@excel_excel:

Oh I agree ... but personally I can care less. Reviews are subjective ... tilt factors in fanboys will breed rage, and I love how Kotaku does their reviews.

It can give you a rough idea, and there are just games, after gaming for over 20 years, that you just KNOW to buy before they even have a review out.

Just play what you like, and F* the review politics. It just takes time away from gaming to bitch about it.

EnigmaNemesis

@Nightshift Nurse: Mile High Colonic: I 100% agree with you (I myself would LOVE to get to know Big Boss even better, as he's my favorite Snake). But still, Kojima watched his back. The story could also move forward and a couple of sentences from the very last scene before the credits could easily be seen as a setup for the future. Although I think the formula would be overused then. Big Boss's adventure would be perfect. I wouldn't mind Metal Gear 1 & 2 remakes for PSP either, since I really don't feel like playing the ones on Subsistence after the MGS4 experience. Even MGS1 could use a PSP makeover.

slomo788

@Arsenicberyllium: Meh, I want to play some Okami or FFXII on my PS2, but the scart cable was disconnected from my TV by someone.

I really want to play the games, and the TV is 2 metres from me now. I just can't be bothered reaching around the back and re-plugging it.

It was disconnected 4 days ago.

Your laze is nothing, nothing I say!

Krondonian

@slomo788: ya this is the best game ive ever played

TheNocturnalSun

@EnigmaNemesis: its pretty bad considering how well its scored, MGS4 fans should be happy about the score 9.3 is high! but then they'll say 'oh noes! GTA IV got 9.8 or whatever and MGS4 is way better!!!'
Actually that is pretty high for GTA IV...*ahem* but my point stands!

Anyway the bell has been rung I'll have to get a PS3 now eventually as soon as I get money!

excel_excel

I loved the long cutscenes.

Doshi

This is a make-or-break deal for me: Is Kirby a playable character?
Snake was in Brawl, so Kirby should be in MGS4.

Actually, I'm planning to get this either way. Which makes me probably the only playstation 3 owner on the planet who has read this review, many others, planned to get the game from the start, and still hasn't gotten it yet.

I'm too lazy for my own good.

Arsenicberyllium

Best game ever.

slomo788

Here's my self indulgent take on cut scene length, which is really the biggest/only thing most reviews have dramatically indicted the game of.

To explain this, I'll cite any ole fighting game. The story involved in fighters, just about every single one, has as flaccid story as Snake's old man physique in 4. I've always kind of wanted far more context for this strange need for all fighters to get a bunch of people together and fight in tournaments. Bugs me. I want a very well drawn out story and intertwines between all these characters, that builds and builds until suddenly you find yourself facing that character in combat and you actually want to kick some ass *because* of the story presented. Make me care about the character and show why I'm fighting and it'll be a far better game.

Those cut scenes in MGS4, and across the series, build context for the gameplay. Snake, would be just another character in a game you control if you were to cut the cut scenes completely from the game and the series. I don't care about the length of cut scenes in any game, as long as they are well produced, tell a great story in a way gameplay can't, and provide better context for the usual action that takes place in a game.

The issue isn't about length, it's quality and purpose. Kojima had both in spades in MGS4, so to me, it's a non issue in this instance. If a game went with lengthy cut scenes that were shite, then we have a problemo.

Jander

I've always been a cutscene skipper. 60 minutes will be very hard for me.

Jamezspot

Meh. I'm glad you guys enjoy the game but I just couldn't get into the series. I bought Twin Snakes and returned it the same day out of frustration. Tycho of Penny-Arcade said it best:

"If I fail at sneaking, the game ceases to be Metal Gear. In the space of a second, it becomes an incredibly clumsy action game. The boss battles are comprised almost entirely of this other system, a mechanism that has now been exposed for what it is: a punishment." -Tycho 06-13-2008

I don't want to be frustrated playing a video game. EVER. Now don't misunderstand me... I watched my friend beat Metal Gear Solid 1 & 2 and found them to be fine games to watch... but I can't play them.

FrigidAir44

I have to say this is the most fair review I've read. I like the way kotaku does reviews. The negatives were very reasonable. I personally give the game a 97/100

runandgun

@SG79: @DigiMish: Well, what I'm speculating on isn't so much a matter of what's ideal, rather what's likely. As I previously stated, I doubt Konami is going to want to drop the Metal Gear Solid name/Solid Snake character all together...and in this case the only possible solution is to remake the MSX originals.

A second "Portable Ops" game following the further exploits of Big Boss wouldn't be too far fetched either.

Obviously we haven't seen the last of Metal Gear as a franchise and it's entirely plausible the next entry in the series will begin a new story arc that features a new protagonist.

On the other hand, history is on my side in the case of my earlier speculation...and when old material can be updated to revisit a popular storyline and/or character it's pretty much inevitable that it will be sooner or later.

Nightshift Nurse: Mile High Colonic

I'd like to add a few things.

the small installs before each mission are written over after you move to the next mission, so if you have more than one person in the household who wants to play, be ready to have to reinstall your mission before you can play

If you save in the middle of a mission and come back later, you'll find yourself at the last 'checkpoint' often times losing progress.

Wii-Tard

@kidko:

And we care because? Honestly what's your point?

LittleBigPlaneteer

I just finished it tonight. Cut scenes are amazing...they may be long, but wow are they good. I have never played anything like it. I recommend this game to anyone out there. Seriously. It really deserves the praise it's receiving. Truly epic.

JouninGarrett

Nice review! Although I don't really consider MGO to be part of MGS4. Yes it ships with it, but it is meant as a separate title. The inclusion here is just to give users a taste, albeit a bad one.

