[pboreham]

Even considering I am not a big MGS fan, as a gamer of over 20 years, I can appreciate quality.

Playing through only act one of MGS4 last night, I was blown away. Ok, the actual gameplay mechanics haven't changed that much since MGS1 and it can still be frustrating (to me anyway), but you cannot help but fall in love with MGS4.

The much discussed cinematics, whilst high in number and length, are superbly done - I'd say the best I've ever seen. There are times when you could be watching a high-budget Hollywood film - and by this I mean its the little things that suck you in. The texture of the characters skin, the way their hair and clothes move realistically in the breeze etc - squint slightly and its movie quality.

For anyone worried about not having played any MGSs before - dont be. As I mentioned, I'm not a big MGS fan and despite completing the first, I only had fleeting looks at 2 and 3 and dismissed them as 'same old, same old', so the back story is lost on me.

What Konami (and really Kojima) has done is make a story that stands alone - is gripping (thus far) and action packed, meaning newcomers to the MGS story arc will be able to pick up this game and run with it quite happily. Then for the obssessed, there are telling nods to past stories, names of characters that whilst work in a standalone game, will instantly conjure memories of Metal Gears past.

Then finally, for someone in the middle like me, there is an option to watch a 're-cap', a flashback if you will on the dialogue currently being spoken. So if you want to reaquaint yourself with the backstory, even for a newbie, its there.

But let me get back to my point before this turns into a review thread!

Metal Gear Solid 4 CAN sell the PS3, I now have no doubts about it. I pray that Konami keeps it exclusive to Sony - at least for as long as they can.

It gives the PS3 a real unique IP and one I imagine 360 owners will look on with in envy. And I dont want to turn this into ANOTHER 360 v PS3 thread, my point here is for us all to get better games, each console needs good exclusives to sell the hardware and MGS4 will do that for PS3 alone.

I think as a game, it would feel out of place on the 360. I know MG has travelled over to M$ in the past, but MGS4 'feels right' for PS3. Its mature, sharp and the interface is suitably futuristic, encompassing the general feel of the PS3 and its probable more mature audience.

Its heartening (for me as a PS3 owner only now), to be able to play a game almost made for the system and I would lose a bit of that special feeling if it finally ends up in the 360.

So in closing, despite GTA4 being huge and some other superb games in the PS3 catalog (like COD4, GT5p, GRiD etc), I think Metal Gear Solid 4 is already shaping up to be the best game on the system.

I may well get some flak for that, considering I've only had it 24 hours, but I hope I've got enough experience in gaming to know a good thing when I see it and once others get their hands on it today, I'm sure they will echo the same.

Enjoy!

[SkilledNutter]

Well its the ONLY PS3 game I own at present even though I have had my Machine since the US Launch.

Unlike the previous games I have had for this system this one will never be sold, traded or even borrowed out

BEST game on PS3 by far and for me the best game on any platform at present, there really is not another game coming out this year that I was more excited about then this release and even though I am only 2hrs into the game its very clear even at this early stage that this game is going to be amazing.

Straight away I felt at home playing the game the controls felt so natural and you knew instantly that this was a Pure bread Metal Gear Game. (just incase you missed the box art & titles lol) It just felt right.

Even if the entire game was the 1st 10mins of gameplay over and over again it would still be the best game this year, hell this is the greatest 3rd Person game for me since Gears of War or maybe even Resident Evil 4's gamecube outing both of which are in my personal top 10 games.

As for the stealth Genre no body does it better than Kojima, Yes I played the Splintercell Series and enjoyed the games even the last Next Gen outing in the form of Double Agent, which I thought was a good game but when you play them its always in the back of your mind why this game even exists. For the sake of ALL Gamers i hope that Kojima does not mean it when he says this will be his last outing in the series.

Anything else due for release in 08 has alot to live upto. Now bring on 09 and Resident Evil 05!

[pboreham]

Originally Posted by SkilledNutter

Well its the ONLY PS3 game I own at present even though I have had my Machine since the US Launch.

Unlike the previous games I have had for this system this one will never be sold or traded and even borrowed out

Dont think you'll be alone there. Its definately a 'keeper' - a piece of software that whether you love it, or can just appreciate it, its one you wont let go.

