A new yardstick for the epic game
For me, I think this was the most compelling, involving and spectacular game that I have ever played. I would happily say its in my top three of all time.
I completed the game in approximately 23 hours, I would estimate that 8 hours of this was spent on cinematics. Not a problem for me at all. These were the best cinematics I have ever seen in a game. Some even rival the quality of modern anime (eg: advent children). The plot was unique and fantastic and charactersiticly Metal Gear.
The gameplay was excellent. Being caught between two factions was interesting. The guns are great and whats more customisable. The bosses are VERY good and have interesting patterns requiring sophisticated tactics. Use of items give an extra edge to problem solving. Environments are beautiful and affect your strategy.
Graphics aren't my major draw for a game but this game has the best I have ever seen.
What's more I am compelled to go back to the game, albeit probably skipping the cutscenes and just focusing on the firefights. That is until I plan a metal gear weekend. I am left with such a moving feeling of the whole Metal Gear Cycle that I have a massive urge to play through the whole series again! From Big Boss to epic conclusion.