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Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PlayStation 3)

Manufacturer: Konami of America, Inc. Part number: 01001

CNET Editor rating:
5.0 stars Perfect
Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 9 reviews

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Gamespot editors' review

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PlayStation 3)

price range: $46.99 - $92.64

Reviewed by: Kevin VanOrd
Reviewed on: 06/13/2008
Released on: 06/12/2008

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Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is the most technically stunning video game ever made. It's also a fine example of storytelling prowess within its medium, combining gameplay and narrative so slickly and beautifully that it's impossible to extricate one from the other. It's likely you will emerge awestruck from your first play-through, wishing the experience would continue yet nonetheless satisfied with its conclusion. It's difficult not to sound hyperbolic when discussing MGS4 because every part of its design seemingly fulfills its vision, without compromise. There is no halfway.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriotsscreenshot

The story is both convoluted and compelling.

Fully realized, lengthy story sequences will come as no surprise to anyone who has played a Metal Gear game. You'll spend a good half of MGS4 watching cinematics, but it would be a grave misinterpretation to assume that great gameplay takes a backseat to the story. Rather, these two elements are tightly intertwined, and this tapestry is held together by an important technical thread: Cutscenes that are rendered fully in real time within the game engine. It's impressive enough that these scenes look as good as any prerendered cinematic you've ever watched. It's even more amazing when those same scenes transition without pause into gameplay, and the same hulking mech you watched lumber about in the cinematic is looming above you. The subtle animations, the lush environments, and the rich textures are the same in and out of story sequences, and the effect is so seamless it may take your breath away. You can skip past the scenes if you prefer, but doing so would soften the experience. The story sequences carry more weight because of the intense gameplay that precedes them--and the gameplay feels more compelling because the story gives you powerful reasons to care about your mission. The high point of this fusion occurs in an exciting and memorable split-screen sequence that simply must be experienced.

Talking about what, exactly, is going on in the plot in the midst of MGS4's grand sweeping gestures is to risk spoiling each little surprise as it emerges. Snake, suffering from the rapid onset of aging, now must cope with stiff joints in addition to the looming specter of Liquid Ocelot's newest plans. This is Snake's final hurrah; yet as the story reaches one height after another, the juxtaposition of huge set piece battles and formidable bosses with Snake's deteriorating body creates tension and gravity even beyond the series' usual pretensions. Some new plot strands emerge while others get tied up, and old friends (and enemies) refuse to be forgotten. You'll also bear witness to a few reunions--some bloody, some teary, and some legitimately shocking. Parts of it are overblown, to be sure. The musical score gets heavy-handed and the voice acting and writing are frequently dogmatic, so while there are plenty of subtle moments, subtlety isn't really MGS4's strong suit. But it doesn't need to be. After all, the fate of the world hangs in the balance, and judging from a few silly attempts at humor that don't work, developer Kojima Productions was wise to err on the side of melodrama.

The gameplay proper is familiar to fans, but it's been cleaned up and expanded, holding as many twists and surprises as the story. For starters, both gunplay and close-quarters combat are more satisfying. Regarding melee, the controls have been streamlined, making it less cumbersome to grab an enemy soldier or perform a stealthy blade kill. Shooting mechanics are even more improved, so much so that shooting your way out of a pickle is just as enjoyable as sneaking around it. There are a huge number of weapons to play with; so many that you'll probably finish the campaign without using many of them. Yet, quality wasn't sacrificed for quantity: Every weapon feels just right, from your handy operator sidearm (best when upgraded with a silencer) and standard issue assault rifles to a powerful railgun. The standard over-the-shoulder view is fine for the most part, but you can gaze down the sights from a first-person perspective. Both views can be further improved with various enhancements, such as laser sights and scopes.

Not that you don't have all the tools for completely avoiding your enemies if you choose that route. Snake's got the basics covered: crawling, hugging walls, peeking around corners, and hanging from ledges, for example. Cover mechanics are tighter than ever, so you can crouch and take potshots from behind cover with ease. There are also a number of important gadgets that will make your life easier in this regard. The most obvious of these is your OctoCamo suit, which takes on the texture of your surroundings when you're prone or pressed against cover. Not only does this make it simpler to avoid watchful eyes, but it's also a cool visual effect. Eventually, you'll be able to camouflage Snake's head, and a few of the available camo options are bound to stir some fans' nostalgia. The Solid Eye is your other major tool, as it expands your compass into a sonic-sensitive radar and allows you to use night vision and a tactical first-person view. These are helpful gadgets indeed, even during boss fights, like a stirring encounter in a blinding blizzard.

