I'd agree with everything except bringing back MGS4's globe-trotting. I think it weakened the overall narrative and didn't allow the game to focus on the characters because it kept introducing more and more. The feeling of isolation brought on by confining the game to one (or most two) locations helps create the feeling that you're alone in enemy territory.
Mortal Kombat I was brilliant due to its simplicity. Gamers like myself didn't want to focus hours on learning elaborate "hyruken" moves. Just tactical close combat fighting, and fairly easy fatalities to rub your friend's face in your victory.
acemcgregor's comments