Sony Reader Touch @ Best Buy $299.99Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PlayStation 3)
Manufacturer: Konami of America, Inc. Part number: 01001
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- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Description:
- Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is the final chapter in the saga of Solid Snake which sends him around the world in pursuit of his arch nemesis, Liquid Ocelot. Armed with new gadgets and abilities, Solid Snake must shift the tides of war into his favor, using the chaos of the battlefield to infiltrate deep into enemy ... Read more
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Gamespot editors' review
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PlayStation 3) price range: $24.00 - $29.99
- Reviewed by: Kevin VanOrd
- Reviewed on: 06/13/2008
- Released on: 06/12/2008
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is the most technically stunning video game ever made. It's also a fine example of storytelling prowess within its medium, combining gameplay and narrative so slickly and beautifully that it's impossible to extricate one from the other. It's likely you will emerge awestruck from your first play-through, wishing the experience would continue yet nonetheless satisfied with its conclusion. It's difficult not to sound hyperbolic when discussing MGS4 because every part of its design seemingly fulfills its vision, without compromise. There is no halfway.
The story is both convoluted and compelling.
Fully realized, lengthy story sequences will come as no surprise to anyone who has played a Metal Gear game. You'll spend a good half of MGS4 watching cinematics, but it would be a grave misinterpretation to assume that great gameplay takes a backseat to the story. Rather, these two elements are tightly intertwined, and this tapestry is held together by an important technical thread: Cutscenes that are rendered fully in real time within the game engine. It's impressive enough that these scenes look as good as any prerendered cinematic you've ever watched. It's even more amazing when those same scenes transition without pause into gameplay, and the same hulking mech you watched lumber about in the cinematic is looming above you. The subtle animations, the lush environments, and the rich textures are the same in and out of story sequences, and the effect is so seamless it may take your breath away. You can skip past the scenes if you prefer, but doing so would soften the experience. The story sequences carry more weight because of the intense gameplay that precedes them--and the gameplay feels more compelling because the story gives you powerful reasons to care about your mission. The high point of this fusion occurs in an exciting and memorable split-screen sequence that simply must be experienced.
Talking about what, exactly, is going on in the plot in the midst of MGS4's grand sweeping gestures is to risk spoiling each little surprise as it emerges. Snake, suffering from the rapid onset of aging, now must cope with stiff joints in addition to the looming specter of Liquid Ocelot's newest plans. This is Snake's final hurrah; yet as the story reaches one height after another, the juxtaposition of huge set piece battles and formidable bosses with Snake's deteriorating body creates tension and gravity even beyond the series' usual pretensions. Some new plot strands emerge while others get tied up, and old friends (and enemies) refuse to be forgotten. You'll also bear witness to a few reunions--some bloody, some teary, and some legitimately shocking. Parts of it are overblown, to be sure. The musical score gets heavy-handed and the voice acting and writing are frequently dogmatic, so while there are plenty of subtle moments, subtlety isn't really MGS4's strong suit. But it doesn't need to be. After all, the fate of the world hangs in the balance, and judging from a few silly attempts at humor that don't work, developer Kojima Productions was wise to err on the side of melodrama.
The gameplay proper is familiar to fans, but it's been cleaned up and expanded, holding as many twists and surprises as the story. For starters, both gunplay and close-quarters combat are more satisfying. Regarding melee, the controls have been streamlined, making it less cumbersome to grab an enemy soldier or perform a stealthy blade kill. Shooting mechanics are even more improved, so much so that shooting your way out of a pickle is just as enjoyable as sneaking around it. There are a huge number of weapons to play with; so many that you'll probably finish the campaign without using many of them. Yet, quality wasn't sacrificed for quantity: Every weapon feels just right, from your handy operator sidearm (best when upgraded with a silencer) and standard issue assault rifles to a powerful railgun. The standard over-the-shoulder view is fine for the most part, but you can gaze down the sights from a first-person perspective. Both views can be further improved with various enhancements, such as laser sights and scopes.
