Product Description

From infiltrating enemy compounds and man-made structures in MGS and MGS2, to the challenges of the jungle environment in MGS3, MGS4 brings a totally new concept and situation, resulting in the toughest Metal Gear infiltration mission ever devised. The game is set after the events of MGS2 and players will reprise the role of top secret agent Solid Snake with appearances by characters throughout the MGS series. With the addition of online capability, MGS4 is a leading product for "PS3" and will signal the dawn of a new gaming era for the MGS series.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #682 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Konami
• Released on: 2008-06-12
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• ESRB Rating: Teen
• Platform: PLAYSTATION 3
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish
• Dimensions: .26 pounds

Amazon.co.uk
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, is a next-gen experience complete with top-of-the-line graphics and surround sound designed for the Sony PlayStation 3. Featuring the most revealing display of Kojima Production's premier title, MSG4 details the world where Snake must under go his final mission. In a world overrun by private military companies (PMCs), wars are no longer fought over nations or ideologies. Instead, the wars of the future are micro-managed by overarching PMCs, right down to the bullet. New gadgets and abilities fuel Snake's journey deep into the enemy domains of the Middle East, South America, and beyond. New gear includes "Metal Gear Mk. II," the ultimate reconnaissance tool, and "Solid Eye," which gives Snake real-time information on enemies and his surroundings.

Old timer Snake returns for what is slated as the final installment in the Metal Gear series. View larger.

New and old characters abound in MGS4. View larger.

PMCs have run amok and the world is at war. View larger.

Octacamo will help Snake blend into surroundings. View larger.

Joined by a familiar cast of characters, Snake must once again return to the battlefield to confront his lifelong rival, Liquid Ocelot, who is manipulating the world's wars from the one world where soldiers will always have a place. But Liquid Ocelot is not the only one who will be able to manipulate the world's wars--Snake can destabilize opposing forces by working behind the scenes, supporting the local militia as they fight PMCs, creating a smokescreen that allows Snake to move freely within the war-zone.

MGS4 is a next-generation adventure set in the aftermath of MGS2: Sons of Liberty. The concept behind the latest Metal Gear Solid project is "no place to hide," and this edition in the series will force Snake into unexpected circumstances with an all-new storyline that breaks away in some ways from the previous MGS franchise entries. We don't want to spoil it for you, but, producer Hideo Kojima did reveal some very juicy bits about the game and the storyline when it was first announced at E3 of 2006. "Until now," said Kojima, "we've released two entries of the MSX2 Metal Gear series, and three entries in the Metal Gear Solid series. Add to this Portable Ops, and you get a total of six titles. All mysteries will be cleared up in Metal Gear Solid 4."

Kojima was very clear about the finality of MSG4, leaving gamers to wonder, "Will Snake die?!" When asked if the story will come to this sort of an end, Kojima responded without the slightest bit of vagueness, "It will come to an end." The MGS4 E3 trailer showed a number of characters from the Metal Gear and Metal Gear Solid histories. This final instalment is sure to deliver loads of cameos, in fact, it is rumoured that nearly all the characters from the series will make an appearance.

In addition to a return of classic Metal Gear Solid characters, the gameplay systems from part three are also expected to make a comeback. The camouflage system from part three will make it into MGS4, with the addition of "OctoCamo," Snake's most advanced stealth suit to date. The name appears to be formed from the words "Octopus" and "camouflage," and players will be awestruck by the chameleon-like camo that changes with the surroundings. OctoCamo allows Snake to blend in with his environment as it digitally manifests nearby textures in real time. Think if it this way, if Snake is standing next to a wall worn out with holes, he too will appear to be riddled with holes. It has also been revealed that MGS4 will have online play, but no specifics have been released. Although very little information is known about the game's visuals, rumour has it that MGS4 is expected to be the finest representation of console graphics on the PS3, and it is expected that they will just get better and better as the game nears its release date.

Customer Reviews

The end of an era
Metal Gear Solid 4 marks the series 21st year; it's promised to be Solid Snakes last mission, and Hideo Kojimas last in charge. In interviews leading to MGS4s release, Kojima has stated that he'd like the franchise to continue in some form, so the big question is does Snake die?
That's not to be spoiled, in fact this review is mostly spoiler free, as much of MGS4 is better experienced first hand. The gag order put in place by Konami is proof that MGS4 has a remarkably epic plot, and some amazing twists.

