The Metal Gear Solid 4 Mega-Hype Thread | 56k (moved)

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Metal Gear Solid 4 Mega-Hype Thread

Latest Updates:

Mar. 28, 2008: A new section is up--the "History of the Metal Gear Series." Scroll to the end to uncover the beginning of this epic saga.

Mar. 14, 2008: Added gekkou and haven troopers to "The Adversaries of MGS4" section.

Mar. 8, 2008: New update, this one's for the gun fetishists..."The Weapons of Metal Gear Solid 4." It's right after the screenshots section.

Mar. 6, 2008: Screenshots section is now up....feast on the eye candy (just don't drool too much) :wink:

Mar. 6, 2008: Big update today--"The Music of Metal Gear Solid" section is now up. Enjoy!

Mar. 5, 2008: Added link to countdown timer and profile of mystery character

Mar. 1, 2008: Added info for Metal Gear Online

Latest News

Mar. 13, 2008: Kojima Production in "monster-crunch mode"; no time to eat, sleep, or record podcasts. source

Mar. 3, 2008: MGS4 too big for Blu-ray? source

Feb. 29, 2008: Metal Gear Solid 4 confirmed worldwide release for June 12. source

Feb. 27, 2008: Japan gets 3 Metal Gear Packs, 80 GB bundle. source

Feb. 26, 2008: MGS4 arriving late Q2, bundled with 80 GB Playstation 3 and Dualshock 3. source

This thread is intended to be a comprehensive info/hype thread for MGS4, as well as a news hub for any developing events regarding the game. Feel free to discuss anything and everything related to MGS4. I will regularly update this post as needed.

Check it out:

the-very-best's Grand Theft Auto IV Kickass Hype Thread!

Countdown to Launch:

Table of Contents:

1. MGS4 Intelligence Briefing

2. The Characters and Antagonists of Metal Gear Solid 4

3. Trailers, Gameplay Video, and Resources

3. Metal Gear Online Intelligence Briefing

4. Screenshots

5. The Weapons of Metal Gear Solid 4

6. The History of Metal Gear Solid (coming soon)

7. The Music of Metal Gear Solid

8. The History of the Metal Gear Series (NEW!)

Intelligence Briefing

What is it?

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is a game currently in development at Konami's Kojima Productions studio. It is the latest installment in a series spanning 20 years following the story of Solid Snake, a lone soldier with a mission to rid the world of the nuclear-armed Metal Gear weapons that threaten the security of the international community. Guns of the Patriots is co-directed by Shuyo Murata and series creator Hideo Kojima, and is reportedly the last Metal Gear Solid game Kojima will direct. Art direction is being handled by series veteran Yoji Shinkawa, and the score is being composed by Harry Gregson Williams. The theme of the game is "No Place to Hide," which refers to the insecurity of attempting to hide within the types of destructible warzone environments that Solid Snake must infiltrate.

When will it be released?

Guns of the Patriots will be available worldwide on June 12, 2008.

The 80 GB Metal Gear Solid 4 Playstation 3 bundle

What is the setting of the game?

Metal Gear Solid 4 takes place a few years after the events of Metal Gear Solid 2: The Sons of Liberty, in a future dystopia where war has become the pillar of the global economy and genetic, informational, and emotional control has placed the world within a stranglehold. Private military companies have dominated society and created a never-ending cycle of war for profit. Within this chaotic setting, Solid Snake embarks on a mission to the Middle East to bring down longtime series villain Liquid Ocelot, who has taken advantage of the chaotic situation to organize an armed insurrection with the aid of the largest PMC in the world--Outer Haven. Players will traverse across five different global regions in pursuit of Liquid, including the Middle East, South America, and Europe. This is Snake's final mission.

What's the gameplay like?

In keeping with series tradition, Metal Gear Solid 4 will feature robust stealth gameplay, along with intense action sequences. This time around, players will be doing more shooting than sneaking. According to Assistant Producer Ryan Payton, Kojima wanted to change the dynamic in the past games where the player is given a bunch of awesome weapons, but doesn't have an opportunity to try them out without failing the game by getting caught or killed. As such, MGS4's gameplay is designed in "waves" to allow segments of warzone firefights to break up the sneaking sections. Players can also expect to encounter the series' trademark epic boss battles, including the new Beauty and the Beast Unit, comprised of four female members--Crying Wolf, Raging Raven, Screaming Mantis, and Laughing Octopus--who have transformed into war machines as a result of intense post-traumatic stress.

