Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (Platinum) reviews

This is a great climax to the Metal Gear story arc. The graphics are stunning, and the story is told much better than in MGS2: SOP. It is also much more action oriented than previous games, and the boss battles are really engaging. As regards criticism of the camera – yes, it is slightly strange to get used to at first, but by the end of the first act I had completely for gotten it was an issue. The enemy is very good to – no push overs. As regards negatives, they are a few. Firstly, Drebin. In comparison to earlier games, it is far to easy – mid battle no less – to access Drebin's arms shop and get more weapons, ammo, etc. I think perhaps he should have been accessible in between the acts, or perhaps a set number of times per act, or even only in certain areas of the current mission you are in. Another thing, and I'm not sure this a criticism really, but old school MGS vets may not like the lessening emphasis on stealth – more run and gun than I remember. Overall a great game. I judge a game by one thing – Did I enjoy it? In the case of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, the answer is a definitive yes. A definite must buy for any PS3 owner.

I don't normally write reviews for games but because of my immense respect for the Metal Gear Solid series I have decided to express my opinions on this game.

The gameplay is very polished this time around, it allows you to go Rambo if they felt like playing it that way but it still remains as a stealth game at heart. It combines gameplay elements that were made famous by Resident Evil 4, Gears of War and Call Of Duty 4 and links them all into one smooth and thrilling control scheme.

Graphics are absolutely amazing, character animations, music voice acting is so masterful that you will forget you are playing a game.

The story is one for the fans. New comers may criticise this game's length cutscenes but they are definitely made for the fans and if you are among one of them then you are in for the epic finish to Solid Snake's legacy. Loads of old characters coming back, some allies, some foes. This story promises to wrap up the whole story of the Metal Gear Solid series.

I have never played a game that is so epic and emotional. This game tops any hollywood blockbuster around. It is one of the most compelling stories you will ever experience in your life if you have followed Snake's journey from the beginning. This is Hideo Kojima's definitive legacy, this is his end to his masterpieces.

Snake we salute you.

Takes everything in the previous game MGS3 Snake-Eater, and crafts it into one of the finest games that I have ever played. It is also more accessible than the previous games in the franchise due to a revised camera system. The character animations have been perfected, the weapon customisation is well setup and the graphics are incredibly beautiful. This is a must buy, as was the last game, because there simply is no greater action adventure in gaming than a Metal Gear Solid game!

Being the last Metal Gear Solid game that Hideo Kojima will be working on (well directly anyway) that was reason enough to buy this amazing game. From the outset, the game reeks of quality and it's obvious how much work the guys have put into this great game. This was the reason for me getting a PS3 and there are absolutely no regrets ^^

The game is very cinematic/ story orientated (which for some players, may be a put off) but it has to be understood that this is the final chapter of the MGS series. Visually, its very solid (no pun intended) and to my understanding, cut-scenes are in-game graphics too. The sound is also another great feature of this game, utilizing Dolby techonology (wish i had a proper set up XD), the music nicely creates tension and fits the game perfectly.

If GTA4 got perfect scores then this game deserves the same at least!

Anyways, if your looking for a game that has quality look no further.

Snake move out!

Such an epic game, got it this morning and have been playing non stop! Easily one of the best games of all time. But, there is one thing that has been annoying me; the installation for each Act…why the multiple installations kojima??why??!??­?????????

Personally, I was never much of a fan of the PlayStation 3 entirely because it had such a weak selection of PS3 exclusive games. I still think the same after playing MGS4. One great, golden gem doesn't overshadow the overshadowing amounts of dirt. But this isn't a console rant.

Metal Gear Solid 4 is possibly…no, definitely, one of the greatest games I have ever played. It has incredibly solid characters with just as solid voice actors, and a complex, yet incredible plot to boot. And that's not even getting into the technical side. While looking back now, MGS1 didn't even give characters faces, aside from the sporadic codec scenes, where it was all hand-drawn. Over the last 12 or so years, MGS4 has become one of the most beautiful looking games to ever grace my eyes, burning its beauty into my retinas. During massive gunfights you have to sneak through, you will see puffs of dust and chunks of dirt pop upwards, splashes of water and even flesh and blood. When zooming in, you can see just about every wrinkle and crease in any characters face and skin. Guns all have that brilliant, metallic reflection and you can even see down the barrel itself when pointed in the right direction.