Same with GTA4 - it gets dull and repetitive etc, but I still think its the best technically achieving game I've ever played and for that reason, I'm keeping it as a tribute to the hard work put in my R*.

[crazzy kopite]

Everybodys Golf deserves a mention in a thread like this.

[supahoops]

Sounds like this could be the first big exclusive game that the PS3 is worth buying for.


Much has been said about GT5 Prologue, Resistance:FOM and the potential of Little Big Planet but i think MGS4 will really shift some units for SONY, if anything because its a well established franchise.

[Widge]

Although in my mind, Warhawk alone has been worth the money for sheer enjoyment and hours its given me.

Its just not a "hey! look at me!" flagship game to wave around...

[Mark Hodgkinson]

Originally Posted by pboreham

For anyone worried about not having played any MGSs before - dont be.

That's good to hear as I was concerned the whole thing may be too esoteric for me so I've held off on getting this. How do other newcomers to the franchise feel about MGS4?

[pboreham]

Originally Posted by crazzy kopite

Everybodys Golf deserves a mention in a thread like this.

Yep, forgot about that! Definately put that in the same category, but it doesnt have the 'name' for the casual gamer to choose to buy a PS3 I wouldnt have thought...

[harrisuk]

THis is certainly the best ps3 game so far graphically, gameplay and quality wise IMO.

Got to say I was a little disappointed with the graphics when I first started playing it, still plenty of jaggies present even at 1080p on my pj.

That said it is a very good picture and things seem to get better as the game goes on. Its a little unfair being picky, its at least as good as anything I have seen on the 360 up their with the likes of GOW, Bioshock.

I think this game shows that with the ps3 the grahics processor is going to be bottleneck. loads of processing power to spare the AA is just not their for the top end of visuals.

Still an exceptionally good game. 9+ out of 10 so far.

This game is certainly worth buying a ps3 for, the first one I would say but this one delivers big time.

[Jack-Deth]

Initial thoughts so far are that it is the best game I have played on any console yet IMHO. I think at last there is a game which really shows off the PS3 and hints at what's to come from developers who put a bit (or a lot) of thought into a game. Graphically its up there with the best surpassing GOW and possibly even Bioshock (not picking a fight, just IMHO!). The gameplay is just fantastic, involving and challenging. Its very atmospheric, with beautiful attention to detail. Its definitely one of those "I'll just get to the next checkpoint before I finish" and then you carry on playing anyway!

Not tried the online yet - I note from the update that they have increased the speed of your character.

[mpn]

This game is what the ps3 needed !!! At last a game which truly shows the consoles capabilities. This is by far the next gen defining moment for me, it looks and plays beautifully. Cod4 looked good but personally i think this is way ahead in terms of graphics. Its like your in the game, and yes the cutscenes are long, but they totally imerse you into the story. The game is a joy to play and its the game which will sell ps3 consoles. I have yet to try online but im sure i will get there eventually.

[Jim_Fear]

Act 3, all I can say is Act 3

[Sulley75]

Do i need to have played all of the previous games to understand whats going on? I only played the original and the 2nd game.

Also, as there is alot of cutscenes is there less gameplay? I dont mind watching cutscenes but i would hate to think the cutscenes have taken over actually playing.

Thanks in advance,

Gaz.

[catisfit]

Originally Posted by skydive

Also, as there is alot of cutscenes is there less gameplay? I dont mind watching cutscenes but i would hate to think the cutscenes have taken over actually playing.

No, the cutscenes are in addition to the gameplay, not instead of it

[Jonstone]

This is a superb game and it oozes quality, definitely the sort of title the PS3 has been crying out for since launch.

I can see how some people might not like the gameplay, the stealth style is not everyones thing, but you can't argue with the quality of the title.

[drskhaled]

I'm only in the first act and so far the graphics gameplay and audio all combined make this the game of the year for me. The level of detail is amazing and the cut scenes are mesmerising. There are too many stand out touches to mention but things like the ipod and podcasts are classic. The weapons customisation is so detailed yet easily accesed iin the menu (rather than traipsing accross the battlefield), being able to sell surplus weapons automatically. Whilst none of these are realistic its a great gameplay mechanic. It shows just how much thought went into this game.