There are some nicely done references to past games, like the Gekko trampling a cardboard box, enforcing the "games nowhere to hide" approach. There's a beautifully done dream sequence that's a tribute to the PSOne classic. Snake still smokes. In fact there aren't many games that have its history woven so deeply. Snakes inclusion in the new Smash Bros brawl on Nintendo's Wii is proof this is a franchise as rich as any.

With so many loose ends to tie up, cut scenes are plentiful and long. Quite a few top 90 minutes. They are near perfect, and as good as anything I've ever seen. Not just in games, but any other media. They are just flawless.
The only drawback is that on the first play-through, more time is spent watching cut scenes than actually playing the game. The opening is a typical example of the stop start gameplay. There are nice touches to offer some interaction, like controlling the MK2 during mission briefings and obtaining characters face camo. Or triggering flashback images when certain characters are mentioned, or offering first person viewpoints during certain moments. However, these can all be skipped for that second play-through, as the games clock doesn't pause. Essential for achieving higher emblems and unlocking special items. Like stealth camo and Altairs disguise from Assassins Creed.

Almost everything is a unique experience. Graphics are fairly impressive; Snakes Octacamo suit provides some fancy graphical effects. The gameplay is more open than ever; encouraging experimental approaches and improvisation. For once, an aggressive approach is fun to play, with an over the shoulder perspective for aiming and shooting. Stealth remains just as challenging yet rewarding when done right. In terms of plot, it's safe to say that every fan will find closure from this. Every character is accounted for and nothing has been watered down or removed. Almost unnecessary plot details are included relentlessly. But surely necessary for Kojima to make a Metal Gear to please every fan. Even more impressive is that the game could be played and actually enjoyed by someone with no prior knowledge.
An incredible game, one of the finest in a very long time. PS3s first system seller.

As close to perfection as a game can get
"War has changed."

Those grim words, delivered by a world-weary Solid Snake as he prepares to embark on his final mission, mark the beginning of one of the biggest and most important games that the PS3 is likely to see for a very long time. Yes, Metal Gear Solid 4 is here at last. After months of waiting and speculation, delays and rumours, it's finally available for us all to enjoy. But was it worth the wait? Has it lived up to the hype? Does it provide resolution for one of the most beloved characters in the history of gaming? The answer, strangely enough, is a resounding yes.

I've been a fan of the Metal Gear Solid series since the original was released back in 1998. With its complex narrative, solid voice acting, revolutionary (for its time) graphics and movie-style cut scenes, MGS took gaming to new heights. The series has had its ups and downs since then - MSG2 was hampered by a meandering, over-complicated plot and an unlikeable protagonist, while MGS3 was a welcome return to form.

And so we're back to the present, ready to join Solid Snake on another mission to save the world. But this is a very different Snake than the one we saw at the end of MGS2. As those familiar with the games will know, Snake is a genetic clone of legendary soldier Big Boss. Now approaching the end of his projected lifespan, he's suffering from rapid ageing - greying hair, wrinkled skin, stiff joints etc. His appearance isn't the only thing to have changed, however - this is a man wearied and embittered by the changes in the world around him; a man at the end of his rope, both physically and emotionally.

Set several years in the future, the world economy has changed, with war now the primary driver of big business. Proxy wars are being fought all over the globe, with Private Military Companies now providing the bulk of the manpower for this seemingly endless conflict. As if this wasn't bad enough, it turns out that the several largest PMC's are all run by one parent company - Outer Heaven. A sinister face from the past (and Snake's former nemesis) is planning to unite these scattered armies and launch an armed invasion of the United States. Added to this, a shadowy group called the Patriots appear to be pulling strings from behind the scenes. As Snake delves deeper into what exactly is going on, his adventures take him from the Middle East to South America, Eastern Europe and Alaska.

That's about as concisely as I can describe the plot while still keeping this review of tolerable length. Needless to say, nothing and no-one is quite what they seem, and by the end most players will be scratching their heads more than a school child suffering from a rampant lice infection. Characters change sides and switch loyalties so often that it often becomes difficult to remember who you're actually fighting against, or why.

This being a Kojima game, the graphics and cut scenes are a grade above anything you'll have seen before. Like most people, I don't know what the PS3 is really capable of graphically, but MGS4 certainly goes some way towards proving that it's not just an insanely expensive doorstop. Character models are masterfully detailed and expressive, and the voice cast as always is top notch. David Hayter works his usual gravel-voiced magic as Snake - portraying him not just as a legendary soldier, but as a flesh and blood man facing the end of his life. It's a stirring performance, but by no means the only one.