Key gameplay features of MGS4 include:

• Weapon Customization. Over 70 weapons are customizable, including handguns, machine guns, shotguns, sniper rifles, grenade launchers, and missile launchers.
• 
• Octocamo. Specially designed by Snake's longtime sidekick Otacon, the Octocamo is a body suit that allows Snake to blend in with his environment by changing color, pattern, and texture to whatever surface he touches.
• Solid Eye. With the Solid Eye device positioned over his left eye, Snake can scan his environment for vital information and collect data regarding his enemy's whereabouts, his allies' maneuvers, and various items on the battlefield.
• Metal Gear Mk. II. The MGMII is a little mechanical robot designed by Otacon that serves as Snake's battlefield companion. It is controlled with a Playstation 3 Dualshock controller, and powered by a cell processor. MGMII can embark on reconnaissance missions for Snake and zap unsuspecting guards with its electrical arm.
• Threat Ring. The threat ring allows the player to visualize threats in Snake's surroundings. The device works more or less like a seismometer, detecting the proximity and size of approaching enemies or hostile vehicles so Snake can remain alert to changes in his environment.
• Psyche Meter. A newly added metric keeps track of changes in Snake's psychological condition, which will be susceptible to damage from the intense Saudi Arabian heat or other factors. A damaged psychological status will negatively affect Snake's performance on the battlefield.
• Stress Meter. The stress meter is the "yin" to the psyche meter's "yang." It allows Snake to obtain a "combat high" for increased accuracy and decreased damage. In effect, the stress meter is a representation of Snake's adrenaline level.
• Close Quarters Combat. The CQC system from Metal Gear Solid 3 will be incorporated into MGS4, though the controls will be much more refined. Players will be able to interrogate captured enemies and force them to surrender supplies.

The Characters of Metal Gear Solid 4

Given that Metal Gear Solid 4 is the last piece of the Solid Snake saga, there are a lot of missing ends that will be tied up. As such, MGS4 will feature a wide array of cast members, many of whom appeared in previous games.

Solid Snake

A special operations soldier who started out as a member of the black ops team FOXHOUND, Snake is a lone warrior whose life mission is to prevent the ignition of nuclear hostilities by disarming nuclear-armed Metal Gears. A quiet man who dislikes being referred to as a "hero," Snake is driven by a strong internal set of principles rooted in duty to his country and service to the stability of the international system. Solid Snake specializes in espionage, but is unafraid to confront whatever blocks his path. Snake's identity as a clone of another famous soldier has resulted in the rapid deterioration and aging of his body. His final goal in life is to eliminate Liquid before time runs out.

Click the spoiler tag for more characters

Naomi Hunter

Snake's medical consultant in Metal Gear Solid, Naomi ended up betraying Snake by injecting him with the FoxDie virus. She returns in Metal Gear Solid 4 to aid Snake's mission, but players have reason to be suspicious of her intentions.

Otacon

Hal Emmerich, a.k.a. Otacon, is a Ph.D. whiz who fancies Japanies anime and building the latest tactical espionage equipment. More importantly, he is Snake's closest and most loyal mission support companion. His designs are inscribed with the "Ota Damashi" symbol, which means "Otacon soul" in Japanese.

Meryl Silverburgh

A feisty girl who became Snake's love interest in Metal Gear Solid, Meryl now heads up the newly reformed FOXHOUND unit.

Sunny

Sunny is the daughter of Russian soldier Olga Gurlukovich, whom Snake encountered and fought in Metal Gear Solid 2. Her daughter's role in MGS4 remain unclear as of now.

Eva

The love interest of Snake's "biological" father Big Boss, Eva greets Solid Snake with a direct request: "Call me mama. Big mama."

Colonel Campbell

Colonel Roy Campbell is Solid Snake's longstanding commanding officer. He returns in Metal Gear Solid 4 to inform Snake of Liquid's intentions and hire him to terminate the renegade PMC leader.

Drebin

A mysterious character who keeps a monkey as a pet, Drebin joins the cast of MGS4 as a new addition. He specializes in black market arms deals and modifies enemy weapons for Snake to use. Drebin's outfit is a mix between combat fatigues and business wear, symbolizing the fusion of warfare with business and profit. (credit: Mordred19)

Raiden

The surprise main character of Metal Gear Solid 2, Raiden was a controversial character who fit the "pretty boy" image that Kojima attempted to create. Raiden returns with a vengeance in MGS4, having replaced his pretty boy look with a cyborg ninja suit. Neither fully human nor fully machine, he aims to use his newfound abilities to help Snake's mission as Snake helped him in MGS2. "It's my turn to protect you, Snake."

???

This mysterious character emerged during the last scene of the TGS 2006 trailer. His identity is as of yet unverified, but his facial features bear a striking resemblance to young Solid Snake...

