Another 10?! Metal Gear Solid 4 Impressions

"I've been waiting for MGS4 since I was two!" yelled out one of about thirty or so males in line for the midnight release of MGS4 at my local Gamestop. Mind you, the kid couldn't be over twenty years of age (and no, it wasn't me).

The midnight release was actually a lot less chaotic than I expected. While the lines that formed for the launch of other recent titles, such as Halo 3 and Super Smash Bros. Brawl, were absolute madness, MGS4's launch was relatively quiet. Even an hour before the release, there were no more than twenty people hanging around Gamestop's front door. Some intently read their MGS4 special edition manuals, while others in line attempted to negotiate a deal with those whom were towards the front of the line -- in order to get their hands on the scarce MGS4/PS3 bundle.

"C'mon, I'll give you eight-hundred for it," implored one desperate gamer to another, the ladder simply shaking his head.

I would've felt the failed negotiator's pain, but thanks to some perseverance, I managed to actually get an MGS4/PS3 bundle held on the side for me. Five-hundred-and-thirty-four dollars of my hard-earned cash vanished that Wednesday night, and honestly folks, after playing about five or six hours into MGS4 already, I can say it's been worth every cent.

Of course, you don't have to take my word for it. Check out Jeff Haynes' review here.

Yup. Another 10.

I won't agree or disagree with the score just yet, seeing how I'm only a few hours into the game, but if I had to rate what I've played so far...

Yeah, 10 sounds about right.

The cinematography is pure art. The dialog, characterization, character design, the this-could-be-our-world undertone is the work of an absolute mastermind. The visuals, from the newly designed HUD, newly designed pause menu, to the way Snake's OctoCamo suit blends into its environment are simply jaw-dropping and drool-inducing. The actual gameplay is just... you get my drift? The game reinvents itself while still maintaining that elemental, suspenseful me-against-the-world super-spy stealth-action.

The game's level design (so far) is a lot more reminiscent to MGS3's. No narrow hallways with completely conspicuous security cameras or locked sliding doors that require a level-9 card to pass through. The levels are expansive and, thanks to the new behind the back, right-analog-controlled camera, are easier to navigate than MGS3's environments. The new camera also makes the transition between indoor and outdoor environments a lot easier.

The new aiming system is perfect. It feels as Konami meant to create a shooter. Pressing L1 now draws your weapon and brings the camera over Snake's shoulder. A yellow reticule appears on-screen and you can now aim in all directions -- while moving -- without going into first person mode. A click of the R1 button fires your weapon, and if you want get a more precise shot, slap the triangle-button to go into first-person mode. Snake can now move while in first-person mode as well. Shooting around in first-person mode almost feels like you're not playing an MGS game -- but I mean that in a most positive way, because the first person shooting in MGS2 and 3 was quite horrendous (what kind of legendary soldier stands completely still while shooting anyway?).

Go get this game now.

On a completely different note, I saw The Incredible Hulk tonight. That was good.

I also finally beat GTA4. Great game. Definitely overhyped, though.

Oh, and sorry for the lack of pictures, but it's been brought to my attention that whenever I post a picture up here without permission, the fleas of a thousand camels might infest my groin region. Therefore, here's a pretty entertaining video from YouTube for you.



See you next time folks. Same butt-time. Same butt-channel...