July 9 , 2008 ... Review by Mike
Here on Headshot Radio over the past year, we’ve been hard on the Playstation 3. We’ve called it names, mocked it, and even have gone on record saying that there is no good reason to own one if you already have an X-Box 360. Sure, it was the way to go if you wanted a next generation movie player, but there just was not a game that could justify such a large purchase. It’s now safe to say that after nearly 18 months, the PS3 finally has its reason for being created, Metal Gear Solid 4 (MGS4).
Right off the bat, this game struck me as the most impressive technological game accomplishment I had ever seen. The graphics, sound, and presentation of MGS4 is bar none the best I’ve ever seen on a console game. Everything about MGS4 is polished, from the user interface to the subtle ways characters invoke emotion during any of the numerous in-game cinematics. Just like in the pervious Metal Gear games, the fourth installment is all about the art of storytelling. It accomplishes it by well paced, somewhat long, but always interesting cut- scenes that reveal the story in a style that would make Michael Bay cringe with envy. Without spoiling anything, MGS4 manages to wrap up the train wreck of a story that the first three games left behind in a way that you will “almost” understand everything.
If Metal Gear Solids of the past had an Achilles’ heel, it was that they weren’t the most user-friendly games in their genre. MGS4 bucks that trend completely and is now the 
pinnacle of 3rd person action game controls as well as the pinnacle of storytelling. The controls in this game make perfect sense, are easy to use, and make the sneaking around and shooting LEAGUES more fun that in the previous installments. The levels are designed with every minuscule detail in mind and the “toys” you get to play with (solid eye, MARK II, octo-camo) give you a lot of freedom to complete your mission in an otherwise linear game. The only thing I wish is that there was a better enemy solider to robot enemy ratio in the end of Act III and Act IV.
Finally I’ll conclude with the boss battles. Metal Gear Solid is famous for having epic boss fights and presenting them in a way that is compelling and fun to play. From the first boss ever in Revolver Ocelot to Vulcan Raven, to Sniper Wolf, to Vamp, every boss battle has been a memorable one. This game is no exception in the game-play aspect. Every boss you fight has a quirk you have to figure out and the last three bosses may be some of the best the series has to offer. Now while the back stories of MGS4’s bosses didn’t come across how I think the Kojima team had hoped, they still are ahead of the curve compared to most other action games. And while the final boss battle has gotten some crap from other publications, I believe the final confrontation may be one of the most stunning accomplishments in interactive entertainment history.
Being a Metal Gear fan, I can only judge this game as one. A lot of the elements that I loved about this game were nods to the previous installments that gamers new to the 
series won’t care about. There is a good chance this may cause some people to be turned off by this game, but I guess that is no different than a sequel to a movie requiring movie goers to see the original to fully appreciate what it is. The good news is that PSN is offering a Metal Gear Database so you can catch up with all the canon before plunging into MGS4. I urge all Playstation 3 owners to check this one out, and all Metal Gear fans to go ahead and buy a PS3 if you haven’t already. Call MGS4 what you will, an amazing interactive anime, an exciting movie that you play, or just a plain ol’ ripping 3rd person action game; but MGS4 is the best game of 2008 thus far.
If you want a huge spoiler filled review … download our Headshot Radio Bonus Metal Gear Solid Spoilercast.
Metal Gear Solid 4 At A Glance |
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10 |
The Good |
Unrivaled graphics and sound, compelling storytelling, fluid controls, amazing characters and boss fights. |
The Bad |
Too many robots sentries in Act IV, new fans won't appreciate it as much, dropped $450 to play it. |
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K&L |
The Verdict |
PS3 owners … this is the one you’ve been waiting for. OWN IT. |
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