Welcome to a brand new Community feature here on Gaming Union that we have so lovingly titled New Game Plus! It's just like playing a game normally, but plus the GU community!

Think of it like a video game bookclub; each week Unionites will all take on the same game and play through to a pre-determined checkpoint. During the week which this is set, we can all get together on the forums for discussion about what's going on in the game so far, whether that be the tense plot or an epic boss fight. No conversation topic is barred, but you must remember to do your homework to keep up with everyone else!

While we've all talked about our favourite games to death, there's something different about sharing a game as you're going through it, level to level, so the discussion might take an unusual turn or could be more in depth! If you've not played the game before, how are you finding it? If this is a second (or more) playthrough, then tell us what nuances you're now noticing that you never saw before. The specific topics are endless.

So let's get started shall we? Our first game chosen by the community is the original PlayStation classic Metal Gear Solid!

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Campbell: It's been a long time Snake.
Snake: I should've known you were behind this, Colonel.
Campbell: That's no way to greet an old war buddy Snake.
Snake: What do you want from me?
Campbell: I just invited you here so we could have a talk.
Snake: Invited!? That's what you call sending armed soldiers after me?
Campbell: Sorry if they were a little rough with you. But we've got a serious situation here. Only you can get us out of it.
Snake: I'm retired from FOX-HOUND. You're not my commander anymore, and I don't have to take orders from you or anyone else.
Campbell: You will take these orders. I know it.

One of, if not the, defining games of the stealth genre, Metal Gear Solid sees you lead Solid Snake as he sneaks his way through a nuclear weapons facility to try to stop a terrorist threat from a renegade special forces unit, FOXHOUND. Prepare yourself for awesome boss battles, epic cutscenes and that alert sound effect.

GUIDELINES
- You can play this game either with an original PSX disc, or via the PSN store download ($9.99 USD). It's entirely up to you. Try to avoid playing Twin Snakes, because the selected weekly break ups won't make for an even playthrough as it's a slightly different version.
- A new thread will go up each Tuesday telling you what the next check point is. All discussion for each section must go in the relevant threads. Previous threads will remain open for some time in order to let people catch up and let the conversation continue.
- You MUST resist playing on past the scheduled check-in points. For these discussion threads to work we need to all be at the same point in the game. Besides, it's not in the spirit of this activity.
- DO NOT post spoilers for things that haven't happened in the game yet. We love that you're enthusiastic about it, but some people will be playing this for the first time.
-However, you CAN post spoilers for anything that happens within the given section of the game, so long as you use tags [ spoiler][/spoiler ] to protect those still playing through it.
- Talk about anything and everything! Story is just one aspect to this game (though a very important one), but if you love the music or hate the map, then speak up! Get a little more specific and in depth than usual!
- If you get hopelessly stuck, feel free to say so in this thread as soon as you can, and I can guarantee that there'll be a whole bunch of people willing to offer up their strategies or tips.
- On the converse, feel free to challenge yourself if you've played the game a billion times before! Suggested challenges could be No Kills or No Alerts.
- Remember to HAVE FUN!

We're hoping to split Metal Gear Solid into four sections. This is Week 1.

The checkpoint which you need to play up to is:
Reach the Nuclear Waste Storage Facility
Inside the following spoiler tags is a slightly more in depth description of all the locations you go through before you get to this point, just to dispel any confusion:
ALL DISCUSSION FOR WEEK 1 IN THIS THREAD.
Also if you need any clarification of the guidelines then please ask!
Have fun stealthing guys!

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and now for my first update: I just beat the first boss. as of right now, I stand at 1 alert and 1 death (both are related LOL) Not too bad I guess
also, got a tip for you people: if you hold X whilst aiming your SOCOM, it allows you to run while aiming/shooting

::EDIT:: I have made it to the Nuclear disposal storage facility. it was a bit of a pain (I kept getting caught by the laser beams as I was trying to leave the tank hanger to the canyon, took me 3 tries @_@ I HATE LASER BEAMS!!!)

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Just finished 'The Cell' now I just gotta find the 2nd floor basement

EDIT: Just reached the checkpoint...I shall hold my position for a week XD If I can hold my trigger finger that is XP

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Whoo this brings back memories. I'm gonna gun for no kills/no alerts, although I recall it being quite difficult with the top-down view. xD

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(January 24, 2012 06:35:04 PM)Colin Wrote:  Whoo this brings back memories. I'm gonna gun for no kills/no alerts, although I recall it being quite difficult with the top-down view. xD

yea, well, the no kills is almost impossible iirc, seeing as this game has no tranqs. On the other hand, I'm amazed I've been able to go through with as few alerts as I have thus far. I got 4 alerts thus far I do believe, and 2 of them were simply me screwing up in the exit of the tank hanger

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I'll be loading up my PSP tonight! (Poor FF:4HoL gets put on hold) I'm excited for this. Love the name BTW, but sadly abbreviating it will confuse some people (hah)

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(January 25, 2012 04:43:47 AM)Zero Wrote:  yea, well, the no kills is almost impossible iirc, seeing as this game has no tranqs. On the other hand, I'm amazed I've been able to go through with as few alerts as I have thus far. I got 4 alerts thus far I do believe, and 2 of them were simply me screwing up in the exit of the tank hanger

How do you get no kills just after the female prisoner? You're literally forced to attack.

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I might also add that Metal Gear Solid is available on the PC...

Also, pfft to no kills, no alerts. Those genome soldiers DESERVE TO DIE.

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Twitter: @DarrylGU

Ah, I'd join in if I didn't play through the game only a couple of months ago. Although starting a new game on that save file is tempting. Are bandanas allowed?

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(January 25, 2012 10:31:29 AM)Eskimo Keith Wrote:  How do you get no kills just after the female prisoner? You're literally forced to attack.

hmm... good question... I wonder if you can just try to knock them all out

(January 25, 2012 11:32:19 AM)Darryl Wrote:  I might also add that Metal Gear Solid is available on the PC...

This is true, and I'd say more power too whoever wants to join in on that version if they have it

(January 25, 2012 11:32:19 AM)Darryl Wrote:  Also, pfft to no kills, no alerts. Those genome soldiers DESERVE TO DIE.

well, you can kill them all and still get no alerts

(January 25, 2012 11:42:22 AM)Kevio17 Wrote:  Ah, I'd join in if I didn't play through the game only a couple of months ago. Although starting a new game on that save file is tempting. Are bandanas allowed?

I see nothing in the rules excluding bandanas, stealth camo, or tuxedos. I myself have all 3 on one of my memory cards, I just went with a fresh file because I wanted it to be in the spirit of having to actually play it again.

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