Why Metal Gear Solid (GBC) Is the Best Game Boy Color Game Ever and Deserves a Spot on GOG
Metal Gear Solid for the Game Boy Color, also known as Metal Gear: Ghost Babel in Japan, is not just a hidden gem—it’s arguably the best title to ever grace the Game Boy Color. Despite the hardware’s limitations, this game delivered an experience so rich, deep, and polished that it rivaled console games of its time. Its preservation and availability on GOG would ensure a new generation of players can witness a masterclass in handheld game design.
Released in 2000, this version of Metal Gear Solid isn’t just a port—it’s an entirely original story set in an alternate continuity from the main console series. The gameplay, however, is pure tactical espionage action. It brilliantly recreates the stealth mechanics of the original Metal Gear titles while integrating puzzle-solving, engaging enemy AI, and thrilling boss fights—all from a top-down perspective.
What makes the GBC version so special is how it captures the feel of Metal Gear with 8-bit graphics and limited sound. The codec conversations, the stealth tension, and even the twist-filled narrative all shine through the Game Boy’s limitations. Its level design is clever and nonlinear, rewarding both exploration and patience.
On GOG, this game could be preserved in pristine condition, DRM-free, playable on modern PCs via emulation or a new remastered layer. It’s a forgotten classic that deserves to be celebrated and remembered as a peak of portable gaming creativity—and one of the finest examples of what was possible on the Game Boy Color.