[/spoiler]

The Adversaries of Metal Gear Solid 4

A hallmark of the MGS series has always been its epic boss encounters. From Psycho Mantis in MGS to the Boss in MGS3, the series' diverse set of quirky, cool, over-the-top, and tragic adversaries have provided memorable exchanges and intense battles. While it is uncertain whether the player will fight all of these characters in MGS4, they will certainly come across them in one way or another:

Liquid Ocelot

The main nemesis of Metal Gear Solid 4, he poses a grave danger to the security of the world and is Snake's number one target.

Click the spoiler tag for more adversaries

Vamp

The sexually ambiguous, seemingly immortal vampire that players first met in Metal Gear Solid 2 returns for a showdown with Cyborg Raiden.

Screaming Mantis

A member of the Beauty and the Beast Unit--and seemingly the unit's leader--Screaming Mantis resembles the Psycho Mantis character players first fought in Metal Gear Solid. Like Psycho Mantis, Screaming Mantis specializes in psychological manipulation, and has the ability to turn her enemies against themselves.

Laughing Octopus

The second member of the Beauty and the Beast Unit, Laughing Octopus emits a chilling cackle upon wrenching the life out of her victims.

Crying Wolf

The third member of the B & B family, Crying Wolf symbolizes the anguish of warfare, and continuously cries out in agony like a suffocating soul underneath her hardened exterior.

Raging Raven

The fourth member of the unit, Raging Raven sustains a state of constant, uncontrollable anger that originates from the flames that fuel war and human strife.

Gekkou

The Gekkou are bipedal, half organic/half machine mobile military units deployed in Liquid Ocelot's PMC. Armed with a machine gun turret and advanced visual sensing systems, the Gekkou are sentient, intelligent creatures that are capable of hopping multiple buildings in one jump. As Kojima explains, "We've tried to place a meaning behind the Gekkou, much like we have with the Metal Gear. The head is for sensing, with a powerful eye and central A.I., but the legs are animalistic, muscular. So it actually reveals what we're thinking behind this--it's machine controlling flesh, and symbolically, machines controlling man." source

Haven Troopers

Haven troopers are genetically enhanced female super-soldiers that serve in Liquid Ocelot's private army. Fast and dexterious, these units are known as "the frogs" due to their extra-human hopping ability. Haven troopers move in groups and attack quickly and without warning.

[/spoiler]

Media

Trailers

• TGS 2007 Trailer
• GC 2007 Trailer
• E3 2007 Trailer
• TGS 2006 Trailer
• GC 2006 Trailer
• E3 2006 Trailer
• TGS 2005 Debut Trailer
• E3 2005 Teaser Trailer

Gameplay Videos

• Debut Gameplay Demo
• E4 All Demo Part 1
• E4 All Demo Part 2
• E4 All Demo Part 3
• E4 All Demo Part 4

Resources

• Kojima Productions Weekly Podcast
• MGS4 Teaser Site
• Kojima Productions Portal Site
• Kojima Productions' Events Site

METAL GEAR ONLINE

Intelligence Briefing

What is it?

Metal Gear Online is a multiplayer experience that combines the rich Metal Gear Solid universe with online combat. MGO carries over the backdrop and control system of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots to original online maps and game modes, with future downloadable expansion packs adding additional maps, characters, and other features. Among the new components this time around are battles featuring up to 16 players, and the Sons of the Patriots (SOP) System, allowing for enhanced squad communication.

When will it be released?

A beta version of MGO will be available in April for players who have pre-ordered MGS4. MGO's official launch coincides with that of Metal Gear Solid 4 on June 12, 2008.

How can I play MGO?

MGO is made up of a starter pack and expansion packs.Included with MGS4, the starter pack offers players a first bite of what awaits in the new MGO, while various expansion packs will be added later on. The MGO starter pack contains 5 maps in addition to the match rules and communication features fundamental to MGO.

Key Features

• Maps. A variety of locales from the original MGO and MGS games, as well as all new environments.
• Match Rules. New game rules join online staples like Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and Capture mission.
• Communication. A multitude of communications features including the SOP system, voice and keyboard chat, and preset messages are supported.
• SOP System. The Sons of the Patriots System allows you to visually share information among your squad by linking your internal nanomachines. Information like your teammates' positions, status, and even who they're engaging with will all be provided in real-time.
• Friend Registration. MGO's new, easy-to-use Friend Registration system allows you to send friend invites to people you've fought alongside with.
• Customizable Characters. Design your own unique character from dozens of possible combinations, and keep an eye out for additional gear updates.
• Metal Gear Characters. Intel indicates the presence of Old Snake and Metal Gear Mk. II somewhere on the battlefield...What other Metal Gear characters might be lurking in the shadows?

Starter Pack Maps

Ambush Alley. A corner of a war-shattered town littered with obstacles, its central intersection branching off into side streets.

