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Too tired, can't think of a clever title right now

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: July 17, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I would like to start off with a comment on the newbie reviews which have criticized this game for playing more like an interactive movie than a game. Such criticism would be just fine, except it is the frequently expressed philosophy of its developers - they market their games based on the "movie" aspect, and remarks by Hideo Kojima and much of his staff + company to that effect can be found on the Internet. Complaining that this plays more like an interactive movie is like going to Iron Man and complaining it about it being a Super-Hero movie. Nobody tricked you, and if you'd done adequate research before buying it (which you're supposed to do for any costly product), then you would have known it wasn't the game for you. Now, there are some sophisticated reviews by old-timers that also criticize this for playing more like an interactive movie, and while I don't agree with them completely, I have some respect for their judgment.

First, the storyline. Well, like all the Metal Gear Solid games, it includes scenes that other developers would have only included in the out-takes, that is, the funny actor goof-ups they show after a movie. Basically I mean scenes which break the fourth-wall or seem too ridiculous to actually be apart of a serious commentary on genetic engineering, living in the Age of Information, and warfare and its effects on the economy and world culture. Similar to the negative comments about this playing like an interactive movie, this is kind of the signature mark of both the game series itself and the developers in general - thematically speaking, Metal Gear Solid is very postmodern in both style and focus, and these disruptive scenes are consistent with that spirit.

As for the plot: it is a masterful conclusion to the Metal Gear Solid series as a whole, synthesizing bits and pieces from all the old games to create a finale which leaves all the mysteries explained. I did feel it betrayed (completely reversed) some of the spirit of MGS1, but I suppose that makes since considering MGS1 and Shadow Moses was "the beginning" and MGS4 "the end." Some will complain the story is presented in a fragmented manner which makes it difficult to comprehend, but that's in the eye of the beholder - to dedicated fans who supplement our playtime with whatever information we can learn about the Metal Gear Solid universe on the Internet, understanding should come easily. Bear in mind, then, that this storyline will only be fully appreciable to someone who has played other games in the series first and enjoyed the experience. If you fall short of that mark, I recommend putting off MGS4 until later.

Now, the gameplay. It reminds me of the rest of the series. It is frustrating in some respects, but still a unique and worthwhile experience you won't find in any other series in the market. That by itself elevates MGS4's gameplay to a high status - if it is unique, worthwhile, and you can't get it in any other series, then it assumes a value higher than its shortcomings would otherwise make it. There is still nothing better than sneaking your way past armed squadrons or hacking away at their numbers in your preferred manner. The freedom of movement and style in Metal Gear Solid is part of its appeal.

Now, a few complaints tempered with some positive remarks:

... the Psyche Bar had potential, but it wasn't the best subsidiary health bar we've ever had. It fell short of what I experienced in Metal Gear Solid 3. On Normal Mode, it didn't influence my playing at all until quite late in the game, and even then, it was only a minor inconvenience. That is the mark of its overall ineffectiveness to me.

... I liked how each of the bosses had a back story, as opposed to the Cobra Unit, two of which had essentially no back story (The Fear and The Pain). I didn't like how the back stories felt generic both substance (they were all pretty much the same, although I guess it was inevitable considering their tragic pasts were a common tie), and in presentation - Snake should have interacted more with the Beauty and the Beast Unit, as he did during MGS1, Raiden did in MGS2, and Big Boss did to a lesser extent in MGS3. That would have fleshed out their personalities better.

... while it was a masterful ending for the series as a whole, the ending of MGS4 in-itself for-itself was a bit of a let down in some ways, though my mouth was open (figuratively speaking) from beginning until end, so I can't complain too much.

That said, 5 out of 5 for:

1. A storyline which masterfully concludes an epic series I felt certain couldn't be concluded in a way that didn't feel forced or contrived. Flaws aside, wow.

2.A gameplay experience which, in spite of its shortcomings, nonetheless offers something special that can't be found anywhere else.

Oh ... graphics and other special effects ... well, this review is long enough and other people have covered those things in greater detail than I would.

Nice, nice, and hopefully a helpfull review

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: July 20, 2008
Author: Amazon User

First before I start, remember MGS is NOT A FPS! IT'S A SNEAKING GAME and this game is mainly for the fan base. So with that said I will now start the review.

