War has changed. So has the Metal Gear Solid franchise with its fourth
installment. Thankfully, it's all for the better, culminating in one of
the best games ever.
Metal Gear Solid 4 has been the most highly anticipated game for
the Playstation 3 since before the console was even announced. All over
the internet and magazines, plenty of gamers and MGS nerds wondering
when we will see the next installment in the famed franchise. Luckily,
in June 2008, it is finally here. Even better, what is here is
perfection.
The graphical presentation of MGS4 is top notch. Never before have
I spent nearly the whole game with my jaw gaping, virtually drooling at
every cutscene and gameplay sequence. The character models are
beautifully detailed. Snake's age is a hot topic in the game, and the
graphical poweress shows off every jeriatric detail of him. All
cutscenes are done in real time, which makes it all the more amazing.
There were moments in the game when I had to do a double take and make
sure that I was watching a game, and not a real movie.
Control issues have been a touchy subject when it comes to the MGS
series. Luckily, there isn't anything to worry about when it comes to
MGS4. The configuration has been streamlined to be more along the lines
of a good third person shooter, even taking a few tips from that
'other' stealth game. You're only a button press away from an
over-the-shoulder view and just one more for a first person view. Any
of these views can be used at any point in time and really gives Snake
the edge when it is needed most. There are plenty of moments in MGS4
that need very precise and concise gunplay and this new control scheme
delivers on all fronts. Sixaxis motion control is rarely used, but what
is there, works well. Also, if you are a lucky owner of the Dualshock
3, it is utilized very well, and is a staple all its own in the
immersion factor.
Without spoiling anything, the story is very well done and shows
off the masterpiece that Hideo Kojima has created. Snake's brother,
Liquid has harnessed the power to ultimately control the world and it's
up to Snake to stop him. Several characters from past MGS games are
here to help or kill Snake, and it's up to you to help Snake along the
way. Snake is showing his age and it is displayed prominently
throughout the game. He's also a chain smoker, smoking nearly every
couple of minutes in a cutscene. MGS4 is presumably the last game in
the series, and it is all handled very well. Every loose end is tied
up, nothing left unsaid. During my playthrough, even a few tears were
shed, and that is something no one would have expected to hear about a
video game, I assure you.
MGS4 will only take about 18-20 hours to complete on the normal
difficulty, but can probably be defeated within 5-10 hours when
skipping all cutscenes and codec sequences. The question as to why you
would do that is beyond me, but for those speed runners, and for those
who can't understand the story, the option is there. The cutscenes can
be rather lengthy, but they are acted and directed so well that
skipping just one would be a crime. This is a game that is just as
important to watch as to play.
Metal Gear Online heads MGS4's plethora of extras. A full online
mode taking the gameplay from the single player game online pitting you
against 16 of your most dear friends is at your disposal. Yep, you can
even kill your opponents with a Playboy magazine from across the
country. It is slightly unfortunate that there are only a few maps to
choose from, but there will be more downloadable later as this is only
billed as the 'Starter Pack' for Metal Gear Online. A few of the other
extras include downloadable camoflauge and ipod songs. They are all
nice touches to an already perfect game.
Metal Gear Solid 4 is easily the greatest entry in the MGS series,
sporting a refined control scheme, excellent story and superb extras
that will keep you coming back for more. It deserves nothing less then
a perfect score. It's okay not to believe the hype, but believe me when
I say it is well deserved and worth buying a Playstation 3 over. Buy
this game.