Shooting is always a viable option if you don't want to sneak.

Other gadgets, such as portable hiding places (cardboard boxes and rusty barrels) and the Metal Gear Mk. II (a stealthed robot that you can command as a scouting device), are useful to anyone who prefers the sneaky approach. Not every gadget is a welcome addition, though. For example, the much-ballyhooed iPod is a neat touch, but to use it, you cannot have another gadget equipped, so you'll quickly forget the option even exists. But aside from these nitpicks, one of the things that makes the core gameplay so enjoyable is that you're rarely strapped into a single style of play. Shooting your way through requires more thought and care than you'd put into a standard action game, but you never feel as though the gun mechanics are stuffed uncomfortably into a stealth game. If you'd rather sneak, you never have the impression that stealth was shoehorned into a game that's meant to be played as a shooter. Sure, you're Solid Snake--you're not supposed to get caught. But if you're stuck in a jam, breaking stealth isn't a death sentence, and in fact, facing certain enemies head-on is often a heart-pounding, challenging experience. The few levels that do force you into one style, such as one in which you shadow your target through an Eastern European city, are still great, if not quite as impactful.

You'll need to keep an eye on Snake's stress levels and psyche. Though these aspects are more peripheral than health levels, they fit nicely within the plot. When Snake gets stressed (if he gets cold or encumbered, for example), his psyche gauge starts to deplete. The lower the gauge, the slower you will move and the less quickly you replenish health. Generally speaking, the psyche meter is rarely a factor, and should you notice Snake groaning a bit more, there are items like compresses you can use for a pick-me-up. Should the meter get too low, you won't be able to hold up your weapon or rush for cover. This doesn't happen often though, and while you'll need to keep a close eye on your health for obvious reasons, you won't need to pay too much heed to psyche.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 9 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

Showing opinion 1 to 9 out of 9

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10 stars

Words can't desribe how magnificent this game is!

by bennyblanko05 on June 14, 2008

Pros: Graphics, Weapons, Storyline, Customization

Cons: The only con I could think of is the load times, but hey with a game this complex I understand and don't mind.

Summary: Wow, the more I think about this game the more I'm just in a state of shock. I never thought I would see and play a game like this. ...

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Summary: Wow, the more I think about this game the more I'm just in a state of shock. I never thought I would see and play a game like this. It's just simply incredible in all portions of the game. The storyline is like watching an Oscar winning movie. The graphics are the best ever seen in a video game. It's so detailed, so deep, and the sound effects are simply spectacular.(SURROUND SOUND IS A MUST!) This is probably the best 60 bucks you can spend your money on ever. I highly recommend every single person to play this game and give your eyes something they've never witnessed before.

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 stars

Amazing, Best Game I have Ever Had

by justin0725 on August 20, 2008

Pros: High Graphics, Amazing detail, Good StoryLine, Great Game.

Cons: Absolutely none, Best game I have Ever Had

Summary: Beyond amazing, the stroyline is immersing and powerful, the graphics are unbelieveable, the gameplay itself is spectacular, however if you are used to total action with no hiding you might ...

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Summary: Beyond amazing, the stroyline is immersing and powerful, the graphics are unbelieveable, the gameplay itself is spectacular, however if you are used to total action with no hiding you might be a bit challenged.

Buy it, ppl who say its bad are probably used to other games

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2 stars

Good Graphics, but DULL!

by JamesR7 on August 18, 2008

Pros: Graphics; Challenging

Cons: Dull; one player game; too much canned video;

Summary: From what I've read, I am in the minority here, but I have found this game to be dull, very dull. How many shooter games do we need? It ...

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Summary: From what I've read, I am in the minority here, but I have found this game to be dull, very dull. How many shooter games do we need? It would be nice if the game companies finally retired this overdone game genre and actually created interesting and new games.
The game is slow moving, videos are too long, the controls are difficult to get a handle on, and once you do you are done with playing because you're bored.
Has anything really changed in this genre over the past 10 years other than graphics?