I have to declare i've been a fan of MGS since the first game so perhaps my judgement is biased but despite being a gta fanboy i wouldnt give gta4 a 10/10. Despite being addicted to guitar hero and rock band iwouldnt give either of those games a 10/10. Despite having played every mario since the snes i wouldnt give SM galaxy a 10/10. Having only played a few hours of MGS4 its looking like my first 10/10 game fro the next gen (all imo of course).

[harrisuk]

Well for me its down to how well a game hold your interest ie cant put down.

GTA4 was OK put I got bored of it very quickly. I played super mario gallaxy once and though it was childish rubbish. Its just sat their on the shelf. Last games I was into this much were GOW, Bioshock and Halo 3 in that order. I also played Dead Rising non stop for days when that came out.

Those are alll incredible games but this is probably my favourite. An unmissable game is one you cant stop playing....

[CAS FAN]

I would say yes. I love GT5p, but it does have flaws and unless you're a mad TTer like me and several other folk on here you probably won't like it like I do. There has been a lot of very good games on the PS3 (Uncharted, Ratchet & Clank, GTAIV, Burnout Paradise, Singstar, GT5p, Resistance, COD4 etc.) but this does stand out as not only the best PS3 title to date, but also as a contender for the best game of the generation.

[Dan Gleebitz]

Great thread btw. I'm so happy the PS3 has finally got a rock "Solid" *ahem* triple A title. This game proves the PS3 has potential. Granted... this game was made by the genius that is Hideo Kojima, but it proves it can be done and I hope this is the first of many outstanding exclusives for PS3.

It's oh so tempting, but there's no way you can give this game of the year just yet, purely because we're only half way through 2008! But yeah, if I had to pick now then this would be my game of the year for sure, and probably the best thing I've played for a long while.

[enablerbro1]

I finally fired it up today and visually and aurally it is amazing IMHO. It took so long to actually start any meaningful gameplay thought that I barely had a chance to get anywhere with it but I will return to it and hopefully add gaming to the visuals and sound. Very impressive title on at least counts and should shift a few PS3s.

[harrisuk]

Well I am 9 hours in and I have to say its an absolutely amazing game. Just starting the 3rd chapter now I am presumming it has 4 chapters....

The end of the second chapter goes down of some of the best gamming experience ever in a single player game. SImply superb

[Jim_Fear]

Originally Posted by harrisuk

Well I am 9 hours in and I have to say its an absolutely amazing game. Just starting the 3rd chapter now I am presumming it has 4 chapters....

The end of the second chapter goes down of some of the best gamming experience ever in a single player game. SImply superb

You'll say otherwise when you do act 3.

*Possible Spoiler*
And if you've played MGS1 you'll well up in act 4

[CurlyPutz]

MGS4 = Best game this year for me. 10/10.

[chowyunfatt]

In the top 5 'most influential' video games ever made 10/10 no need to say more.
in no particular order.

Pacman
Super Mario 64
MGS4
Zelda OOT
Street Fighter 2

All the above changed video games for ever.

[pboreham]

Originally Posted by chowyunfatt

In the top 5 video games ever made 10/10 no need to say more.
in no particular order.

Pacman
Super Mario 64
MGS4
Zelda OOT
Street Fighter 2

All the above changed video games for ever.

Interesting debate (prob for another thread) - as I take your point re Pacman, but no way can it be called one of the top 5 games ever made.

Top 5 'most influential' or even 'most important', but not best.

[chowyunfatt]

Originally Posted by pboreham

Top 5 'most influential' or even 'most important',

thats what i meant, as best games are peoples opinions - edited thanks

[DJ Ovengloves]

Play have done me a favour and lost my Haze order so as of today I'm 40 quid richer.

I was wondering whether to take a punt (I'm not a MGS fan), but your comments have swayed me to go get a copy

Originally Posted by pboreham

Even considering I am not a big MGS fan, as a gamer of over 20 years, I can appreciate quality.

Playing through only act one of MGS4 last night, I was blown away. Ok, the actual gameplay mechanics haven't changed that much since MGS1 and it can still be frustrating (to me anyway), but you cannot help but fall in love with MGS4.

