Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots | List Price: $59.99 Discount Price: $35.99

| Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 Brand: Konami/ Kojima Productions Binding: Video Game Release Date: 2008-06-12 ESRB Age Rating: Mature
Features: - Although little is known, MGS4 is being touted as the final installment in the Metal Gear Solid series.
- Chameleon-like camouflage system, Octacamo, blends Snake into his surroundings.
- Loads of characters from previous Metal Gear Solid installments will return in this final chapter.
- Slated for simultaneous worldwide release in June 2008, Konami has released very few details about MGS4.
- Built for the PS3, the game is expected to be the finest representation of the console's graphics
Worst.Online.Game.Ever [Posted on 2008-10-04] Seriously. I loved MGS 1-3. Story mode in MGS4 is not horrible. However, I really expected more from Metal Gear Online. Graphics are amazing, but gameplay is sluggish and extremely difficult to master. Absolutely hate it. Granted, this is a "stealth" game, but online play is pure combat simulator, and should be much more responsive. Do yourself a favor and play Call of Duty 4 instead.
A Good Game [Posted on 2008-10-05] I don't usually like giving negative reviews, but with all the hooplah surrounding this game, I thought I had to at least voice my opinion.
I was a huge fan of the other MGS games on the PS3, so when I heard about this game and saw the previews for it, I was anticipating and expecting a lot. I went and bought it the weekend it came out and started playing it immediately.
After finishing the game a few days later, I realized that I wasn't entirely satisfied. I'm not sure what it is, but it was a combination of a tired, drawn-out story, overly long cinematic sequences, and a lack of exciting gameplay.
I hate to say it, but this was a GOOD game at best for me.
Masterpiece [Posted on 2008-10-05] Let me start by saying this game is not for everyone.
The good news is, Kojima has crafted an icredible story for the game, tying up all of the loose ends and pulling together all of the prior games, all the way back to the beginning. They've taken all the best from the previous games and made the perfect Metal Gear Solid, with plenty of nods to previous games in the series. The music is, as always, inspiring, the graphics are incredible, and the controls are easily picked up by those of us who have played the previous installments in the series.
But therein lies the bad news: the game can be hard to grasp for people who are new to the series. The controls take a little time to grow used to if you aren't already familiar with their general layout, and the story, though brilliantly told, can be hard to grasp for those who haven't played the previous games. I'd imagine it would be like watching the Matrix Revolutions before the original Matrix. All the graphics and cutscenes in the world won't make it easier to understand. Finally, the Metal Gear Solid series is known for it's movie-like feel, involving lots of cutscenes and extensive voice acting. It all makes for an incredible experience, but those of you who love to pop in a game and play it from start to finish will be disappointed. There are many cutscenes, some of which are incredibly long, and the Codec conversations can take a lot of time as well, slowing the pace of the game somewhat. These conversations and cutscenes can all be skipped (thankfully), but doing so would obviously prevent you from understanding the story the first time you play through.
On one final note: This is not a FPS. It does not say 'First Person Shooter' on the cover of the game. It says 'Tactical Espionage Action'. However you can use the First Person point of view while aiming if you'd like.
All in all, this is an incredible game. It isn't a game for everyone, but this can be solved by simply playing the three other Metal Gear Solid games beforehand to prepare for it, all of which were re-released recently as a collection. For those of us who are already fans of the series, it would be a SIN not to get this game, and FoxDie is being specialized for your genetic code as we speak. =D
Mgs4-amazing! [Posted on 2008-10-05] I dont understand why alot of people complain about the cut scenes, its is the last installment so they have to tie up loose endings[ which were alot] MGS4 is and was one of the best games that i have played in my life. I was so drawn into the story, and this was the first time i played an MGS game. If you are a ps3 owner, this is a must have. I personally think that this game is better than COD4[ which is my all-time favorite game]
Masterpiece. Best Metal Gear Solid title to date. [Posted on 2008-10-05] A lot of hype surrounded this game prior to launch, as well as a lot of delays. But at last, Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid 4 arrived to the public. How to critique such a game is a challenge in itself. I'm going to start off by getting the "negative" out of the way. Quotes because "negative" is not how I would speak of this game, but I know anybody new to the series might find these things turn offs.
First of all, yes. The cut scenes are very, very long. My first play through, I watched all of them, including the codec conversations. I clocked in the game time at about 21 hours when all was said and done. I have since played through the game 6 more times and when running through the game, it takes about 2.5 hours. Granted, even when you play the game without cut scenes, you won't be running through the game on your first play through. So with that said, I would put the actual game play right around 10 to 12 hours. Correct. Movie sequences will take up close to 6+ hours of your gaming experience. I found this to be very, very exciting, but like I said, if you have no idea what is going on in MGS land, you will most likely find this very, very disappointing.
I actually can't remember ever struggling with the controls for any Metal Gear Solid game, so it is hard for me to comment on how "difficult" these controls are. I find it to be intuitive and was fine from the moment the game started. Of course, I was one of those crazy kids that actually enjoyed the controls for the first 3 Resident Evil games. I can only imagine that it would take some time for someone to get used to all the buttons you have to press to get where you want to go. I would hardly say it takes an hour, however.
::Now for the good!::
With the negative out of the way, I can focus on where this game really shines.
Graphics: The graphics are top notch. There are very few games out right now that outperform this game in the graphics department. Very realistic facial animations; sometimes you can't tell weather it is real or not. The different settings are all done very nicely. From a desert wasteland to a lush African jungle, they all look great.
Game play: What game play? Ha. I josh. When you break it down, there still is quite a bit of content within those 10 or so hours of game play. There are over 70 weapons, a multitude of unlockables, and several different ways to approach the game. You could go in guns a blazing, or take the silent approach and sneak your way to a no-kill victory. Like I said, I am on my 7th play through and I have yet to get bored. Many game play elements also makes this game a AAA title. Little nuances that show Kojima went the extra mile. For example, when you get knocked down, you can play dead. Or you can immediately sit up and shoot the enemy, while lying on your back. The MK.II is an excellent scout tool and can knock enemies unconscious. The Octocamo is a great addition with the ability to take your surroundings and turn it into camouflage. The Solid-Eye is also a great tool used to find items or find you way in the dark.
Sound: I recently bought a surround sound system, but unfortunately have yet to test this game out on it. I am looking forward to it. The sound coming out of my TV speakers was great. I have always loved the music in Metal Gear Solid games and this installment is no exception. The small details in the sound are also great. David Hayter brought his A game to this A game! His 'Old Snake' voice is fantastic and instills you with the belief that he is actually dieing. All the voices are fantastic and believable.
Multiplayer: For the few times I have played the multiplayer, it has been an okay experience. I never really got into the previous Metal Gear Online. Its not bad, mind you, just not my type of multiplayer game. Single player is where this game shines.
Fun: This game is hella fun. For as many times as I've played it, I thought it might be a daunting task. But I have walked away each time just as impressed as I was the first time. With all the medals to unlock, you might be playing it for a while.
Bottom Line: If you liked previous versions of the game, you will love this one. If you like games like Call of Duty and Halo and have never tried a Metal Gear game, give it a rent. You might be disappointed, you might not. I think it is well worth any money you pay for it.
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