From One to Many: A Look at Metal Gear's Expansion of Locations

All Metal Gear games have had notable locations.  In fact, many of them have a single important location that the entire game revolves around.  But a person has got to wonder... Why did the series expand from one single location to many as it progressed?  And how exactly has this expansion helped/hurt the series?

Let's first remember the locations in each significant Metal Gear title:

It's the Small Things That Count (NieR)

Of all the things that Nier has grown to be known for since its release in 2010, there are many things that go unnoticed, even by those who have played the game numerous times.  Little details can be found around the game that are quite intriguing, and truly proves that the game stands out from the rest.  Hit the jump to learn about things you'll likely never see in any other game on the market.

Can an Ugly Indie Game Find Success?

Let's face it, there are so many indie games developed each year.  Most of them go unnoticed, but the ones that do typically look beautiful.  Braid, Limbo, Bastion, Super Meat Boy... The list goes on.  All of these titles either look great graphically or have a great graphical style that makes it get noticed by the public.  Sounds good for the groups that are able to pull that off.  But what about the ones who can't?  Would an indie game catch on to the masses if it were truly ugly?  Hit the jump for my opinion on this issue.

A Love Letter to Deck A, Crew's Quarters (MGS2)

Metal Gear Solid 2 is definitely my personal favorite Metal Gear game.  It had everything: A great story, great music, fun gameplay, etc.  What about Raiden, you ask?  Once you understood his purpose, you really should end up liking the character for his important role in the game's story. At least, I did.  There are several moments in MGS2 that are remembered more than others: Anything from the Tanker chapter, the exciting finale in Arsenal Gear including Cambell's crazy codec calls, finding Ames... The list goes on for quite awhile.  Though all of these moments make for an incredible experience, one specific area in the game shines above them all to me: Deck A, Crew's Quarters in the Tanker Chapter.