The games graphics are emphasized during the intense and cinematic cut scenes. If only this game had a mode like 3 where you could watch all the cut scenes and codec conversations, then you can either play a stealth/action game, or watch an amazing sci-fi, thriller drama mini-series. Yes, mini-series. There are approximately nine hours of video in the game. This would usually count as a bad thing, as too much story can make a person bored with a game. But when the scenes are polished to a professional standard, and even have the ability to momentarily look through Snakes eyes and see either little funnies here or there, or to simply look around a corner before the camera. And when introduced to old characters, or recent events, you can tap X a number of times to bring up little flashbacks of that person or event. And did I mention how amazing the videos are directed?

Game play is very similar to that of MGS3. Instead of having fixed camera positions (Which worked well in the first couple of Silent Hill games) you have the ability to look around without having to switch to first-person view. This was incorporated into the game for the same reason as it was in the third. You no longer have a mini-map.radar in the top right corner so you can see where your enemies are at all times. Instead, you are given a eye-patch which acts as a form of radar, making you aware of enemies directions by things such as sound of movement. As well as giving you a night-vision mode, which seems more like a infrared mode than night (otherwise you would be blind during the day…and not be able to see footprints). The Metal Gear Mk. II is also a new addition. A little Gear that you can drive around, going about thirty-forty meters ahead of Snake to scout things out.

Because Snake is old in MGS4, there is the addition of a Psyche meter, similar to the Stamina meter in MGS3. The Psyche meter will go down during combat, and decrease even more rapidly when Snake is hit, or sniping shots are missed. Even during the cut scenes, which are amazingly directed, Psyche will decrease when Snake fails to do something, or someone calls him ‘Old’. The combat it interesting. In all previous Metal Gear games, combat was the kind of thing you avoided so you didn't become a sponge for enemy bullets. The gun play wasn't hard, but it was a lot harder to take out an enemy than it was for them to rape the health bar. In MGS4, you can hold down L1 and have an aiming target in front of you, thus playing it like a third person shooter, like Gears Of War. Or you can hold down Triangle and play it like a first person shooter. Although that is slightly harder. While it is a bit difficult to get a hand on the shooting at first, it does become easier. But then, you shouldn't really be playing the game as a shooter. It takes the fun out of hiding inside a cardboard box.

The game does have multiplayer mode, but I have yet to play it. But from what I've heard, it is very fun, and still has the ability to hide in a cardboard box. The music in the game fits the mood for anything that is happening, and is downright beautiful at points. The plot covers just about all aspects of the series, and while it does seem to try and tie up every loose end like a OCD sufferer in a shoelace factory, it doesn't simply say “But he just was that awesome”. It at least tries to dedicate about ten minutes of your life to it. Which can be a small downside. During the first half of the game, there is a forty-five minute long cut scene (Yes, they are long. But being MGS, that's not only expected, they're good. The cut scenes are really, really good) simply to tell you how to cook eggs properly, that Snake needs to go somewhere, and then spends the rest of your precious time making you watch two of the characters fail to recognize each others flirting.

The Good: Voice acting, plot, action, character development, music and Cardboard boxes are as good, if not better, than most big-budget movies.

The Bad: Plot can be confusing to many, and even more to those that haven't played MGS1, 2 and 3, more action focus than stealth, Raiden is back.

In between: Raiden may be back, but at least he's slightly cooler. Cut scenes are really, long at points, but they are engaging. How they tie up some of the character plots is a little…annoying. Not far-fetched, not to simple, just annoying.

Verdict: Hire out a PS3 and play the game at least twice. It will be worth every single dollar.