Click the spoiler tag for more maps

Groznyj Grad. The now abandoned weapons factory that housed the Shagohod in Metal Gear Solid 3. Contains open areas offering unobstructed views as well as indoor and rooftop locations.

Midtown Maelstrom. This Middle Eastern battleground features avenues crisscrossed with alleyways.

Urban Ultimatum. Negotiate buildings of varying height in this city under siege.

Blood Bath. A kill house consisting of both surface and underground areas.

*credit Konami Computer Entertainment for Q&A content

Screenshots

METAL GEAR SOLID 4

(Click thumbnails for full size)

METAL GEAR ONLINE

(Click thumbnails for full size)

Resources

• Metal Gear Online Teaser Site

The Weapons of Metal Gear Solid 4

Previews

• 1up: War has changed...can you?
  • Metal Gear Solid 4 is a "surreal, unprecedented experience..."
• Gamespy: Deep Behind Enemy Lines
  • "We'd rather not be punched in the face by friends for (spoiling) the myriad 'I am your father' moments that litter MGS4."
• IGN: Metal Gear Solid 4 Hands-on
  • "This is the system seller that we've all known Metal Gear Solid 4 was going to be."
• Gamepro: New hands-on with Metal Gear Solid 4
  • "You thought Gears of War looked amazing? Think again. Metal Gear Solid 4 will blow you away...painting some of the most gorgeous graphics this side of Crysis."

Metal Gear Solid is nominally about sneaking around, but this "stealth game" has no shortage of noisy toys. Since the very first iteration, Metal Gear games have provided players with a wealth of weapons with which to experiment, encouraging creativity during all-out firefights and boss battles. This tradition continues in MGS4, with the inclusion of over 70 weapons, most of which are customizable with scopes, flashlights, silencers, secondary guns, and other mounted attachments.

In addition, MGS4 introduces several new elements in terms of gunplay mechanics compared to previous installments. Players can now adjust aiming sensitivity, choose between first-person or third-person view, and switch "aiming" shoulders in third-person view. In addition, CQC moves can be performed while Snake is equipped with virtually any weapon, with different moves corresponding to different weapon types. With the right button combinations, players can capture enemies, throw them, or swipe their weapons.

The following is a list of all the confirmed weapons in Metal Gear Solid 4 thus far, compiled from a detailed observation of gameplay and trailer videos. It includes images of the weapons, descriptions of their key stats, as well as live footage of some of the weapons in action (skip to the desert eagle and javelin videos to see the good stuff). In short, the Patriots should have no shortage of Guns to play with come June 12th.

Click the spoiler tag for the full list

List of MGS4 Weapons

Click the thumbnails for full-size images

Close-Quarters Weapons

Combat Knife

• Great for peeling potatoes and slitting enemies' throats

Stun Knife (not pictured)

• Built-in electrical shock capabilities stun enemies on the spot

Pistols

Magnum Desert Eagle

• Wielded by Meryl in E3 2007 trailer
• Will drop an elephant to its knees in one shot
• Cartridge: .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .440 Cor-born, or .50 Action Express
• 7-9 round capacity
• "My Wife vs. the Desert Eagle"

Glock 18C

• Light sidearm, 8.3" long
• Cartridge: 9x19mm parabellum, 10mm Auto, .45 ACP, .40 S&W, .380 ACP, .357 SIG, .45 GAP
• 17-19 round capacity

Ruger Mark II

• 4.75"-6.875" long
• Cartridge: .22 Long Rifle rounds

Sig GSR

• 5" barrel
• Cartridge: .45 ACP round
• 7 magazine capacity

Submachine Guns

Skorpion VZ.83

• Cartridge: 7.65x17mm Browning SR (.32 ACP)
• 10-20 round magazine
• Rate of fire: 850-900 rounds/min
• Effective range: 75 and 150 m

FN P90

• 19.7" long
• Cartridge: 5.7x28mm
• Rate of fire: 900 rounds/min
• Effective range: 150 m

MP5SD5

• 31.1" long fixed stock
• Cartridge: 9x19mm Parabellum
• Rate of fire: 800 rounds/min
• Effective range: 25-100 m

Assault Rifles

M4A1 Carbine

• 29.8"-33" long
• Cartridge: 5.56x45mm NATO
• Rate of fire: 700-950 round/min
• Effective range: 150-460 m
• Skillful M4 shooting

XM8 Carbine

• Standard rifle for new FOXHOUND unit
• 20" barrel
• Cartridge: 5.56x45mm NATO
• Rate of fire: 750 rounds/min

Colt M203A1

• 15" grenade launcher barrel
• Cartridge: 40x46mm grenade
• Rate of fire: 5-7 round/min
• Effective range: 150m

