Q: Deadzones? What are those?

A: When they programmed analog into the game, they didn't properly convert MGS2 analog. On certain diagonal angles, Snake will walk instead of run. This is unforgivable, considering MGS1 had 360 degree analog. Due to this, some runners (e.g. Plywood or Sylvaned) use mostly dpad for movement. Certain rooms are easier on dpad than analog, and vice versa. Certain strategies open up with analog movement as well (e.g. Warehouse North on Normal).

Q: Is this game harder than the original?

A: Casually, it is easier than the original. Speedrun wise, it is debatable.

Q: Why is this debatable?

A:

• The method of control is different
• The games are on different engines
• Some bosses behave differently or have new gameplay elements
• Some rooms are designed differently
• There are fewer breaks in TTS
• There is more button mashing in MGS1

A 1 to 1 comparison isn't very fair to either game. To do an accurate comparison, you would need to go room by room on every difficulty. It also raises the question of difficult in what way? Learning? Mastering? Going for the hardest strategies?