Below are user reviews of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and on the right are links to professionally written reviews.
The summary of review scores shows the distribution of scores given by the professional reviewers for Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.
Column height indicates the number of reviews with a score within the range shown at the bottom of the column.
Higher scores (columns further towards the right) are better.
Summary of Review Scores |
| | | | | | | | | |
0's | 10's | 20's | 30's | 40's | 50's | 60's | 70's | 80's | 90's |
User Reviews (171 - 181 of 234)
Show these reviews first:
Nothing Like It On Any Other System
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 2
Date: June 22, 2008
Author: Amazon User
***Disclaimer: If your sole fortes are First Person Shooters, aka Call of Duty or Halo, keep on walking. This is a playable cinematic experience for those who can sit still and concentrate for more than 10 minutes***
Great work Hideo and team Kojima Productions! This game is the most painstakingly crafted work to grace the PS3 to date. I've enjoyed every Metal Gear Game out there and personally think this is the best yet. I enjoyed MGS on PS1 and Twin Snakes on the Game Cube. I truly enjoyed Sons of Liberty's attempt to be a playable movie (one of the first ever), as it was a truly unique experience. Snake Eater was even better, truly epic and an improved take on the playable movie concept. I'm not going to turn this into a review of every MGS iteration out there so I'll go on to Metal Gear Solid 4.
This game is a true masterpiece, with currently nothing like it on any of the other "next generation" platforms. I am a huge fan of the series and purchased the Limited Edition version of the game. I would have liked to purchase it from Amazon but a certain brick and mortar store got exclusive rights to sell at launch. If you have the money, I recommend picking up the Limited Edition but I digress.
I am not going to put any spoilers in this review so I will focus on what I did and did not like about the game. First with what I like:
1. The cinematic experience. MGS2 established the modern playable movie genre. MGS4 goes even further and is, in my opinion, as close as you can get to a full feature length playable movie. I am truly amazed at the seamless transitions between cut-scene and game play. For example, you will be watching a cut scene and instead of a pause or black space your cue, to take control, will be the HUD (Heads Up Display) transitioning in to signal game play is about to begin.
2. The attention to detail: It's the little things that contribute to gaming experience. Despite the "Open Warfare" setting, being unseen is still important to the game, which adds an addition level of tension. As a result, there are many new ways of hiding in MGS4 that weren't available in previous Metal Gears. Example, when avoiding PMCs, you may be tempted to hide in a dumpster. This can work but be aware... like in real life, dumpsters stink. If you hang out too long in one, you will stink too. So, you may avoid the "baddies" but once you leave the dumpster, your newfound pheromones will attract attention.
3. The AI (Artificial Intelligence) between difficulty settings. There actually IS a difference this time around. Liquid Easy, is perfect for the casual gamer or noob. The higher the difficulty the more dynamic the AI is, from Gekko to PMC foot soldier. PMC soldiers will alter their patrol areas and Gekkos will adapt to you pattern of attack. In other words, instead of simply being more aggressive on more difficult settings, the AI is actually progressively more cunning in sniffing you out.
4. The audio. The audio production levels are phenomenal. The audio in this game is better than some of the best Hollywood can muster. I play the game through my Yamaha HTR 7.1 receiver connected to my JBL Studio L speakers and it sounds simply amazing. I found myself using the audio to determine where enemies where during some of the missions in act 2, 4, and 5.
5. My subjective opinion here but the visuals are better than Drake's Fortune (another favorite of mine and must play that I highly recommend). My HDCP HDMI video signal reader (I do video post production as a hobby and side job, which is why I have one) detects a 720p signal and Even through the PS3's 1080p up conversion, I was unable to see any artifacting. Frame rate is superb even during the Middle East scenarios, nothing less than 30fps and no rapid fps drops. I was unable to see any texture pop and no screen tear no matter how much action was going on. The attention to detail left my eyes salivating viewing it on my 42" gaming HDTV.
4. The Story. To put it in simple terms, the Story and Plotlines in MGS are esoteric and are perfect for cultural and historical deconstruction, for those interested in getting that out of the game. The game at times is intellectual and a bit absorbed but is accessible through laughable characters, including Snake and the hairless monkey (yes, there's a hairless monkey). For those having problems following the story and convoluted plots, there is a free searchable archive/encyclopedia of Metal Gear Solid that is a compendium of all things Metal Gear, which is a free download from the Play Station Network Store.
5. Replay value. There are many different ways and paths you can take to beat the game. My personal favorate, if you choose to replay the game through your game complete file you get to keep every item you collected in your previous play through, this feature is activated when you obtain the mkII.
What I didn't like.
1. The installs. I would have preferred to have had one Massive Install in the beginning of the game instead of several chunked throughout the game. It did detract from the flow of the cinematic experience. Disc Installs are to the PS3 as Disc Swaps are to the Xbox 360, PS2, and Game Cube etc... annoying but not a deal breaker for me.
2. They got rid of the detailed walkthrough tutorial of controls, like they did in previous versions, which may be a hindrance for some. To offset this, there is a separate "tutorial" in the game. Via the start menu go into the "Virtual Rage" option, this will allow for some practice and familiarization with the HUD and Controls.
3. The multiple logins required to play Metal Gear Online are simply crud and annoying. For some reason Konami insists on not one not two but three instances of UserID. One to establish a Konami user account, one for a gamer's ID, and finally when you're online you have to assign your online character yet another name. Very annoying in my opinion. To top things off, your Konami password cannot be the same as your gaming password.
In conclusion it is my opinion, that despite some if its flaws Metal Gear Solid 4 is a game every PS3 owner should experience. It is definitely not for everyone as it is a very plot driven sophistical cinematic experience that requires thought. Those who simply want to run around and blow things up should keep on walking but if you're looking for a more mature and deep experience with fantastic graphics and audio to augment a playable blockbuster movie, then look no further. I give this game 5 stars.
