The best game ever? For some, certainly (Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3))

Member Name: CrazyJamie

Product:	Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)
Date:	19/02/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A cinematic experience like no other; stunning gameplay and graphics

Disadvantages: Very long movie sequences limit the gameplay experience

Metal Gear Solid 4 is an exceptional game. That cannot be denied. This game has been created with the dedication and attention to detail that makes the greatest games what they are. You could play this game through ten times and not see all of the brilliant little touches, of which there are thousands. The core gameplay is better than it has ever been before, with a control system and gameplay mechanics that allow a wide variety of satisfying and effective tactics. There are many different ways to approach any one scenario, and you never feel as if you're forced into one being 'the best one'. This game can genuinely be played in many different ways, which is part of the triumph.

The game is not technically 'flawless'. In fact, two potential problems present themselves. The first is that the cutscenes are just too long. They are frequently half an hour or more, and though they are put together with the skill that many movie developers would be jealous of, ultimately this is a computer game and not a movie. That's not a problem if you become engrossed in the cutscenes, which many will (hence seeing past the flaw). But if you don't, you will get bored during this game. Yes, the cutscenes can be skipped, but there is a constant feeling that you just don't want to do that because you might miss something important. Which is fair enough.

On the flip side of that coin, you have the problem that there really isn't a lot of gameplay there. Those who play the game through twice and skip the cutscenes will understand just how little gameplay there is in this. Which is a real shame. There is certainly replay value there in droves, but you can't help but feel that just making the game longer or more interactive would have been preferable. That said, the gameplay that is there is so stunningly good that bringing it up as a problem feels like nitpicking.

Overall, Metal Gear Solid 4 is a marvellous game that in many ways everybody who owns a Playstation 3 should play. But the reception it gets will depend on whether you become engrossed by the cutscenes, or bored by them. If you have played and enjoyed any previous game in the series, then this is an essential buy, because you've just got more of the same here with a next gen upgrade. But for those who don't like the cutscene heavy style, renting might well be the better option.

Summary: Epic, engrossing and cinematic. There's just not a lot of gameplay.