Storyline: Great story line I believe, plain and simple. Very detailed, thought out, and well executed. My best advise for is to research the story before you play, so we don't have to read more "The story sucks" type of pointless reviews.

Cut scenes: Yes..They are long, but remember its MGS. MGS is most of all a interactive story. And back to the point, the cutscenes are beautiful on both HD and Non-HD. Great use of in-game graphics. I love the alternate views and flashbacks with the R1 button.

Game play: Nice tweaks with the controls and camera views. When the camera is in a bad spot, you can easily use the joystick to fix that. Other then that not too much else comes to mind.

So all in all, this is my personal opinion, and I just hope with some of what I said would remove at least a few moronic reviews about this game. Also please, please stop comparing to COD ya idiots. Different game Genera.

1 last note: COD4 does rock =D

Full Metal Solid

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: July 21, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Metal Gear Solid 4 (MGS4) may well be one of the best games ever made. This isn't a gross overstatement, this is just a fact, a reality of the situation and the consequences are staggering. MGS4 has delivered on a gaming benchmark that really makes all other games fade in comparison. When I first got my PS3, I got it boxed with a very popular action game (no points for guessing). MGS4 was on the shelf and I remembered how well I enjoyed MGS3: Snake Eater but the hype was about the game I had in the box. In reality, the boxed PS3 should have been sold with MGS4 and the real hype should have been about this `final entry' (debatable) in the Solid Snake series. So if you are thinking about a PS3 box then I say look not further than the new MGS4 one.

MGS4 is an evolution in gaming. This is not just a development in tactical espionage games or a better story. This is an entirely new way to game. MGS4 makes abundant use of the PS3's networking capabilities. Lots of content such as music for snake's iPod (yeah it works like a real iPod also) and his camouflage gear are released at intervals online by the MGS4 developers. There are even exclusive MGS4 podcasts. So MGS4 is not just limited to the extensive BD content, there is probably going to be years of content updates ahead.

MGS4 is absolutely massive. You get approximately 30 hours of a game from start to finish. There are days of game play involved. There are several Acts where you can play with snake. You are advised to play MGS4 sneaking. This means less shooting, more hiding and you will enjoy the game more. The less you shoot or CQC the more fun you will have but you need the patients to maybe hang around a wall or bush for several minutes. In fact this game requires a lot of patients. It is the way it has been designed. It is full metal emersion in a stealth world.

Act 1 - Liquid Sun
This is urban war in a Middle Eastern city. Snake fights with or against local militia. You are introduced to new tech like a remote control robot, Metal Gear Mk. II, gun purchasing and gun unlocking. You also get to fight in a hotel. This map is gigantic and the stealth play is impeccable.

Act 2 - Solid Sun
Here you are on South American terrain. This is close to the sort of setting found in the Russian forests of MGS3, however there is no snake eating or growling stomachs. There are more open areas and buildings to climb. You will enjoy the stealth play here a lot.

Act 3 - Third Sun
Prague, Czech Republic. Snake sneaks around this European city at night. This really challenges your ability to tiptoe and avoid detection. Snake in the city is a great idea and the execution is a lot of fun.

Act 4 - Twin Suns
Shadow Moses Island. This is from the first MGS. It is a huge industrial complex that Snake must penetrate. There is also lots of snow covered terrain and blizzards for snake to get through.

Act 5 - Old Sun
A submarine/battleship. Snake moves around inside this warship for the final showdown. He takes on more than one end boss here. It is very hard to play this as a sneaking mission and depends a lot on shooting.

There are also dozens of boss fights and at least a few hours of cut scenes to get through. There are too many guns with adaptors to count as well as accessories galore. By the end of the game you have only experienced a fraction of what you could have used and will probably go back and play the game more than once and play it in a different way. For this reason MGS4 has a very nice long lifespan.

Snake's moves have been made easier. The CQC is a little different than snake eater but offers some things new. There are multiple holds available as well as new ways to engage the enemy, but more importantly, these controls have been made easier than the steep learning curve that came with MGS3.

