Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is everything a Metal Gear Solid fan would want. And so much more.
I remember playing Metal Gear Solid back in 1998, buying a Playstation and purchasing a copy of MGS along with it. Starting MGS1 was a special experience. And I'm not quite sure how Hideo Kojima did it, but again...MGS4 felt like it recaptured that same experience. It might be because I am a fan of Solid Snake, and it certain respects MGS2 and MGS3 were not Solid Snake centric. But it felt like MGS4 recaptured the magic of MGS1 by making Solid Snake the star once again. And even though he is Big Boss' doppleganger, playing through MGS4 and MGS3...it's clear that Solid Snake and Big Boss are different men, which plays into the theme of how generations could be alike but be different nonetheless.
The story of the game is a homerun for me. It answers every question from all the games of Metal Gear Solid. Even questions you probably didn't ask about Metal Gear Solid 1 are brought up and answered in this game. It's a sad story about sacrifice and redemption, and passing the torch, with the classic Kojima sense of humor thrown in. Stand out characters are just who'd you expect as a MGS fan. Solid Snake takes the cake in this game, with David Hayter continuing his badassery in this game as the voice that breathes life into the character. Going with a deeper, older voice for the now Old Snake was a smart and effective move. Octacon is great as well. Raiden proves his worth as a character in this game, and redeems himself for all the negative feedback he got in MGS2. While Akiba (Johnny) ultimately becomes the character to hate as a MGS fan can find so much to loathe about him. Hideo Kojima has evolved alot as a storyteller, and it shows. The cutscenes are shot like a blockbuster film during the major action scenes, and shot like an arthouse independent film in the more personal emotional scenes, all the while making it feel as if it's being shot as a film almost with a documentary type feel when raindrops, or dust or small scratches that hit the camera and make it feel as if the camera is literally in that world. The story is a major payoff for fans of the series.
But, however...if your not a fan of the series or played any of the previous games the story could go over your head completely, perhaps. In which case, I suggest you play the previous games to better understand...and better enjoy the story. Usually I might hold this aspect against a game, but the games prior have been so complicated and convoluted...there was no other way to handle the story other than catering to the fans.
Gameplay wise, the game is as good as ever. They've listened to the criticisms and have adjusted. Metal Gear Solid has evolved and adjusted to the modern age of gaming. The full 3D camera is a welcome adjustment carried on from MGS3. The shooting is spot on, and rewards players for they're skills. Optional first person is also a welcome change as well, giving players the option of shooting in the 3rd person view with an over-the-shoulder view (also giving you the option to change from left to right angles) or shoot in first-person veiw. There's also an auto-aim option, that on the highest difficulty is a lifesaver during certain sequences. The stealth isn't as strict as prior MGS games, but still very much rewards players for ghosting through the game. The Camo index is carried over from MGS3 to this game as well, but made much more easier for the player to adapt without having to pause the game and choose a camo pattern. The Octocamo simply absorbs the pattern of wherever you are laying or against a wall by allowing a few seconds for the suit Snake is wearing to adjust. It's very effective, and very impressive to see just how Snake's suit can imitate every single wall pattern, or floor pattern or anything that Snake can press up against in the game. And there are tons and tons of those.
To continue the review of the gameplay, Snake's caught up and outdone himself by having the Solid Eye. It serves as a map, and detects items and characters in the game. It also serves as the binos to scout up ahead and Night Vision goggles as well. Catch is, it has a battery life, so you can't abuse it's use or you will find yourself unable to use to allow it to recharge. It's a smart way to balance out it's effective use, I think. Large and very vast assortment of weapons and items as well. The face camo, which is something you aquire a bit later into your first playthrough is also a cool feature as well. Playing on my 9th playthrough as a Young Solid Snake with Bandana face camo, which changes Snake's advanced old age look back into a hi-res, HD rendered look of Solid Snake for MGS4.
The game is fun. Simply put, tons of fun. You can play the game as a hardcore stealth fan if you so choose, and does reward players for they're patience in that avenue as well. But, you can play the game as an all out, balls to the wall action shooter...an you CAN survive and get through the game and never feel like the game is forcing you to play one way.
The game is a masterpiece. I bought a new copy at Gamestop of the Limited Edition a few months back, after it'd been released as well, and it was worth my money. The Limited Edition package is cool, and the extra two discs are awesome. One disc, of the two extra discs that come along with the Limited Edition, is the soundtrack. It's not the full soundtrack of the game, but more of the BEST OF of the soundtrack that gets to about 10 or 11 tracks so it certainly feels like a full CD of music. And the second disc is a nice expansive look at the development of the game, as well as other nice tidbits that is worth a look after you beat the game.
Get this game, now. It's the number one reason to buy a Playstation 3. Alot like how Metal Gear Solid was for the first Playstation system, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots recaptures the magic, and brings back the Legendary Solid Snake for his final mission.