No real surprise here, folks. Konami has confirmed recent reports and pre-order sightings for a Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection, announcing today that the MGS1, MGS2 (Substance director’s cut version) and MGS3 (presumably Subsistence, but the press release doesn’t say) PS2 compilation set is indeed coming to North America in advance of the Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 debut. Although nowhere near as collectible-worthy as that jealousy-inducing 20th Anniversary MGS collection Japanese gamers have to brag about, The Essential Collection will at least come in a commemorative package sporting artwork by series artist Yoji Shinkawa. And for only $29.99, it’ll be affordable enough to be an automatic buy whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a fan who already owns all three games individually. Konami’s press release today didn’t give a release date, but going by retailer listings it’s a safe bet you’ll start seeing the collection on store shelves in March.
“Since its inception, the Metal Gear Solid franchise has been one of the most successful game series in the history of video games, receiving worldwide recognition and praise,” said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. “Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection represents a great value for gamers, bringing together three must-have classic titles which pioneered the stealth action genre.”
Matt Litten is the full-time editor and owner of VGBlogger.com. He is responsible for maintaining the day to day operation of the site, editing all staff content before it is published, and contributing regular news, reviews, previews and other articles.
Matt landed his first gig in the video game review business writing for the now-defunct website BonusStage.com. After the sad and untimely close of BonusStage, the former staff went on to found VGBlogger.com. After a short stint as US Site Manager for AceGamez, Matt assumed full ownership over VGBlogger, and to this day he is dedicated to making it one of the top video game blogs in all the blogosphere.
Matt is a fair-minded reviewer and lover of games of all platforms and types, big or small, hyped or niche, big-budget or indie. But that doesn't mean he will let poor games slide without a good thrashing when necessary! 
