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Developer: Kojima Productions Publisher: Konami Release Date: Jun 12th 2008 Genre: Action Sub Genre: Tactical Stealth Espionage
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
This article has been read 17,736 times

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Review

Posted on June 16th, 2008 at 04:11 EDT
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is a stellar entry in the series and ultimately one of the most rewarding videogame experiences of the decade. Absolutely essentially, regardless whether you are a fan or not.
Pros
  • + Unprecedented audio/visual quality
  • + Highly immersive storyline
  • + Engaging and varied gameplay
Cons
  • - Minor framerate/visual inconsistencies
  10.0
Perfect
Must buy!
Rate it!

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User rating: 9.7 (based on 133 votes)

[Editor’s note – PSU will be covering Metal Gear Online in a separate review in the near future]

As the latest installment in Konami’s critically acclaimed stealth franchise, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots arrives on the scene accompanied by a substantial weight. By this, I'm referring to the weight that manifests itself in the form of the sheer level of anticipation maintained by its adoring (if slightly rabid) fanbase, and indeed anyone consciously aware of the reputation this venerable series has sustained with each subsequent release. With that said, Metal Gear Solid 4 is unimaginably far from your rudimentary sequel.

It’s not just the importance of the game’s PS3 exclusivity; rather, that’s simply part and parcel of the whole Metal Gear Solid experience, which has remained virtually synonymous with the PlayStation brand for past decade. No, what MGS4 brings is something far more poignant, as the game represents the culmination of two decades worth of story telling chronicling the events of one of videogames’ most iconic stars in one spirited, mammoth globe-trotting finale. The question remains, however, can Kojima and his team possibly deliver on this seemingly insurmountable task?

Metal Gear Solid 4 kicks off approximately five years following the events of the Big Shell Incident, which was depicted in PS2's Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. Set in the year 2014, warfare has become like a well-oiled business transition, fueled by the dominance of Private Military Companies (PMCs) engaging in an endless series of proxy battles around the world, willing to sell themselves to the highest bidder. Enter Solid Snake -- now referred as Old Snake, due to the effects of his accelerated aging process -- who infiltrates a middle eastern battle zone posing as a UN PMC inspector in his attempt to neutralize the notorious Liquid Ocelot. While we won’t spoil what lies in wait, let us divulge that the events in the game aren’t restricted to the confines of this warn-torn, dilapidated combat zone; the wheels of fate soon begin to turn, and Snake is propelled on a journey which sees him reacquainted with a number of familiar faces -- some friendly, others not -- as he visit a variety of locations across the globe, including South America and Eastern Europe.

Fundamentally, Guns of the Patriots retains many of the core elements of previous Metal Gear Solid titles, rather than completely revamping the entire gameplay mechanics (as witnessed by other popular franchises such as Resident Evil). This design philosophy has allowed Hideo Kojima and his team to utilize the best elements of previous titles, creating a sequel that is instantly accessible to both fans and newcomers alike, as well as introducing some new components exclusively for this final chapter. At its heart, though, the basic concept remains the same; Snake must get from his starting position in a given environment and reach his objective by whatever means necessary.

This time around, things aren’t so clear-cut, as the majority of locations will place Snake in the middle of an on-going battle between the PMCs and local militia, making traversing the area an extremely difficult, and more often than not, a highly detrimental task. However, therein lies one of MGS4’s most rewarding elements, allowing players to chose the manner in which they accomplish their task. Players can opt for the traditional stealthy approach, sneaking quietly past the battle without attracting any unwanted attention, or can chose to aid the militia in their efforts by dispatching any nearby PMC soldiers. While you aren’t obligated to help out at all, the militia will more than often reciprocate your actions by handing you some extra ammunition or healing items to take with you, and will acknowledge your presence in future battles – a handy feature when you need to dispose of a large contingent of enemy soldiers. On the flip side, if you chose to remain indiscriminate about how you attack, Snake will find himself under attack from both parties, making his mission all the more difficult, which may appeal to gamers seeking a greater challenge.

Regardless of your preference -- stealth or action-orientated -- Snake has a wide variety of moves to facilitate whichever method you wish to go about ... (continued on next page)

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Next: Scott Steinberg says MGS4 is "only the beginning"

Back in the early stages of this 2008, the gaming media were unanimous in their belief that the next twelve months would ultimately prove to the year of the PlayStation 3...