AK-102

• 415mm barrel
• Cartridge: 5.56x45mm NATO
• Effective range: 500m
• 30 round magazine

FN SCAR MK 17

• Standard rifle of PMC soldiers
• 13-19.7" barrel
• Cartridge: 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x51mm NATO
• Rate of fire: 550-600 rounds/min

Machine Guns

M60E4

• Heavy machine gun, 42" long
• Cartridge: 7.62x51mm NATO
• Effective range: 1,100m
• The easier way to catch fish

Shotguns

M870 Shotgun

• 48.5" pump-action shotgun
• Cartridge: 12 gauge, 16 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, or .410 bore
• 4-round magazine

Sniper Rifles

DSR-1 Sniper Rifle

• 25.59" barrel bolt-action sniper rifle
• Cartridge: 5.56x45mm NATO, .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua Magnum
• Detachable iron sights

Mosin Nagant Sniper Rifle

• Russian sniper rifle used by the End in Metal Gear Solid 3
• 39.9" long
• Cartridge: 7.62x54mmR
• Sliding ramp rear sights and fixed-post front sights

Projectile Weapons

M67 Fragmentation Grenade

• Standard U.S. military hand grenade
• Detonation mechanism: pyrotechnic delay fuse (4 seconds)

WP G. Incendiary Grenade (not pictured)

• White phosphorous fire bombs designed for anti-personnel purposes

Demolition Weapons

FGM-148 Javelin Missile Launcher

• 47.2" portable anti-tank missile launcher
• Effective range: 75-2500m
• Detonation mechanism: impact force
• And the award for best weapon in MGS4 goes to...
• What you don't want to happen to you in MGS4

RPG-7

• Portable, 37" anti-tank rocket propelled grenade weapon
• Caliber: 40mm
• Maximum range: 920m
• RPG Demonstration doesn't go as planned...

M224 Mortar

• 40" Lightweight mortar
• Maximum effective range: 3490m

*weapon stats courtesy of Wikipedia

The Music of Metal Gear Solid

Throughout its 20 year history, the Metal Gear series has featured some of the most memorable music in its medium. One of the trademarks of the series is the stunning variety of different sounds drawn into its fold--techno, rock, synthetics, jazz, a capella, piano solo--it's all here. Below are the entire soundtracks for all three main Metal Gear Solid games, complete with back stories for the score behind each one and recommendations for newcomers to the series. So sit back, turn up the speakers, grab some popcorn, and enjoy....the music of Metal Gear Solid.

METAL GEAR SOLID

As with so many other aspects of the series, the music of Metal Gear achieved its breakthrough with the debut of Metal Gear Solid on the Playstation.Composed by Kazuki Muraoka and his colleagues at Konami, the score of MGS featured a mix of high-energy, synthetic riffs, melancholy piano pieces, and haunting a capellas. These compositions set the tone for the future of the series and touched on a wide array of emotions conveyed through a story that dealt with everything from the highest of human triumph to death and the loss of love on the battlefield.

Soundtrack:

1. Main Theme
2. Introduction
3. Discovery
4. Cavern
5. Intruder 1
6. Encounter
7. Intruder 2
8. Warhead Storage
9. Intruder 3
10. Mantis' Hymn
11. Hind D
12. Duel
13. Enclosure
14. Blast Furnace
15. Colosseo
16. Rex's Lair
17. Escape
18. The Best Is Yet To Come
19. VR Training
20. Main Theme (1997 E3 Edit)
21. Metal Gear Solid Control Mix

Recommendations: Main Theme, Introduction, The Best Is Yet To Come, Enclosure.

Community Recommendations: Cute_Red_Panda suggests Mantis' theme.

METAL GEAR SOLID 2: THE SONS OF LIBERTY

MGS2's score has its own story. After the success of Metal Gear Solid, Kojima looked outside of Konami for musical inspiration for his next game. He was smitten by the work of a young western composer named Harry Gregson Williams, who specialized in film scores but had never composed for a game in his career. Kojima tried a clever trick. He sent a CD to Williams containing some of his work that Kojima liked best. As Williams recalls, "I received a mysterious package from Japan containing a lot of my music from films like The Rock, Replacement Killers and Armageddon and a request: they wanted me to do something like this for their game." source

The rest is history. Williams' monumentous work on the Metal Gear Solid 2 score garnered widespread critical acclaim and solidified him as a powerhouse music producer in the game industry. With only guiding words from Kojima and no visual direction, Williams composed what is still considered to be the theme that defines the Metal Gear Solid series. His opening salvo features a mix of synthetic tones, tingling sound effects, and sweeping orchestral crescendos that perfectly reflect the fusion of the blue-cold environment of MGS2 with the fearless heroism of Solid Snake. Click on to hear the fruits of his labor...

