Fan boys were up in arms when they first heard about Konami’s new idea for its acclaimed Metal Gear franchise. After all, Snake’s previous outings were a world away from the card-based adventure that Konami was promising and Kojima’s presence was being kept to an absolute minimum – Metal Gear Ac!d seemed doomed to failure. Fortunately extensive play over the last few months and a recently announced sequel at this year’s E3 (it’s cel-shaded donchaknow?) has revealed that Konami’s first PSP title is far from the dud that many initially feared.

Kojima may not have been at the helm of Snake’s first PSP outing, but his influence can easily be seen. From the barmy, constantly twisting plot – that features deranged killer dolls and a deadly virus – to the inevitable showdown with a massive Metal Gear, this is pure Snake through and through. “But what about those damn cards, how do they work?”, we hear you cry. Relax, they work surprisingly well and actually add a whole new layer to Snake’s traditional sneaking tactics. Thanks to Ac!d’s well-constructed tutorial the new card system is incredibly simple to learn and as you discover new cards you’ll quickly appreciate the sheer amount of thought that Konami has put into this unique (to the series at least) play mechanic. Add in the ability to replay completed levels, a well thought out finishing grade rewards you with points to buy new cards with, and you’ll be enjoying Ac!d’s charms long after its 20-hour adventure has been completed. However, Ac!d is far from perfect – you’ll often find yourself struggling with the game’s camera and more could have been made of the multiplayer mode. While the visuals aren’t exactly going to impress those mates who’ve been drooling over the likes of WipeOut Pure and Ridge Racer, they’re more than adequate and perfectly capture the cold steely look of the series. Sound on the other hand is much more striking and while there’s no actual talking, every FAMAS blast and alerted guard sounds frightfully authentic.

With so many puzzle and driving games already appearing on the PSP, it’s pleasing to see such a solid strategy title in the PSP’s launch line-up.