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What are your thoughts?
posted 4:14am EDT - June 16th, 2008
1

I could not agree more

posted 4:15am EDT - June 16th, 2008
2

Iam still not sure whether to pick this up or GTA4, I know they are both great, but my fincances allow only 1 now. I played for 20 minutes in the ship, the only thing I hated same as the MGS3 is the colour gama everything is great so its hard to distingush enemies in a surrounding.

posted 4:18am EDT - June 16th, 2008
3

Get both games if you can... I was hyped about playing GTA4 and love it, still not completed it due to time constraints. Picked MGS4 up as an impulse buy, not played the series since the PSone. Trust me, I'm not going to play anything else now, it truly is an experience not to be miseed...

posted 4:29am EDT - June 16th, 2008
4

Have to agree with Limmex, if you can stretch to both do it... part ex some older games or something.  You wont be dissappointed with either!  I think MGS4 is the best game i have played on PS3 so far, the wait has been well worth while :-)

posted 5:37am EDT - June 16th, 2008
5

I have never played any of MGS games before. I was skeptical whether I should get it or not, being occupied with GRID. I got it and started playing. I have to admit, I was confused at the beginning and didn’t know what and how to do things. After ten min of trying, searching the menus and familiarizing myself with the controls I began to grasp the concept. MGS4 is amazing, it pulls you towards the story, action, music and graphics and never lets go. I totally lost any interest in any other game I own. I cannot stop playing it and thinking of the twists and characters it reveals. The game is great and on parallel with nothing I have ever played.

posted 5:39am EDT - June 16th, 2008
6
PSU all you needed to put down was 'God couldn't have created a better game himself' as I can't be bothered reading 5 pages when you could just put down that one sentence!!!
posted 5:45am EDT - June 16th, 2008
7

ive played and completed mgs a number of times now, (now i wish i played 2 and 3!) i swapped GTA4 for MGS4 for £15 @ GAME, got home, and ........................ i cant put the F*****G thing down!!!! im stuck at work now dammit! roll on 4pm so i can get back on!!! an amazing game, ive was in awe when i played the first level, deep in story, has really pulled me in!

buy it now anyone who is having second thoughts about it.

posted 5:57am EDT - June 16th, 2008
8

this is the first true next gen game to grace this planet. Amazing!!

posted 6:12am EDT - June 16th, 2008
9

well in my opinion this game is a Masterpiece of  a movie... cause you spend more time watching than playing... this game is excellent... in everyway... BUT! you play like 40% of the time and the other 60% you are watching a movie... thus making the actual game very short...and even with the movies the game is short... But i believe that is what next gen means.. better graphics + more detail + better gameplay = shorter games ;)  that is todays math.. So the 45 gig used by this game was spent on gameplay, detail, grafix (which i dont mind at all lol)...and we ended up with a game that you only play for about 10 hours...

posted 6:21am EDT - June 16th, 2008
10
@ hesmanes I just swapped GTA IV for 30 Quid WTH. Anyway MGS4 is truly the greatest game ever made.
posted 7:47am EDT - June 16th, 2008
11

This is the best game I ever played could not stop playing it and end up finishing it in 1 day.  

@ dj_sup3r1or 

Get Metal Gear SOlid 4 if you can't decide between GTA 4 or MGS4.

posted 7:54am EDT - June 16th, 2008
12

I've played all 3 previous MGS games and I have to say by far, that Guns Of The Patriots is the BEST game in  the series...No! make that THE BEST game I've ever played on the PS3!!

posted 8:08am EDT - June 16th, 2008
13

dj_sup3r1or hard to distingush enemies in the surrounding?? men don't pick GTA IV i could have fun with the game but u well get boring.. trust me i can't tell u more because i will spoile some things.. buy MGS4 is best gamer ever, nothing who release this year will be better then this don't loose this masterpiece

posted 8:25am EDT - June 16th, 2008
14

I have played every MGS game and loved every game. But this one just blew me away. Graphics, Story & Game. The online is not bad either except for the long process of just getting started with creating a konami ID, but besides that its the best game I played so far on the PS3 & the only game that makes me want to stop playing my COD4 & GTA4. Other Game Developers need to take note and step it up a notch, all the games for the PS3 should be this good. Lets make the 360 fans regret not having a PS3.

posted 8:28am EDT - June 16th, 2008
15

@ AURICOM

your joking aren't you? GAME had it up on posters that if you traded GTA4 for MGS4 it would be £15, and that offer ends on the 19th june, where did you trade yours?

