According to the Steam store page, the games featured on the METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol. 1 will not support mouse and keyboard controls, requiring a controller to play. The warning reads as follows:
“Notice: METAL GEAR SOLID – Master Collection Version requires a controller in order to play. Playing with a keyboard and mouse isn’t supported.”
While the experience is likely better on a controller due to the games originally releasing on platforms with controllers, having the option stripped away entirely means less choice for the player. This also gives PC players a reason to not buy it on Steam as mouse and keyboard controls are not supported, alienating a whole group of individuals who prefer playing on a mouse and keyboard than a controller.
METAL GEAR SOLID MASTER COLLECTION Vol. 1 was announced immediately Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater’s announcement during the PlayStation Showcase in May. Even though Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a remaster of the stealth action-adventure series’ popular third entry. The METAL GEAR SOLID MASTER COLLECTION Vol. 1 plans to include all the previous games in the series as well. Alongside Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, the collection also includes Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid, and Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.
Why Does the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Not Support Mouse and Keyboard?
The reason for the exclusion of mouse and keyboard controls is currently unknown. One may assume the development team at Konami did not want to modify the games to allow for mouse and keyboard controls. Konami may view it as ruining the experience of the original games if they were to add mouse and keyboard controls. However, the PC community believes that mouse and keyboard controls, especially in shooter games, makes playing games more precise and accurate.
The Metal Gear series have always been about combining stealth with action-adventure elements. While precise movement and shooting are important in Metal Gear games, it’s not going to be do or die in making progress. Because these games were not originally developed with mouse and keyboard controls in mind, having precision in movement and shooting won’t be a difference maker.
However, forcing PC players to use a controller and not give them a choice for mouse and keyboard is not correct. There are players out there who prefer mouse and keyboard for action-adventure games and/or they don’t own a controller whatsoever. Either way, eliminating the option for mouse and keyboard controls for the PC version of the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection is an odd decision.
Related: Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater Keeps Original Voice Actors, but Kojima Given the Cold Shoulder
If you’re interested in playing the METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol. 1, it’s coming out later this year on October 24th at $59.99/£59.99. On top of the PC/Steam release, the collection is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. How do you feel about the lack of mouse and keyboard controls? Should they be included in the PC/Steam version? Let us know in the comments!
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