The graphics are impeccable. At times it is like playing a modern anime or Manga movie which is to say it is like playing the cut scenes in MGS3. However some of the cut scenes in MGS4 are 3D animations that you can move around. The music and sound effects are top notch. To put it in perspective the closing credits run like the ending to the movie Titanic. That is how much work has gone into MGS4.

The story is very complex and often hard to follow so you will have to be on your toes. MGS developers released a back-story add-on you can download over the PS3 Sony Store. This will familiarize you with MGS1 to 3. With that said, the story is a good one and has to do with the war economy and has a lot to do with Snake's family but be prepared to sit through it. Once you know the story you can skip them on your second or more play.

MGS4 comes with multiplayer. That is a whole other game involving players in maps shooting it out with each other. There is not much stealth involved though as it is pretty much straight forward gun battling within complexes. And of course being on the PS3 multiplayer is free.

Installing MGS4 can take some time. There are a few minutes of installation between each Act. However when done loading times are not bad and save times are instantaneous. Anyway the bottom line is that anyone with a PS3 is going to get this. You could say this was made for the PS3 or the PS3 made for this and you wouldn't be far wrong. It makes full use of the PS3 and quite frankly the only thing that can try to compete is a high end PC (but with what game?). So right now, as it stands, the PS3 offers quite possibly the best gaming experience with MGS4. It simply blows away any and all games on other consoles and the PC. That is a blue moon event in the world of computer gaming.

Pros
The best stealth game ever
Maybe the best game ever
Makes full use of the PS3
Revolutionary graphics
Huge levels and design
iPod and podcasts

Cons
It ends
Makes other PS3 games pale in comparison
No snake eating

End of an Era

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: August 15, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Without blowing any story details, I'm just going to get this out of the way: Metal Gear Solid 4 - Guns of the Patriots is the conclusion to the Solid Snake era of the series and it has been done right, and better than what I had in mind. Simply, there's no way I could have asked for a better ending than this. I've always been a fan of the MGS story lines, and this is my favorite part of the story. I understand Hideo Kojima has talked about the series continuing but without him being directly involved anymore as well as the absence of the long-time protagonist Solid Snake, but after this game fans would be left to question where would the series go when MGS5 comes out? Well, we won't know until then so let's enjoy MGS4.

MGS4's gameplay shouldn't be a stranger to fans of the older titles, however there are some noticeable differences. The CQC (Close Quarters Combat) system button is now "R1" instead of the "O" from MGS3, you fire weapons with (at least) two buttons (one to aim then another to fire), scope and camera zoom-ins are use the D-pad to magnify, the D-pad during the control of Snake does not move him, and the system of acquiring weapons is a bit different and the process is rather unusual for MGS games (you do more than just picking up guns off the floor). There are additions to holding-up such as patting enemies down to steal items, there are TONS of weapons in this game, a great variety but you'll never need some of them, and there is a "psyche meter" (similar to the Stamina from MGS3) and a stress meter which all take effect in Snake's performance. Aside from that the game is still no stranger to MGS fans as it still has the same feel after you get used to the new control system (I do have to say firing the gun easily took some practice and patience because it was so frustrating at times, but auto-aim eases it up). If you were disappointed in the lack of radar in MGS3, then the "Solid-Eye" is a nice welcome similar to a radar. Camera angles are totally free and can be controlled with the R-analog stick. After you get used to the controls, like I said, it's a breeze playing through like the old titles in the series.

Metal Gear Solid 4's playthrough is similar to the old MGS games - self-explanatory. Cut-scenes are one of the beauties of this game along with it's graphics despite the lengths of them. Be prepared for long cut-scenes and if you plan to watch them all, get ready for many (and I mean MANY) hours of gameplay. But in my opinion the scenes move the story along, and it's very engaging. I hardly noticed the lengths of them until I got my total play time at the end of the game, I was very engaged in everything going on in the game to every action and emotion, and I love the addition of flash-back images in the game that give me memories of playing the older titles and seeing how the story of MGS4 came about because of the previous events. So MGS4, like the other titles, is very cinematic and the most cinematic taking advantage of the PS3 technology, but fans of the series shouldn't be burdened by this if they are intrigued by the storyline and the continuity.

In a way I would consider this game mostly for people who are already fans of the series. The storyline wouldn't make as much sense if you hadn't played the previous titles and understand what happened and all. If you just played through without getting the stories on the older titles you'd enjoy the gameplay here as well.