posted 8:40am EDT - June 16th, 2008
16

@hesmanes

that  deals at blockbuster i was gonna take it but they were sold out so jus got it at tesco:D

posted 8:48am EDT - June 16th, 2008
17

@ heppy_2006

gamestation are doing the same but there asking for Race Driver: GRID and you'll get MGS4 for £10

posted 9:41am EDT - June 16th, 2008
18

I could not agree more.  This game (for fans especially) is nothing short of a masterpeice of offline gameplay.

posted 9:47am EDT - June 16th, 2008
19

This game is the ****, enough said.  I have had much more fun with this game, than GTA4.  I just couldn't put the game down this weekend.

posted 10:18am EDT - June 16th, 2008
20

the game was just simply spectacular. maybe some people will not like the cut scenes a bit lengthy a times but you know what, it fits with the character of the game. it ends the story of a old legend and it could get annoying that some characters that you think were dead from the last series just reappear again; or when such a character (*big boss*) was lead to beleive he was somewhere but in actuality he wasnt this whole time, that can turn many people away from what we are used to seeing (SHOOT AS MUCH BULLETS AS YOU CAN AND MAKE THEM COUNT)

 

i appreciate everything that was in this game, just in awe at how a studio could have such talent of making an epic game, series for that matter. for anyone that hasnt played any metal gear, you could be lost along in the story but they do a pretty good job at kinda speeding you up to understanding the plot. the game is truly amazing and after all this fuc.king typing i just wanted to say that hands down BEST GAME I HAVE PLAYED YET. so @dj_sup3r1or: having both gta4 and mgs4, i will recommend mgs4 without a doubt in my mind. you cant not play this game!!!!!!!

posted 10:27am EDT - June 16th, 2008
21

I could go ahead and say that this is the Best Game I've ever played in my life. Bar none, a great game and a great movie. What more could you ask for. MGS4 spoiled me, I kinda feel bad for all the games I'll be playing after this game because I will always compare it to this magnificent game. Bar has has just been raised.

posted 10:34am EDT - June 16th, 2008
22

anyone else think that achiba (johnny) will be the next main character in mgs5 would make sense as he doesnt have any nano machines in him and he had constantly survived i also think that raiden will make a appearance and might even be playable after the countless times he could have died but didnt in mgs4 and i think snake will make a appearance just like big boss did in this one in mgs5 seeing as tho he ddint die. anyone else think this or is it just me. best game ver made simple as that

posted 11:13am EDT - June 16th, 2008
23

its a miracle how they managed to make the game so satisfying for mgs addicts, and at the same time so inticing and accessible for newcomers

also, i hope the next game is 'metal gear liquid', and focusses on where liquid was since he was born till mgs1

posted 11:39am EDT - June 16th, 2008
24

This is by far the best next-gen game i ve played so far. Kojima did it again

posted 12:24pm EDT - June 16th, 2008
25

This game should be game of the year so far, GTAIV was a loss of interest after awhile...

posted 1:09pm EDT - June 16th, 2008
26

i finished the game in 19 hours, 10 of those hours were cut scenes. I do feel short changed however the online makes up for the lack of gameplay in the story. the game is much better than gta iv however replaying the story just feels a bit boring once u have finsihed it. mgs1 was the best in the series they should remake that.

posted 1:17pm EDT - June 16th, 2008
27

I havent played it yet god damn it stop rubbing it in my face

posted 1:42pm EDT - June 16th, 2008
28

Anyone agree at the end of Act 3 johnny looks like young snake?

posted 2:30pm EDT - June 16th, 2008
29

@bnolan56 that just backs up my point that he is the most suitable and probable candiate for the next main character in the next mgs hope raiden is also playable in parts within the game.

posted 3:19pm EDT - June 16th, 2008
30

9 hours of gameplay and 10 hours of movies? That's not too bad. MGS 1 & 2 were shorter than that. If I was to choose between MGS4 and GTAIV, I'd pick MGS.

posted 4:23pm EDT - June 16th, 2008
31
@dj superior MGS4 beats GTA4 any day and its the best game around
posted 4:24pm EDT - June 16th, 2008
32
i totally agree. i'd give it 10/10 too. it's the best game ever if you ask me. it will be fun to see if LittleBigPlanet can beat it's awesomeness. bet that game will get 10/10 everywhere too.
posted 6:29pm EDT - June 16th, 2008
33

goty !

posted 8:17pm EDT - June 16th, 2008
34

I beat this game on medium in 25 hours. It's an amazing game that deserves the 10.0 many reviewers have given it.

posted 10:11pm EDT - June 16th, 2008
35

easily the best game of all time right here

posted 1:06am EDT - June 17th, 2008
36

yeah this game is amazing. The Cutscenes were long but they were amazing..probably one of the best games i've played and it tops most movies ive seen as well. GOTY IMO

posted 2:07am EDT - June 17th, 2008
37

Is this review spoiler free?  I haven't got the game yet so I want to be sure before I read.

posted 3:48am EDT - June 17th, 2008
38

@ InfernoReaper yup, whatever's on the review should be no more than what you could find out from trailers.   