LittleBigPlaneteer

@SG79: had no idea the audio from Twin Snakes was used....interesting, I liked all the Voice overs in Twin Snakes apart from Naomi who was so wooden compared to how she originally was I felt like I could build a shelf with her

excel_excel

Something tells me the FFXIII review is going to be similar in themes and I'll still be wondering if I'll ever need a ps3

kidko

All the MGS games have been fun to me, granted Ive only owned 1 and 2 and have yet to buy a PS3, im sure MGS4 is excellent after watching it at a friends house. It is kind of ironic how installing every act has taken over actually switching the disk. Here I was thinking they should'nt have had to do this at all.

R3load

Well, it made my list of to-be-purchased PS3 games when I finally break down and buy the system some time later this year.

Strangelove

I've heard you can unlock the solar gun from Boktai (zomg spoilarz) which makes this game automatically a 10/10 in my book. Nice review.

TheLordRandom

It's hard to describe how much I enjoy MGS4. The experience I've had with the game has undoubtedly brought me to the understanding that it is one of the single greatest games of all time, especially if you understand the game itself.

MGS4 is especially amazing if you've played MGS1, 2 and 3. Not only is the story easier to understand, but all of the brilliant easter eggs and fun pokes Kojima throws in make the game constantly fun to play. The graphics are incredible, the story is great (as usual, the MGS series has one of the best stories of any video game series) the combat is intense, and the weapon customization is awesome. MGO is enjoyable, as well, and IMO, the cutscenes are incredible! Why is everyone complaining about the length!?

Just watch one of MGS4's cutscenes, they're better than most of the movies you've seen!

Overall, I'd still have to say MGS4 is one of the greatest games of all time. It's epic. It's hilarious. I recommend anyone to play this game. Buy the game, buy the bundle, I don't care, just enjoy the game for how great it is.

Volgin

@excel_excel:

Reminds me of the Twilight Princess 8.9 bitchfest!

EnigmaNemesis

Clubbed to death by cut scenes? So... its like Matrix Reloaded? Really awesome but you got this feeling that you should be going to go for more popcorn and coke from the refreshment stand.

Salen

If you're not a huge fan of the series you probably won't be able to handle the cutscenes, but me, I'm completely absorbed, even in the more drawn out ones.

I would not recommend this game to people who are not fans of the series.

keyrat

If only I had a PS3, I could see what all the fuss is about.

thefais

@threeve:
when you got only 2 words to work with

love hate

you got to find a category to put it in.

it could be under kinda didn't like or something like that but just take it with a grain of salt, it wasn't its strong point to some people

Dakobah

Good stuff, Kotaku reviews are getting better and better!! Its nice to see a review touch on MGO which I'm looking very forward to playing as well as the main game!

Speaking of reviews the shitstorm that happened of gametrailers when MGS4 got 9.3 was laughable....that was funny stuff, to think when 9.3 is a bad score...ohohoho

@SG79: From the parts I played I noticed the frame rate go up and down quite a bit, it was never low though and was always perfectly playable, its very impressive visually apart from a few crap textures, characters models are fantastic though, absolutly brilliant

excel_excel

@SG79: I hope for nothing more than MGS's in which we play as Naked Snake or Big Boss. Man. I love the guy. He's by far my favourite character, even more so than Snake from MGS1.

Note about the cutscenes; while I was watching the final (the ACTUAL final) one, I wished it would never end.

Candlejack

@cable83: Nevermind. My intertubes was just slow. >_<

cable83

Oh wow... okay, sorry about that - first and last double post to apologize for whining... heh, it had been like 2 months since I registered. Again, real apologies here.

Solid review, the length of the cutscenes is really my only gripe with the game, I don't mind lengthy cutscenes - but just from a story standpoint you can tell Kojima has a high level of good interesting ideas mixed with a very amateur way of articulating it - he is sometimes redundant. For example he'll have a way of explaining something, then adding to that story element, but reiterating what he had already said to make the new information make sense - I mean, I end up getting it, but it's kind of sad that he doesn't have the trust of his audience for them to pick up on it faster, or to use more subtle suggestion.

They say in any writing class you take "Show, don't tell" - what that really maens is "Show, don't tell if you can help it," unfortunately it seems that Kojima can't help it... some of the most robust elements in storytelling are those that go unsaid.

Miakisses

@Miakisses: Oh?

Fox

Kojima's cut scenes have never really changed (long winded, frequent) and they've always been very divisive.

I, for one, absolutely love them and they are a major factor in why the Metal Gear Solid games are one of my favorite franchises of all time. I doubt the games would have been as good without them. Spoken narrative is boring during gameplay and it's difficult, imo, for Snake to fill the role of the every man without long sequences of spoken narrative. I could probably write about why I love MGS's narrative style for hours, but then I might get fired. c_c;;

cable83

Curse you kotaku. You ate my comment. ;_;

cable83

@Nightshift Nurse: Mile High Colonic:

MGS by itself was perhaps a bit of a remake of MG2, and I really don't think any remakes are necessary or likely for that matter. Even TTS felt like a waste, but it was co-funded by Nintendo anyway.

I don't doubt that there will be another MG, perhaps with links to the whole Big Boss lineage. Solid Snake however, not so much. Closure is good, especially after 20 years and superb titles.

Too bad Mikami & co didn't feel the same way, because the PS1 RE trilogy needed a closure before moving on to a new direction. Instead, we got a series that drags on with too many plot holes to mention.

Btw, even with the flashbacks, MGS audio wasn't used. All the VA was from TTS instead. Note the lack of English accents for example.

SG79

@threeve:

Exactly, especially when people say games lack good stories!

I just treat it as playing a game and watching a movie (hybrid) two things most of us can agree we like.

To quibble about it, is perspective I guess.

EnigmaNemesis

No...Kojima can't and won't quit MGS. And if he does prequels. The game is too exploitable now that we have seen what his team can do on a PS3. Imagine the jump from MGS2 to MGS3 but from MGS4 to MGS5. Dear god I just wet myself.

