Gameplay:
For those that have played a Metal Gear Solid game before, the gameplay comes as no surprise. In the single-player campaign, you are given the role of Solid Snake, a mercenary who lives his life trying to do what is right. As in the previous games, Metal Gear Solid 4 is full of storytelling and there is a lot of time spent developing the story through cut scenes and other various methods. Throughout the game Snake will adventure through 5 different chapters all in completely different areas with many enemies, action/stealth sequences and bosses as well. By the end of the game, it is hard not to have a great liking for Snake and the battle for survival becomes as fierce as ever before. It is safe to say that just about every emotion is drawn out of a player throughout the course of MGS4, and it is also safe to say that the conclusion and the series itself is one that is incredibly memorable.
Controls:
Surprisingly, Konami has finally hit the nail on the head with the control scheme for this latest installment. While the core mechanics remain, the rotational action camera and cover system have given the game a whole new level of depth. Previous games had fixed cameras which a player would have to fight with to see in the direction desired. This time around, the controls feel cohesive and responsive, and it really helps setup a solid multi-player experience as well.
Graphics:
Whether in the deep jungle or in the snow, the graphics of Metal Gear Solid 4 have really turned out to be something special. Seeing the Metal Gear world in such rich detail for the first time is an experience to be unforgotten for many Metal Gear fans. The character models within the game have proven to be some of the highest quality models of any console game to date. On the other hand, the wall and ground textures have been compromised and are low-resolution. Thankfully, the terrific lighting effects and atmosphere help hide this little smudge on what is otherwise a masterpiece.
Sound:
Metal Gear has gained notoriety for its deep storytelling and voice casting, and Metal Gear Solid 4 really helps solidify that statement. The voice acting is as good as ever before with returning and new cast including David Hayter as Snake and Quinton Flynn as Raiden. Also, the music has once again been orchestrated marvelously with a soundtrack similar to an action movie. There is also a built in iPod where you can play whichever song you’d like while playing with many unlockable songs throughout the game. Not to mention that the sound effects are well-done and really help the setting of the game and draw out intense emotions during firefights.
Replay Value:
With a roughly 20 hour single-player campaign with many unlockables, the single-player alone justifies the pricetag. Also included is Metal Gear Online which is a very competitive and popular online experience with teamwork and stealth elements fully utilized. The online portion has 2 expansion packs which include a variety of content but come at a cost. Thankfully, neither of them are required but are definitely recommended if a player wants to get the full experience out of the game. The online has tournaments, tracked stats, gear unlocks and many other implementations that make it one of the most complete online experiences in quite some time. With the online portion of Metal Gear Solid coupled with the deep and emotionally-ridden single-player campaign, Metal Gear Solid 4 is one of the better console purchases to date.
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Rating:
Story: 10
Gameplay: 10
Graphics: 9.5
Controls: 9.5
Sound: 10
Replay Value: 10
Overall: 10
Own, Rent, Avoid:
Own: The single-player campaign has unlocks and reasons to come back for more. The multi-player is full of competition and customization to give any player a very rich experience.
Last Thoughts:
If you haven’t played this game then you are really missing out. Metal Gear Solid 4 is quite possibly one of the greatest games ever made.
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Written By
Jonathan Leack
1/22/2009
