A breathtaking experience that no modern game to date can parallel.
Short Review:
Ups: Excellent storytelling, revolutionary gameplay, epic boss battles, breathtaking environments (most of which have some level of destructibility), and plenty of easter eggs that will keep you entertained for many months to come.
Downs: It's the last in the series
Long Review:
Before I begin let me just say that if you've never played a metal gear game, then you will not be disappointed. That being said i would strongly encourage anyone to go back and play the older ones before approaching this game. I know of course most people won't, but it will leave you with a much more lasting satisfaction if you do so. Besides, every metal gear game is amazing, and this one tops them all with an amazing finale.
Graphics: I start with graphics because the first thing people will notice about the legendary hero known as Solid Snake is that he's put on a few years (or so it would seem). This game does a fabulous job of including well designed character renderings. For example the wrinkles on Snakes face are easy to distinguish right from the start. The environments where you will be sneaking/fighting (your choice) are also stunning. It's hard to go into a whole lot of detail because lets be honest, by now we're all used to the powerful capabilities that the ps3 offers, and MGS4 pushes the ps3 to its limits.
Storyline/Storytelling: This game has one of the most intricate and well thought up storylines that I've seen in a long time. At times it can be difficult to follow (especially if this is your first MGS game), but the writers do a great job of packing all of the details into the lengthy cutscenes. Be warned, you will spend a lot of time watching cutscenes in this game, but no need to worry, because this game will have you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. For fans, you will be happy to know that Snake is as tough as always, even with all of the "complications" that keep coming up during his final battle. You'll also see a lot of familiar faces (and places) return, bringing back some famous memories you had when playing the previous games. Another nice feature that was included is the ability to experience flashbacks while watching the cutscenes. And it's as simple as pressing X when the icon shows up in the upper right corner.
In all honesty, the storyline is probably one of the most distinguishing parts of this game, and its something you won't want to skip out on. I'm not suggesting that the game is not good without them (because it is!), but there is a strong case to be made that this story is what pushes MGS4 from a great game, to an epic game.
Soundtrack/music: Dazzling to say the least, but not overpowering. The music chosen for each aspect of the game is nearly flawless. Personally music is a big deal for me in a game, and if it is neglected it can often ruin the game for me. If your the same way (and even if you aren't), you will find that the music in this game is amazing! This game features scores from previous games as well as some new music for boss fights, etc. There is also a nifty "iPod" feature in the game where you can listen to your choice of music (it features a large variety of songs from older games). There is even a podcast track that can be updated to provide you with important tips and details about the game.
Extra features/content: Metal gear games have always been known for their bonus content and awards for certain achievements. MGS4 lives up to the name by giving the player plenty of easter eggs and rewards for how well you play. Not only can you pick up various items throughout the game, but you can also purchace new guns, items, etc. from a vendor after you've beaten a certain portion of the game. On top of that when you beat the game, you can unlock new items and are given a ranking based on how you played the game. This is what keeps the game alive for the player, because after you beat the game once, you have incentive to play it again. Whether it is to beat it on a harder difficulty level (one of which you unlock after beating the game), or to simply try and move through the game a certain way (perhaps with no alerts and/or no kills...i.e. be the ultimate stealth agent), you will find yourself playing this game more than once, or at least I did. To top it all off, if you manage to beat the game under certain conditions, such as never being detected throughout the game (no alerts), then you will receive items that might as well be cheat codes. I won't say what they do as to not ruin the experience, but lets just say it would be well worth doing.
Controls: The controls can be a bit confusing at first. You will find yourself trying to put an enemy in a choke hold, but accidentally punching them instead. No need to worry though, because the game does a great job of teaching you how to use an otherwise complex control scheme in a matter of a few hours. After playing through the first few stages I found myself quickly catching on and before I knew it I was a seasoned pro. Don't get too cocky though, because the game gets progressively harder, and chances are you won't play on "Big Boss Hard" the first time, so there is always room for improvement in this game.
Gameplay: Last but not least, Metal Gear Solid 4 lets you choose how you will play this game because the gameplay is so in depth and fantastic. There is much to be said about the gameplay of MGS4, but I'd like to sum it up in a statement that I think will get the point across. If you want to go through this game as a stealth agent, sneaking around every corner, blending in with your surroundings, putting your unsuspecting enemies into choke holds...you can. If you want to go through this game with 'guns blazing', taking down everything and everyone in sight...YOU CAN. MGS4 does a fantastic job of giving you the option of being whatever type of hero you want to be. And by the way, both have their advantages. You might ask "well what if I want to do a little bit of both?", you certainly can do that. Although there are rewards for achieving certain goals, I wouldn't worry too much your first time through. Just have fun with this game, and beat it the way you want without being legalistic. There will be plenty of time later for going back through everything (which will be easier anyway because you will have all of your items, guns, etc. from when you beat the game).
Lasting Value/Buy or Rent?: Metal Gear Solid 4 is the type of game that you will want to go back and play again and again. If you don't want to take my advice, and this is your first MGS game, then go ahead and rent it to see how you like it. I don't think you will be disappointed. For all of the MGS veterans however, don't hesitate to buy this game. It is not the type of game that you simply beat and then put away for good. Between the fantastic plot, and well designed gameplay, MGS4 will keep you coming back.