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After reviewing the MGO beta, I did promise you guys a full review, and sticking to my word, I'll have that up tomorrow night most likely. Anyways, here it is...
Ok, where to start? I mean, I guess I have to start off by saying, Thank you Hideo Kojima, thank you. As a huge fan of the series, I have been waiting for this one ever since I finally put down the sticks to Snake Eater. Everything comes together in this "final" installment of the Metal Gear franchise. First off, for some this will be there first Metal Gear game they will, sad, but true. Worth it! Even as confusing as the past stories have been, you can jump right into this one without knowing anything about the series. I will urge all to at least play 1 & 2 before this one, but you won't listen.
So there I was, waiting in line at Gamestop's midnight release party in anticipation, 12:06am hit the clock, and I'm in my car heading home, 12:20, I'm installing Metal Gear Solid 4. Now first off, this is no DMC4 with a 20 minute install, maybe if you counted all the acts together (we'll get to that later). So after about a 3-4 minute wait, listening to all Kojima has to say about me not over doing it to take breaks, and put my cigarette out, yeah right, then the opening credits rolled.
First let me say, change the channel (not on your tv, but on your controller). Unless you're looking for a good workout plan, you'll understand when you play if you haven't already. After a few breath taking scenes for about 10 minutes, sticking to the metal gear formula, I just want to tranq someone!!
The game starts off in the middle east, Snake, aged due to an unknown virus is approached by Otacon, and Col. Campbell. They've found Liquid in the middle east mobilizing PMC's (Personal Military Companies), most likely planning an invasion. This isn't a mission sanctioned by the government, this is a personal request from Campbell, to kill Liquid, once and for all.
The game play is Solid (no pun intended). The mechanics couldn't get any better. It starts you off manually aiming, which I recommend, or you can change it to auto-aim like the past installments. The CQC (Close Quarter Combat) has even gotten better. When sneaking up on a PMC you can take them out a number of ways; Knife the Throat, Inject them with Nanomachines, choke them out, use them as a human shield, hold the enemy up having them instantly drop their weapons, and much more.
The octo camo enables you to blend in with you're surroundings. You will notice a clear ring around you. When flat, you're safe, when it starts un-balancing itself, you're closer to being spotted, or have already been spotted. The camo get's better after the first boss, letting you cover your face as well, making it harder to be spotted. Otacon has a neat little invention called the Mk II which is perfect for surveillance. Bust it out, and it can use the stealth octo cammo making it invisible to the eye. Keep in mind, it's on a battery, and can't go too far from Snake.
Now, stealth isn't for everyone, I too at times just want to go on a blasting spree, and you can go through the whole game like that if you choose. There's so many weapons in this game, and some of them are completely customizable. Want an assault rifle, and a shotgun, but don't want to use both to take up space in your inventory, customize an M4 with a shotgun, under the barrel, or a grenade launcher, the choice is yours. To customize, and purchase weapons, you'll meet up with a gun launderer named Drebin, you get drebin points for selling him guns you pick up on the battlefield that you already have, as well as killing certain PMC's.
The music, is the best in the series, the score was perfect. But, let's say you're not feeling whatever track Kojima is playing, bust out your Ipod and choose any of the tracks you currently have in your playlist, or you can scour each act for additional tracks.
Unlike a lot of single player games these days, the replay value is worth it. You'll want to play Metal Gear Solid 4 all over again. After you've beaten it, you can then purchase Snakes Bandanna, and the stealth octo cammo as well. However it'll cost you. If say you do get tired of it, then you can hop on Metal Gear Online (full review coming next.
Wrapping up, this game delivers. Almost one month after GTAIV, I've forgotten about that game completely. I really don't see anything else this year topping this, I really don't. One thing I've been wanting since the first Metal Gear I've played, an actual Gear battle, oh it's there, enjoy it! This game has one of the greatest stories I've ever been apart of. I say apart of, because you really connect with the characters. Not to give anything away, but I can't remember the last time I've put so much of my own energy, and will power into a game just tapping 1 button, over, and over repeatedly for about 10 minutes. Well maybe it was like 2, but I was crawling right along with Snake just trying to make it. Even after I purchased the game, and was playing, I was still in anticipation wanting to know the bigger picture. All in all, this is a must have, must buy, a perfect score. I'm saying game of the year already. The last thing I'll say, sit through the credits, both times. It'll all make sense.
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Last edited by Nazty_Nayt; 06-19-2008 at 09:27 AM.
pretty much spot on with this one.. I have to say though my finger was nearly bleeding, after hammering triangle repeatedly.
Ow and one last thing, the last fight with liquid is probably one of the best final boss battles I've ever play.
MGS4 is a true epic...And YES go buy it NOW
MGS4 Review spoiler free
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