Finally, the finer things within a Metal Gear game. The countless easter eggs stowed away in offbeat paths and the hidden reactions of NPCs to various items and stimuli are largely what makes it Metal Gear. Finding the hidden Metal Gear tracks for my in-game iPod (complete with click wheel), watching Old Snake vomit after too many unnecessary ‘murders’ and listening to Otacon talk to you via the a Bluetooth headset if you have one on – it may be minor details, but it’s all there waiting for someone to unearth. It’s simply remarkable how much detail they packed into this game visually and aurally.

Games have certainly changed over the past 20 years. They’ve been streamlined, focus tested and mass marketed. It’s rare to find a game with a seemingly uncompromising vision. The fans will undoubtedly find the Metal Gear Solid 4 experience to be evocative, enlightening and entertaining like I did, but what about everyone else? The production values are certainly something everyone can enjoy and the same thing could be said about the action. The puzzle-like boss fights, the stealth, lengthy cutscenes and the closed quarters combat on the other hand aren’t things you find in most games these days. These are some of the characteristics that make Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots a must play. It’s a game which by all accounts shouldn’t/couldn’t be made in an age like this. The amount of dedication, work and effort put into this game is clearly evident and a rarity for today’s gaming landscape. Don’t play this game just because you want to shoot things. It’s not for that. Play this game because you want to see the end of Snake’s tale. And play it because you want to experience one the greatest pieces of interactive entertainment ever.

Verdict:
Must Play

For more information, visit the official website.

P.S – If you’re wondering about thoughts on multiplayer component, Metal Gear Online, feel free to read my preview impressions here and here. I’ll be posting a review of the final product sometime in the coming weeks.

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Tags: kojima, konami, metal gear, sony
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