Didn't notice this until now: Apparently, the Grounder drops the Sword in the translation, not in the original.
This is a game I definitely could enjoy. However, I am trying to get the best ending, and it's a very daunting task. Two attempts so far have been a failure. Seems stocking up money just to rest up eats up a lot of time in and of itself. A day goes by every 45 seconds.
What would be quick and efficient in regaining HP and MP without grinding for 150G?
The sword you are talking about is not a necessary item, but you can use it.
If you want to use an in game cheat there is a key combination that raises you level.
A good spot to grind gold is at the beginning with the frogs, but you probabaly know that.
A little bit beyond the grounder there are bats. They drop meat. Drop rate is fairly high and you can harvest all you want. I think there are herbs that give back MP. Don't remember if they have a good drop rate.
Going for the good ending is a daunting task. That game is tough as nails and for the good ending you are not supposed to use more than 3 continues i think. So that is gonna be hard.
NOW I see what I did wrong. I probably didn't use the radio first after having it repaired. When I did that, and then used it again at the very end, it worked perfectly. Thanks everyone, for all your help.
This game was so much fun. Although Hideo Kojima hasn't said anything I get the feeling that he got some ideas for Metal Gear 1 from this game, mainly the overhead perspective and inventory screen.