• Live orchestra performance of MGS2 theme with introduction by Hideo Kojima

Soundtrack:

1. Main Theme
2. Opening Infiltration
3. Russian Soldiers From Kasatka
4. Olga Gurlukovich
5. Metal Gear
6. Revolver Ocelot
7. Ray Escape
8. Can't Say Goodbye To Yesterday
9. Big Shell
10. Fortune
11. Kill Me Now!
12. Vamp
13. The World Only Needs One
14. It's The Harrier
15. Arsenal Is Going To Take Off
16. Who Am I Really?
17. Can't Say Goodbye To Yesterday (full version)

Recommendations: Main Theme, Can't Say Goodbye To Yesterday (full version)

METAL GEAR SOLID 3: SNAKE EATER

For Metal Gear Solid 3, Harry Gregson Williams again took the reins to guide musical direction. Compared with Metal Gear Solid 2's main theme, MGS3's opening tune was faster and more gritty, reflecting the raw, "survival of the fittest" mentality that Snake needed in order to emerge from his mission alive. The 1960's setting of the game also strongly influenced its sound, as evidenced in the game's "Bond-like" opening movie. Overall, the score of the game had an untamed, primal sound that fused with an unmistakably vintage vibe which drew the player back into the height of the Cold War era.

Soundtrack:

1. Snake Eater
2. Main Theme
3. CQC
4. Virtuous Mission
5. On The Ground
6. KGB vs. GRU
7. Shagohod
8. Operation Snake Eater
9. Mission Briefing
10. Across The Border
11. Eva's Unveiling
12. Ocelot Youth - Confrontation
13. Cobras In The Jungle
14. The Pain
15. The Fear
16. Fortress Sneaking
17. Underground Tunnel
18. The Fury
19. Battle In The Base
20. Volgin The Torturer
21. The Sorrow
22. Clash With Evil
23. Escape From Fortress
24. On The Rail Bridge
25. Takin' On The Shagohod
26. Escape Through The Woods
27. Troops In Gathering
28. Life's End
29. Last Showdown
30. Don't Be Afraid
31. Eva's Reminiscence

Recommendations: Snake Eater, Main Theme, Life's End, and pretty much every song on the list.

TWIN SNAKES & PORTABLE OPS

For the sake of space conservation, I'm not going to post the soundtracks for MGS: The Twin Snakes and MGS: Portable Ops, but you can find them here.

However, I will post one song from Portable Ops, because it deserves to be highlighted (and I'll bet anyone who's heard it would agree):

1. Calling To The Night

*special thanks to alvaroduck at Youtube for uploading sound tracks

Previews

• IGN Hands-on
  • "If you're ready for some stylish gore, this is your game."
• IGN: Ninja Gaiden 2 Demo Impressions
  • "The action in Ninja Gaiden 2 is fast. Yes, even faster than in Ninja Gaiden Black."
• Ninja Gaiden II Preview
  • "Unlike Ninja Gaiden, NG2 takes place in such real-world locales as Venice, Italy, and Tokyo."
• Gamespot: GDC '08 Impressions
  
  • "These guys [enemy ninjas] appeared to be every bit as quick and as acrobatic as Ryu, which made the onscreen action difficult to keep up with."

The History of the Metal Gear Series

Introduction

The Metal Gear series is famous for its storytelling, and the saga itself spans over 5 decades. It is rich in fictional intrigue, full of deep and eccentric characters, and packed with countless unexpected plot twists. The following feature recaps the history of the series in chronological order, beginning with Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and proceeding through Metal Gear Solid 2: The Sons of Liberty. This feature is designed for people who are unfamiliar with the backstory of the series, but are nevertheless interested in playing Metal Gear Solid 4. It also serves as a refresher for series veterans who want to revive their memories, or clarify a plot point.

Please note that there are ample spoilers ahead.

This feature will be regularly updated with new portions of the story arc. By the end, I hope you will agree that the Metal Gear series is one of the richest and most captivating sagas in the history of videogames.

Chapter 1: "There's only room for one Boss, and one Snake."

By uRan_Ehr and fuzzysquash

1964.

Naked Snake, a former green beret now working for the CIA-sponsored FOX Unit, embarks on a mission to rescue Nikolai Sokolov, the Russian architect of a nuclear-equipped military vehicle called the "Shagohod." Snake proceeds with the help of his mission supervisor Major Zero, field medical consultant Para-Medic, and his former mentor, the Boss. Shortly into his mission, the Boss reveals to Snake that she has betrayed the United States and pledged her allegiance to the Russian GRU (Soviet military intelligence) commander, Colonel Volgin. The Boss presents Volgin with two Davy Crockett nuclear missiles as a token of her fealty...