Game of the year!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! best storytelling ever in a game and possibly the best game ever made. Buy it enjoy it over and over agian

I got this game today and all i can say to you is BUY IT, BUY IT ,BUY IT ,BUY IT !!! oh did i say BUY IT! its the best game ever made!

You see the reviews below? The people have spoken, if tactical action games are your thing, or if your obsessed with Japanese games and videos, BUY IT! Especially if you have or have played a previous MGS Game

Ewan,

You are playing metal gear wrong!!!!! When you blend in look at the top right hand part of the screen. It gives you a percentage of how blened in you are. You should try reading the manual it has some tips on how to play.

You have to remain still while lying down for a few secounds and the octocommo will automatically adjust to the best camoflage. Hide in the shoadw to increae you hiding ability. Walk slowily (press the stick lightly) while crouching you dont make to much noise, dont bump paint tins of bottles as it will alert guards. Dont use night vision unless you have to as it makes to much noise. Dont equip the touch to the guns as it lowers your cammo rating. Try using face cammo when you get it to increase you cammo rating. If the guard are in caution mode you cammo wont work as the gurds will be looking for it, just run away right out of the area annd wait until the timer counts down.

Also there is NO DEMO for MGS4, so you have not played the game. You might be a XBOT sicne you dont know that MGS4 doesnt have a demo. The online mode had a beta (which is now closed) but that is not like the signle palyer game.

I cried multiple times over the ending scene. It's the greatest game you'll ever play.

Unreal game. Captures you from the very moment you start to play the game. Amazing graphics combined with the gameplay, one of the best games of all time.

Really cool game lots of challenges in a good way recomend to all :)

This game is one of my favorites. For a quick run-down this is an incredibly realistic, exciting to play, challenging, epic game with a FANTASTIC storyline and INCREDIBLE graphics. The attention to detail is second to none, The weapons are just so realistic its amazing, (well most of them…) And it is just so incredible it cannot be put into words.

I have played this game through about 9 times and never get bored of it, its just so massive and full of hidden areas and secret weapons. It is just awesome.

This games only downside is its cutscenes… While they are great and crucial for understanding that game, they are incredibly long, (the longest one being something like 2 hours i think) It's no big deal because there is a “Skip” option, but i recommend watching the cutscenes on your first play through, just to understand the game.

I still strongly recommend this game to anyone who has a PS3, It is an incredible experience to play this game, or any other of the “Metal Gear” Titles.

Great because it has excellent grahpics,gameplay and a cool story.Your misson on this game is to kill liquid ocelot and while doing that you get cool weapons,items and lots of fighting action.Metal Gear Solid 4 guns of the patriots is a great game and every Metal Gear fan should get it.

If you're one of those people who want to truly experience a game that has flawless graphics then this is the game for you! Not only is Metal Gear Solid 4 a great in-depth game with an in-depth story but it is also a leader in the visual department.

For those who want a game with a great story and full of content, get this. Some might find the cutscenes a tad long but this is somewhat of a movie after all.

One thing that really impressed me was the level of customisation of weapons for each weaspon (silencers, light, grenade launcher, scope, masterkey, grips).

Truly an epic masterpiece

It must be good as Gamespot hardly ever rates a game 10 out of 10. Thumbs up for this game has taken alot of work and the quality they put in is unbelieveable. High compression even on a dual layer blue ray disk. It is a must for a true gamer that likes shooting games.

EPIC finish to a great series fills in allot of the gaps with allot of twists.

Single player is so much fun with customizable weapons and the multiplayer is one of the most fun online shooters I've played. A must have, even more so if you own the previous titles!!!!

one word

EPIC

has to be the greatest game ever, if you own a PS3 you must have this game.

The creators of this game evil, evil people! I'm supposed to be studying for my uni exams but I really can't. I’ve been sucked into a world of beautifully executed espionage and violence. Kills anything and everything on 360 , and that’s coming from a dual console owner. It is brilliant, brilliant brilliant.