Not that you don't have all the tools for completely avoiding your enemies if you choose that route. Snake's got the basics covered: crawling, hugging walls, peeking around corners, and hanging from ledges, for example. Cover mechanics are tighter than ever, so you can crouch and take potshots from behind cover with ease. There are also a number of important gadgets that will make your life easier in this regard. The most obvious of these is your OctoCamo suit, which takes on the texture of your surroundings when you're prone or pressed against cover. Not only does this make it simpler to avoid watchful eyes, but it's also a cool visual effect. Eventually, you'll be able to camouflage Snake's head, and a few of the available camo options are bound to stir some fans' nostalgia. The Solid Eye is your other major tool, as it expands your compass into a sonic-sensitive radar and allows you to use night vision and a tactical first-person view. These are helpful gadgets indeed, even during boss fights, like a stirring encounter in a blinding blizzard.
Shooting is always a viable option if you don't want to sneak.
Other gadgets, such as portable hiding places (cardboard boxes and rusty barrels) and the Metal Gear Mk. II (a stealthed robot that you can command as a scouting device), are useful to anyone who prefers the sneaky approach. Not every gadget is a welcome addition, though. For example, the much-ballyhooed iPod is a neat touch, but to use it, you cannot have another gadget equipped, so you'll quickly forget the option even exists. But aside from these nitpicks, one of the things that makes the core gameplay so enjoyable is that you're rarely strapped into a single style of play. Shooting your way through requires more thought and care than you'd put into a standard action game, but you never feel as though the gun mechanics are stuffed uncomfortably into a stealth game. If you'd rather sneak, you never have the impression that stealth was shoehorned into a game that's meant to be played as a shooter. Sure, you're Solid Snake--you're not supposed to get caught. But if you're stuck in a jam, breaking stealth isn't a death sentence, and in fact, facing certain enemies head-on is often a heart-pounding, challenging experience. The few levels that do force you into one style, such as one in which you shadow your target through an Eastern European city, are still great, if not quite as impactful.
You'll need to keep an eye on Snake's stress levels and psyche. Though these aspects are more peripheral than health levels, they fit nicely within the plot. When Snake gets stressed (if he gets cold or encumbered, for example), his psyche gauge starts to deplete. The lower the gauge, the slower you will move and the less quickly you replenish health. Generally speaking, the psyche meter is rarely a factor, and should you notice Snake groaning a bit more, there are items like compresses you can use for a pick-me-up. Should the meter get too low, you won't be able to hold up your weapon or rush for cover. This doesn't happen often though, and while you'll need to keep a close eye on your health for obvious reasons, you won't need to pay too much heed to psyche.
User reviews
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Words can't desribe how magnificent this game is!
by bennyblanko05 on June 14, 2008
Pros: Graphics, Weapons, Storyline, Customization
Cons: The only con I could think of is the load times, but hey with a game this complex I understand and don't mind.
Summary: Wow, the more I think about this game the more I'm just in a state of shock. I never thought I would see and play a game like this. ...
Summary: Wow, the more I think about this game the more I'm just in a state of shock. I never thought I would see and play a game like this. It's just simply incredible in all portions of the game. The storyline is like watching an Oscar winning movie. The graphics are the best ever seen in a video game. It's so detailed, so deep, and the sound effects are simply spectacular.(SURROUND SOUND IS A MUST!) This is probably the best 60 bucks you can spend your money on ever. I highly recommend every single person to play this game and give your eyes something they've never witnessed before.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Hugely over rated
by kenmil01 on September 7, 2009
Pros: Graphics are very good
I managed to sell the damn thing quick.Cons: Endless boring film clips
Terrible controls
Clumsy character movements.
Totally unrealistic feel to weapons and shootingSummary: This is right up there with Assassin's Creed and Halo 3 as the worst games I have ever wasted my money on. I am so sick of these boring, ...
Summary: This is right up there with Assassin's Creed and Halo 3 as the worst games I have ever wasted my money on. I am so sick of these boring, self-indulgent film clips and feeble attempts to craft a story. If they spent half as much time on developing the controls and weapons as they did on stupid cut scenes, the game would be a whole lot better.
