The most ambitious MGS game to date; and one that pays off!
What has amazed me -to the point of confusion -is how the hell Hideo managed to get all this into the PSP disc. Im not a massive handheld fan, and to be honest i don't really like the feel of the PSP, but all of them feelings soon wash away as you play the game and forget everything else.
The story is told from 1974 -10 years after the events of MGS3: Snake has left american forces and has gone dark. He get's a call being asked if he can help stop a nuclear threat in Costa Rica. Snake denys the offer -until he gets a tape recording of the 'Boss's voice talking on the tape. Is she alive? well that's one of the many gripping story vines this game has to offer.
The gameplay itself is well made also. It's not like a game you get on a handheld were it's watered down -this has features other MGS games don't have: for instance, CQC has been upgraded abit. It's not as complex as MGS4, but you can take down several enemies in a chain of actions; a first for the series. There's also a pretty deep RTS style mode -in which you build, Outer Heaven and command your army to take down other armys, and in doing so they'll bring back money, weapons or even get more recruites threw volenteering.
The games lifespan is also a pleasant suprise: weighing in at an easy 15 hours. It's like playing a proper MGS game. It isn't like AC!D or Portable Ops -both of which i wasn't massive on- -It actually looks and feels like a proper Metal Gear. And you can't ask for much more than that can you?
Graphics: Almost as pretty looking as MGS3. One of the finest looking games the PSP hs to offer. 9
Sound: All the original voice-actors lend there voices; complemented with a grear score. 10.
Gameplay: Great variety on: weapons, costumes, game modes and abilities. An all round winner. 9.5
Sh*te Box: Fiddley controls at times. Some of the bosses can be a pain.
Value: At 17pound on PLAY.com this is an insane bargain. 10
Overall: A supurb achievement for Hideo and co. I don't know how he keeps firing out great MGS games. This is the boldest most ambitious MGS to-date and requires your attention immediately. So what you waiting for? Go, go ,go soilder!