The one to own on PS3 (Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3))

Member Name: LastLine

Product:	Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)
Date:	05/06/09 (5 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots of new enhancements to gameplay.

Disadvantages: .

This was one of the first games I bought for my Playstation 3, and actually one of the big reasons I wanted to buy the system at all. I've been a fan of the games since MGS1 on the Playstation 1 and love the idea of the stealth action.

The game package consists of a number of elements including the main Metal Gear game, Metal Gear Online (an online only arena/rpg area) and a database.

Starting with the obvious - the Main Metal Gear game is the longest to date, at least it feels it even if it actually isn't. You start the game playing as an aged Snake - the protagonist from Metal Gear Solid 1, the reasoning for which is revealed later on in the game and which I shan't spoil for you. You have two basic choices on how to play the game this time, both of which are quite valid within the game's engine. You can either sneak through as has always been the emphasis on this series, or you can run and gun through, picking sides in firefights and building alliances with either rebels or the PMC's (Private Military Companies).

Personally I chose the stealth factor as this was my whole reason for wanting the game so much. The stealth element now relies on a camo rating, calculated as a percentage it shows you how well hidden you are. This relies on a number of things, he most major being what you are wearing, you have the option of a number of outfits, including the chameleon-esque Octocamo that allows you to blend into nearby surfaces, obviously the better you're blended the less visible you are. it also depends on the light around, darker areas make you less visible, and the position you're in - stood upright makes you less vulnerable than laying prone, but also makes you easier to spot. The best answer is often a compromise.

As you play through the game you encounter tools and people who help you sneak with greater ease so as the game gets harder you get more adept, if that makes no sense play the game and you'll see what I mean.

There are a number of new enemies in the game, some of which will seem familiar to series fans, with the bosses being blends of bosses from the previous three games, yet each one feeling new. You'll fight simple soldies and armies of robots, each of which has a unique feel to it. You'll follow a roller coster of story elements which span the whole Metal Gear Saga, with returns to old locales, and the return of old friends, and enemies.

Metal Gear Online is simply an arena style shooter that encourages the reliance on stealth kills rather than rambo-esque run and gun, you gain XP each game and as you gain XP you can get bigger better equipment and skills.

The Database, essentially links the whole game world around, meaning that if a character mentions say, Shadow Moses and you don't know who, what or where Shadow Moses is, you can look it up in the database ot help complete the games back story. A rather ingenious move if you want to know such things.
If you're a fan of the Metal Gear series this is a must by, if you just fancy something other than a run and gun go for it too.

Summary: If you're a fan of the Metal Gear series this is a must by, if you just fancy something other than a