MGS 4 PS3 Review

Navneet Prakash, Jun 21, 2008 1129 hrs IST

I remember playing the first MGS way back in 1998; an unforgettable experience. Today, after 10 years, I review the last game in the series, one that's as good as all its predecessors.

Unparalleled gameplay and graphics, top-notch presentation, great sound effects, epic boss battles, high replay value, the most action-packed game in the series, brilliant cut-scenes, one of the best games ever made, Metal Gear Online.

Cons? Are you kidding me?

Expert Rating :

Expert Review

Gameplay The true highlight of the game is the sneaky gameplay, as always. This time around the controls are a little different and a lot easier, so even newcomers will find it easy to control Snake. The reworked controls make gunplay, a core gameplay element, very easy. MGS 4 isn't all about sneaking, though, for the game puts you in the middle of a battlefield and it's your choice to either go guns blazing or sneak around the battlefield. The game starts off in the Middle East, with a PMC fighting a militant group. Liquid was spotted in the Middle East and Snake is there to find him. The game has many gadgets that come in handy, the first one is called Octocamo, a suit that changes textures to match the surrounding, then there is the Solid EYE, a multi-utility goggle and the MK-II, a small bi-pedal robot controlled by Otacon. The MK-II can also be controlled by Snake and used to scout around the battlefield and electrocute a few enemies.

The first interesting enemies you encounter are called Gekkos. These are walking tanks that form a major part of Liquid's army. The Gekkos are formidable enemies, as they always attack in huge numbers and can wipe out the entire battlefield in seconds. As you go about completing your mission, you meet Drebin, a very useful guy. Drebin is a gun launderer and his business is guns. In MGS 4, all the PMCs carry ID-marked guns, so these guns can be used only by the PMCs soldiers. Drebin can unlock the guns for you, so that you can use them. You can also sell him guns found lying on the battlefield or dropped by PMC soldiers. Drebin can customize your weapons, adding a grenade launcher, a shotgun or a flashlight to your existing guns. He is the most useful character in the game and gives you some really cool customizations.

A major change in gameplay is the Psyche meter, this works similar to the stamina bar in MGS 3. You need to make sure that your Psyche meter isn't too low, as it will affect your healing and your ability to shoot. Snake will lose some morale or Psyche if he hears something disturbing. You can then regain your morale by drinking various items found on the battlefield, or by looking at the Playboy Magazine that is found in the game. The Playboy can also be used to distract other soldiers. The game has many Easter Eggs and you would need to play through the game at least 3-4 times to be able to view them all. MGS 4 creates scenarios where you need to pick up your gun and fight, mostly with a squad. In the battlefield there are two groups fighting each other, so it's your choice who you support. The side that you support will help you as well, giving you useful items like bullets and ration. A particular mission that has a lot of gunplay involved is the one where you fight the Frogs along with Meryll's squad. The Frogs are a group of highly trained female soldiers, who can be quite challenging in a group. There are many fixed scenarios where Snake will have to resort to violence, but the gunplay is so awesome you will enjoy every minute of it. MGS 4 gives you the liberty to choose between action and stealth, but succeeds in maintaining the balance. There is a particular level that will have you track down somebody, you have to do so while avoiding enemies and looking for clues that include footprints, animal movements, trampled grass and a particular piece of inner-wear (yes, inner-wear, honest). The Octocamo is very useful as it helps in sneaking around the battlefield. The way it changes textures to match the ground or wall is just awesome. You can save a particular texture for later use, and you can acquire a Face Camo as well, which makes it easier to sneak around. Let me elaborate, just in case you have no idea about the camouflage system. This system is similar to the Camo system in MGS 3. A number on the HUD indicates your visibility on the battlefield. A high percentage means that you are not clearly visible to the enemy, so once you stick to a surface and the OctoCamo changes its texture, you are almost invisible to the enemy. Let's talk about boss battles now.

The boss battles are another treat, and the first group of bosses, called Beauty and the Beast, are group of 4 deadly females with unique powers. Each of their battles is designed very well and they carry just the right amount of sensuality that you would expect from any female character in the MGS series (remember Eva, anyone?). There is a big story to their origins and reason for being what they are, and these are told in true Kojima style. There are other scenarios, which include bikes and tanks and Gekkos and Raiden and so much more. All I can say is that you just have to play it.