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8 stars

What the PS3 needed

by webterractive on August 14, 2008

Pros: Good Graphics, Interesting game play

Cons: Ending the gayest I've seen, cut scenes very asiany

Summary: Very good game, I rented it and bought it outright after returning it, good game to own.

Summary: Very good game, I rented it and bought it outright after returning it, good game to own.
5 stars

Very intersting game if you're good at it

by webterractive on August 1, 2008

Pros: Graphics
Loading time
Cut Scenes

Cons: Controls
Cut scene time

Summary: If you've played Metal Gear then you're going to like this game. MGS4 was the first time I've ever played Metal Gear series games and it was ...

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Summary: If you've played Metal Gear then you're going to like this game. MGS4 was the first time I've ever played Metal Gear series games and it was fun until I lost interest because I kept dying and it got repeatative. I was on the easy level and for the first 3 levels its ok, I'm still on Act one. Good thing its a rented game because it's for those who are REALLY into games it's not for me I suck at GRAW and this game is almost similar in controls, but maybe a little easier. Great game if you're a big gamer for those who are better at simple controls like Gears of War where its action and shooting then you might not like this game very much too complicated to play. The PS3 shall remain a Bluray player, but I think I'll try WarHawk next. As for MGS4 I went back to the video rental place 3 days before it's due because I'M BORED.

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10 stars

BEST GAME I HAVE PLAYED IN MY LIFE

by med_doc101 on July 30, 2008

Pros: Storyline, cinematics, graphics, gameplay, realism

Cons: none to mention

Summary: As a hard core gamer who has played from the original nintendo to now PS3. This has got to be the best game i have played so far. Stunning graphics ...

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Summary: As a hard core gamer who has played from the original nintendo to now PS3. This has got to be the best game i have played so far. Stunning graphics in a game that follows a story that can be real. I was moved to tears on completion that it was over. I wanted more and more. The twist and turns in this game. Beautiful and stunning to say the least. I cant wait for 5 and wondering how can they improve this game. If you have not played this game go get it! it is worth the money and more. There is actual replay value in this as this is a game you will play over and over.I don't give anything 10 but i have to grudgeingly give this game as i cannot find any fault.

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10 stars

worth the wait !

by desertofthereal on July 15, 2008

Pros: addictive gameplay

Cons: wait times between acts

Summary: This is the best game of the summer....the story and game play were awesome and I keep replaying it...made it through 3 times so far....

Summary: This is the best game of the summer....the story and game play were awesome and I keep replaying it...made it through 3 times so far....
10 stars

Wow! It's finally here and worth every bit!

by patesponga on June 19, 2008

Pros: My O my, where to begin.

Cons: Uuuummmmm...
6 stars

slower than Call of Duty 4, running is walking

by luckyrob on June 20, 2008

Pros: great graphics, mix of movie, and game play

Cons: no real running, online mode takes forever

Summary: just got this today, and the comparable gameplay is Call of duty 4. MGS4 is slower although the graphics are better. online mode needs to go to school on COD4 ...

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Summary: just got this today, and the comparable gameplay is Call of duty 4. MGS4 is slower although the graphics are better. online mode needs to go to school on COD4 since its one and out with no respawning of the character. only 1 character can be regester free so forget sharing with the family unless you spend money. Also, Snake doesnt die with the suit on, ran thru 3 levels of 10 guys firing and you would think he would die. nope. he just keeps moving along. its like the game is pre set to unlimited ammo and unlimited lives like the cheat codes from DOOM used to do. If it gets better I will update this but right now, I just paid $65 for a good $25 game. Bottom Line, buy COD4 if you want the best game play online, but offline COD4 sucks, and buy MGS4 for its awesome story, but forget going online, that is worthless.

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0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Konami of America, Inc.
Part number: 01001

Product Basic Spec
Platform Playstation 3
ESRB rating Strong language, Violence, Mature - Blood, Crude humor, Suggestive themes
Genre Adventure
Elements Action - third person tactical shooter
Context Realistic
Number of players 1 Player
Connectivity Online

Game
Developer Kojima Productions
ESRB Mature
ESRB descriptors Suggestive themes, Violence, Blood, Crude humor, Strong language
Max number of players 16

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Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PlayStation 3)

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