In conclusion, MGS4 is an amazing game taking advantage of being on the PS3, the gameplay and gripping storyline should appeal to the fans of the series, and it's worth it to check out the conclusion of Snake's era in the series. 5 Stars, highly recommended!

Must have for PS3

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: August 26, 2008
Author: Amazon User

MGS4 is, by itself, reason enough to get a PS3. The game is truly amazing. The whole game itself is 1080p, not just a few scenes like some other games that claim to be 1080p, so it looks incredible on an HDTV. I don't have an XBOX so I can't say if any of the platform exclusive titles are as good or not, but it would have to be one heck of a game to beat MGS4. I've played all the other games in the series and I've read the reviewers fussing about the long cut scenes and some of them are very long (I think it was between acts 2 and 3, counting the ending of one part and the mission briefing of the next part, the cut scene was nearly 50 minutes long). You can skip them, but you miss out on a big part of the story and the story is the main reason for playing MGS4. MGS has never been a run-and-gun type game. It actually requires you to have patience, refrain from shooting any thing that moves, be stealthy and quiet, so it doesn't appeal to a lot of gamers, but if you liked the other games in the series, you will absolutely love this one. This is the best game I've played on the PS3 so far.

MGS4...WoW

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 7
Date: June 12, 2008
Author: Amazon User

One of the best PS3 or 360 games I have played. Picked it up at midnight release and have been playing it non-stop. Haven't been online yet, have account setup ready to play. Was in beta of Metal Gear Online and i'm excited to get back into the MGO. Amazing cutscenes, great story line and AWESOME action.

(Insert Title Here)

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 7
Date: June 20, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Sorry I hate trying to figure out titles for these things... but anyways I will include a straight to the point review and a longer one.

Short review:
Pros:
1.Plot: amazing if you like espionage games
2.Graphics: incredible
3.Gameplay: if your not familiar with mgs games or are rusty they are a little difficult at first but they do get easier (there is also a practice mode at the title screen)
4.Sound: excellent

Cons (to me there are non but this is what many complained about):
1.Long and many cutscenes but that's what mgs games are known for
2.Like i said if you've never played or are rusty on mgs the controls can be hard there is a decent amount to remember

Long review:

I will start with the best and most obvious point the graphics. This game is a visual orgasm. I haven't seen detail this in depth and nicely done outside of a Square Onix cutscene. They definitely out did themselves with how beautiful they made the graphics in this game it is honestly a masterpiece (which I never thought I would say about a video game). This game just looks incredible and I only have a 720p tv so if you have a 1080i do yourself a favor and get this game just for the graphics.

One issue a lot of people have complained about is the cutscenes, many reviews state that it's more like watching a movie then playing a game because of length and how many there are. I don't deny the cutscenes are long and there are a lot of them but they are 1. Crucial to the plot and 2. Amazing to watch. If they just seem like they aren't ending I've read you can skip them by pressing start I don't personaly recomend it but I play games for the entire story not just gameplay. Metal Gear Solid games have had long cutscenes since the second one the first one had long codec conversations not cutscenes. I wasn't able to play the third one but I was told this is also true for it.

I am going to leave out a plot summary because I don't want to ruin anything but basicaly you will find out the fates of many characters.

The gameplay is really easy once you learn it or freshen up on it for us mgs vets. There is a lot to learn but as I had said before you are able to learn most of it in the v.r. training at the title screen. The octocamo is a great tool that alows you to blend in with your suroundings to better hide yourself when needed. The over the shoulder camera angle has become much better since the second one, it's easier to control and not as choppy.

The sound is great once again keeping true to the series the musical score is intense and gets your blood pumping. The sound fx are very detailed from walking, crawling, accidently hitting glass bottles that get the enemies attention (which I don't recomend doing they aren't happy about that), all the way to gun fire you hear in the background or your shells hitting the ground. If you are hooked up to suround sound you will love this.

As far as I've heard it won't be released on the 360 at least no time soon, but take this from someone who loves both systems (so you know my opinion is non bias)if you have the option get it on Playstation 3. Like I said I love both systems but you will not get the experience and graphics on XBox 360 that you will on Playstation 3.