Speaking of characters, fans of the series will be pleased to know that just about everyone who isn't dead (and a few who are) make a comeback in this final instalment, helping to tie up just about all the loose ends. Indeed, despite its best efforts to recap the story up to this point, a decent knowledge of the series will yield a far more enjoyable gaming experience. MGS4 is littered with in-jokes and references to previous games, and some later stages evoke genuine feelings of nostalgia.

But how does it actually play? Well, this is where a few of my gripes are going to creep in. As Snake said, war has indeed changed - at least for MGS players. Previous games have placed great emphasis on stealth, favouring avoidance and infiltration over pitched battles. This approach was necessitated by the player's limited arsenal of weapons. Not so here - Snake practically trips over weapons, equipment and ammunition everywhere he goes, and he's encouraged to use them frequently. Unfortunately this eliminates much of the tension inherent to the stealth genre - never will you find yourself crouched behind a crate with only a half-empty pistol to defend yourself, wondering whether to take on a passing guard or try to sneak by. The Drebin Points system, while initially satisfying, only really serves to exacerbate the problem - often you'll find yourself running around after firefights like some kind of battlefield vacuum cleaner.

It's not just the weapons that suffer from overkill, either. By the end, you'll be staggering under the mountains of useless equipment and items that Snake gradually amasses. A good example of this is the Metal Gear Mark II - a small remote controlled drone that allows Snake to stay in touch with his buddies back at base, but which you can also take control of to perform recon missions. At least, that's the idea. Never in the entire game was I able to use this feature successfully, making me wonder why it was even included. Introducing new features to a gameplay formula that is already close to perfect is admirable, I suppose, but then so is jumping into an empty swimming pool.

Still, in most other respects, the gameplay is pretty competent. The controls are tight and intuitive, if a little fiddly at times. More than once you'll find yourself backing against a wall when what you really wanted to do was climb a nearby ladder. The weapon and equipment management screens are rather cumbersome as well. And despite the greater emphasis on action, the trusty tranquiliser pistol is still around for those preferring the classic stealth approach.

But despite a few niggling complaints, I really can't mark MGS4 down. The sheer love and dedication that's gone into making it shines through from the action-packed opening to the poignant and moving finale. MGS4 is the crowning achievement in a series that has always strived to be more than it is, and if you are in any way passionate about computer games as a story-telling medium, buy this one. You won't regret it.

Here's to you...
To review this game without spouting hyperbole like 'best game ever' or 'simply amazing' is something which I fear may not be possible, so forgive me if I deviate into such territory in the course of this review, but having just finished this game less than an hour ago, I find myself still feeling a tad emotional about the experience I have had the past couple of days. Needless to say, the experience has been a good one, and likely one I'll never forget for the rest of my gaming life.

There isn't a lot that can be said about MGS4 without spoiling something, and I for one strived to spoil nothing before I played it myself, which made the game all the more delicious I can promise you, so I'll keep things simple.

The game chronicles the last mission of a rapidly aging Solid Snake as the (now retired) Colonel Campbell begs him to hunt down and kill the psychopathic Liquid Snake(Still in control of Revolver Ocelot's body following the events of MGS2) before he instigates a bloody insurrection starting in the middle east using his new found resources as part of a large private military company(Or PMC, about which you'll be hearing a lot in this game). Snake, with help from the faithful Otacon and his new sidekick Sunny(A little girl with ties to previous games, as you'll discover), heads to the middle east for what he believes is his last act as a soldier, but events soon spiral out of control as Liquid's plan proves to be far more grand than anyone could possibly imagine, and Snake must travel the globe to put together a conspiracy that will reveal the long hidden secrets of the Patriots, the 'Big Shell' incident from MGS2, and Snake's own murky origins and past at long last, all told in the single most masterfully crafted piece of storytelling I have ever encountered in a videogame. It takes in the usual MGS themes of war and loss and expands them to show how these things can affect the characters we've come to know and love on a far more personal level than before, with some truly heartbreaking scenes that show the humanity behind the characters in ways no other game could possibly manage.

The trademark MGS sense of humour is still present of course, with some hilarious fourth wall breaking laughs on offer(Like when Otacon wonders when it's time to switch to disc 2, or Campbell wonders where the PS3's controller ports are so Snake can try switching to port 2 during a boss fight), there's lots in there, with some gags fairly well concealed to boot. It's a funny game, and if you've played past titles, you'll know what to expect.

