@Naikoru105 You probably skipped the 540 optional codec sequences that HUGELY flesh out every single event in the game. The cutscenes are fewer and shorter from a typical MGS game to keep the flow brisk, matching the gameplay, but I found every one substantive and awesome.
Another thing I want to address, is that many people are complaining about the "6-hour" first-playthroughs. What they're not mentioning is that the counter at the end, which tells you your clear-time, doesn't factor in pausing, codec-sequences, cutsecenes, or deaths; I'd imagine the average time would be more around 8-10 hours, which isn't half bad for an action title, and on top of being ridiculously replayable (don't forget the 20 unlockable VR missions).
People can keep on bitching, but it's already looking to be a GOTY contender for me; I haven't had this much fun with a game in a good while.
@zwenti I've played it and beat it. Yes, it's short. The graphics may not be AMAZING, but they look pretty damn good while sustaining a high fps with lightning-quick movement. The best thing, however, is that it's the most damn exhilarating piece of entertainment I've experienced since Bayonetta. There's no peers when it comes to Platinum action.
@liononzion "Whiny" is such a popular description for his behavior in MGS2, but when trying to portray self-doubt and deep questioning of one's own actions and what they're truly fighting for, I think they portrayed Raiden as well as they could have hoped to in MGS2; the subverted themes and storytelling of that game are sublime, and truly ahead of its time in terms of using videogames as a storytelling medium. I was blown away by it by the end, and to this day, remains as my favorite Metal Gear experience, and so closely followed by MGS1 and 3 respectively. I could ramble on about why I personally love the game, but if anyone cares to read in great detail why I think it's a narrative masterpiece in video games, this feature explains nicely to those who may have skimmed over or missed the many numerous and subtle details of what it was all about: http://www.metalgearsolid.net/features/mgs2-story-ending-symbolism-analysis
Anyways, while I disagree with Raiden not being a "great character", at least in regards to MGS2, I do agree that he's perhaps a more empathetic one, as opposed to the legendary offspring of Big Boss himself; I appreciate the flaws and deep psychological trauma associated with his character as opposed to the mentally stable and principled Solid Snake, who's a more typical (though still effective) protagonist. Solid / Naked Snake will always represent the heart of the Metal Gear SOLID franchise, but I believe there's room for growth outside of the Solid series. As I've stated above, I don't really like where Raiden's character has headed post-MGS2, But I'm willing to give his own game a shot; if anything, I know with Platinum (and by what I've seen of the gameplay so far) that I'll have a hell of an action experience.
@faizanhd Since PC is part of the multi-platform release, and without shoddy last-minute porting that Bamco wouldn't let FROM work on a bit longer, things should be much better this time around for Dark Souls. My purchase will be for the PC.
@BIOJECT @deathstream You're right about the second-amendment, but given that the volatility of the late 18th century has long-passed, its purpose as insurance against government tyranny has faded into antiquity; the founders did create an AMENDABLE constitution for a reason, being a living, breathing document that's meant to be able to adapt to the times. That being said, I highly doubt anything's going to happen to the second amendment in our lifetimes, if ever, in this country's lifespan.
As for stricter gun-control laws, I don't see the issue in banning assault weapons; there's no reason for civilians in having access to weapons with such high-volume killing power. You speak of the slippery slope regarding the abolition of firearms, so let me approach it from the opposite spectrum; why not permit civilian access to light machine-guns, military-issue sniper rifles, and RPGs? Is it not because of their incredibly destructive nature? An AR-15, as well as other semi-automatic assault weapons, is comparable in its capacity to kill. In a stable society such as ours, and contrary to what you and many others may believe; one that's about as far away to open revolt and revolution as you could imagine; outside of the shooting range, these weapons have no practical place in society, and have thus far proven to be nothing but a detriment.
And let's just assume for the moment that Obama decides to go all Pol Pot on us tomorrow, and that somehow, by some miracle, the military and congress doesn't rebel against his orders: what could our scattered pockets of undisciplined, unresolved, and ill-communicated gun-owners do against the most technologically advanced military in the world, with complete first-strike ability, and command over domestic infrastructure? Very little.
Also:
"As for our gun laws, I would rather have a daily mass shooting than give up any more of our gun rights to the government."
There's paranoia, and there's ignorance, but this is just absurd; I don't know how anyone could take you seriously after that statement.
@firstfist I'm fine with a "tutorial" kind of set-up in the beginning, but definitely NOT okay with a difficulty slider; one of the hallmarks of the franchise is its challenge, and that should remain integral to the experience. I have no issue with nudging players in how to approach the game, and perhaps explain the stat-system better, but not by giving multiple difficulties. One of the greatest beauties of Dark Souls is that knowing your accomplishments and achievements are weighed equally against everyone else; knowing that you faced the same challenge, and having the assurance that other people are going through your same toils - that's one of the aspects that makes a Souls game what it is.
@servb0ts Truly, I think he understood the difference between games and reality; he knew he was killing people. What he lacked was empathy; he either felt littlle, nothing, or an uncontrollable rage. Either way, he had severe anti-social issues affecting his mind, and there was nothing that inhibited him in this endeavor.
@beast70 @dragonsama I understand this, but that's not really my argument here. First and foremost, my argument is the ban against assault weapons. Lanza would indeed most likely have acquired his mother's firearms even if she had the proper licensing. The AR-15, however? There almost certainly would have been more children alive today if not for the increased power and 30-round magazines that such a weapon provided to the scene. Stricter gun-control will just help save lives in general, and promote a more responsible environment for gun-ownership.
@digitaltiger I view it more as a conduit for our basal propensity towards violence; just because our society has come so far in so little a time, as you've mentioned, doesn't mean that we can curb our violent instincts - we're still quite a young species. I'll admit that I find many of these violent video games satisfying. What differentiates myself from someone such as Adam Lanza, however, is my capacity for empathy, and thus, a sense of ethics, morality, and restraint.
With someone who was so isolated from the rest of the world, and who had such severe anti-social tendencies, it's not terribly surprising that such an event transpired. Of course, our culture has helped contribute to this, and if he indeed had asperger's syndrome, his brain chemistry also could have contributed immensely. Worst of all, however, was his family for allowing him to arrive at such a state; his mother seemingly only helped enable her son's anti-social tendencies by giving someone who's clearly mentally unstable more isolation, and the same conduit of violence. I personally have nothing against violent media, but believe it should only be consumed by those who have a capacity towards empathy, which is implicit with strong mental health. How does one regulate such a thing, however? I feel that's beyond our current capabilities of our society.
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