Speaking of MGS5 - slight spoiler - in one of the cutscenes where Naomi talks about how war was viewed as game, we see each of the MGS titles in review (their box art or whatever). It goes MGS1, MGS2, MGS3, MGS4 .... and then two empty slots below which state "Under Construction".

No more proof needed. I'm sorry for everyone who wanted MGS to end or a ZOE sequel, but, I was filled with joy when I saw that.

Candlejack

@GlassAdam:

I for the most part am the same way in that I love the cinematic indulgences of MGS. That said, after playing MGS4, I can tell you that this was way too much even for me. Particularly during the epilogue, there is one scene (part of the now infamous 60 minute cut scene) that completely destroys the already precarious internal logic of the series for the sake of a little more fan service. Aside from that I absolutely loved this game. Just know that you are going to need a lot of patience going into this title.

Darth Navster

Praise review style praise review style praise review style.

I agree I agree I agree.

Disagree, sorry, no big deal.

Thanks for never activating my account so this couldn't be a real comment, buddies.

Miakisses

Well, it got me to buy a playstation3. And that is something I wasn't sure I would ever do.

So far I love the game, its a beautiful creation.

Thanx Kojima!

yashichi8bit

MGS4 is truly a game made for fans of the series. I highly doubt I would've liked it nearly as much as I did without having played through the previous trilogy of games. (Although I played Twin Snakes... not the original MGS1 even though I have it.)

I'm an RPG lover, so the cut-scenes didn't bother me. Well... at one point they did, but that's only because I wanted to go to bed at a certain time and I hit a massive chunk of cut-scenes right before that time.

Akanubon

I got over my cutscene-phobia (MGS2's ruined that game for me) and picked it up tonight. Currently going through the install. Here's hoping it's all I've heard it is.

rannic

I'm a Metal Gear fanboy. I'll admit that straight up. While I personally love the cutscenes (as do many others), it's completely reasonable they would be off-putting to a casual fan.

On another note, I think MGO is pretty awful. Metal Gear will always be a single player experience in my eyes. The online game struck me as bland and generic.

KainReborn

The only issue I had with the cutscene length had to do with its redundant exposition. Most of the problems really seem as if they're caused by a slightly unusual translation from Japanese to English. I agree that there should have been a bit more editing to smooth things over and possibly shorten the more technical conversations (resulting in a smoother transition between gaming).

The only complaint I have about the gameplay segments is that there wasn't more!
- There possibly could have been a more interesting and engaging enemy design of Act 4, but the experience was still amazing.
- Extending the length of Act 5's initial sections (possibly modeled after traditional MGS1/2 game style) would have been much appreciated as well.

Overall though, this game is incredible. My complaints are pretty minor. This is definitely one of the most engrossing experiences to be had while looking at a screen.

Arttemis

I finally finished this game today. I agree that MGO is a bit of a pain.

The loading never got to me so much that I was annoyed by it; the issue that bugged me was the 'press start to continue' between loading. That was a little infuriating as I felt there should be a little more 'flow' attached to the breaks.

The long cutscenes though? f'kin loved them! I was consistently entertained by everything that was thrown at me, the twists, the unexpected character appearances, the superbly choreographed action. All of this made it everything I wanted the game to be, minus about an hour or two of gameplay rather than exposition.

All in all, I was satiated by this experience much more than GTA IV (for example) was able to offer me with its only semi-absorbing story, and annoying 'pick me up and take me bowling' character development.

I would also reiterate udiie's sentiment, you need to know the story to appreciate all that is happening, but the previous MGS games are cheap to obtain now. Failing that, Wikipedia will at least give a sound knowledge of how to approach the series ;)

For those who love the series as I do, it's a goddamn wet dream.

Lythium

Pretty much echoes a lot of the other non-10 reviews.

So basically spot-on. I don't mind the cutscene length myself, but that's because I'm a Metal Gear fanboy. So I accept it despite the damage it does to the "game" part of the game.

ShirtGuyDom

I must've spent 50% playing the game and 50% watching cutscenes. Great game though.

M

@Megan Fox iz Hot ^-^ -ph15h: actually i didn't like the loading times either. they were breaks in areas where i wish it had just continued... Luckily when I played the installations were already done, so I can't complain about the install times :D :( borrowing ps3s are a big no-no.

Megan Fox iz Hot ^-^ -ph15h

The hour cut scene is the ending. It could have been trimmed down in parts, but most of the cutscenes help to tie up loose ends in the series. If too much would have been cut out, people would be complaining that the game didn't resolve everything it should have.

TheRiver

Ive come to the conclusion that this is... one of thee best games i have ever played.... for me a fan of the MG and MGS series this game is a msterpiece konami and kojima and all others that helped make this game GOOD JOB!

Elijah Man

The only thing I didn't enjoy is the big ass headache I got from playing so long. Couldn't put it down.

sendmail

@Megan Fox iz Hot ^-^ -ph15h:

A next [current] gen ZOE would be delicious!

Also cant wait for Team ICO's offering!

EnigmaNemesis

most of the hates have little to do with the actual content of the game, which says a lot about how great the game is.
and how do you hate on the cutscenes? i know they're long, but when no other game comes close to the amount of story and substance as metal gear solid games have, at a time when people are wanting so badly for video games to be viewed as beautiful art, how can you HATE them? they're help pushing your (i'm assuming) favorite hobby as a serious story-telling, entertaining medium...and HATE is a pretty strong word to describe that.

threeve

@Nightshift Nurse: Mile High Colonic: I think it's safe to say that the sage of Metal Gear SOLID is finished. However, the METAL GEAR saga itself will most likely continue.

My bet of the protagonist for the next game? Johnny.

DigiMish

I don't want to advertise other sites, but for those of you who haven't played the other games, this is a great wrap-up of their stories, in order of their in-game time period. It seems the only thing it fails to mention is Fox Dye.

