This game is a flawed master-peice...
If you are new to the series I'd suggest getting the previous games first so you don't miss out Metal Gear Solid (1) is available on the Gamecube as a remake (aka MGS: Twin Snakes) so you won't have to dig out the PSone.
This game had a perfect score in my eyes until I had cleared the game then I started noticing all the flaws, one being the stupidly long cut-scenes.
One of which leaves you without game-play for 1 hour and 46 minutes.
Also the game has another problem of constant installs...
at the start of each act you must install the act and each time you replay an act you must reinstall that act.
That's on top of the initial 15 minute install and each act takes 3-6 minutes to install depending on version of the PS3 (Different HDD models do effect as does usage)
The good parts of the game include good controls once you get your head around them and a storyline that ties up all the loose ends of the MGS world.
Engrossing story (if you don't fall asleep) and some truly remarkable moments you'll remember until the next cut-scene when your brain actually starts to die...
This is really more of a movie, I have cleared this game in 6 hours taking my time to enjoy the game and collect all items and skipping all cut-scenes...with the cut-scenes it took 16-20 for me.
The online element of this game is...Really quite terrible...
I'm a big online gamer and all I see if a flawed attempt at providing an exciting battle experience.
Also Konami have once again tried to rip of the customer, you can create one (1) online character but if you wish to make three (3) characters it'll cost you £3.99 and each map/voice pack will cost you as well.
The character creation is also flawed...If you pick green camo and a specific top/trousers/boots etc you can only use those tops/trousers/boots etc, although I have heard that you "Unlock" the other selections as you gain levels (lvl up) although I can't confirm this as I stopped playing after around 6 hours overall game-play.
The levels are of rather bland design in multiplayer and feel empty compared to the single player game levels.
I found it feeling weak and limp and wasn't worth putting on the disc, I'd of been happier with less installs or maybe some extras.
The extras I'm talking about were integrale parts of previous MGS titles (MGS2/3/2s/3s) such as boss survival mode, the movie theater etc.
None of them are present here (Due to having to install each act meaning if you wanted to watch an individual cut-scene you'd have to install that act to watch it)
One thing I will mention is that this game has by far the best surround sound in any game or movie ever and is worth purchasing just to test out your speakers.
However this title will only get a 3 Star rating due to online being a waste of disc space and some serious game-play let downs (such as the lack of interactivity, long installs and loading screens)
I also feel this title also shows how flawed the Blu-Ray storage disc really is (Hideo Kojima did warn us that the blu-ray system was rather confining)
Also to clear up any confusion.
THIS is NOT the final Metal Gear Solid game in fact MGS5 as a prequel has been announced which I disagree with as I personally want something original to play not reused goods.
Also one other thing to avoid people flaming, I am no fanboy.
I am a huge Metal Gear Solid fan but I'm also a critic, I know what I want from games and I believe I know what makes a truly fantastic game and this simply did not deliver for me.
If I wanted a movie I'd go to blockbuster or buy one.
And I know MGS is known for long cut-scenes but that is NO excuse.
And I have no doubt this review will pee people off but I honestly don't care the truth is the truth no matter how you bend the light around it.