GamerRespawn

Publisher: Konami
Developer: Kojima Productions
Platform(s): PS3
Genre(s): Action-adventure, Stealth
D.O.R: June 12, 2008
 

 

I been a fan of the Metal Gear games  since I first played Metal Gear Solid on the original Playstation and this one tops them all.

You will take on the role of ‘Old Snake’, a prematurely aging, seriously ill covert operative. Snake embarks on a journey across the globe to try and stop Liquid Ocelot who’s had his body possessed by Liquid Snake’s transplanted arm. Ocelot is trying to destroy the ruling Patriot System and bring a world full of warring armies and factions to complete chaos. Snake takes with him a slew of new gadgets and weapons, including the Solid Eye, which is sort like an eye mounted augmented reality device, highlighting weapons and items on screen and also it can be used as NVG’s or standard Binoculars.

Other new gadgets include, the Metal Gear MK.II(a stealth equipped personal robot) and the OctoCamo(Bodysuit that changes to match whatever you stay against for a few seconds.) The control system has been refined from previous games and helps to draw you ever deeper into Kojima’s world. Another returning feature is the long (and I do mean long!) cut scenes. Although these can be skipped, if you want to experience the game to its fullest I don’t recommend doing so as they fill out the Snake’s story perfectly.

Another, brilliant new addition is the Drebin points system, which allows you to salvage equipment on the battlefield in exchange for points that you can spend on, weapons, ammo and items. Along with being able to purchase new weaponry, you can upgrade your current load-out to suit you. Be it attaching a grenade launcher to your assault rifle or adding a laser sight or silencer you can play the game the way you want to play it. You can go the traditional route and be stealthy all the way through, but if you prefer to just rush in, all guns blazing then the game allows for that superbly. They have added the ability to switch to a First person view, so if you are that way inclined you could almost play it like a standard FPS. If you do choose this route, however, make sure you keep an eye on Snake’s stress gauge. If the fights with snipers, Gecko and Metal Gears doesn’t get your pulse racing, it will certainly have an effect on Snake. The higher his stress the slower he heals and moves.

There are even split-screen sections that provide simultaneous feeds of game and movie. In Guns of the Patriots’ incredible, beautiful, climactic scenes, the lines are blurred so much that you can barely tell whether you’re playing a game or watching a film. To some that might sound bad, but to Kojima and his fans, it’s heaven, something for which the series has been striving towards for ten years, and it could not be a more appropriate note to end on. As well as including new ways to play, you will face new styles of play. From tailing someone through the dark city streets, to tracking a group of soldiers by following their footprints. And of course, it wouldn’t be Metal Gear without the boss fights. They are outstandingly choreographed and will serve to draw you ever deeper in to the Metal Gear world.Each time you encounter one of the deranged, psychotic females from the Beauty & Beast team you will have to take them on in a different way. Every one is well thought out and all different. They each end with a slightly disturbing and sad recollection of how they came to be. On top of all this, the bits in the previous games that made you chuckle return. If you remember slipping on seagull poop in MGS2 or finding the pictures of pin up girls inside lockers. MGS4 is similarly full to the brim with little inconsequential moments that make the game even better. One thing that doesn’t feel quite right yet is the Stress and Psyche meters though only on the easier difficulties.

Each Chapter will require a short installation time before starting so prepare to wait a few minutes watching Snake smoke a cigarette before you can continue!

Returning characters include; Meryl Silverburgh, Otacon, Raiden, Eva and  Johnny ‘Akiba’ Sasaki. The latter being represented in previous games as a diarrhea suffering enemy soldier, stars as a member of Meryl’s unit, Rat Patrol Team 01.

Hideo Kojima has really done his vision justice.

This game then, to sum up, is the unique interpretation of one mans idea of what a video game should be. The action sequences are flawless and the cut scenes  though long add so much depth and character to the story. If you loved any of the Metal Gear games then there will at least one point in this that will make you feel. If you are the kind of person who doesn’t trust reviews etc. go play the game, you will understand what I mean. Truly a masterpiece.