Metal Gear Solid 4

Ever since Metal Gear Solid on the PlayStation, the Metal Gear franchise has been at the cutting edge of gaming. It’s no understatement to say that Metal Gear Solid 2 being in production sold a good many consoles alone, and after the fantastic third game in the series, Metal Gear Solid 4 is definitely going to be one of the crown jewels in the games line-up for the PlayStation 3, right next to the next Gran Turismo.

It’s fair to say that whenever Hideo Kojima is involved in a game, you know it’s going to be something special, and will also involve a lot of jaw-dropping cutscenes weaving the twisting and turning storyline together. Metal Gear Solid 4 looks to be no different in this respect. The story takes place in the future and involves a lot of similar faces which have aged considerably since the last time we saw them.

The futuristic setting has let the art department go nuts apparently, in a good way. From the trailers released around the net, the atmosphere as always is top notch and the enemy design is futuristic, metallic, scary and beautiful. When was the last time a Metal Gear game didn’t push a system to its limits though? I think I can say with certainty that this will be one of those games that highlights the gap between current systems and the PlayStation 3.

Unlike previous games in the series, the action will be taking place in a war-zone. Instead of being a lone insurgent, events and fire fights will be taking place all around you. This should add a lot of pace to the game and make sure the game isn’t just more of the ‘same old same old’ that so many other sequels turn out to be.

In interviews Hideo Kojima has let a few details slip such as letting the player choose the best way to handle each situation and players having much more interaction with characters in the game, being able to forge alliances or grudges. Apparently you will be able to engage the enemies in a mental battle which possibly involves using their fears against them – sort of like Batman maybe?

Each time we see a new snippet, trailer or screenshot of this game we are reminded that this is indeed going to be something special. Without a doubt this will be a key player in the upcoming console war, and everyone here at NZGamer, no matter their gaming preferences, are biting at the bit to play this game as soon as possible.