[www.gametrailers.com]

Stick34

Now, if only I had a PS3....

crayola77

I really liked this game, and I'm not even a fan of previous MGS games besides the first one. Some of the cutscenes do drag on too much (especially the mission briefing ones where everyone just talks for an hour), and some do feature some fairly ridiculous moments, but overall they are very enjoyable.

While I don't think this game is God's gift to gaming, it is definitely one of the top 3 games released this generation.

GoGoGodzilla

I think one of the reasons the cutscenes seem overwhelming is because alot happaned between MGS2 and MGS4. Kojima had to explain about Snake getting old, the war economy, past characters and everything else that happened in between 2 and 4.

Anyways, I really enjoyed the game and agree with everything the review says. MGS4 is in my top 5 and was worth buying the PS3 bundle.

Hafgrim

10/10 is not perfect...with that being said it deserved a 10 :D. Me likie.

Can't wait for the Next Metal Gear _____(Insert state of matter or type of compound). Kojima, do us a favor til the next game, more Boktai or more ZOE!!!

Megan Fox iz Hot ^-^ -ph15h

I actually loved the long cutscenes. Still, I would have liked MORE gameplay. That's always how it is with a good game, you want MORE.

jair

I still haven't purchased this game. It sounds fantastic, so I really need to get out and buy a copy and start playing.

homernoy

Nice Super Smash Bros Brawl reference.

KM91

I hate that when you start your second play through, you've got to sit through the act installs again. Sure, it's only a few minutes, but why are they uninstalling that stuff in the first place?

Jogfrog

SORTA WANT... TO TRY

Tetelestia

Please no Spoliers people

Just asking ahead of time!

EnigmaNemesis

agree with your review, im at act 4 and like the fan service in this act.

long cutscences have always been a hinderance to game time fanactics. only people that like watching movies and get the same satisfaction don't seem to mind.

I dont like snake's inteliegence.

he questions everything. it makes him look like a dumb twat sometimes. for instance (hypothetically):

person: he used this apple to grow the sons.
Snake: apple?

person: do not use the rpg.
Snake: rpg?

im just making up lines cuz i dont remember what he questions or to give away plot but man he seemed like a monkey trying to learn how to use a computer.

just an observation i saw, really good game.

Dakobah

Obscene Cut Scene Length, yup Cut Scene Length was bloody excellent in my veiw some of the best stuff ever rendered in the history of mankind since your being told a good ending story with some nice visuals - no need for popcorn it keeps you glued.
Still haven't touched MGO thanks to konamis id system, i just cant see why i should bother when there's a perfectly good playstation id there...

Ryuujin1024

Good review, but I doubt this is the last we'll see of Snake(s)...

My guess is that Konami's next Metal Gear related project will be to remake Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake in Solid's full 3D, cinematic glory.

Considering it's the flashpoint of the series timeline, the intersection of the Big Boss and Solid Snake narratives, it seems like a natural choice for a company that's very likely wanting to take baby steps away from its strongest franchise and character.

It's also something likely to be done with or without Kojima in a hands-on roll. But considering most visionaries don't enjoy relinquishing control of their works, and that Kojima is not naive enough to believe he won't be forever tied to the series that put him on the international gaming map, it's also just as likely we would see him at the helm.

And after seeing certain specific imagery in Metal Gear Solid 4 itself, I don't think it's too wild to speculate on a remake of the original Metal Gear Solid which uses visual assets from part 4 and the original PSX audio.

Nightshift Nurse: Mile High Colonic

Great, this just makes waiting for the bundle to arrive via UPS thursday THAT much more painful.

*refreshes tracking page...*

gah!

jgross

You'll most likely get backlash for even daring to stick cutscenes under 'Hated', but I for one agree with you that no game should really require such an amount of off controller time.

I've never liked the story, or indeed style of the series, but I know I'll have to try it out again upon purchase of a PS3. For me it's not a must buy, but a curious series that I want to like but can't.

All the positives up there, however, will force me to take the plunge again.

Krondonian

Why is the Comic Relief not blue?

BassForever

so the only con is MGO konami sign up sucks

GOTY baby!!!!!

JimmyHACK

MGS 4 should get an 11.

pwn-master3001

Good show. You know, aside from momentary frame rate chugs in some cutscenes, I don't quite get why they didn't lock the frame rate.

I haven't experienced any slowdown in-game, but jumps from 30fps to 60fps aren't uncommon. Especially when switching to NVG mode. It's quite jarring.

Still, presentation wise, I think it's unparalleled overall. But that still doesn't compare to the audio quality; AAA with the best 5.1 mix I've heard. I'm upgrading my receiver next week, and can't wait to test out the LPCM mix.

SG79

@TheExiledLeader:

Diddo!

EnigmaNemesis

I was cool with the cutscenes being as long as they were. The only one that came near to annoying me was the ending which was EXACTLY 1 hour.

Amazing game, top 3 for me of ALL time. Yea, I said it.

DigiMish

Overall I liked the game but damn the game play really took a back seat to the cinema. The whole 3rd act was just cinema. I felt like insteead of playing the game to play i was just taking control of the movie charecter for a while. MGS 4 was more like an interactive movie at times then a game. Loved it, but i just wanted more play time.

DanteODiabo

The cutscenes really are insane.

The second play through is great when you can just skip over all of them.

rochec

Well what a thourough review.

With some of your points/negatives, i dont understand how some outlets are rating it 10/10.

This game should be atleast a 9.5 anyways from what ive heard, though ill never get to play it unless i win the lottery or it goes to the 360(unlikely though)

weeman_com

i honestly noticed they were long but the story was awesome enough that i wasn't watching my clock going WHYS IT SO LONG DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO.

Raziel Dune

Nice. Regarding the cut-scene length, I can see how many people would see the longer scenes as something negative, but I, however, lap this stuff up. The longer, the better. The more ridiculous, the better. Dunno why.

Can't wait to play this game. Someday.

