Part 4: IdeaSpy 2.5: Episode 1
One little... odd... feature of Metal Gear: Ghost Babel is a hidden text-based radio play called IdeaSpy 2.5. IdeaSpy is only featured in the Japanese and PAL versions of the game. It is strangely absent from the North American release. I'm not sure why. The PAL version of the game was released less than a month after the Japanese and NTSC versions so it's not like it was cut since it was too long to translate. It is a mystery.
Anyhow, IdeaSpy is unlocked after completing the game once. On subsequent playthroughs, an episode of the radio drama will air on Codec frequency 140.07 (a hidden frequency also appearing in Metal Gear 2 which served as a music player.) There are thirteen episodes of IdeaSpy 2.5 (one for each stage.) I'll post them as chapter intermissions from here on out after we catch up with the first four.
Disclaimer: IdeaSpy has fuck all to do with the actual game's storyline. So if you're not into it, don't feel too bad about skipping past. With that said, let's begin...
Communicator Entertainment Program "IdeaSpy 2.5 (Two-point-five)" Episode 1 New York. Here in the city where dreams come true and desires rule, something is being bought, sold and thrown away, even as we speak. But behind the scenes of business as usual, the nefarious "J.E. (Junker Expensive Corporation)" lines its already bloated coffers with profits from worthless products. As J.E. swindlers yet another innocent into purchasing high-priced junk, the FBI mobilizes a top-secret task force to put a stop to the menace. Now, the city's best-kept secret spy is out there, briefed and ready to protect the people from "J.E.," the catalogue of conspiracy -- just call him "2.5 (Two-point-five)."*****
Two, do you copy?
Roger. Thanks to 'Noi-Zap,' the slap-on, be-gone answer to communicator static, I can hear the ice melting in your lunch. Good. What's the status? Loosen up, 714. I'm tailing a J.E. exec's limo right now. It should lead me to their junk factory pretty soon. All right. That's where the 'Bod Bed,' the miracle product that promises to <Pump you up like and action star in your sleep>, is secretly produced. I know. The thing that has nothing but legs and a frame to support your head and heels, right? Whoever bought those almost deserves it. It's not like the people who bought them did anything wrong, Two. Did you buy one? ..... Jeez, 714. You bought one. It's not what you think. I only wanted the Mr. Huggy Bear body pillow that came free with the purchase. Same thing. Learn to buy wisely. You're playing right into J.E.'s hands. Sorry, Two. Don't be. It's not my money. The installment payment should give you plenty of time to think. Christ, f-five years.... Mr. Huggy Bear didn't come cheap, did he? Oops, time to go. The limo just stopped. Watch yourself. Never fear. Even if they notice me, there's no way they can attack this car. What? Why not? 'Kid in Kar' sticker. I tacked one on the window before I left. ...You're the goods, Two. Okay, they're entering the building. I'm going in too. Steady as she goes.... Damn! Two! What's wrong?!Beep! Beep! Beep!
Not good. It's the 'Papa Don't Approach Sensor.' Looks like I underestimated their security measures. Get out of there, Two! Too late! I'm going in! Two!*****
To be continued...