Anyways, MGS4 and GTA4 are both superb games. Anyone who can afford both should get them though I would recommend MGS4 first if you can't. It showcasses the awesome capabilities of the PS3 and pushes gaming experience to a whole new level.

posted 4:34am EDT - June 17th, 2008
39

Was my comment deleted?

If so, at the very LEAST I would like a PM stating why. It was completely appropriate and was backing PSU in all respect.

posted 8:06am EDT - June 17th, 2008
40
  • It is the best game in the hole would.
posted 8:44am EDT - June 17th, 2008
41

For those of you who lost comments - there was a server rollback of a few hours and all the comments within that time frame were deleted.

 

Your comment was entirely appropriate. In fact, I shared it with some other staff members. We appreciate the support.

posted 9:32am EDT - June 17th, 2008
42

Awsome game.... Some of the worst blood though.. Looked like a ps2 attempt at blood.

posted 10:39am EDT - June 17th, 2008
43

@Eric2929

Thank you. I thought that maybe the comment was too big or something? lol, I wasn't quite sure, maybe I had said something inappropriate without realizing and I couldn't confirm as the comment was no longer there.

Cheers!

posted 12:57pm EDT - June 17th, 2008
44

All I can say is that this a great chapter in the already outstanding epic saga that is Metal Gear.  By far the best game that I have played on PS3.  I have been playing this series since it originally came out on the NES, and honestly don't think there is another series out there on any system that comes close to comparing in terms of the masterful storyline of this franchise. 

 

In my opinion this is one of the few games that deserves a 10, living up to the hype unlike other recently released games.  It's unfortunate that in today's world there doesn't seem to be any unbiased reviews being done anymore by various gamesites because for this game to be scoring less than the multi platform, less than stellar, GTA4 is completely laughable.

posted 3:24pm EDT - June 17th, 2008
45

This game in now way deserve's a 10, Flak me all you want i don't care. I beat the game in 11 hours first time on medium. One of my major gripe's with the game the A.I. is awful and it is very short. I would give it a 8 top's, course that's my view such as the guy reviewing it.

posted 6:20pm EDT - June 17th, 2008
46
Excelent game my only con. is the frecuent load times that prevents the game to be a truly seamless experience.
posted 10:33pm EDT - June 17th, 2008
47

Nice pros and cons d-bags......I can wait to get the game but with a pro such as "unprecedented" audio/visual quality, and then your con is minor vramerate/"VISUAL" inconsistancies......makes me wonder what you are talking about.  Good thing good ole IGN (worst reviewers on the planet) gave it a 10 as well....  :/  Still buyin this ISH.....I just wish I knew that my reviewers knew what they spoke of.  Lakers are getting stomped, too bad.  KOBE!!!!!

posted 11:29pm EDT - June 17th, 2008
48

@bignasty  I'm on my second playthrough and I believe the "minor framerate/visual inconsistencies" that they're talking about is a very slight framerate drop for one or two seconds; usually just when things get incredibly active on screen. Most would probably not notice anything wrong unless you're really looking for those moments.

posted 3:15am EDT - June 18th, 2008
49
i love this game! why they have to be the end of MGS saga?
posted 4:14am EDT - June 19th, 2008
50

MGS1 on the PS was my favorite game of all time followed by FF7. I never thought I'd say this but MGS4 is so amazing it has become the best game I have played in all my years as a gamer. Must buy for any PS3 owner!

posted 12:37pm EDT - June 19th, 2008
51

absolutley best game on ps3. nothing will beat it this year. also since most games become popular by there online, it's good to show what truly amazing games can be made offline since mgo isn't particualy great

posted 5:58am EDT - June 20th, 2008
52

this should be great...but guys is there anyone who can assist me to download and install themes on my Ps3 I have been trying for months now plz plz plz

posted 9:28am EDT - June 20th, 2008
53

I really didnt have any frame rate inconsistance, but the only -con- i would give the game is that if you want to go back and play a act that already past, you have to intall it.

