Solid Snake's swansong as the legendary hero we've grown to love; this game is a love letter from Hideo Kojima to fans.
No video game that I have ever played in my life has moved me, emotionally, the way Metal Gear Solid 4 did after my first play through. I enjoyed my second play through even more than the first...
This game is everything that I loved about all of the past games, with spot-on controls. The graphics of the in-game engine are AMAZING, the sound quality is pristine, and this game features all of the little details most games miss.
As much as I loved the game the first time, I loved the game even more the second time through. I noticed all of the background graphical details and understood the plot more. I've played on Normal and Hard, but now I want to test myself and play on Big Boss Hard. This game has THAT much replay ability.
The world Snake lives in, is a world torn apart by war. It is controlled by Private Military Corporations (PMC's) and The Patriots. The nefarious Liquid Ocelot seeks control of the Patriot control system, JD to take control over the world's weapons and create a new Outer Heaven.
Characters from past games such as Meryl, Naomi Campbell, Rose, Akiba, Raiden and Vamp return, while others such as RAT Patrol 1, Drebin, Big Momma, and best friend Otacon, provide support. Sunny, daughter of Olga from Metal Gear Solid 2, is grown up now. Raiden saved her from the Patriots in Metal Gear Solid 2, she plays an integral role in helping Snake save the world.
My favorite chapter was Chapter 4, followed by Chapter 2, Chapter 1, Chapter 5 (which was great, but very short), and then Chapter 3. Chapter 4 literally had my heart racing the entire time! The on-rail sequence in Chapter 3 is AWESOME...
The coolest part of Metal Gear Solid 4 is that although 60% of the game is in-game cut scenes (which you can skip, if you want to), the 40% that you do play, is every bit as good, if not BETTER, than the cut scenes.
This game proves that stealth is fun, but gives you the open to go Rambo on everyone too. I love how you can switch from 3rd person to 1st person view. I love how you can switch shoulders when aiming and have a lots of weapon customization options.
On subsequent replays of the game, you keep your existing weapons and Drebin points.
Drebin Points are the game's currency. You collect weapons on the battlefield and you get points for them. You spend the points on weapons, ammo, and upgrades. You can access Drebin at ANY TIME. Even in the middle of a boss fight. It can be very useful...
If you've played the other Metal Gear Solid games then you probably agree with me that this game is an absolute masterpiece and Hideo Kojima's opus. He can't possibly top this can he?
This game is absolutely worth buying a PS3 for. I think it is the best game available on the PS3. It is something that has to be experienced. It's a top notch stealth action movie in playable form.
The story is fascinating, I genuinely felt for my characters, and even my enemies, as I played through the game. This kind of game comes around very rarely. I have the Collectors Edition with a Collectors Edition Strategy Guide; they are both treasured additions to my collection. If you are a PS3 owner, they should be a part of yours too.