Back in July 12, 1987 Metal Gear was originally released on the MSX2 home computer system in Japan. July 12, 1987 something special happened, a legendary series was born. Now, 21 years later that statement couldn’t possibly be more underscored.
To put into words, the prowess this game has above any game that’s been released in the same genre to date; Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is without a doubt a bestowment of sheer perfection second to none. It is a technical achievement of unbridled attention to detail, scope and design. That coupled with masterful narrative and game play seamless into a cinematic performance that will draw you in for an experience once thought only found in the pages of books and the hearts and minds of movie makers.
Old Snake, now suffering the affects from aging is called back into action by his close friend Otacon and commander Roy Campbell. Liquid Ocelot has finally been located in the middle east and his plans must be stopped. This is to be Snakes’ final mission and it is ever more apparent this time around that his deteriorating body is taking a toll upon every action and situation that is presented to him throughout the game. The game play has been streamlined in comparison to MGS3 with the close-quarters-combat(CQC) and gunplay being ever more forgiving and congenial. The gunplay feels much improved and every weapon feels incredibly distinctive of each other inherit of any situation you are immersed in.
It should be no surprise to any MG fan of the linear level design, but at the same time the size and multiple variations of the tactical approach isn’t at all restrained yet you are given to choice of stealth fully navigating you way through a battlefield with the help of items such as your octo camo, and self controlling MK II which can temporarily immobilize enemy combatants’ or be used to scout ahead. With that said the A.I. is remarkably intuitive and will still inspect and expose areas that have been disturbed. If you decide to take the guns blazing approach the enemy A.I. will flank you in combat and use cover and other opportunities depending on the environment which amazingly will at times blind you with the tapestry of foliage and depth. Some of the new enemy’s such as the Gecko’s, frog units and the unmanned units really bring MGS4 into its own and bring a new challenge than the regular enemy soldier which can be PMC or Militia organizations depending on your actions in the game. Not new but very enjoyable are a few chase scenes you experience in various parts of the game all while fighting enemy’s trying to escape and survive. The boss battles in MGS4 are incredibly fun and in tradition not always straightforward and require you to not only fight the boss but other additional units whilst trying to figure out the weakness or event trigger to down your foe.
Kojima productions have definitively raised and set the bar as far as next gen graphics is concerned. The level of detail from weapons, characters, environment and design is abundant as well as ambitious in its delivery. MGS4 is quite possibly one of the most stunning games ever to be released on any system. Ok, I think you get the point now. Not to minimize the other very important part of this masterpiece is the sound department and MGS4 delivers in superb sound which just makes the whole mood and experience that much more advantageous. Voice acting and soundtrack are as good as you will see in any video game or movie for that matter and never pull you out of the experience but exactly the opposite to set the canvas for an epic venture.
All of this contributes to the amazing plot of MGS4. New and old characters are brought back to the Metal Gear universe with undaunting manifest. Without giving away any spoilers MGS4 does a good job of tying story lines up and brings a couple new ones to the forefront. You will not play another game with this much depth and dramatic storytelling that satisfies even the hardcore fan and still manages to please any gamer.
I haven’t really even scratched the surface with the all of the features and aspects within MGS4 but I hope you will share the emotional, powerful, and engaging experience I had playing through this game.
I can remember vividly the feeling I had when I beat Metal Gear Solid on the PlayStation for the first time having stayed up all night while the sun rise which to this day I can hardly put into words or explain. I have not ever felt that again…
..until now.
