Is it possible to give a game an 11? If so, this would be the game that would merit that score. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is a title that exceeds all of the hype that was attached to the title. Regardless of whether you've seen every trailer and screenshot, read every preview and heard every interview, you won't get a full sense of how phenomenal this title is unless you sit down and experience it for yourself.
Legends die hard and deserve a heroic story that lives on when they are gone. Metal Gear Solid 4 is such an ending for the legendary warrior Solid Snake. Not only does it sum up the full franchise of Metal Gear, its depth and its complexity, coupled with its technical prowess, make it one of the best games of the year and, indeed, one of the best games ever made. Get some well earned rest, Snake. You've earned it. We salute you.
And therein lies the game's most infuriating shortcoming: the uncomfortable juxtaposition of some of the most dynamic and engrossing action ever, right alongside some of the lengthiest noninteractive cut-scenes ever. The game begins brilliantly, with combat sequences that propel Metal Gear boldly to the fore of gaming's current generation. But after a few chapters, this open gameplay (with its moderate cinematic intrusions) begins to mutate into linear action that feels like an afterthought amidst all the story, which comes framed in cut-scenes that are a lot less bleeding-edge today than they were a decade ago. The action of the game's second half is, at best, little more than a nostalgic romp through Metal Gear's greatest hits. It's cute, if a bit overbearing, but it ultimately serves as a reminder that MGS4 -- or at least its first half -- is simply the best of the series.
The MGS4 conundrum is this: The further you play into the game, the less you actually play. Surrendering so much control to make way for movie sequences is galling, especially when the dialogue makes such a big deal about freedom and free will. And it's frustrating that this final chapter of the series begins so well, but ultimately fades -- because once the shock of the nonstop plot revelations wears off, the vanished gameplay leaves a nagging sense of disappointment. Despite this gradual decay, though, MGS4 is absolutely a great game. The second half may lack sorely in comparison to the innovative, immersive brilliance of the first, but only because those early portions reach such inspiring heights.
So, yes, MGS4's heritage is at once its greatest strength and most damning shortcoming. Perhaps these compromises in the name of closure are for the best, though -- after all, now that Metal Gear is over, Kojima Productions is free to give these phenomenal gameplay concepts a fresh start, free from 20 years of continuity. But only if they choose to, of course. That's the whole point.
If the story-heavy presentation of previous Metal Gear games taxed your patience, Metal Gear Solid 4 won't change your mind. For anyone who appreciates games that rise above the simple act of pushing a few buttons and pulling a few triggers, Metal Gear Solid 4 is a stimulating ride that you won't soon forget. You'll want to see what happens next, yet when its long campaign draws to a close, you'll wish it would continue. That's not just because it's a well-told tale, but because that tale is woven through a thoroughly impressive game that tops its predecessors.
Metal Gear Solid 4 is a unique, multi-layered experience that, when all is said and done, is a worthy conclusion to an important series. In addition to coming through as a sequel, the game stands as a ringing endorsement for the technical capabilities of the PlayStation 3. Some elements of the game aren’t as progressive as its technology, but taken as whole it’s still one of the most remarkable games of this generation. As for Old Snake, regardless of your feelings about the series, this soldier has given his all and truly deserves his final salute.
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Originally Posted by OME6A
At least he's honest and covers the good and the bad in the most entertaining ways.
Edit: His review of COD4 was in the game's favor. I'm sure there're others, though I can't recall specifics.
Portal (and the rest of the orange box), he "recommended" crysis, Painkiller, and a few others just off the top of my head. Albeit Painkiller isn't exactly a popular game.
Oh yeah, he liked GH3 as well.
But who cares, this game is still fun if you make it so.
It exceeded my expectations... and that happened within the first 10-15 minutes of playing it.
Clearly, MGS4 is the game to own if you have a PS3. No doubt in my mind.
Unless you're a fast paced game type player then you'll find yourself complaining about the game for no reason just because you overlook what makes this game great and it isn't your style
How would you (anyone who's played it) rate it out of 10?
I've been watching various pieces of gameplay footage on YT today and it looks pretty impressive. Much of my time was spent laughing as I see a cardboard box moving around on MGS Online. (Expansion out today also)
Since Splinter Cell is going to be 360 exclusive and I've had a craving for a stealth game for a while now, MGS4 seems to be my only option. Since it's also in a sale, now would be a good time and I'm tired of seeing it on my rental list and it not getting sent!
Personally, I look at Splinter Cell as a cheap knock off to MGS. The game play isn't really all that exciting, the storylines are kind of dull, and Sam is walking around with three bright ass green lights on his head from his night vision that no one can see... EVER! Since when did night vision goggles have green lights glowing bright as hell on the outside of the goggles?
