You thought Grand Theft Auto IV was a big release? Well you’ve seen nothing yet. The PS3 exclusive Metal Gear Solid 4 has finally arrived and Snake’s last hoorah is just as we’d hoped.
After the big hoo hah surrounding early MGS4 reviews where Konami prevented reviewers chatting about the game in full, a few slightly poorer scores have dampened the excitement levels a touch. The critics have still been full of praise, but there have been a few hints that Snake may be showing his age.
With the great Hideo Kojima at the helm though, how could we ever expect to be disappointed?
They say:
Eurogamer: “You could not ask for a funnier, cleverer, more ambitious or inspired or over the top conclusion to the Metal Gear Solid series. But it's definitely time to move on.”
1UP: “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.”
EDGE: “MGS4 is not the game it could have been. Nor is it the game it would have been had the series grown with the benefit of hindsight; nor is it the game it should have been if you believed that early trailer.”
We say:
We all know what to expect from Snake’s epic tales these days. There’s always going to be tonnes of sneaking about, craftily – and most importantly – quietly taking out enemies and lots of time spent immersed in cut scenes rather than playing the actual game.
Hideo Kojima has stuck to that tried and tested formula for the series’ conclusion. The two decades' worth of fans these titles have pulled in are in for a real treat here.
What’s astonishing is MGS4’s attempt to tie up all the loose ends from previous installments. Kojima somehow manages to bring everything to a crescendo and tie it up in a fancy bow. No, not every character gets a shiny happy ending – and this being Metal Gear who would honestly expect as much – but you’ve got to commend the guy for leaving us with no questions by the time the final credits roll.
The story here, without giving too much away, is standard Metal Gear Solid fare. It’s all about trying to break moulds and be more than a mere cog in a huge war machine. It’s all complicated, full of lengthy dialogue and as close to the movies as gaming ever gets.
As usual, lengthy cut scenes do the main task of spinning the yarn. Breaks in play are frequent, so keep a bucket of popcorn sat beside you for when the real lengthy ones get going. If you’ve been a real critic of this kind of plot progression, then MGS4 won’t change your mind one bit. Kojima just wants to tell his own story the way he sees fit.
If there’s one criticism, then it’s towards the end of the game. With the story reaching its stunning climax, the last few hours of gaming will be spent with only a fraction of the time under your control. Yes, this might negate the whole ‘game’ premise of Metal Gear Solid, but with the absolute enjoyment of the story on offer, it’s a minor flaw at worst.
That’s not to say that it’s all peaches and cream. There are moments of dialogue and certain cut scenes that you'll remember just like your favourite film snippets. But equally there’s a lot of over the top awkward chat between characters and a fair few cringe worthy moments. But again, what self respecting Metal Gear Solid fan would expect any different?
Various trailers have hinted at epic battles and you’re hit full in the face the minute you load up. Starting in an un-named Middle Eastern city, Snake finds himself stuck in the middle of a huge firefight. And with your new found freedom, it’s entirely up to you what to do next. Do you simply keep to the shadows, making sure the coast is clear before heading to the next point of cover? Or do you get stuck right in and keep your trigger finger itchy?
It’s unfortunate that this freedom isn’t continued for a great length of time. As fantastic as these opening acts are, you’re gradually forced down one narrow avenue as the game continues. They’re still incredibly impressive, but they just fail to hit the game’s opening heights.
One great bit of news is the control method. Many struggled with MGS3, but everything is far more streamlined this time round. Huge combos are history and now it’ll take half the number of button presses to kick some enemy bottom. Snake still has a few tricks up his sleeve too – watch out for some stunning moves that you never thought this old timer could pull off.
Kojima claims to be using the PS3 to its limits and, when you look at the visuals, you cant really argue with him. Metal Gear Solid 4 is stunningly gorgeous at the worst of times and downright incredible at best. The edges might, at times, be slightly rough, but the artwork here is something truly special.
By the way, make a brew before you stick the Blu-Ray disc in as the game requires an 8 minute install before you can get down and play. Plus, there’s a brief install time between each act too, leaving you just enough time to keep your snacks of choice topped up.
And then there’s Metal Gear Online which is bound to be incredibly well populated and adored by gamers around the world. No it’s not thrill a minute stuff, but its not trying to be Call of Duty 4/ Grand Theft Auto IV.
We’re sad to see Snake go but this is the best send off he and we could have hoped for. Ignore the naysayers who claim the stories are dull and tedious, they’re just fools. Metal Gear Solid 4 is simply spectacular.
Like this? Try these:
Metal Gear Solid – PS1
Uncharted – PS3
Grand Theft Auto IV – PS3/Xbox 360
FORMAT REVIEWED
PS3
OTHER FORMATS
None
POSTED...
Tue 17 Jun at 10:26am