@ultakin2me - How the h*ll could have you beaten the game in 11 hours if the game has slightly 10 hours in movies. If you skiped them, then you didn't focus on the story nor did you even try to enjoy the experience.

posted 8:04pm EDT - June 20th, 2008
54

One of the best games ever!

posted 3:59am EDT - June 21st, 2008
55
why the cheat is blocked?
posted 5:11am EDT - June 22nd, 2008
56

Well, I just finished beating this game.  It was two days of totally awesome entertainment.  I have to say that this was totally worth waiting 4 years and I don't think I could have asked for more.  Here's looking to the future with MGS5 and hopefully Raiden back in the driver's seat.

posted 12:09am EDT - June 24th, 2008
57

this is probably one of the bestest game i've ever played,im totally hooked to the story mode,i love this game,its totally a must have collector's item,and for anybody that just luvs metal gear solid...my #1 ps3 game!

posted 2:50pm EDT - June 24th, 2008
58

To Unlock The Corresponding Emblem, You Have To Successfully Complete The Indicated Task Below:

Assassins: Complete The Game In Single Player Mode. You Must Have Killed More Than 50 Enemies With The Knife, Or Have More Than 50 Cqc Holds, Or Not Get Discovered For More Than 25 Times.
Big Boss: Complete The Game In Single Player Mode On The Hardest Difficulty Setting Without Using Any Continues, Instigating No Alerts, No Enemies Killed (which Includes Bosses), Making Use Of No Life Recovery Items, Making Use Of No Stealth Suits Or Special Bandanna Items (you May Possess The Item But Not Use It). Lastly, You Should Have Completed The Game In Not More Than 5 Hours.
Fox: Complete The Game In Single Player Mode On The Naked Normal Or Higher Difficulty Setting Without Using Any Continues, Instigating At Least Five Alerts, Without Killing Any Enemies (including The Bosses), Making Use Of No Life Recovery Items, Making Use Of No Stealth Suit Or Bandanna Special Items (you May Possess The Item But Not Use It). Lastly, You Should Have Completed The Game In Not More Than 6 Hours.
Fox Hound: Complete The Game In Single Player Mode On The Big Boss Hard Or Higher Difficulty Setting Without Having To Use Any Continues, Instigating At Least Three Alerts, Without Killing Any Enemies (including The Bosses), Making Use Of No Life Recovery Items, Using No Stealth Suit Or Special Bandanna Items (you May Possess The Item But Not Use It). Lastly, You Should Have Completed The Game In No More Than 5 Hours And 30 Minutes.
Hound: Complete The Game In Single Player Mode On The Naked Normal Or Higher Difficulty Without Using Any Continues, Instigating At Least Three Alerts, Without Killing Any Enemies (including The Bosses), Making Use Of No Life Recovery Items, Using No Stealth Suit Or Special Bandanna Items (you May Possess The Item But Not Use It). Lastly, You Should Have Completed The Game In No More Than 6 Hours And 30 Minutes.

posted 12:40am EDT - June 25th, 2008
59

A great ending to an outstanding saga...

MGS4 is more than i expected, and has deffinately lived up to the hype.

Rumors have already started circulating on the internet about a "prequal" MG... I say this: Mr. Kojima, you have provided the public with an unforgettable saga, along with the perfect ending. Everything came together...everything was just so clear at the end. Dont ruin it. stop while you're way ahead.

Thank you Mr.Kojima....for all the Metal Gears :)

Looking forward to the movie!

posted 6:05pm EDT - June 25th, 2008
60

Its the best game of all time.

GOTY of 2008 already.

 

this game deserves nothing but a perfect score.

posted 3:23am EDT - July 13th, 2008
61

i coukd not agree more, but i got some bad news MGS 4 is comeing out for xbox360 why is that happening why why why i hate this day i seen it in google why they are copying the game! for xbox360

posted 5:10pm EDT - July 24th, 2008
62

This is the best game I've ever played by a longshot the size of the universe, and I own GTA IV. There is no experience quite like MGS4, but it can be appreciated even more if you've played through the series.

posted 5:53pm EDT - July 24th, 2008
63

this game was a true masterpiece but truthfully i already knew this was gonna be epic i laugh at those xbox fanboys who said this game would fail LOL!!!!!!!!

posted 7:56pm EDT - July 27th, 2008
64

If ur a ps3 owner, then its a must buy!

plz dont avoid it

posted 12:16am EDT - July 28th, 2008
65

This is the best game any console has to offer. With the best protagonist ever made. This game's character development and story development is simply amazing. It has perfect graphics, sound, game play. You name it this game dishes it out. My only wish is that there will be more Metal Gear Solids. A fitting ending to one of the best series ever made.

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