Not as great as everyone makes it out to be...
3
Rating: 3,
Useful: 5 / 32
Date: June 20, 2008
Author: Amazon User
Let me start by saying I've played every metal gear game since the start except the first one on the original nintendo system. My favorite was metal gear solid 1 and I consider that the pinnacle of the series in terms of storyline, originality, and most of all gameplay.
The first problem I have with this "final" chapter of the series is deviates from the real appeal to the game which in my humble opinion is covert operations aka 'sneaking around'. the radar makes it hard for you to tell where your enemies are the new camaflouge system is overrated and doesn't make the game that fun.
My second problem is that over the half the game is useless cutscenes. It seems every cutscene spends useless minutes on watching a little girl fry an egg, a monkey asking for some soda/cigarretes, or a guy rubbing his stomach because of bowel movement problems (yes these are all real).
My third problem...the storyline is way too confusing. I played every metal gear since the beginning and I'm still way confused about what's going on. Characters/storylines are used from other storylines and make it way too difficult to understand. The explanation for liquid snake coming back from death is ridiculous and also makes no sense.
My conclusion is that this last chapter is very disappointing. Usually I'm glued to the screen playing these games, but I find that if I wanted to play a first person shooter I would have bought bioshock or crysis.
More cutscenes than gameplay
3
Rating: 3,
Useful: 10 / 86
Date: June 13, 2008
Author: Amazon User
I've played for a few hours so far and I have to say there are way too many cutscenes. It's almost like watching a movie instead of playing a game. After each 2 or 3 minutes of gameplay you get a 4 or 5 minute cutscene.
I WANT TO PLAY A GAME NOT WATCH A MOVIE!
So far the best games for the PS3 are Resistance FOM and COD4. If you loved those games you will find MGS4 about half as good as either of them in gameplay, but far superior in graphics. Great graphics does not make for great gameplay.
I'm waiting impatiently for the REAL PS3 killer app, Resident Evil 5. If it's half as good as RE4 it will blow away MGS4 and any other PS3 game.
THIS IS THE MOST OVER-RATED BORING WASTE OF 60.00!
1
Rating: 1,
Useful: 12 / 110
Date: June 19, 2008
Author: Amazon User
THIS GAME IS ALL SHOW! Graphics, more graphics, all cut scenes. I sold my copy after 4 days. I could not get into this boring crap. It's so slow and dull. After playing fun games, that are actually GAMES! Not a RENDERED FREAKING MOVIES! You will be bored with this game if you like action. I can't believe people like this game so much? It's like playing a boring RPG . WHAT A WASTE! THIS GAME IS WORTH 30.00 AT MOST. IT'S MOSTLY JUST CUT SCENES OF BORING COMPLEX STORY. WHAT A BORE!
The most egocentric game of all time?
2
Rating: 2,
Useful: 23 / 264
Date: June 12, 2008
Author: Amazon User
Wow. No I am speechless. How did Sony take one the most promising consoles and franchises and both in turn into the most reveiled piece of entertainment products in gaming history? The answer is not a simple one but the over-arching theme seems to be a common one these days. No Fun.
It is a tell tale sign that most ps 3 owners are spending time playing gta 4 as opposed to this nonsense. Visually it is a masterpiece. Gameplay-wise it is without parallel. Only problem is you end up paying to watch a movie as opposed to playing a game.
Again, I feel the inclined to exlaim silently. Only a tech groups could squeeze all the fun out of a potentially good idea. Takes some talent for that and Sonyy/Konami succeed in flying colors.
Do yourself a favor and pick up gta 4 instead of wasting your time on this overhyped merchandise. Don't mean to sound harsh but movies are for theaters. See Kojima? Buttons. Buttons. For continous interaction genius. Not for watching ednless hours of ego-masturbation.
A surpisingly boring game. Not really recommended for those new to the series
You Better Buy It If You Own a PS3
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 3
Date: August 30, 2008
Author: Amazon User
People hate it because of the movie like length but that's what helps end the Metal Gear Saga. It's like an epic adventure and the length is definitely needed. I have been lucky enough to be at the end of movie scenes when I needed to leave or quit playing but who knows. I am going to play through a couple more times after I beat it(I'm on Act 4).
its the best game ever
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 3
Date: June 23, 2008
Author: Amazon User
its the best game that you can play in your hold live nothing gets close
Metal Gear Solid 4 Review
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 3
Date: June 21, 2008
Author: Amazon User
This game was the best. Hands down. It was excellent in every way. Sure some of the cutscenes were nearly an hour long, and sure, you played relatively little compared to the length of some of the cutscenes...but it was great.
It answers all the questions and maybe gives you a few more. The graphics were excellent. The story was enthralling. No other game will give you this much entertainment.
best game i have played
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 4
Date: June 20, 2008
Author: Amazon User
best game you will probably ever play the game is as close to perfect as you will ever see
Great Game, Lots Of Cutscenes.
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 1 / 4
Date: June 24, 2008
Author: Amazon User
Just Beat Metal Gear Solid 4 last night.
Gameplay was great, Graphics are best on PS3 (for now) Till Killzone 2
comes out.
Lots Of Japanese Weirdness, Monkeys, Robots, and such
Very Dramatic Cutscenes, At least it looks better than the Final Fantasy Movie.
Honestly Metal Gear Solid 3 Has more Appeal
But overall,it is one of the top games on PS3 right now,
So I say pick it up,but don't expect too much gameplay.
Gameplay/Control 10 out of 10
Graphics 11 out of 10 (Best so far)
Replayability 4 out of 10
Fun Factor 8 out of 10
Overall 8 out of 10
Actions