Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 Updates Classic MGS4 Joke and Brings Back Original Voice Actor

Konami's upcoming compilation, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, is set to launch on August 27 for PC and consoles, bringing several classic titles to modern platforms. Headlined by Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots—which is finally breaking free from its PlayStation 3 exclusivity—the collection also includes Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker and the Game Boy Color title Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel.

As hands-on verdicts and reviews have emerged, an interesting detail has come to light regarding how Konami has updated one of Metal Gear Solid 4's most famous jokes for modern hardware. In the original 2008 release, upon reaching Shadow Moses Island, Otacon would break the fourth wall and tell Solid Snake to swap Disc 1 for Disc 2, before realizing they were playing on a PlayStation 3. Because the game is now arriving on various modern platforms, Konami has updated the dialogue to reference whatever system the player is currently using.

To pull this off, Konami brought back original voice actor Christopher Randolph to record new lines for each instance. Reviewers note that fans might hear a slight contrast in his voice due to the passage of nearly two decades and different recording environments, but the meta-humor remains intact and functional across platforms like PC, Steam Deck, Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

Beyond the updated humor, critics have shared early impressions of how the collection's other titles hold up. Metal Gear Solid 4 reportedly runs well on PC and Steam Deck, though players should still expect a cutscene-heavy experience with a dated control scheme compared to later entries like Metal Gear Solid 5 and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Meanwhile, Peace Walker retains its digestible, mission-based structure from its original PlayStation Portable roots, and Ghost Babel remains a charming showcase of Game Boy Color hardware limitations.

For those looking to pick up the compilation, the release date is set for August 27. PC players interested in preordering can also find discounts through select retailers like Fanatical, where the game has been listed ahead of its launch.