EGM scores. Some pretty big games.

[Private Hudson]

You know, I never actually went through all of that. But I'm gonna replay through MGS2 before I get MGS3, so maybe I'll have time to read it. Can I get a transcript online?

I'm not sure. But if there is, I'd highly recommend it. Reading through that whole book was extremely interesting and informative, but oh so painful on the eyes. Play through the game again, and then read it. It will make you go "Ohhhh, now I get it" so many times. :D

Because it's all okay if we're talking about MGS?

Not quite sure if I get what you mean here, but there is a pretty major difference. The novel we're referring to is for all intents and purposes a recount of the original game, just from a minor characters perspective, who.. I guess after having read it, is involved in some pretty major stuff. Given that it gives you the story that occurs before MGS2 and it is a completely optional read, it could be compared to Metroid Prime.

However, MGS2 has a storyline of it's own, completely independant of this non-essential information which occurs in real-time. Metroid really does not.

The fact that Hideo went to the effort of writing a hundred or so page book in addition to the huge storyline that is already present in the game just gives you a glimpse at how deep and amazing the storyline really is. It's just a pity most people write it off as fantastical nonsensical crap.

Just on a side note, I'd like to add that as amazing as the storyline is, it's really not the best part of the game. It's another shame that most people couldn't get past how intrusive the storyline was (although it needed to be) to see just what a great game it really was. It may take you two times through the game just to understand the story.. but if you play through another time, ignoring the story and just having FUN, it's probably the most incredible gameplay present in a game. Or it's at least up there.

Oh man, now I want to go play it again. :D