Controls are awful. Visuals are stunning. This is not on par with the original, why they have gone over the shoulder camera style is a mystery. The original series gave a much clearer view of Snakes environment. Additionally the combat system and aiming is painful, you spend most of your time trying to blend in (which is hit and miss on the triangle button) and wondering where you are as the camera swings into tight corners. Attempted stealth kills end up with snake doing some strange break dance moves or fumbling to aim.

Alot of the game is spent watching movie scenes (this is metal gear however and in keeping with its style), but there is no flow and enemies find Snake far too easily as he stumbles around the maps.

Its ashame as it looks amazing, probably the best looking game I have seen. However snake moves like an old geezer and is no assassins creed in his environment – very stiff and you can only climb over certain parts of the environment. A poor control system and aging snake do not live up to the hype! Try (download) the demo before you buy!!!!!!

Presentation: Ever since the gaming public was introduced to Metal Gear Solid on the Playstation we have seen countless copy cats in terms of presentation. Hideo Kojima introduced us to the cinematic experience on a level we have never seen before. Sure games before it had wonderful presentational aspects, but non had the “coolness of Hollywood” implemented in such masterful way.

Each iteration of Metal Gear Solid only got better and Hideo Kojima kept sharpening his skills as a story teller.

Metal Gear Solid 4's presentation is unmatched in the industry. The camera is masterfully directed during the cutscenes, shaking with every explosion, refocusing with every swing, and repositioning with every character action. It is clear that the cutscene shots are on par with any major big budget Hollywood effort. The camera angles and movements are a sight to be seen. Given Hideo Kojima background and fascination with Western Film this presentation style is expected. What isn't expected though, is Kojima mastery of the art of cinematography.

Many of these cutscenes are transitioned directly into gameplay which is both exhilarating and refreshing even to this day. Few games released in the last year manage to incorporate the player into the cutscenes like MGS4 does.

The voice acting and narrative is long and complete. All voice actors fit there part. The standout performance is of course David Hayter who plays snake and has hit the nail on the head for Old Snake's worn voice.

Graphics While there will no doubt be more and more games that look as good or better than MGS4 the only one that comes to mind is Killzone 2. MGS4's character models are still the best looking and best animated in the industry. It is still a marvel to see the game in action to this day. However, overall Killzone 2 has MGS4 beat in special effects and lighting but other than that MGS4 still looks amazing. The attention to detail in the environment is unmatched. Leaves blowing in the wind, dirt settling on the camera, water ripples, bump mapping, HDR lighting. All of it is eye candy.

I guess I should mention Resident Evil 5 as well. RE5 had great graphics too, but the cutscenes weren't render in real time, and therefore the cutscenes look noticeably better than the actual gameplay. MGS4 doesn't suffer from this, the gameplay looks just as good as the cutscenes and it is a better game for it.

Controls We all know by now that MGS4 has the best controls in the series but how does it compare to other games now?

To this day the control is amazing. Since the learning curve was relatively complex it took awhile before you could confidently pull off the kill you wanted. After a couple hours or a couple playthroughs, depending on your skill, you could look like a complete bad*** legendary hero. After a year of playing the game on and off, you will look like The Boss herself!!! There are so many ways to play and mastery of the controls opens up a whole new feeling of accomplishment. Disarm and hold up, disarm and kill, choke, drag, stun, etc.

Gameplay Fast paced and finely tuned. A year later I am still having a blast playing through this game. Many complaints have been centered on the fact that there doesn't seem to be enough gameplay compared to other Metal Gear Solid games. I have played through all the previous game recently and I must conclusively say that the gameplay in all of the Metal Gear Solid entries are nearly identical, with MGS3 and MGS4 having the most time wise. MGS4 seems to have less but this is only because MGS3 stuffs a lot a gameplay at its conclusion but the gameplay is sparse before that. MGS4 on the other hand stuffs most of its gameplay in Acts 1–4 and falls off on Act 5. But compared to each other the gameplay length is nearly identical.

