A recent mod update has effectively reverted the PC version of Metal Gear Solid 2 in the Master Collection back to its original PlayStation 2-era visual state. Version 4.0.0 of the MGSHDFix mod, released over the weekend, addresses a significant number of graphical effects that were left unimplemented in the 2011 HD Collection versions, which the Master Collection ports are based on. According to the mod's author, Afevis, many of these unimplemented features were even noted as 'BLUEPOINT TO-DO' within the game's source code.
While Bluepoint Games' earlier HD remastering of Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3 was generally well-received, some visual elements were omitted or altered. MGSHDFix aims to correct these regressions. For instance, the depth of field rendering in both games now functions correctly and scales appropriately with modern display resolutions.
The mod focuses heavily on MGS2, restoring a multitude of PS2-era visual effects. These include specific water effects, cutscene filters, motion trails, crossfade camera transitions, and bloodstains on enemy guards, among other enhancements. Although these details may not be immediately apparent to all players, their inclusion contributes to a more complete visual experience, aligning closer to the original artistic intent of the game's designers.
Players interested in utilizing these restorations should download the 4.0.1 hotfix version, which was released shortly after the initial 4.0.0 update. A note for Linux users employing Luxtorpeda indicates that the mod manager may still be referencing an older version of the mod, though this is expected to be resolved imminently.