Victim of High Expectations
One of the first things you'll notice about MGS4 is the graphics. To say they're breathtaking is simply an understatement. In fact just like it's PS2 predecessors, MGS4 has set the bar for the current generation of consoles. Between the environments, explosions, and player models one can expect to simply be amazed at the level of detail.
The gameplay is a little more involved then previous versions of Metal Gear, as is to be expected from a next generation game. While it's not particularly innovative it still works well for the game, and in the end that's all that matters.
Ironically my main problem with MGS4 is the story. It's simply an example of leaving you wanting more, in a bad way. One of the things it does well is introduce previous characters, especially ones that had been forgotten from MGS1. Fans of previous versions of the game are rewarded with the returns of Naimoi, Meryl, and Mei Ling. Without getting to much into it the story starts off pretty good, but the ending itself is anti-climatic.
Another problem is the multiple locations for the game. By going from the Middle East, to South America, to Europe, to Amercia the game starts to feel disjointed. Unlike previous versions of the game where players were required to navigate massive facilities. MGS4 at times feels like you're playing in 4 or 5 mini-episodes which to me broke the sense of immersion.
Never the less MGS4 is still a top notch game. Unfortunately it falls short of it's own standards, despite setting the bar in areas such as graphics.