Everything about MGS4 just oozes the highest possible quality really. The visuals first and foremost simply have no equal that I have seen. The level of detail present in every location is just so unbelievably stunning, I often found myself just wandering around admiring the scenery on offer and looking for various details that are easy to miss, like prairie dogs roaming freely around in grasslands or rats skulking in corners of abandoned warehouses to more simple thins like just how realistically water flows around your character when you walk through a stream. Everything here looks incredible, and that's before you even get to the amazing cutscenes, which 99 percent of the time use the actual in game engine(A couple of larger scale battle/group scenes seem to be pre rendered, and there are even a couple of live action footage scenes thrown in too) to show facial expressions and clothing details like nothing I've ever seen. From a simple bead of sweat running down someone's face to the realistic movements of their fingers(Check any game you have and you'll see how rare realistic finger movement actually is) when fiddling with something small to someone's jacket fluttering in the wind. The level of detail is just a massive leap ahead of anything else on the market. There are minor imperfections here and there of course, like enemies still don't take realistic visible body damage when shot or stabbed and the like, but such things are comparatively minor when everything else is so goddamn close to perfection.

The soundtrack again excels as with previous games, with music stalwart Harry Gregson Williams turnng in another fantastic score for the game, and regular voice actors David Hayter, Christopher Randolph and Paul Eiding among others returning to their most famous roles in fine style, considering Hayter was the only one not to get left out of MGS3. The voice acting is again on a level all it's own, and seeing Meryl back in the MGS universe after such a long time being forgotten is more than welcome. Nostalgists will no doubt be glad to hear that a large number of past game tunes get reused in here as well, and not only when listened to through Solid Snake's in game iPod(No fooling, you have a fully working iPod in here loaded with MGS related tunes and podcasts).

The gameplay is where MGS4 shines brightest in my opinion though, with a perfectly constructed control scheme that utilises the best features from MGS3 and expands on them with a myriad of new options on offer. Want to play in first person? Go ahead. Wan to simply lock on and fire at enemies for easiness sake? That's here too. Want to just play it like you have all the other MGS games? You can. Everyone is catered for here, and with the shear size of some of the gaming areas on offer, there are potentially countless ways to approach any given situation put in front of you to the point it can sometimes be overwhelming. This is not a game that is shallow or can be approached like any other bog standard third person shooter. You NEED to use your brain for this game, and the freedom with which you can let the ideas flow will spoil so many other games for you in future.

Lastly, Metal Gear Online. The fully realised online game included on MGS4's disc is a joy to play. True, I've only tried it for a couple of hours so far, but I had an absolute riot finding new and inventive ways to sneak up on opponents for the kill. That cardboard box has never been more useful. The online is superb, with 16 players at a time possible on any game/map, and an inventive system that utilises points you earn for performance being used to purchase better and more useful equipment. It perhaps doesn't innovate on any levels as much as the single player game, but as far as online third person versus gaming goes, you'd struggle to find much better than Metal Gear Online.

Complaints wise... with this game I have few, but I can see how some people might. The game requires a hefty amount of installing to the HDD for one, with an initial 8 minute install being followed at the opening of every chapter of the game by another install between 1-3 minutes in length. It's distracting I guess, but I had no real issue with it, especially as it keeps you amused with some messages accompanied the sight of Snake slowly smoking a cigarette as he waits for the install to finish. The install also eats up 4.6 gigs of memory space too, which I can see being a real stinger for those with a 20 or 40 gig PS3. Only other real issue I would note with the game is cutscene length. The cutscenes are pretty long and frequently appear, they can be anywhere from 5 to 35 minutes in length, with the ending clocking in at around an hour long, but breaks are provided often for them, and they're all fully skippable, but given just how amazing the story is and how these scenes look, coupled with the fact you are given some measure of interactivity with a lot of them, makes me wonder why you'd want to skip if it's your first time through the game.

So all in all, this, the most anticipated PS3 game of them all is a rousing success in my eyes, providing everythng I could have wanted or expected from it and then some to leave me with what will easily go down as one of the greatest, most rewarding games I have ever played, and it honestly saddens me that some people will never play this masterpiece for such idiotic reasons as what console it is on.

It's like nothing you'll have experienced before in a game, and sadly, you'll likely never see it's kind again.