2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Ryder1813 says: its perfect
by Ryder1813 on October 30, 2009
Pros: This game is flawless... just simpally PERFECT... The graphics... The gameplay... The movie-like cut scenes.
Cons: NO TROPHIES :|
Summary: 10/10 PERFECT... JUST NEEDS TROPHIES
Summary: 10/10 PERFECT... JUST NEEDS TROPHIES
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BEST PS3 GAME EVER!
by danielc4182 on August 21, 2009
Pros: Metal gear online, low price unlike "COD4", GREAT GAME PLAY AND GRAPHICS
Cons: Installs for every act in the game (mgs4)
Summary: i give mgs4 4/5 and i give mgo 5/5, overall 4.5/5
Summary: i give mgs4 4/5 and i give mgo 5/5, overall 4.5/5
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This game is spectacular
by johnnydk on March 26, 2009
Pros: Everything about this game is excellent. The graphic and the sound and storyline are all perfect 10. Also, I found http://www.squidoo.com/playstation3shopping a very helpful site that introduces many great ps3 games at cheap price.
Cons: I can't really think of one.
Summary: I highly recommend this game for everyone.
Summary: I highly recommend this game for everyone.
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Easy 5 out of 5 stars.
by Invierno1894 on February 17, 2009
Pros: Graphics, variety (in weapons, enemies, allies, scenarios, occurrences, etc.), long game, epic storyline, does good job for understanding to first-comers to the series, audio quality and location perfect, downloads of music and costumes available.
Cons: Extremely complicated online format, necessity of installing scenarios every time you want to play (only 5 scenarios, and not installed to hard drive), overall takes up 5gb on your hard drive *again, saving of scenarios don't count.
Summary: Metal Gear Solid 4. Many games, get old and tired by the 4th game of the series, if it even makes it that far. But Metal Gear Solid 4 however, ...
Summary: Metal Gear Solid 4. Many games, get old and tired by the 4th game of the series, if it even makes it that far. But Metal Gear Solid 4 however, manages to regurgitate brand new content, as well as a great storyline, to wrap up the plot of the entire series for that matter. Old Snake now has other things to worry about such as health, and stamina, with addition of stress. I've previously owned Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops for the PSP, and thought that was just about what the Metal Gear Solid series was all about. Boy was I wrong, I was off by a longshot.
The console offers much much more variety. As well as Blu-ray technology for the PS3. Quoted from Wikipedia, "Guns of the Patriots is the first PS3 game that uses a full 50GB dual layer Blu-ray Disc, even after extensive efforts in data compression," (Wikipedia, Metal Gear Solid 4:Guns of the Patriots). Now, shoved into this 50 gigabytes, is an endless supply of guns, from submachine, sniper rifles, pistols, solar guns, to a grand assortment of portable missile launching equipment. Grenades including stun, normal shrapnel, smoke (as well as colored smoke grenades). You also have the freedom to confuse PMC troops by throwing empty ammo clips at them from a disclosed position. Or, of course, you may throw a petro bomb at them and watch them as they run away, flames spurring out of him. My point is that you can just do so much, as much as your mind can create itself. Just, don't get caught, or you might rely on hiding in a dumpster.
For those of you who base visuals by whether its 1080p or not, yes, its 1080p, full high definition. But, I would say, its a very crisp, and pristine high definition. Some games these day boasts about using all 1080p usefully, but then the games look really choppy and blurry. Sure, some points in the game have a little choppy graphic for a crumbled wall, and is flashed all over the internet. But I would say, that even the cut scenes are outrageously beautiful for a game, especially by today's standards. I suppose it all depends on how far up you sit in front of your tv as well though.
In addition the variety, graphics; the storyline is great. You may choose to get enveloped into it, or just simply hit start and select "skip cut scene" throughout the entire game. But you really are depriving yourself of an incredible storyline. I don't want to give anything away, but this really displays ever genre a movie has to offer. If you put all the cut scenes together into one piece, it itself would probably be as long as a movie. I watched every single scene however, and I lived, and I would from experience, recommend not missing a single scene. Also, Kojima achieved the ability of creating a game, the fourth in the series, that would still make sense to people who have bought into the series for the first time in their life.