GlassAdam

Nice review, still trying to finish GTA before I play MGS4.

Zeus

Good Work Kotaku. There is always something wrong with the game no matter how good it is.
Oh yeah, for those who are new to the series, beware the story, it will confuse you and I personally advise playing the first games of the series or at least checking up on them.

udiie

@icepick314: That's a good idea, actually. If you haven't played the game yet, but plan on doing so, bring popcorn.

Drake Lake

no 90 minute cutscenes?

well....60 minutes is close enough...

but still DAMM!! i would need a bowl of popcorn, few sandwiches, and a 6-pack to get through that scene....

icepick314

One complaint I do have that's not here is the change in game play after the second act. I won't spoil and say anymore, but I personally found it to be slightly jarring compared to other Metal Gear Solid games, since there was much less sneaking involved after that.

Drake Lake

I completely agree with this review, one thing I would like to add is how shitty and stupid Metal Gear Online is. However, Metal Gear 4's awesomeness makes it up for it tenfold.
I fucking hate MG Online...

Lumines

Seems like it should be 5 stars out of 5.

(lame MGS4 is more of a movie than a game argument)

But about time you review it.

Willy105

For the most part, I agree with a lot that you had to say. Though I liked the Eastern style in storytelling (slow pace, winded scripts, etc.). And I was fine with the length of the cutscenes. I don't play MGS when I want a pickup and play game, but a great experience.

KrsJin

I love the way you guys do your reviews,
Keep up the good work!

TheExiledLeader

@toefer: I had popcorn ready at all times. :P

Being able to pause the cutscenes was a huge plus.

Kanik

I honestly didn't expect the game to be so amazing, I thought it would be like MGS3 but with just better graphics.

It's the only single player game I've wanted to replay and have been excited to replay. Coupled with one of the most unique online experiences I've played in a while, I was blown away.

It easily tops Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Streets of Rage 2 as my favorite game of all time.

Kanik

I played/beat MGS, played half of 2, never played 3, and was curious enough to play 4, and don't regret it. It's been a lot of fun (so far), and I think the audio is perhaps the best I've heard in a game.

I don't mind the cutscenes, I just wish there was a way to know how long they'd be, so I could decide whether to go make popcorn, or just sit it out.

toefer

Greatest game ever made. It will take a generation to fully appreciate this game. It elevates interactive entertainment to an entirely different level in a way that no one else is even attempting. When you play MGS4 you realize there is no room for Hideo. He's giving thought provoking, emotional art to an audience that mostly just wants to blow stuff up.

screamingslave

"I completely agree with this review, one thing I would like to add is how shitty and stupid Metal Gear Online is. I fucking hate MG Online..."

I thought I was the only one. <3

OAKside

only disappointment for me? the codec. no one to phone bar otacon and you know who?

J.A.

MGS4 is a masterpiece. Yay!

Now work on Zone of the Enders 3, Kojima!
Seriously.

mackincheese

@Azures: I just think the IGN PlayStation team got excited about having a AAA exclusive. They also had no problem excluding anything about cutscene length by way of agreement between them and Konami, in order to get a review up first. There are really only a couple of editors over at IGN that are credible at all. None of them are on the PlayStation team, unfortunately.

ThisCharmingMan

@hamandcheeseUK: Solar Gun = Non-lethal kill the FROGS in the first battle, and B&B unit and collect their statues.

DigiMish

MGO is the shit. You only have to sign up for the konami ID once. ONCE!

Suck it up people, i've had to deal with FAR worse things for a great game experience. And the MGO experience is just that. FUCKING AWESOME!!

fantus77

@randomletters:

I wasn't hating MGO with my post, I'm just saying that I don't consider it part of Metal Gear Solid 4 as a game. I consider it a separate game and it will be released as one. We're just getting a taste of it with the MGS4 release. Basically I'm saying MGS4 as a game shouldn't be docked points for MGO being bad. Just my take though. I just don't see it being part of the game itself, as GTAIV's, or Halo's multiplayer is.

LittleBigPlaneteer

I just finished this game. I played MGS and MGS 2 but christ , years ago , so I have no idea what's going on . Even with all that said the story was really quite an EPIC and I really did enjoy the hell out of it. It gets really crazy in the science of the world and I did have trouble grasping it. That only makes me want to play it again. The ending did clock in at roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes for me if my count was right, so yes bring your popcorn, but it was quite amazing.

The gameplay was great when it was available (left me wanting more, is that so bad?) and I think it will only be better on the next playthrough.. For those wondering, total playtime on normal was 21 hours according to my save time.

All in all , for someone like me who is hardcore 360 fan and uses their PS3 primarliy as a dust collector, I was very pleased with this purchase, and can't wait to play it again.

Freakizoid

At least you can control the mark 2 during mission briefings, and there are little extras if you push L1 or R1 during a cutscene and the button pops up.

I'm on my 2nd play through, tons of unlockables and secrets in this game, its great.

Scuba Steve

It's a fantastic game.

However, I thought I would add some MGO negatives.

It's region locked. I can't play with some friends in Europe or Japan.

Only ONE character is allowed per PS3. Not per PSN ID, but per PS3. I paid $7 for an extra character just so my wife can play the game. WTF?

mind in rewind

@Lumines: @KainReborn: @LittleBigPlaneteer: Wht all the MGO hate? Having played it for a fair few hours the past few days I'm finding it to be one of the best team based multiplayer shooters I've played. I'll admit that starting off it takes a lot of getting used to the slower pace and tactical side, but once you get through all that it's a gem and soooooo addictive.

It's easily taken over from COD4 and Warhawk as my online game of choice.

randomletters

@TheLordRandom: Yep, I have no idea what it's from but I unlocked the Solar Gun yesterday. It's pretty funny but I don't really have a use for it with my vast arsenal and stealth camo.

