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Flash back to 2001 and Zone of Enders was the game to get, and it wasn’t because it was good (which is debatable), but instead it was a commodity because the game included what would become another seminal turning point in console gaming history. It was no mere demo, it was the re-emergence of Solid Snake and his cementing of video gaming icon status, it was our first hands-on introduction to Metal Gear Solid 2 and we all absolutely loved it. Now here we sit. PS3 controller in hand, another chapter in video game history being played out right before eyes – it’s Snake’s final mission, Kojima’s last Metal Gear – and we look back while we look forward and sit in awe at the brilliance of that is Metal Gear Solid 4.
As MGS4 starts our hero on his final mission to eliminate an all too familiar foe the visuals will right away make your jaw drop and have you slobbering all over your floor. The sheer artistry and attention to detail makes the world around you come alive, the war zone feels genuine, the combat intense and the bond with our hero has never been greater. Snake is now old and gray, the wear and tear of war visible in his eyes, the burden of being born to kill weigh him down causing his back to ache, but yet he marches on. We’re told and shown that times are changing, that war is changing. War is now rampant, it is global and this increased militarization and its’ expansion into the private sector has made war the driving force behind the global economy. It is this theme which the plot centers around while also following up on themes presented in previous Metal Gear installments. Unfortunately, this story, while intricate, also feels very dumb down. We’re given repeated information a significant amount of times, as if to drive the point home. However, MGS4 still manages to compensate for this with its’ overall effectiveness and presentation that are masterfully delivered and leave you with a sense of finality and of wonderment about the future. Throughout MGS4 there are tributes to previous entries in the series, none better than actually replaying the Shadow Moses entry in full PS1 style. The best part of the reminiscing that takes place in MGS4 is that even as it caters to the veteran Metal Gear fan it still won’t completely leave out any new comers. This balance pays off well and for grizzled vets should be an absolute treat that is sure to put a smile and may be even make you shed a tear of joy.
The controls return basically unchanged from previous games, so if you’ve ventured through any of the other Metal Gears you should just be able to pick-up and play. The core elements of gameplay also return intact but have also been superbly advanced with the addition of new Close Quarters Combat (CQC) moves, a merchant by the name of Drebin, and the Octocammo suit with each addition bringing a new angle to the series. The merchant Drebin is the biggest change and is sure to irk those faithful to the stealth gameplay that is synonymous with Metal Gear Solid. His addition changes the entire complexion of the game giving you the choice of stealth or a more daring approach to combat. A bolder approach may simplify objectives but without a balance of the two methods you still won’t stand a chance. The climate of war is changing and now stealth isn’t your only option. Drebin offers a full service gun and ammo shop easily accessible directly from the in-game main menu. Also beyond guns and ammo Drebin’s shop stocks individual parts so you can customize a designated selection of weapon, easily making this the deepest and most diverse arsenal in a Metal Gear game to date. On the other hand if you do decide to stick with the stealth approach the Octocammo has you covered… quite literally. This mechanic is built upon the camouflage system introduced in MGS3: Snake Eater and is taken to an entirely whole new level in MGS4. The Octocammo ups the ante by making you nearly invisible in most environments, and when coupled with another item you acquire in the game will have Snake disappearing before your very eyes. The suits execution is simple, lay still long enough and the suit will adapt and blend into the surrounding environment. It really doesn’t get more stealth than that.
The boss fights are again damn near ostentatious with some serious wackos lining up against Snake. The fights vary from fighting an immortal, to ascending and descending a tower to take down a flying nuisance, to gaining control of a Metal Gear and using it in combat against another Metal Gear in a mecha battle that will be reveled by me for years to come. The only issue is that at points in some of the boss battles, and throughout parts the game, you get the feeling of deja vu. Yes it is fine and dandy when done with intent, but when I realized it wasn’t on purpose I felt like I was playing a mere rehash… and you’ll definitely see what I mean. The game isn’t perfect, but it isn’t flawed to the point of being utterly broken or repetitive either. However, the various ways to play through alone should spice things up enough to make sure that doesn’t happen.
The story has been much hyped as answering everything, and that my friends it does. May be even a little too well, but none the less may be now more of us can actually make sense of the story in MGS2. The finality and closure that it brings is even a bit chilling as I caught myself in a state of longing just remembering the time I spent on Shadow Moses, Big Shell, and now on this globetrotting adventure. Metal Gear Solid 4 isn’t the perfect game, but it definitely is a game that should not be missed. And for all the Metal Gear fans this is one you should enjoy and cherish for a long time. Thank you Mr. Kojima, and Snake it was some of the most fun I’ve ever had. It’s the end of an era that should be appreciated and a future that should put a glint in the eye of every gamer for what the future holds for us and our industry.
Story:
It’s a more than fitting end to one of the most acclaimed franchises in video gaming history and an answer to all those questions we’ve had since 1998.
Graphics:
Not exactly leaps and bounds into the visual presentation we’ve been promised since the beginning of this new generations but a great indicator of what to expect with the technology being harnessed better and better.
Sound:
Songs that tug at your heart strings, songs from the past, the sounds of war all around and grade A voice acting just adds to the depth of greatness in this game.
Gameplay:
An already solid core of gameplay is enhanced with the additions of the Octocammo and the manner in which Drebin changes the entire game. No longer is Metal Gear just a stealth game and that should make a lot of people happy, while the purist still have the choice to snake their way to infiltrate behind enemy lines.
Game Over:
The entire Metal Gear franchise has been a must play since its’ introduction on the original Playstation. Metal Gear Solid 4 is no different and is a great finale for Kojima and for Snake. It’s been one helluva ride and one that I’ll never forget and that I will personally cherish forever, and I certain hope you all can do the same.
Rating: 8.5
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