Metal Gear Solid 4: Video Game Review

Metal Gear Solid 4 is the conclusion to the series that many fans have clamored for. Released in 2008, this PS3 exclusive was worth the wait the nearly four-year wait after MGS3 was released in November 2004. It does not disappoint in any way and I think most importantly, it ties up the loose ends to the series,

Storyline: This will be a spoiler-free zone as to not give away any of the main meat of what happens. I will say after playing the game that you really need to play the first three games of the series to fully understand what is going on with the characters. There are numerous examples of this in the game as characters will refer to flashbacks or points in previous games. Without that experience, you will be left missing something. This game's storyline does a good job of integrating all of the characters in the entire series as well as leaving you at the end of the game satisfied with what actually happened. Kojima's games are noted for twists and turns throughout and this is no different. When originally seeing the game, I was surprised by what actually transpires and I think the story is a good mix of action, emotion and some occasional sarcastic comedy. Overall, it is a very pleasing storyline.

Gameplay: The gameplay will be a small adjustment as there are more ways to shoot, move around and do other stuff. Snake runs around in Octocamo and that is a brilliant move with the skull suit, it give the players some fresh looks out of the playable characters. Menus are about the same as before. One thing I will say is I wish they would have kept the Codec screen linked with the Select button, now it is in the Start menu and it's a little clunkier to get to. Gameplay is very smooth with no slowdowns and the ability for FPS gamers to have a chance to play that way with Snake. Something new is the ability to fight with allies against an opponent, especially early in the game, it can prove helpful later on.

Music: The soundtrack by Harry Gregson-Williams is awesome, I went out and even bought it because it was that good. Harry's music blends the right mood for the right scene and as I played the game, nothing seemed out of place and especially with the emotional scenes near the end, it really made them even more powerful to a player playing the game for the first time.

Nostalgia: The game has a real nostalgia to it and as I saw it for the first time, I thought that MGS4 was a tribute to the entire series. There are references to the prior three games and themes in the fourth that relate to the others such as family, deception and loneliness.

Graphics: This game has great graphics even for the PS3. The developers did a great job of making sure every little detail was taken care of. From snow hitting the cameras to blood splattering when you get injured, there are a number of great things about them.

Online: There are some good extra qualities associated with the game and I recommend you listen to the developer podcasts available for free download with the game. They are insightful about different areas of the game and also about what it took to put specific areas or places into the game.

This game will have the player spending as much time watching as playing but that is typical for the series and well worth it because of the storyline. Overall, if you are even a casual MGS4 fan, I recommend you check it out. If you are just looking for a good action game to play, I think you will be satisfied. It is one of the better games the PS3 has ever put out.