For the past year, the Xbox Games with Gold program has received a fair amount of criticism from its subscribers, mostly due to the lackluster games it offered players. However, the months of August and September appear to have broken that trend, given that Xbox players were mostly happy with the free games they received, which is why Microsoft should continue this trend by offering Metal Gear Solid HD Collection through Xbox Games with Gold next.
Based on the initial feedback for September, Zone of the Enders HD Collection is one of the most well-received games on the roster, despite it being an Xbox 360 game. Given that Zone of the Enders is a franchise from Konami, it is safe to assume that Metal Gear Solid, which is a far more popular franchise, would also receive a positive reception, which could strengthen the reputation of Xbox Games with Gold and reestablish interest in the Metal Gear franchise as a whole.
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Metal Gear Solid HD Collection Would Continue the Xbox Games with Gold's Positive Reception
Although it would be nice for Microsoft to offer Xbox Series X/S games to Xbox Games with Gold, it appears now that next-gen games are reserved for Xbox Game Pass. However, August and September's rosters proved that Xbox Games with Gold doesn't need next-gen games to become successful, especially since its strength is by offering older games for players who are looking for a nostalgic experience by playing classic titles.
Given that many were happy to receive Zone of the Enders HD Collection as a free game for Xbox Live Gold, it is almost a guarantee that offering Metal Gear Solid HD Collection to the program would improve its reputation. Although the collection was once included in Xbox Game Pass, it is no longer available at the time of writing, making it the perfect time for Microsoft to offer it for free for Xbox Live Gold subscribers.
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection on Xbox Games with Gold Could Spark Interest in the Franchise Again
Additionally, featuring Metal Gear Solid HD Collection to Xbox Free Games with Gold would benefit not only Microsoft but also Konami, who is the developer and publisher of the Metal Gear video game franchise. It is worth noting that ever since developer Hideo Kojima left Konami, interest in the Metal Gear series dwindled, with the latest installment Metal Gear Survive receiving a lukewarm reception from fans and critics alike.
However, it is no secret that the games offered in Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, which includes Metal Gear Solid 2, Metal Gear Solid 3, and Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker, are some of the most popular entries in the MGS franchise. As such, they would benefit greatly from being rediscovered by newcomers to the franchise via Xbox Games with Gold. Xbox Games with Gold currently has a positive streak thanks to the improved selection of games that the service has offered to its subscribers in the last couple of months. Although it is yet to be seen whether this trend will continue, the fate of the service lies in the hands of Microsoft and the selection of games it decides to offer in the future.
While Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is guaranteed to increase the value of Xbox Games with Gold, it is worth pointing out that Microsoft is still offering the digital version of the collection for players to purchase at the Xbox Store. Of course, this could be an indication that Metal Gear Solid HD Collection may not be coming to Xbox Games with Gold anytime soon, especially if Microsoft is still hoping to profit from it.
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is available now for PS3, PS Vita, and Xbox 360.
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