Okay, so now. Graphics: check. Plot: check. variety: check. Now, off to what I think of not just the graphics, but the audio quality. Even though this was a Japanese game. I'm not even sure if they made an entirely new American version or what, but the voices were lined up just about perfectly throughout the entire game; on cut scenes and off of them. Also, the music implemented in certain parts, were a perfect match going along with the mood of the time. Audio quality is definitely a plus.
The game overall took me 20 hours to defeat (and I have experience from the PSP version as well). So for $40 or so, that's an incredible amount of time that you get out of all that money. Also on the game, there is section where you can download music, and costumes for Snake's Octocamo. The music which you may enjoy via the game's internal Ipod.
Now, the online perspective, ummmmmmmmm, extremely poor I would say. I wouldn't grade it down, because first of all, I wouldn't look forward to an online stealth game. Its just nothing I really look forward into putting so much time forward for. Besides, I bet it was designed for use in Japan, because it involves the option of peer downloads which requires a lot of people on the same network. Which would in turn help download the same thing you are.
Another thing that sorta brought the game down, was that you have to install a new part of the game, only momentarily though. As for specifics as to WHERE on the console it is downloaded? I have no idea. But its only ~3 minutes max per *momentary* download.
But overall, this game, is by far, the best game I have ever played in my life. It's better than a lot of the other competing games for that number one spot, in my opinion at least. Such as Halo, or the Call of Duty series, etc. You would have to really get into the stealth sort of gaming to thoroughly enjoy this exclusive title. Believe what you may though. And I believe this game deserves not just a 4.9/5 stars or anything that fancy, but a complete 5/5.
Thank you for reading my massive review, and I hope this helped, especially for those looking into buying Metal Gear Solid 4.
-Matt -
Visually stunning! A must play for PS3 gamers!
by bsoten on February 7, 2009
Pros: Coming from a PC, the game just plays as it should. This is the first game I played after buying my PS3 and I can't believe that I waited so long to get one. This game is a must have for gamers to realize the full pototential of their PS3 systems.
Cons: My only complaint would be the 3rd person view. I like the 1st person view as this is obviously more realistic. I can navigate well enough to enjoy the fame without being irritated by looking at myself instead of the action "in front" of "me".
Summary: Beg, borrow, or steal (borrow but "forget" to give it back) this game if you have to. It's that good!! I'm sure game designers that thought they had ...
Summary: Beg, borrow, or steal (borrow but "forget" to give it back) this game if you have to. It's that good!! I'm sure game designers that thought they had a good finished product probably changed a few things about their own game design/setups once they saw or played MGS4. The detail and texture of the small things is what really impresses me. The only b*tch is the 3rd person only view, but that's some I got used to in short order. I've played FPS shoot'm-up PC games since Duke Nukem and Quake in the late '90, so I'm very impressed with the overall graphic and audio enhancements (and the subtle ones too) of games in general and epic hits like MGS4 in particular. The PS3 and MGS4 are my very first experience with console games, and I'm pissed at myself for not diving into them way before this. Oh well, better late than never.
I just wish there was a way to have the option to play the entire game in FP view without destroying the designer's vision of how the game should look and be played. If there was, I'd give this game 5 complete stars without a second thought.
Other than that, I love this game! -
Very good game
by joebobhankey on February 1, 2009
Pros: Great graphics
Some of the best video game story telling ever.
Immersive/addictiveCons: Online gameplay lacking.
AddictiveSummary: This game reminds me a lot of Halo (the first one). Not in the way that one plays or does things within the game, but in the way of storytelling ...
Summary: This game reminds me a lot of Halo (the first one). Not in the way that one plays or does things within the game, but in the way of storytelling and making you actually care about the story as much as getting through levels and finishing the game. Halo was the first game I encountered that made me really follow the story, then pumped me up with dialog and music, especially when the music changed while going into battles.
MGS4 does the same thing but in a way that ratchets up the tension to levels that I've only experienced in a few other games (like Bioshock, Max Payne, Half-Life), and even in those other games, the tension waned over time. Not so with this game. MGS4 keeps the tension up, but not in an exhausting way. You constantly want to find out more of the story, and you want to go through levels again just to do it.