The game iis easily one of my favourite from all this generation. Most other games have failed to live up to expectations for me (GTA4 for example) whereas this couldn't have lived up to my expectations any more.

And I loved the cutscenes, as long as you have enough free time to sit back and enjoy them then I can't really see why you wouldn't enjoy them.

The story was epic aswell, it was really amazing to see the past 20 odd years worth of story all intertwine and come to a conclusion.

hamandcheeseUK

@Weasel3689:

Dang it my spoiler tags didnt show up! Anyway if you are looking to remain virgin to MGS4 until you play it AVOID THIS COMMENT OR IT WILL RUIN IT. Sorry for those lives I ruined. Though i guess those people who really fear spoilers would have already purchased and throughly played through the game by now (like me of course)

Weasel3689

@LittleBigPlaneteer: The irony is that if you're good at shooters, it's possible to play MGS4 Halo-way in the Normal difficulty. The game actually rewards you for that since you get more ammo, more DP by selling the weapons and the militia likes you more. But you REALLY have to be good though. And I noticed that when you play that way, the guards don't just keep on respawning. The ones that come for backup are from the same level and after killing them all, you'll have a good 5-10 minutes to hide or go away. After that, more backup will come, see the disaster (it really is a strong scene to see 30 corpses on the floor and think "wow I just did that!") and start looking for you. The AI is far more forgiving that in 2 too (no Clearing mode, God I hated that!) so the game is much more mainstream than before.

slomo788

Totally agree with this review. I was a late joiner to metal gear fandom (caught on with MGS3 and then played the rest retroactively) and I really kinda felt the uniform problem with the past games was the complex controlls and complex stories. MGS4 really removes those two problems and really shines IMHO. The only problem is there really is somewhat of a balance problem between gameplay and cutscene, not in total length, but that sometimes I would do a short action and then it would follow by a cutscene (albeit short). However, really it was everything I wanted and really anything anyone can want from this series. Really most of the arguments against boil down to"There was not enough of it." Really it does have a valid chance to be a GOTY and one of the greatest games of all time and......

The boss battles are truly epic. I mean the Metal Gear fight and final fist fight with Liquid left me absolutely breathless. Also the screaming mantis battle was absolutely excellent. I am sorry I HAD TO CONFER THE AWESOMENESS OF THIS TO SOMEONE!!!

Anyway MGS 4 lives up to the hype IMO. If you have the opportunity to purchase the game, I would HIGHLY recommend it. However, I am a fan of metal gear so for outsiders to the series I would take my suggestion with a grain of salt.

Weasel3689

Metal Gear Solid 4 is the best gaming experiance i have had in my life. No game is perfect, but in my eyes, it is the best. I enjoyed every aspect and im enjoying metal gear online just as much. This is reason alone to get a Ps3. That much is true.

ryivanV2

@Willy105: SAY NO TO STARS!

3inst3in

@Arsenicberyllium: Flawless logic, I will boycott MGS4 until this is rectified.

robotleawesome

@EnigmaNemesis: o god, i remember that. Honestly, that whole 8.9 episode was much worse. The whole thing was like a world war of videogames.

on topic: MGS4 is my view is one of the greatest game I have ever played. yes it can be linear (go from point A to point B, but within the levels/act, you can go a multitude of ways to complete your objective. You can the play the game a multitude of styles. Sneaking not your thing; Go postal, although that is not the best method unless you accumulate a vast amount of drebin points. Love the MKII? use that exclusively. It is one of those games that you'll want to play it again right after you beat it.

Jun581 likes street fighter 2 but he hates zangeif

@GoGoGodzilla

There's actually plenty of stuff to do during the Mission Briefings. Take the MK-II out for a spin to find goodies.

I can totally understand why the cut scene length would be a negative to some people, but to me they have been perfect. It's actually refreshing to have a game that's paced leisurely and not balls to the wall action 100% of the time. I think the same holds true for MGO. It won't be for everyone, because most people are expecting a frag-fest. That's simply not what it is. And not what it was intended to be.

I do agree with the MGO sign-up process. And I also agree with the loading issues, though they were really only a problem during the chase scenes for me.

samdu

I refuse to play the Online component. It struck me as hack-ish when I finally got the update downloaded, installed, then it made me exit all the way to PS3 Dash, to restart the game. So you have to sit thru not one, but TWO sets of loading screens again (MGS4's and MGS:Online's).

I was willing to forgive that. Hopefully I wouldn't have to do that very often to play the game. Game is patched, I'm ready to roll.. but WAIT! It doesn't use your PSN id AND you have to literally get up and go over to a computer to signup for a Konami ID. That irks me, but I tried to get over it and went to set one up.

Again, only to find that you need TWO ids BESIDES your PSN account. Really? At some point you just say 'Fuck it' and give up, but I filled out the damn form, click submit only to realize that both IDs can't be the same. Thats the part where I gave up. I have absolutely no interest in playing MGS:Online anymore. I'm not going to jump thru hoop after hoop to play a game on my console.

Seriously, Konami needs to ditch there stupid IDs and integrate it with the PSN id. That or Sony needs to make it a requirement to publish on the PS3. It leads to confusion and agrivation that reflects badly on both companies.

But I'm done venting now. Man do I feel better. :)

Other then that MGS4 has been way more fun then I had hoped for. I even enjoy the long cut scenes, they remind me of those great stories from Lost Odyssey.

Khabi

You will notice there are no Gameplay problems in the Hated section.

Sorry if thats a repeat didnt browse comments today.

icegoat

After finishing the entire game and currently working on a harder difficulty I have to say playing through a second time is better than the first. The first time you're very caught up in the story and just want to find out what happens next. It's nice just exploring the easter eggs and trying different playing styles. I suggest to anyone to try your best to not kill anyone. (be careful not to shoot the frogs when they're mid air, they'll fall to their death and it counts as a kill). Very good game and I'm very satisfied with the story, gameplay and closure.