Since this game is set in a warzone (most of the time) the overall feel has changed as well. The game feels more action oriented. However, nothing stops you from sneaking through the game. In fact there are more ways to play this game, which will ultimately give it more longevity.

I feel like this was a good decision since when we play as Solid Snake the games seem to be more action oriented anyway, and when we were introduced to Big Boss the gameplay was more stealth oriented. The difference being that MGS4 gameplay mechanics and controls allow you to play either way without frustration.

Sound Not much to say here except that every single thing you see was given an appropriate sound, and I mean everything. Hollywood quality. The soundtrack is masterfully composed by Harry Gregson-Williams.

Replayability Metal Gear Solid games have always been known for their easter eggs and rewards for multiple playthroughs. MGS4 is no different. What is different is that the gameplay is so enjoyable and so finely tuned that replaying the game never feels like a chore. I love MGS3 and I rank it as one of my all time favorite games. However, I didn't playthrough it that many times specifically because the gameplay wasn't as smooth as I was hoping. This is both a weakness and strength for both MGS3 and MGS4. MGS4 lets you play however you want without compromise in control, however, since the setting doesn't strictly limit you to stealth tactics (e.g. MGS3) even when you sneak it doesn't feel as tense as MGS3. The same goes for MGS3. Since the game forces a stealth approach you have less options for playthroughs. However, as a pure stealth expericence MGS3 gets the nod. But as a better game to replay and playthrough MGS4 gets the nod. Period.

Everyone has there preferences, and I play both MGS3 and MGS4 regularly. But Kojima always one ups himself in terms or gameplay and replayability.

Story Everyone will have their opinion when it comes to how MGS4 was told and here is mine. MGS4 is told in the only way it can be. Over the top and over blown. However, there is really no other way for Kojima to wrap up his beloved series. You can whine all you want about the BB Corps and their lack of back stories, but you can't deny that they have the most thematic significance to the overarching MGS Series story. War is bad, it kills, it rapes, it devours, it creates beasts and the BB Corps where that embodiment better than any other bosses in the series.

Some think Snake should of killed himself. I disagree. Snake must live, he has much to atone for and can by contemplating his death, which is much more powerful than just ending his life. It takes a bigger man and a empathetic mind to put off death and see off the age of war. Furthermore, snake is the only beast that has a chance to fine salvation, that has a chance to find peace. He must live to avenge all those he killed throughout the series. He was a tool, a puppet of the Patriot AI's and by living he avenges Solidus', Liquids', and Big Boss' cause to end them. During the last days of Solid Snake he will contemplate his death and die with the peace of mind that, even though he was used as a puppet for terrible things, his determination and shear will to see the job through helped free the world from the elitist control of the Patriots.

Tilt Games don't get much better than this. Everyone will have their own opinion on how they think the game should of been told, but that fact remains that game was told the way Konami and Kojima wanted. And we have a better game for it. The are no wrong moves in the gameplay department and the story is as satisfying and masterful and joyous as you allow it. Anything and Everything can be scrutinized, it just depends on how much of a pessimist you are.

10 years from now MGS4 will be looked upon as a game that pushed the boundaries of interactive entertainment. A game and vision so sharply and loudly crafted by Kojima that nothing will have had touched its relevance of mankind's control and importance in manifesting society's future.

Heard heaps about this game for years now. Finally got around to buying it and loved it. It's a masterpiece of gaming, a real work of art. Definitely a must buy for any PS3 owner!

Giving you the choice of sneaking in or going in guns blazing, the shear amount of diversity available is great.

SNAKE!! SNNNNAAAAAAAK­KKEEEE!!!!! great game highly recomend it!

Arrived today, didn't take long to ship. First opinion of the game is the graphics are good for a game that came out like 2008, same old MGS games liking the starting scenario. Then again I've only just turned it on and will most likely play all night hahah cheers mighty ape! Sick day tomorrow

I generally love the MGS games, I like Stealth action, and ridiculous Over the The Top villains.

