Metal Gear Solid 4 Review (Finally)

Today, July 25, 2008; is a day of mixed feelings. On one hand, I am extremely happy and satisfied for beating Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of The Patriots; a game that kept me waiting in excitement since the first release of its trailer at E3’05, also a game that broke my PlayStation… However, I am also frustrated and disgusted for the fact that it took me so long to get my hands on this game after its release (35 days to be exact) because a Sony Customer Rep. made a mistake with my shipping info. Overall, though, the joy outweighs the negatives in my situation.

As someone who has played any Metal Gear Solid title that came out, even the PSP ones, the trailers shown on E3 2005 gave me some sort of an idea about how it would turn out when MGS4 came out, but as time progressed and more and more videos came out, my expectations were falsified and replaced with a giant smile. This would be the Metal Gear that I always wanted; thoughts of getting shot by enemy patrol that is outside camera angle are finally gone. Next thing I know it’s 2008 and the game is out, and YES…I wasn’t wrong, this is the MGS gamers always wanted, loyal fans long deserved.
Overhauls do not stop at camera angles. Another thing gone is how linear the old MGS games used to be, this time around Snake is given the choice on how he gets to his objective and how he deals with obstacles that lay between him and where he needs to be.
Radar on the corner of the screen is still there but only after we pick up Solid Eye, and it can be turned off, before that snake is given a threat meter that scans 360 degrees pointing out proximity and psyche of enemy. Those who played MGS3 should be familiar with camouflage system, though this time instead of changing clothes Snake’s outfit changes color, blending in with his environment. I could keep on listing all things that have changed for better, instead I’ll just say this…everything is bigger and better than before, or even better than what you think it is or could be.

The story, although I would love to talk about it, is SO complex and big and with more shocking twists then an M. Night Shyamalan movie, there is no possible way I could fit it in one page of review. When I say the story is big and complex, I mean it because it involves all Metal Gear games that came before it and we all know how crazy they have been. But when its all done there is an extreme sense of satisfaction…Kinda like how Dick Cheney felt after he shot that dude in a “hunting accident”.

Graphics: 10
MGS series are known for their own art style and awe inspiring graphics, but even knowing that didn’t prepare me for one of the best looking, highly detailed maps that surround the greatest looking character models ever seen. The game looks so good; Hideo Kojima is almost taunting us with a zoom feature during in-game engine cut scenes. There is one particular cinematic involving motorcycles, that IS the best looking moment in gaming history.

Sound: 10
Great voice acting accompanied with excellent ambient effects and a soundtrack that puts players in the mood for some tactical espionage.

Gameplay: 10
Forget everything you know about Metal Gear Solid series. Everything has been addressed; from basic game camera to fighting mechanics. There is no more leaning against the walls or lying on the floor during an intense fire fight. Everything us gamers disliked about MGS….GONE. Well, excessively long cut-scenes are still here, but they look much better looking and more entertaining than any other game provides, so, it isn’t all that bad.

Overall: 10
OK, let’s do simple math. Mind blowing graphics + Sound effects that turns your house into war zone + Second nature quality controls = Me, screaming like one of them people seen on MTV’s TRL.