Metal Gear Solid (PS1, 1998)

Metal Gear Solid (1998) on PlayStation 1 is Hideo Kojima's masterpiece — a stealth-action game that redefined what video game storytelling could be. Shadow Moses Island, the codec calls, the Psycho Mantis fight, the cardboard box — it's a game made entirely of iconic moments. The PAL version came on two discs in a double jewel case, and the cover art with Snake's silhouette is instantly recognizable.

MGS is one of the most important PS1 titles ever released and a cornerstone of any PlayStation collection. It's the game that proved stealth could be a mainstream genre and that games could deliver cinematic narratives. Demand stays consistently high because of the franchise's enduring legacy and Kojima's cult following. Complete black-label copies are the standard every PS1 collector aims for.

Check that both discs are present and in good condition — Disc 2 is sometimes missing. The manual is important here because it contained codec frequencies needed during gameplay (a classic Kojima touch). Black-label editions are more valuable than Platinum/Greatest Hits reissues. Look for a clean case with intact hinges — the double jewel case is prone to cracking. Sealed copies command serious money if you can verify authenticity.