Basicaly what it all comes down to is that this is an all arounding amazing game, it will keep you busy for hours and keep your eyes and ears very pleased in the process. If you get annoyed with long cutscenes or a lot of them then this probably isn't the game for but I would recomened renting it to be sure, also note that is a game based on patience. I usualy play fast paced games and first person shooters but it is great to have a change of pace evey now and then. Well I guess if my review or the other 95 people that say it's worth it don't change your opinion nothing will.

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: June 13, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I have never really played any of the MGS games. I just have to say "WOW"
This game has the best graphics to date of any I have played. I am truly speechless. At first I though this would be just too hard of game for me to adjust to. Needless to say I was wrong. I cought on very fast and have had a hard time not playng it. If you own a PS3 then this is a must have.
This just a short review. I dont want give anything away. You must play it for yourself. I really do think this is the best game I have ever played.

A GRAPHIC REVELATION

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: June 13, 2008
Author: Amazon User

GO BUY THIS GAME ! IT IS AMAZING - TRULY SHOWCASES THE PS3 POWER - IF YOU HAVE AN XBOX GO BUY A PS3 ! CINEMATICS ARE AMAZING AND GAMEPLAY IS AMAZING!

Triumph And Frustration

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: June 19, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Metal Gear Solid 4 is all the triumphs and shortcomings of the entire Metal Gear series writ large. The game is beautifully made, with the best cut-scenes ever made for a videogame, and breathtaking sound and level design, especially in the first stages of the game. Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the series, couldn't care less about any criticisms: it is his baby, and to play the game to the end you have to accept the short game, long cut-scenes and occasionally unresponsive controls.

As the Metal Gear series ostensibly ends with this instalment of Kojima's epic and often convoluted conspiracy series, there is a lot of explaining and tying up of loose ends to do before the final credits roll. Kojima's avowed love of cinema has never been more evident than in MGS4: ultra-lengthy cut-scenes often mean the player can put the controller down for a good twenty minutes at a time. The cut-scenes themselves are the best ever made for a game: character modelling and the hi-def rendering are amazingly detailed, with only some of the myriad plot twists letting the side down in spots. The sheer amount and duration of these in no ways lessens their quality as the game progresses. Of course, critics of the games in the past will repeat what they have said in the past: games are to be played, not watched. The occasional quick-time button pressing during these scenes (in order to trigger comic-book flashbacks) and the ability to move around during the briefing scenes only emphasises the passivity that comes from these scenes, which take up roughly sixty percent of the entire game experience. As one of these critics in the past, I would answer that the cut-scenes are of such quality and add so much to the Metal Gear universe that they largely mitigate the relative lack of gameplay in the MGS4 experience.

Gameplay itself is very similar to previous iterations of Metal Gear Solid. The responsiveness of the player character (an aged version of famous Snake Plissken) is generally good, but my gripes about his slowness to turn, stand after executing rolls, and lie down flat still stand. The game engine -including enemy A.I.- is essentially the same as Snake and Raiden's debut on the PlayStation 2 in 2001. The engine is ageing, like Snake himself, and this sometimes lets down the otherwise diamond polish of the graphical and sonic production.

However, the central issue with gameplay is that there is simply not enough of it. The first two acts, with their innovative Faction system, are probably the best in the game, with technically stunning chase sequences involving a bicycle and a Metal Gear mech later on too short-lived to really imprint themselves in the mind after the game is over. Furthermore, an almost-wonderful stealth mission based on a foggy doppelganger of Prague is too on-rails to be truly satisfying. The question remains, as it has since MGS2: does Kojima have enough confidence in the (now ageing) game engine of Metal Gear Solid to expose it more to scrutiny? Or is he just so in love with his self-made myth to switch off his cinema blinkers?

A promising online game comes with MGS4, which will add hours to the overall Metal Gear milieu. But replay value comes with the knowledge that the best the game has to offer comes early on, with sizable dialogue scenes coming to edge out the generally excellent stealth and shooting action. Of course, lovers of Metal Gear Solid won't care, and detractors will find little to really switch them on to Kojima's baby this late on. MGS4's biggest recommendation is it is a Metal Gear game, par excellance; its biggest criticism is it is a Metal Gear game, par excellance. Now go enjoy!

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