Click the spoiler tag to continue.

In an epic confrontation on a cliff-side bridge, Snake confronts the Boss, but fails in his attempt to stop her. The Boss breaks his arm and throws him over the precipice, letting him fall hundreds of feet into the twisting river. Volgin and the Boss lift off in a helicopter, and during the flight, Volgin fires one of his new nuclear missiles at Sokolov's former laboratory, turning it instantly into a mushroom cloud.

Snake is extracted from the mission zone and treated for his injuries. But merely one week later, he finds himself back in Soviet territory, with a new mission: to infiltrate the Russian jungle, kill Colonel Volgin, and destroy the Shagohod. In addition, Snake is tasked with eliminating the traitor that he formerly knew as his mentor: the Boss. Operation Snake Eater commences with the lone soldier's reinsertion into the mission zone. Along the way, Snake gains the assistance of Eva, a sultry and mysterious ex-NSA agent who defected to the Soviet Union several years ago, and trades bullets with a peculiar and unpredictable young Spetnaz major with an affinity for revolvers named Ocelot.

After battling and defeating each member of the Boss's elite group of comrades--the Cobra Unit--Snake locates Volgin's stronghold at Groznyj Grad, but is discovered and captured by the Colonel. During his capture, Snake is tortured and loses his right eye in the process. Nevertheless, he successfully escapes with the aid of Eva, and returns to Groznyj Grad with C3 explosives in hand to destroy the Shagohod once and for all.

Back at Groznyj Grad, Snake learns about the existence of the Philosophers, an Illuminati-like group that controls the world behind the scenes. But after the end of World War II, internal fighting broke out and the group split up. The $1 trillion fund they kept to invest in future wars--the "Philosophers' Legacy"--was divided and hidden in several banks around the world. Colonel Volgin had inherited this money, and Snake learns that the United States wants to obtain it.

Proceeding on his mission, Snake effectively plants the charges and speeds off in a motorcycle with Eva, just as the explosion rips through the facility. But in a swift turn of events, Volgin tears through the hangar ceiling on the Shagohod and sets his pursuit on the fleeing pair. Eventually, with nowhere left to run, Snake faces Volgin and the two engage in a protracted battle, until a bolt of lightning shoots down from the stormy heavens and strikes the Colonel, instantly killing him.

As the battered pair makes their way to the getaway aircraft, Snake senses something and tells Eva to proceed ahead without him. From the hazy meadows of a flowery field, the Boss appears and comes face to face with the one whom she once trained as her apprentice. The two battle it out in a fierce struggle to the death, and Snake emerges from the battle standing, though barely. As the Boss lies in the midst of the swaying flower bed, the sky turns red and the entire field transforms into a crimson hue. The snake-like scar running down the Boss's chest slithers off of her body and into the grass. With her last breath, the Boss bids Snake goodbye and asks him to end her life. After a long, lingering moment, Snake pulls the trigger.

Snake returns home to the United States with Eva. On a quiet night, the pair sip glasses of wine by the fireside and reminisce about their journey. One thing leads to another, and the two share a passionate night of lovemaking. Upon waking, Snake finds that Eva has left his side. In her stead is a tape, which Snake places in the player. In a pre-recorded message, Eva reveals to Snake that she didn't work for the Soviet Union or the U.S.--she was an agent of the People's Republic of China. She had seduced him to retrieve the Legacy for her own superiors, and she was actually supposed to kill him.

But she didn't--not because she was in love with Snake, but because someone had asked her to spare his life. Eva discloses that the Boss had seen through her façade, and knew that Eva was going to kill Snake. The Boss had asked Eva to stay her hand in order to deliver a message to her apprentice. The Boss never defected from the United States. Her original mission was to infiltrate Volgin's group and identify the whereabouts of the Legacy. But along the way, something unexpected happened: Volgin sporadically decided to fire a nuclear missile at Sokolov's laboratory, and the explosion alerted the Soviets.

Nikita Khrushchev and Lyndon Johnson had held an emergency meeting, during which Khrushchev had insisted that the United States prove its innocence in the incident by sending one of their own to eliminate the Boss. Fate decided then that the Boss would die at the hands of her own beloved disciple, knowing full well that her name would go down in infamy. Through the history books, Soviet children would learn that she had unleashed a nuclear weapon against the motherland, and American children would despise her for her treason. The only place where she would retain her honor--the only respite for the legacy of her patriotic, self-sacrificial act--would reside in Snake's heart. That's why the Boss told Eva her story: because she wanted Snake to know the truth after she had died at his hands. And that's why the Boss asked Eva not to kill Snake: because she wanted to live on, in him.

