Metal Gear Solid 4 (Playstation 3)

[EpsilonX]

Well here’s my first review, so I’ll make it a good one. It’s on a game I’ve been looking forward to for a while now, and so have many other people. It had an unbelievable amount of hype surrounding it, so much that most other games would be disappointing after hearing so much good about it. It’s one of the biggest games of the year, Metal Gear Solid 4. Yaay!



Graphics: 10/10

We’ll start with one of the most noticeable things about this game: the graphics. Metal Gear Solid 4 is easily the best-looking game I have ever seen. Everything about it looks amazing, with only a few minor (and I do mean minor) blemishes. Even the install screen looks amazing! The textures aren’t the greatest, but they’re still pretty good. Character models look amazing though, and the environments are also great-looking. Cutscenes are rendered in-game, and they come close to looking as good as some CGI movies like FF7: Advent Children. To prove that they are rendered in-game, If you wear a mask before a scene starts, you will be wearing the mask during the scene. Also, you can shake the controller to remove your camo at any time, including during cutscenes. Here are a few shots of the graphics.




Gameplay: 9/10

A lot of people would probably give the gameplay a 10/10, but I’m a little bit upset about the dramatic change from the past 3 Metal Gear Solid games. That being said, The gameplay is fairly good. It’s very similar to many third-person shooters, with an over-the-shoulder camera view during aiming, and you can press triangle to go into a first-person view mode if you prefer that. When you are not shooting, the camera is fully controllable by you. Personally, I feel the pinnacle of gameplay perfection comes in the form of Metal Gear Solid for the Playstation.
Unlike the past Metal Gear Solid games, this game can be played either through the use of stealth to sneak past guards, or you can go in guns blazing and shoot everyone. Stealth is measured by your camo index, which is a percentage in the top right corner of the screen that shows how visible you are. You can increase your rating by pressing against any surface for a few seconds without moving, and your camo changes to match the surface you are against. The lower to the ground you are, the higher your index. Hiding in tall grass or shadows also increases your camo index. There’s also many little details, such as if you hide in a dumpster for too long, when you get out you will smell like garbage, making you easier to find.
Short version: It’s similar to Metal Gear Solid 3, but with over-the-shoulder camera view for shooting, and a fully controllable camera.
Here are some shots of the gameplay:







Story: 10/10

All of the Metal Gear Solid games have had a focus on storytelling, but not as much as the fourth one. The story is phenomenal, from start to finish, but the other 3 Metal Gear Solids are pretty much required to even begin to understand what is going on. It does get heavy-handed though, with cutscenes sometimes every 5 steps you take, and some of the cutscenes near a half hour in length, with the longest one reaching about 45 minutes. These scenes can be skipped or paused, but it’s better to just watch them, because without the story the gameplay is nowhere near as fun.
Many past characters return for the grand finale, and the story ties up any and all loose ends created by past games. You know what happened to every character in the saga, every question will be answered, and the ending provides a great sense of closure. Be prepared to embark on an epic journey across 5 locales across the world. Sorry, can’t really post pictures regarding the story. And if I could, I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you.

Sound: 10/10

While I’m not much of a sound guy, all of the sounds were convincing and sounded great. Some games, like Final Fantasy 12, sounded extremely compressed. None of that here. Voices match their characters and their lip movements. Gunshots and explosions are realistic, and machinery sounds like it should.

Some more random pictures:




Final Thoughts:

At first I was feeling like I wasted my money buying a Playstation 3. But when I came home with my Metal Gear Solid 4 limited edition box in hand and played through it, I knew I had made one of the best purchases of my life. Yes, this game is worth getting a Playstation 3 for.

Total: 39/40

Buy this game. Do it now. It has great replay value, and fairly good online from what I’ve played of it, though I’m not much of a fan of online play.

Next review: The next game that I beat...

All images were taken from gamespot.com

[LiNuX]

great review and the graphics does look awesome, one game i wouldn't mind playing, as soon as i find a PS3 somewhere lol

good first review - gave +rep for it

[Scott]

I was thinking about making an MGS Review just as I noticed this thread lol but whatever your review is great.

MGS4 is certainly a must have for all PS3 owners

[Iceskater101]

great review. those graphics are really sweet man I wish I had a ps3

[rukisuto]

Great review and a good start :]
Man, I wish I could play this game.

[Samus-Fan]

Great review!
I wish this wasn't on the PS3, or I wish they lowered the price of the PS3.
xbox 360 in 6 months, I'm telling ya.

And anyone review Oblivion? Or has anyone seen oblivion? I think that game has better graphics then this.

[EpsilonX]

Great review!
I wish this wasn't on the PS3, or I wish they lowered the price of the PS3.
xbox 360 in 6 months, I'm telling ya.

And anyone review Oblivion? Or has anyone seen oblivion? I think that game has better graphics then this.

I've seen some shots of Oblivion. It doesn't compare. (though it IS really good looking.)

Thanks guys. I wasn't too sure if I did a good job reviewing it or not. haha.

[Mr Cool]

It is a good review. MGS4 is already my favourite game on the next gen consoles. Everything about it is great.

[glenofimaal]

yes i have a ps3

i will probably get it soon

[Lame is Greed xD]

Nice review man... I also think the Graphics are cool