This is a must-have game for PS3 owners. It is also a good reason to buy the PS3, especially if you're looking for a really good blue-ray player anyway. -
ABSOLUTELY THE MOST IMPRESSIVE VIDEO GAME EVER MADE!!!
by dr. kahouli on January 8, 2009
Pros: INCREDIBLY REALISTIC GRAPHICS, GREAT STORY, INTENSE GAMEPLAY, INTERESTING CHARACTERS, AWSOME BOSSES, THIS GAME HAS IT ALL.
Cons: LONG CUT SCENES (WHICH MAY BE A LITTLE LONG FOR SOME PEOPLE BUT I LIKE IT BECAUSE IT PROVIDES YOU CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT WHICH ACTUALLY ALLOWS YOU TO CARE WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM).
Summary: THIS IS LIKE NO VIDEO GAME YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED. IT HAS A FANTASTIC GAMEPLAY, THE GRAPHICS ARE SIMPLY THE BEST EVER SEEN ON ANY PLATFORM CONSOLE, BUT THE STORY ...
Summary: THIS IS LIKE NO VIDEO GAME YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED. IT HAS A FANTASTIC GAMEPLAY, THE GRAPHICS ARE SIMPLY THE BEST EVER SEEN ON ANY PLATFORM CONSOLE, BUT THE STORY IS SO WELL THOUGHT OUT IT TAKES YOU INTO A JOURNEY WHERE NO OTHER GAME I'VE PLAYED COMES CLOSE. GOD OF WAR WAS AN INTERESTING TALE BUT THIS SIMPLY TAKES IT TO ANOTHER LEVEL. EVERY LITTLE DETAIL WAS THOUGHT OUT AND SO WELL PRESENTED. EVEN AFTER A CUT SCENE IT TRANSISIONS SO SEAMLESSLY INTO THE GAMEPLAY AND IT LOOKS GREAT. I HAVE NOT REALLY BEEN A FOLLOWER OF THE METAL GEAR FRANCHISE BUT I MUST SAY I AM HALF WAY THROUGH METAL GEAR SOLID 4 AND I AM DEFINATELY HOOKED. I LOOKING FORWARD TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT BUT AT THE SAME TIME I DON'T WANT IT TO END. THAT IS HOW YOU CAN TELL THAT YOU ARE BEING ENTERTAINED AND THIS GAME DOES ENTERTAIN YOU ON SO MANY LEVELS. I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS GAME TO ANY GAMER WHO REALLY WANTS TO EXPERIENCE A FLAWLESS GAME PRESENTATION IN EVERY POSSIBLE AREA. THIS IS NO EXAGERATION, THIS GAME REALLY IS THAT GOOD.
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the best game ever!!!
Pros: The best story of all video games.
Cons: its the last...
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Konami of America, Inc.
- Part number: 01001
- Description: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is the final chapter in the saga of Solid Snake which sends him around the world in pursuit of his arch nemesis, Liquid Ocelot. Armed with new gadgets and abilities, Solid Snake must shift the tides of war into his favor, using the chaos of the battlefield to infiltrate deep into enemy territory. In his globetrotting final mission, Snake must sneak deep into enemy locations in the Middle East, South America, and other corners of the earth to foil Liquid Ocelot's plans for total world domination.
Product Basic Spec
- Platform Playstation 3
- ESRB rating Mature - Blood, Violence, Crude humor, Strong language, Suggestive themes
- Genre Adventure
- Elements Action - third person tactical shooter
- Context Realistic
- Number of players 1 Player
- Connectivity Online
Game
- Developer Kojima Productions
- ESRB Mature
- ESRB descriptors Blood, Violence, Crude humor, Strong language, Suggestive themes
- Max number of players 16
Manufacturer info
- Konami of America, Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Konami of America, Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.konami.com/
- Address:
1400 Bridge Parkway, Suite 101, Redwood City, CA 94065-1567 - Phone: 650-654-5600
- Fax: 650-654-5690
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