RYAMATSU

@FrigidAir44:

You returned it the same day? You never heard of a challenge before? I swear things like this frustrate me. I guarantee if you spent some time with the game you'd learn to "sneak" better. God forbid a game relies on you gaining skills and has some learning curve to it. Returning a game the same day you bought it because it's too hard just shows the kind of mentality some gamers have. Sad

LittleBigPlaneteer

I have to say, as a massive MGS fanboy, disappointment couldn't even have been possible with this game. Seriously. Everyone said the cutscenes were long but I was very interested in watching so I didn't even care. There were so many jaw-dropping moments that the length of the cutscenes didn't even matter. I have yet to try Metal Gear Online, but it's sad to know they still have that Konami ID bullshit going on, but whatever. I'm just starting my 2nd playthrough on Big Boss Hard (or something like that).

enigma89

I liked the lengthy uneeded CS you guys mentioned. =-(

djricekcn

@NitrousO:

You will absolutely LOVE this game ... trust me ... the cut scenes are FAR BETTER than 2.

EnigmaNemesis

Good review.

That being said, a note to people: A 10 is not perfect. No game is ever perfect because such a thing is impossible and subjective.

IGN's word descriptions for each numerical level describe it well. 10 being Masterful.

MGS4 is Masterful.

Azures

The Loveds totally outweigh the Hateds, so this rocks.

Crisu

Simple: MGS rules.

icegoat

@EnigmaNemesis: Here here!! Kotaku's review are awesome! F the politics! Johnny for life!

excel_excel

I don't know how people can complain about the installs.. they are aprox 2-4 minutes long! Is this too long???

stargateheaven

D: The movie critic in me is still disappointed from MGS2 but the gamer in me remembers having fun playing MGS2. I think Im going to have to get this game eventually.

NitrousO

@slomo788:

Well said!

EnigmaNemesis

@slomo788:

I wouldn't mind Metal Gear 1 & 2 remakes for PSP either, since I really don't feel like playing the ones on Subsistence after the MGS4 experience. Even MGS1 could use a PSP makeover.

110% agree with this!

EnigmaNemesis

@Jamezspot: You won't skip those. They are far more interesting and important than some of the earlier games. I thought about the criticisms from those donkeys at Edge and Eurogamer, and even now I can't think of a better way to present the story than the way Kojima did. These cutscenes are not "convertible" into gameplay, and if they are, they wouldn't be as immersive and the story might have been more confusing. If you're done with the game and want more gameplay, come to MGO.

slomo788

i needz a ps3 now so bad. forget the xbox 360 for now, the ps3 is in my dreams

dipsetboy17

Having beaten it day 1 and then not playing MGO until a few days after I disagree with two things. The load and install times are really not that bad. I don't know if I personally have just never been a load time complainer, but all of this load time and install stuff of the current gen just doesn't bother me (just like most games load times in the past haven't bothered me).

The other is MGO. While I did already have my Konami ID because of participating in the beta I can say the only problems I have had were with hosts leaving the game. I've player about 6-7 hours of online play in full rooms and have only had 1 disconnect.

But yes, some cutscenes are horribly long and not needed. The ending in particular drags on forever.

AwShucks

I'm having a hell of a lot of fun playing MGS4, and the fan service for those who have kept up with the series is unparalleled.
I almost wish it would come out on 360, just so more people could experience it.

boxmyth

''The frame rate may not be ideal, but given what's happening on screen, it's hard to quibble.''

I've never had a problem with the frame rate even when the screen was super busy.....

LeLoi

@Kj719: You misunderstood me it looks like.

Murderdolls

@Khabi:
yikes, hate to burst your bubble but didn't you just keep your beta info on the side to use for future reference knowing that it was going to be required again? common sense, yes?

Null-Python

@slomo788: The AI is what turned me off it was terrible... I tried explaining this on the sony boards but got flamed for 10+ pages

Murderdolls

@ThisCharmingMan:

Every time a game gets a 10 from any outlet, someone jumps in to question their credibility. But to insinuate fanboyism, especially that their other reviews (UK and AU) were similar, but with a lower score is a bit a low blow.

For example, people questioned Matt's integrity when it was found out the his wife works for Nintendo, but he's still one of the best out there.

SG79

I have to be honest, I think this is the first time where a low score didn't anger me (not because I want to validate my tastes, just because many game reviewers don't seem to understand their job is subjective). But people could've given MGS4 a 1 out of 100 and I wouldn't careless.

Voteforme2020

I dare you to skip the long 60 minute cut scene on the first try. I dare you! I don't think you have to watch it unless you really need closure.

As for game play, I played it more than twice with the second time with no cut scenes. I played Heavenly Sword twice just to replay it. With MGS4 it was a replay with a new experience. It's more like a second game than a replay. If that makes any sense. The game is bigger than it looks.

I agree with the review except for the loading and cut scene. But then again, I set some time to finish the game in one run. The loading was a good break. Especially between acts.

Happy MGS4!

nou_phabmixay

Thought i could have a quick 30 minute bash before bed time last night. I thought wrong!!
Ended up blowing out to 2 hours coz of all the yap yap and cutscenes.
Still, i'm enjoying it. The visuals are amazing.

kazooie

cant really argue with this review. lotta fan service, and yes, kojima needs an editor.
also, did anyone else notice gaping plotholes by the end? it was crazy. still, best GOTY so far.

TheIrishNinja

Wow. I never thought I'd see the day when people complained about having TOO MANY animated sequences *looks dumbfounded* I don't care how gratuitous it may be, and I'm talking about the the scenes with "the ladies," in particular, well that and Akiba, too. They were GREAT!

I just started act 5, so I haven't finished the game yet. But if there was one thing I don't like about MGS4 is that I game I like so much, is the end of the line. And it will have gone out with a bang! I'm more than pleased with what I've seen. I don't think any game will top this, but let them try. Mr. Kojima has set the bar very, very high.