At the debriefing ceremony, Snake shakes hands with President Johnson and receives the title of "Big Boss." But the praise and applause are nothing but empty noises as Snake walks out of the oval office, the words of Eva still echoing in his head. He visits the grave of the unnamed patriot and places the Boss's gun and a wreath of flowers at the feet of the marker. Straightening his back, Snake delivers one last salute.

In the postscript of the game, Ocelot reveals in a phone conversation with an unknown individual that the Legacy which Eva stole from Snake was actually a fake--Ocelot was actually triple-crossing the CIA and the GRU as a member of the Philosophers. He had obtained half of the Legacy for the purpose of resurrecting the American arm of the Philosophers.

To be continued...

Nice thread. Snake would be proud Fuzz.

And, just to make sure this thread doesn't die.... MGSIV > every other exclusive game this year. You know it's true, and if you deny it, you're only lying to yourself and everybody else. Don't do it.

Nice thread. Snake would be proud Fuzz.

And, just to make sure this thread doesn't die.... MGSIV > every other exclusive game this year. You know it's true, and if you deny it, you're only lying to yourself and everybody else. Don't do it.

the-very-best

This game is ART! Thats how I feel. Hopefully the bundle will make it's way to Australia.

This games is looking so good. And the bundle really seals the deal.

Between this and Ninja Gaiden 2, I'll have my hands full in June

:o

I still have a lot of saving to do for that MGS4 bundle :cry:

This games is looking so food. And the bundle really seals the deal.

Between this and Ninja Gaiden 2, I'll have my hands full in June

whocares4peace

I agree, this game is looking really food.

Eva's hawt :)

:| :oops:

Awesome thread, great work.

Certainly exited about MGS4, cant wait to buy that nice PS3 bundle.

Greatest game this generation.

PS3 Only

And now I repeat my question of the other topic: Will MGS4 take place on other locations than the Near East. I read several times that there will also be some missions in South America and so on. So does someone of you knows something about that?uRan_Ehr

My guess is the final quater / parts of the game might take place in Outer Hevan - in South America (methinks), where Snake took on Big Boss in MG1.
skrat_01

And now I repeat my question of the other topic: Will MGS4 take place on other locations than the Near East. I read several times that there will also be some missions in South America and so on. So does someone of you knows something about that?uRan_Ehr

There will definitely be missions in South America. The trailer showing the fight between Raiden and Vamp took place in South America.

[QUOTE="whocares4peace"]

This games is looking so food. And the bundle really seals the deal.

Between this and Ninja Gaiden 2, I'll have my hands full in June

---OkeyDokey---

I agree, this game is looking really food.

Eva's hawt :)

:| :oops:

[QUOTE="skrat_01"]My guess is the final quater / parts of the game might take place in Outer Hevan - in South America (methinks), where Snake took on Big Boss in MG1.
uRan_Ehr

counting down the days............

Thats what this thread needs is a countdown!

Wow this is a really great and well made thread, great job TC you have made me really excited about MGS4. Does anyone know if there will be a PS3/MGS4 bundle for Europe as well ?

MGS4 definitely interests me and I have all the previous MGS games so it's only logical if I bought the 4th and presumebly final MGS title. I am finding it hard to choose between the 3 consoles but I guess my 1st console this gen will be PS3 and I will most likely get a Wii or 360 down the road this year.

Nice thread fuzzy. Those bosses should make for some interesting fights ..... my curiosity is running wild.

This game will not disappoint me in terms of story it will be great and the new gameplay is going to take time to get use to because I'm used to the old MGS gameplay, but Thats how it goes when they change things to get use to.

I'm really interested in knowing how Hideo is going to end Snake's Legacy, No I don't think He will kill himself with his Gun like they showed us that must be a twist Kojima always does that, like he fooled us with Raiden when he showed us trailers of Snake only.

The bosses seem interesting in this game, from the way Kojima described them.

This game seems interesting and knowing that METAL GEAR REX and METAL GEAR RAY will face in this game makes it look the best in the series.

CAN'T WAIT FOR IT.

Nice work fuzzy.

Can't wait to play this game. Ever since they announced the release date, my hyped meter has been going through the roof. This is going to be the greatest game of this generation for me personally.

[QUOTE="the-very-best"]

Nice thread. Snake would be proud Fuzz.

And, just to make sure this thread doesn't die.... MGSIV > every other exclusive game this year. You know it's true, and if you deny it, you're only lying to yourself and everybody else. Don't do it.

nintendo-4life

The MGS games are not big, you can just have some serious fun when you complete it and unlock items like the stealth suit xD

Should I play again all MGS games before MGS4 once or twice? *bump*uRan_Ehr

I believe the game will have flashbacks from previous MGS games, this was mentioned last year during E3 2007 so I don't think you need to, to understand it, but I recommend you play it it is great fun.