365//365: Day 336 – Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3) [PP]

"No need to sneak into bed with this one -- flaunt it to the world!"

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, in some ways, feels like the anti-Metal Gear Solid title. With a perspective closer to a third person title, the action seems better paced, with a much better perspective of the areas around you. The stealth overall feels more fleshed out as well, especially with the addition of ground camouflaging, which helps you blend into the world around you nearly as much as ducking into the shadows. The visual quality during its release was impeccable, and years later it continues to wow gamers. Animation, world detail and everything in-between looks quite breathtaking at times. The audio, from the powerful vocal performances to the musical interludes, are some of the best on the system. What’s most commendable about Guns of the Patriots is that longtime fans, as well as virgins to the series, can be brought up to speed throughout the game, thanks to various cut scenes that depict major plot points from the previous three games. The only thing that will frustrate some gamers has to do with the controls. While they do feel much more natural and refined when compared to the other three games, there are occasions where movement doesn’t feel as natural as it should. Moreover, combat via ballistics still feels too rigid and limiting. It’s nothing close to resembling a third person shooter in those means, and if the gun-play scheme were built to be a more action oriented schematic, being discovered, or battling through numerous enemies at certain points would feel more rewarding. Even still, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is the enjoyable faux swan song to the series. If you’ve had a certain disdain for the series (like I’ve had), I’d recommend giving MGS4 a try. While it doesn’t feel much different from previous entries, it does feel immensely gratifying from beginning to end.

While it's not the perfect drug, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots injects one of the best PS3 experiences yet.

Rating: 9.0