kills the SEALS).
- A USP suppressor is available during second playthroughs on the Tanker.
- The shaver is only available on Hard (and above).
- Two short cutscenes have been added (Fatman rollerskating and falling after you beat him - Raiden crossing the oil fence after shooting Vamp in the head with the PSG1).
- Olga's death was improved.
- Casting theater (Substance allows you to use more characters) and Boss survival (there are more bosses to fight in the Substance version)
- ...
User avatar
lance
J.U.N.K.E.R.
Posts: 249
Joined: Wed Mar 26, 2008 4:36 pm
Location: Illinois, USA

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by lance »

And don't forget the SKATEBOARDING SNAKE! :razz:
Image
I gave into my fear! I gave into my pain! I sold your life to save my own. I'm a loser. I'm not the hero you thought I was! I'm nothing!
User avatar
87th
General
Posts: 2150
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 3:35 pm
Favorite Game: MetalGear 2: Solid Snake
Kojima games owned: METALGEAR SERIES
MetalGear (MSX2) [European]
MetalGear (NES) [European]
MetalGear (Famicom) [Japanese]
MetalGear 2: Solid Snake (MSX2) [Japanese]
Snake's Revenge (NES) [European]
MetalGear Solid (PlayStation) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Premium Pack (PlayStation) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Integral (PlayStation) [Japanese]
MetalGear: Ghost Babel (Gameboy Color) [European]
MetalGear: Ghost Babel (Gameboy Color) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance + The Document of MGS2 (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (Xbox) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (PC) [European]
MetalGear AC!D (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Premium Pack (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear AC!D2 (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - 1st Edition (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - Promo copy (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - 1st Edition (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Portable Ops (PSP) [American]
MetalGear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - Limited Edition (+ Bonus Disc, Soundtrack and 6" Old Snake Action Figure) [European]

SNATCHER SERIES
Snatcher (Mega CD) [European]
Snatcher (Saturn) [Japanese]

POLICENAUTS SERIES
Policenauts Pilot Disk (3DO) [Japanese]
Policenauts (3DO) [Japanese]
Policenauts (PlayStation) [Japanese]
Policenauts (Saturn) [Japanese]
Policenauts (Saturn) [Japanese]

ZONE OF THE ENDERS SERIES
Zone Of the Enders (PlayStation 2) [European]
Zone Of the Enders: The Second Runner - Special Edition (PlayStation 2) [European]

BOKTAI SERIES
boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hand! (Gameboy Advance) [European]
boktai 2: Solar Boy Django (Gameboy Advance) [European]

OTHER SERIES
Penguin Adventure (MSX) [European]
Kabushiki Baibai Trainer Kabutore (DS) [Japanese]

KOJIMA-RELATED GAMES
Konami Krazy Racers (Gameboy Advance) [European]
Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii) [American]
PSN: eighty7th
Wii Friend Code: 4890580757769739
Location: Zanzibarland
Contact:

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by 87th »

lance wrote:And don't forget the SKATEBOARDING SNAKE! :razz:
87th wrote:The FPS and Skateboarding modes are pretty bad
I didn't. :P
JimboKudo
Major
Posts: 604
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:06 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by JimboKudo »

87th wrote:
lance wrote:And don't forget the SKATEBOARDING SNAKE! :razz:
87th wrote:The FPS and Skateboarding modes are pretty bad
I didn't. :P
I donno, skateboarding snake sounds like it would be pretty groovy man.
User avatar
87th
General
Posts: 2150
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 3:35 pm
Favorite Game: MetalGear 2: Solid Snake
Kojima games owned: METALGEAR SERIES
MetalGear (MSX2) [European]
MetalGear (NES) [European]
MetalGear (Famicom) [Japanese]
MetalGear 2: Solid Snake (MSX2) [Japanese]
Snake's Revenge (NES) [European]
MetalGear Solid (PlayStation) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Premium Pack (PlayStation) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Integral (PlayStation) [Japanese]
MetalGear: Ghost Babel (Gameboy Color) [European]
MetalGear: Ghost Babel (Gameboy Color) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance + The Document of MGS2 (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (Xbox) [European]
MetalGear Solid 2: Substance (PC) [European]
MetalGear AC!D (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Premium Pack (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear AC!D2 (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - 1st Edition (PlayStation 2) [Japanese]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - Promo copy (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid 3: Subsistence - 1st Edition (PlayStation 2) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel (PSP) [European]
MetalGear Solid: Portable Ops (PSP) [American]
MetalGear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - Limited Edition (+ Bonus Disc, Soundtrack and 6" Old Snake Action Figure) [European]

SNATCHER SERIES
Snatcher (Mega CD) [European]
Snatcher (Saturn) [Japanese]

POLICENAUTS SERIES
Policenauts Pilot Disk (3DO) [Japanese]
Policenauts (3DO) [Japanese]
Policenauts (PlayStation) [Japanese]
Policenauts (Saturn) [Japanese]
Policenauts (Saturn) [Japanese]

ZONE OF THE ENDERS SERIES
Zone Of the Enders (PlayStation 2) [European]
Zone Of the Enders: The Second Runner - Special Edition (PlayStation 2) [European]

BOKTAI SERIES
boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hand! (Gameboy Advance) [European]
boktai 2: Solar Boy Django (Gameboy Advance) [European]

OTHER SERIES
Penguin Adventure (MSX) [European]
Kabushiki Baibai Trainer Kabutore (DS) [Japanese]

KOJIMA-RELATED GAMES
Konami Krazy Racers (Gameboy Advance) [European]
Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii) [American]
PSN: eighty7th
Wii Friend Code: 4890580757769739
Location: Zanzibarland
Contact:

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by 87th »

It's basically just a demo for Konami's Evolution Skateboarding, which was pretty bad in the first place.
JimboKudo
Major
Posts: 604
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:06 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by JimboKudo »

87th wrote:It's basically just a demo for Konami's Evolution Skateboarding, which was pretty bad in the first place.
I've never even heard of Evolution Skateboarding.
User avatar
Johnny Undaunted
Major
Posts: 547
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:34 pm

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by Johnny Undaunted »

I thought the Evolution Skateboarding demo was fun, but the Tony Hawk games are better in my opinion.
User avatar
Synthoid
J.U.N.K.E.R.
Posts: 217
Joined: Sat Aug 25, 2007 6:11 pm

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by Synthoid »

87th wrote:The FPS and Skateboarding modes are pretty bad
There was an FPS mode?
User avatar
Johnny Undaunted
Major
Posts: 547
Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:34 pm

Re: Difference between MGS2 SOL and MGS2 Substance

Post by Johnny Undaunted »

Synthoid wrote:
87th wrote:The FPS and Skateboarding modes are pretty bad
There was an FPS mode?
VR mode only.
Post Reply