American_N_Japan

I just finished the game myself and I must say Mike that your review is spot on. While I did feel the game had a ridicules amount of cut scenes, I welcomed them. For anyone who has not played it, but has played at least 2 of the other 3 Metal Gear games, you should give it a shot. It is well worth it!

Adam Barenblat

Problems with your network perhaps? hopefully you used p2p rather.

Null-Python

@slomo788: I think he was holding the DS3 upside down :oP

Kj719

@Murderdolls: Is it the controls or you couldn't use the map? Because I assure you the AI is the weakest of the series.

slomo788

I know I'm in the minority here but I couldn't get through act 1 without returning the game

Murderdolls

I definately am starting to love kotaku reviews and wish more people will pick up on this style and avoid using rating systems. However, I do wish this review was a bit more detailed. There were certain things about MGS4 that amazed me and were not mentioned in most of the reviews. I am playing through the game my second time now and its liek a completely different game, Im noticing so many easter eggs and cool stuff that I didnt the first time through because I was in a hurry to finish the story.

While I agree that Konami is being stupid with their ID process (they have their own store, for some reason they are byspassing the PSN to sell expansions and stuff to us, and the fact that they charge for an extra character pisses me off) the game itself is realy fun. It takes a few hours to get used it but after that it is awesome.

Ian342

what is this "avant garde opening" by logan that's been so ballyhooed that ryan payton talked about? is it the PMC ads? the interview with hayter? cause that was neither interactieve nor mind blowing but cool.

going further, however, this game is a fucking masterpiece. i don't care how long the cut scenes are.... best action movie of the summer is how i'd put it. and it also does something no medium ever has before. i can't discuss it without spoiling it, but the emotional interplay of memory is truly tactile and poignant. this game is, i believe, underappreciated.

otakuhouse

Not sure about this game. Having only played half of MGS1, I felt like the cutscenes were going to overwhelm me in this game, and one did. I did watch my friend play one of the bosses close to the end and thought the gameplay itself looked awesome.

However, the cutscene following the boss literally made me leave his apartment. I couldn't stand how bad the cutscene was written. So I think I'm gonna have to sitdown and play the game, skipping all the cutscenes. I've heard there's only six hours of gameplay, so I think a rental will suffice.

Callidux

I didn't play MGS4, but I watched my buddy beat it and that was amazing. Personally, I found the cut-scenes more of a reward do making it through the gameplay. I feel MGS4 is a wonderful combination of game and movie. Side note, I too really like how Kotaku doesn't use a number system in it's reviews and takes time to name what difficulty the single player mode was played and how much of the extras were explored.

Ryodestined

I cant believe the reviews mentioning the cutscenes lenght as something negative, that is the game format !. this is RPG all over again. remember when you played this new role playing games, and you were enjoying them so much and them some person comes and say "oh my god, this is not a game, is a freaking book, I dont like to read, if I want to read I buy a book or something". Well, this is like kotaku saying that they hated that you have to read sooo much on a RPG, and hey, there are a lot of cutscenes and story narrative in those ones too. MGS4 have a different and never seen format, someday in the future you will understand kojima`s vision.

kamisama

I've never even played an MGS game even though I recently picked up MGS Essentials. I meant to play through them first, but just didn't have time and couldn't help myself. Since I had no experience, I read up on the storyline beforehand an dI can safely say that MGS4 is one of THE best games I have ever played in my life.

mkernan

You basicly hated stuff that doesn't take much away from the game.

darkstar5555

Game of the Year for sure, far better than GTA4. The only negative about this game is that it is "the last one" (hard to say if that's true).

will52

I honestly didn't read any other review while waiting for this one. This site is top notch. Now i have all but to wait for my bundle to arrive in the mail.

L337fool

@SnakeCL:

Slowdown isn't an issue. The jump from 30 to 60fps from a time to time is jarring though. You have to wonder why they didn't lock it.

SG79

I can honestly say it is the best game Ive ever played. I played it when I got home from the midnight launch and beat it sometime in the afternoon lol. I didnt really notice how long the cutscenes were because I was ecstatic and couldnt believe I was actually playing the game. Load times gave me time to go to the bathroom and to take my dog out. As for MGO, konami ID for MGO beta ftw haha. Oh and I did get the special edition. The sound track is pretty sweet, havent watched the documentary yet though. I imagine it will be pretty awesome as well. MGS4 is what a game should be and it deserves a play through. I respect other peoples' opinions but dont be ignorant and not pick MGS4 up just because it has long cutscenes.

DaveyPwnckett

@LeLoi:

I'm actually beginning to wonder if these framerate problems are related to the age of the PS3. My old 60gig had some problems with framerate, then it was replaced by Sony due to the GTAIV freezing problem, and whammo, no more framerate hiccups. Same goes for my new Gunmetal 40gig.

SnakeCL

I'm not sure if you're a MGS fan. I love to listen to the dialog. It makes sense and interesting. I mean I wouldn't want to sit through it twice, but it definitely worth a watch. I love this game, hoping to finish it this coming weekend...don't get to play much on weekdays.

karateka

I really want to play MGS4, and I'm sure I'll enjoy the heck out of it. Having said that, I really do believe that we should be moving beyond the point of non-interactive cutscenes, and even if we do get cutscenes, the MGS games have basically awful storytelling which consists of massive, repetitive exposition - everything is told to you in a bland, slow, fact-like fashion instead of showing. This is bad storytelling, straight up.
Okay, I'm done knocking it around, and when I do play it, the good will surely outweigh the bad.

SpiralJacobs

My only complaint is the online. What a ridiculous sign-up process. I didn't buy MGS4 for online play however, and MGS4 is simply amazing. It's the GOTY so far (better than GTA imo), it's in a class of its own.

argh

Best game i have ever had the privilege of playing, I salute you Solid Snake!!

npa191