Metal Gear Solid 4 is,
Well it is not a game as much as an interactive movie. The game can accurately be cut into halves when you count the cutscenes and the gameplay fill up an equal amount of the game, while both are extremely entertaining and rewarding for fans and new comers a like it really takes away what a game is. A game is a piece of interactive art, and while you have control of the camera and some aspects of the cutscenes its not a game at that point. It pulls the player out of the game and this is the core strength and weakness. It is because of this reason that I am giving 2 scores on this game.

Well moving on from the cut scenes we can focus on the excellent gameplay. The game excels at most points of the gameplay department. Shooting finally feels good, the stealth feels a little side tracked by the shooting this time around. The game feels like it is trying to show off the shooting mechanics, and this isn't really a problem unless you are trying avoid killing anyone in the game. More to the point there are spots where the game throws the stealth aspect out the window and puts the chill up your spine. Tentacles/Laughing Octopus and the Frog Attacks are just some of the more interest thriller story set pieces that you will come across. The end result is some of the most memorable moments in recent gaming history.

We move online for MGO. While this is the weakest point of the game its still something that will grow on you. The games stiff controls seem to be actually tailored for this game type. The overly complex shooter feels more along the lines of Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter than Metal Gear Solid. The game has an excellent assortment of weapons and gametypes. Then in true Call of Duty 4 fashion, it has a talent system in which you can level up everything. Special abilities for communication and the ability to mod weapons as a nice little incentive to keep playing. I have to admit I was really disappointed at first the game grew on me. Now there are also something that is a big huge issue with the game:

1. You need to download a patch right away, reports have had this patch take hours. Mine took 20 mins
2. You need to sign up for a Konami ID account. Using the PS3 web browser and having to get E Mail confirmation this is a lengthy process.
3. You will have to pay for additional characters after your first.
4. You have to wait 100 hours before deleting a character and starting a new one
5. You need to be level 3 and have logged in 24 hours before you can start a clan.

These issues are serious enough not to over look. The game is great once you over look the shoty online support. But hell there is Xbox LIVE like Matchmaking.

While the game in a ton of menus, a ton of cutscenes, and a lot of head ache to get online. The core of the game is still one of the best reasons to get a PS3, installations are just a break for some MGS humor. The overall experience is rewarding and should not be missed. Despite all of this the flaws are just to big for me to over look.

MGS 4 For fans $60/$60
MGS 4 for non Fans of $50/60
(you will get about $50 of entertainment value out of this game.)