The much discussed cinematics, whilst high in number and length, are superbly done - I'd say the best I've ever seen. There are times when you could be watching a high-budget Hollywood film - and by this I mean its the little things that suck you in. The texture of the characters skin, the way their hair and clothes move realistically in the breeze etc - squint slightly and its movie quality.

For anyone worried about not having played any MGSs before - dont be. As I mentioned, I'm not a big MGS fan and despite completing the first, I only had fleeting looks at 2 and 3 and dismissed them as 'same old, same old', so the back story is lost on me.

What Konami (and really Kojima) has done is make a story that stands alone - is gripping (thus far) and action packed, meaning newcomers to the MGS story arc will be able to pick up this game and run with it quite happily. Then for the obssessed, there are telling nods to past stories, names of characters that whilst work in a standalone game, will instantly conjure memories of Metal Gears past.

Then finally, for someone in the middle like me, there is an option to watch a 're-cap', a flashback if you will on the dialogue currently being spoken. So if you want to reaquaint yourself with the backstory, even for a newbie, its there.

But let me get back to my point before this turns into a review thread!

Metal Gear Solid 4 CAN sell the PS3, I now have no doubts about it. I pray that Konami keeps it exclusive to Sony - at least for as long as they can.

It gives the PS3 a real unique IP and one I imagine 360 owners will look on with in envy. And I dont want to turn this into ANOTHER 360 v PS3 thread, my point here is for us all to get better games, each console needs good exclusives to sell the hardware and MGS4 will do that for PS3 alone.

I think as a game, it would feel out of place on the 360. I know MG has travelled over to M$ in the past, but MGS4 'feels right' for PS3. Its mature, sharp and the interface is suitably futuristic, encompassing the general feel of the PS3 and its probable more mature audience.

Its heartening (for me as a PS3 owner only now), to be able to play a game almost made for the system and I would lose a bit of that special feeling if it finally ends up in the 360.

So in closing, despite GTA4 being huge and some other superb games in the PS3 catalog (like COD4, GT5p, GRiD etc), I think Metal Gear Solid 4 is already shaping up to be the best game on the system.

I may well get some flak for that, considering I've only had it 24 hours, but I hope I've got enough experience in gaming to know a good thing when I see it and once others get their hands on it today, I'm sure they will echo the same.

Enjoy!

[Fanners]

Wow, iv heard nothing but positives about this game. But im still.....not sure.. I really am not into far-fetched things like people with special powers and giant robots (that sound like a cow lol) and this really puts me off the game. Do u think i should see past these things as the gameplay, graphics, sound ect are so good? Or will i not be able to avoid them as they play a big roll in the story line. I was not going to game this game but i seem to be alone. I need a new game, i will not be disappointed will i? Giv me ur thoughts, thanks alot

[featherhall]

I have played the first 2 acts, and I think it is a pretty good game. Not groundbreaking (like eg Bioshock, or as good as CoD4). The cut scenes are the games biggest problem for me. Yes, we all like a story, but does there really need to be this amount ?
Graphics are excellent, as is the atmosphere, but the only thing stopping it from being a 9 or 10/10 game is the cutscenes.
Still, I knew when I bought it that the game would have them, and can live with them, but they could have halved the time on them.

Solid 8.5/10 for me. Glad that the PS3 finally has an exclusive AAA title though.

[ElliottC666]

I agree with most of the comments here. I haven't had a ps3 all that long, only 1 month but i've got a fair few games and this is the best i've played so far. Its certainly the best console game i've played in a very long time.
GTA4 was good, i've finished the game but haven't played it since.
COD4 was brilliant for the first few hours, then i realised its the same as all the old ones, just better graphics and more realistic. The online play hardly holds my attention for more than 2 hours, not like BF2.

This isn't directly aimed at the poster before me, but why does everyone call bioshock "ground-breaking and a breath of fresh air"? Was i playing the same game as everyone else? I have it for PC and though the visuals were pretty good, the water effects were fantastic and the environment were probably the best i've seen in a game but that was it for me.
I honestly think MGS4 is a cut above the rest.