Update - Now that Metal Gear Solid 2 is finally out, McFarlane Toys has finally put this awesome series of figures on the shelves. It's easy to understand why they waited, because two of the character's present have been held back in secret, so as not to spoil any of the major secrets from the game. Anyone who purchased the figures from the last game will want to get their hands on these.

Anyone who was impressed with the quality with the last series will be as equally impressed with this new line. Each figure is greatly detailed. McFarlane manages to keep the bar for quality at a high level. Also, if you get all six, you can piece together the Metal Gear Ray. For this alone, I believe a number of collectors will get multiple sets of this series. While the figures themselves are awesome, I would say that they are like a lot like previous McFarlane lines, great to look at, but definitely "no-play". This is not to say that they couldn't handle a little re-enactment time, but I'm quite sure that collectors and enthusiasts will buy the bulk of these.

If I have any requests out of this series, it's for more figures. With so many pivotal characters in the game, a set of six only seems to scratch the surface. I thought the set of eight for MGS just barely captured the cast of that game. Since there seem to be more players in the plot for Metal Gear Solid 2, I can only hope to see a new set including Otacon, Campbell, and some of the villains.

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Not one to be outdone by anyone else, McFarlane Toys has released shots of the new line of figures based on the sequel to Metal Gear Solid. Apparently, each of the six(or seven) figures will come with a piece of the larger Metal Gear Ray, which you can assemble together (kind of like a Transformer).

Current shots only reveal characters shown in the demo, namely Snake, Revolver Ocelot and Olga, the female in fatigues. Photos that are already circulating attest to an even greater attention to detail. Even as Konami is raising the level of quality in their PS2 sequel, it appears that McFarlane is doing the same for the figures. Expect these figures to be a step above of the competition and even most of McFarlane's own products that are out on the market today.

For more on these figures, check out www.spawn.com.

- - Vane