Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker delayed to June 8, PSP Pack unveiled

In keeping with its peripatetic title, the upcoming Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker isn't in a hurry to get to stores. Sony today announced that the Konami-published stealth action game won't arrive until June 8. Previously it had been dated for May 25.

The news came from Sony as the electronics giant announced a limited-edition PSP hardware bundle for the game set to arrive June 8, "day and date with stand-alone game." The bundle includes a "Spirited Green" version of the handheld, a UMD copy of Peace Walker, a 2GB memory stick, and a voucher for a downloadable movie yet to be announced (movie for US residents only). Those who pick up the bundle will also get access to a pair of unlockable in-game goodies in the form of a Fox-branded camouflage uniform and stealth gun feature.

A sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and previous PSP entry Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, Peace Walker puts players in the role of Naked Snake/Big Boss once more and gives them a look at the earliest stages of his Outer Heaven mercenary group. Series creator Hideo Kojima and Konami are emphasizing Peace Walker as a "full-scale sequel" in the Metal Gear series and not a spin-off or side project.

One of the big new additions to Peace Walker is cooperative multiplayer action for up to four players. Gamers can pick one of four versions of Snake, each with its own equipment and focus on stealth, combat, or a mix of the two.

Peace Walker also plays with the standard structure of past Metal Gear games. Players will be able to revisit previously completed missions, and Konami is borrowing a page from its recent Metroid-inspired Castlevania titles to give them a reason to. Snake will earn new abilities as he progresses through the game, enabling him to reach secret areas from earlier levels on a repeat visit.

For more on Peace Walker, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.