But…

Hideo Kojima needs to hire an editor. Long cut-scenes are a staple of the series, but I occasionally like tot play a game. Kojima needs to be reminded that games are an interactive medium, and making me sit through a river of words as he explains EVERYTHING at me gets old when what I want to be doing is sneaking around.

Exposition works best when it is woven into the narrative, not when it is dropped from orbit encased in a giant three thousand ton lead brick. There is only about five or six hours of gameplay in this game, the rest is CUT-SCENES.

At least you get to play as Solid Snake again, because nobody likes Raiden except Hideo Kojima.

This game is great it took me a short time to get around to playing this but as soon as the games story starts up I was hooked great gameplay a great final chapter to Snake's story, this game has a few laughs, some great surprizes, the one downfall was no trophies but I don't think that affects this game at all its amazing

Set in the future where war has become big business, MGS4 features a very different hero compared with its predecessors. Solid Snake has aged. Just like the world around him.

And so has the gamplay. A couple of interesting new features have been added in snakes final outing. You have a brand new camera replacing the overhead cam of the earlier games. This is an outstanding improvment one of the few negatives of the previous titles was the outdated camera angles. Octocamo is Snakes brand new toy. Its a suit that mimics the surrounding environment allowing snake to become almost invisible. And trust me it will become your best freind. And snakes pirate style eye patch is actually a map, threat indicator and binoculars in one neat package.

The plot itself, in true metal gear style, is a mixture of fast-paced action with some fantasy elements not usually found in action games. You will find yourself fighting alongside old freinds, and battling familiar enemies in familiar locations. This is not to say that MGS4 doesnt contacin surprises of its own. The story itself is deep and immersive and twists and turns are plentiful on your way to the dramatic conclusion. Some people estimate that the cutscenes actually make up about 50% of the game but they are so well done they dont seem intrusive at all. Admitadly there is a lot of flashbacks to previous metal gear solid titles, but it still doesnt detract from the story for people new to the series.

In conclusion, there are very few games which I would consider to be true masterpieces but this is certainly one of them. Story, gameplay, cutscene direction and character portrayl is amazing. It simply is a must – have.

Excellent game. Great for all lovers of stealth and strategy and also the occasional bout of pyschotic violence. :)

This game is so cool… Your like watching a movie while playing it… The gameplay & graphics was awesome… I even play it twice…=)

I have absolutely no hesitation in labelling Metal Gear Solid 4 the best game on the PS3. If you love amazing graphics, great story telling, brilliant characters, superb cut scenes, and absolutely flawless game play, then MGS4 is the game for you.

Don't worry if you haven't played any previous Metal Gear games before, I hadn't, and still loved it. Sure you might get a little confused at parts, but everything ties up nicely by the fantastic conclusion.

You can play the game strictly as a stealth game, or you can go guns blazing, or a combination of the two, it's up to you. The campaign is excellent, and multiplayer is almost just as good.

If you love a game with a good story, like I do, then you will love watching the hours of cinematics MGS4 has to offer. However, if you are one of those gamers that skip cut scenes and like getting straight into the action, this may not be the game for you.

Overall, MGS4 is a brilliant example of modern gaming, and if you own a PS3, you owe it to yourself to buy this game.

Metal Gear Solid 4 is packed with lots of espionage, historical references, double-crossing, firearms and supernatural themes to keep any gamer interested.

Metal gear solid… If you said those words to me a year ago they wouldn't have meant a thing. Zilch, zero, kapput. However, after playing through this game (by now many,many times) I can definitively say this is the pinnacle of my life as a video-gamer. The story engrossed me from start to finish. The action scenes caused my jaw to impact the ground at a stunning speed. And the gameplay is the perfect mix of action and stealth (I am personally more into action games, and was reluctant to pick this game up because I thought the main character would be more like an old style Sam Fisher), but the game allows you to play in a way that suits your gameplay style.

If your unsure of how cool this game is, check out some of the Raiden action scenes on youtube–undiluted awesome. Also check out the trailer for metal gear rising (sequel to Mgs4), you wont regret it.