The final game in the saga of Solid Snake is one that no one should miss.
MGS has always had a reputation for showing off the power of the systems for which each game were made. They've been known to come up with some of the most creative situations, and all of them have blurred that line between playing a video game and living some alternate reality.
MGS4 is no different. While it contains all the features from previous games (camoflage, stealth, running and gunning, finding and creatively using powerful weapons) everything has been improved on an enormous scale. Where Snake simply 'found'/aquired weapons in the past, this time all weapons are linked to 'chips' in the person they're made for (think RFIDs). For Snake to use a new weapon it must be 'unlocked'/hacked, and this is done in a pretty creative way.
And speaking of weapons, there are so many in this game its easy to lose count. Its easily more weapons that all the previous iterations of the series combined and then some. Each weapon has a distinctly different feel and behavior, so you're sure to find one that suits your tastes.
Weapons and the like are great, but it all means nothing if there's not a good reason for you to be shooting them in the first place. The story is easily what makes MGS4 one of the best games ever created. Its hard to even call it a game, its more of an entertainment experience. The story, like most in the MGS saga, is one full of conspiracy, grim overtones, and incredible plot twists.
This is definitely not the game you want to pick up if you're playing MGS for the first time. Find a way to get ahold of all the 'Solid' games and play through each, the story and the game itself will be leagues better if you do.
If you have played the previous games, to say you're in for a treat is an understatement. The cast of this story is staggering, the familiar faces will have you cheering when each enter the screen for the first time. All of it part of an incredibly told story that, along with the reward of an ending almost a half hour long, will leave you ready for another run through.
Graphically, at the time of release, there were none better for the PS3. While this may have changed somewhat, it is still easily one of the best looking games on the system. The attention to detail, and the feel of each of the environments you'll go through, all make you feel like you're right there along for the ride.
The sound is an increidble acheivment all around. The entire soundtrack is intense and gritty. Each weapon has a distinctly modeled sound (and thats impressive considering just how many there are), the voice acting is some of hte best in ANY video game as well.
If you're one of the few with a PS3 who have not yet played this game, what are you waiting for! If you don't have a PS3, this is seriously the game that would make you happy you got the system in the first place.
With one of the best stories ever told in a videogame, and plenty of candy for fans of the previous games, the final story in the saga of Solid Snake is one that no one should miss.
That's my take, take it or leave it.