Konami got a jump start on E3 with its own special pre-expo press conference - via streaming web video.
The publisher took the opportunity to announce two pretty sweet HD collections: the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection and the Zone of the Enders HD Collection. Both of which are set to come to the PS3 and Xbox 360.
The Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is packing Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and perhaps the sweetest part of the deal, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. This collection will be available this November. Best part, according to Konami these games are not just simple up-res ports and have been optimized and rebuilt for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Each game will have new user interfaces for the HD resolutions, redrawn art, brand new Achievements and Trophies, along with right analog stick and rumble support, not to mention improved audio.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker PSP owners are not going to get burned by the new HD collection either - especially if they also own a PS3. In fact, Konami has included a nice little function for PSP Peace Walker owners that also the own Metal Gear Solid HD Collection on PS3, called “Transfarring.” This feature will allow gamers to use one save that works both with PS3 and PSP versions of Peace Walker. That means you can start your game on your PSP, ocopy it to your PS3 when you get home continuing where you left off, and then transfer it back to your PSP when you are back on the go. Sounds pretty sweet for gamers who might have already started Peace Walker on their PSP.
The Zone of the Enders HD Collection will pack the original Zone of the Enders and its sequel, Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner into one HD collection. This collection will also be optimized and rebuilt for the Xbox 360 and PS3, getting new user interfaces for the HD resolutions, redrawn art, brand new Achievements and Trophies, right analog stick and rumble support, and improved audio. Pretty nice little package for fans of the series and, if the price is right, it might just attract some new fans to the franchise as well. The Zone of the Enders HD Collection is set to launch in 2012.
It seems a little odd that the Metal Gear Solid Collection will not include the first Metal Gear Solid too. How amazing would that have been to have all the Metal Gear Solid games in one amazing HD package. Maybe Konami will end up including it before the game ships - but it does not seem likely. Still, I’d rather have more people get the opportunity to play Peace Walker than have Metal Gear Solid included in the collection. Peace Walker is an amazing game and now that it is not limited to the PSP, more MGS fans should take the plunge.
What are your thoughts on these collections? Do you see yourself getting either or both of these collections? If this is the kind of news Konami announced before E3 do you think they will have any surprises waiting for the actual show? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is set to arrive on the PS3 and Xbox 360 this November.
The Zone of the Enders HD Collection is set to arrive on the PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2012.
