ultimatly THE best mgs. Epic, truly a masterpeice.
Im not going to go into all the plot details because tht would be nuts but the metal gear plot is both brilliant and crazy at the same time. Its so thick and complicated tht even i got confused during the previous 3 games and this one is no different. In essence it is a metal gear game despite its 2 arguably contradictory opening acts. Basically the new control system is more suited to a third person shooter...very un-metal gear like and the emphasis on weaponry and customisation practically seduces players not to use stealth but to blast your way through. And what is amzing about the game is tht it is a stealth game but it is also equally a just as good shooter. Stealth ofcourse is still the key element to mgs4 but a little less emphasis has been put on it to suit the more contempory gamer. Stealth is still equally as good as the last 3 but improved thanks to the new controls and items so if you're an mgs fan and worried tht stealth isnt the case anymore it is...just theres another way to go. You can ofcourse do what i did and combine the 2 but some parts of the game to force every player to return to mgs4s roots and go stealth.
The graphics are top draw and the best i have seen next to Gears of war. The graphics are the most realistic though and gritty. The small details included is what stands it apart. There was one section where you are traversing a cold and snowy landscape (no spoiler intended) and you can literally see the snow caught inbetween snakes moustache and the frost starting to cover the solid-eye. The cutscenes are typically amazing, the best ive probably seen in a game...well the best yes.
Problems for me; well there are not many and thts not me being biase. The plot can be over complicated. I struggled with parts i have to admit. The voice acting can also be a bit corny (Otacon particulalry). The game can also feel more like a movie than a game and clearly the developers and kojima intended to create this blockbuster effect. The last act in particular, act 5 is atleast 70% cutscene and this can be frustrating as the only times you get to play is in little segments either side of cutscenes. However, i cant really complain because the final effect is truly epic.
There is a slight disappointment kind of effect once you have finished partly because the game is finally over and ultimatly the series. I can see why the game might not live to some peoples expectations...it did live to mine tho and thts why i can safely say this game is one of my favourite games of all time and my favourite metal gear. There are sad moments, there are truly epic moments and nostalgic moments which truly are awesome (a return to somewhere special) and ofcourse some truly jaw-dropping moments when revelations occur. The game overall is simply outstanding from the story to the kickass action/stealth gameplay. The sense of closure is immense and im glad they made raiden so cool, they made me a fan of him anyway ;D. I cant deny the game a perfect 10 because its has left a profound effect on me and set the standard of how future playstation 3 (yes it is ps3 exclusive people) games should be made. As for me -im off for my second playthrough XD