The long-awaited fourth installment of designer Hideo Kojima’s critically acclaimed “Metal Gear Solid” franchise has finally been released on PlayStation 3. “Metal Gear Solid 4,” Sony’s first exclusive marquee title of 2008, skillfully intertwines Hollywood-quality cinema with state-of-the-art gameplay mechanics to reinvigorate the console’s previously floundering sales.
Players will be captivated by the game’s unique blend of compelling narrative and intense gameplay. The first 20 minutes reinvents video game storytelling, placing the player in a chaotic battlefield and forcing the player to traverse a stark, gritty, Middle Eastern city as two warring factions battle all around. Over the course of the game’s riveting five acts, the player will cross four continents including one location that long-time “Metal Gear” fans will remember fondly.
Tying together the complex narrative and robust gameplay is an engrossing soundtrack created by Hollywood composer Harry Gregson-Williams. In addition to three previous “Metal Gear” games, Gregson-Williams also composed soundtracks for Hollywood films like “The Rock” and “Kingdom of Heaven.” From the initial riff of the acoustic opening song, the player is immersed in a somber world of the not-too-distant future.
“Metal Gear Solid 4” is the final chapter in the life of Solid Snake, once a young member of the elite military group Fox Hound, now a grizzled, elderly veteran for hire. The story of the game centers on themes of war and makes clear statements on issues like the use of private military companies and America’s dependence on war as an economic staple.
Over the past 10 years, the “Metal Gear” titles have become known for “breaking the fourth wall,” and this installment is no exception. Characters frequently address the player directly and make witty remarks about controller setup and the power of the PlayStation 3. “Metal Gear” tries hard to blur the lines that define the video game genre; it features surprisingly tasteful examples of product placement, including an iPod that allows Snake to enjoy music, director commentary and podcasts.
If this is your first time in the world of “Metal Gear Solid,” you might be overwhelmed by the story. Newcomers to the franchise can read up on the fictional history of Snake for free via Sony’s online Metal Gear Solid Database, though this homework is completely optional.
New players should also be warned about a few things before leaping head-first into the world of “Metal Gear Solid.” This game is an interactive summer blockbuster. Occasionally you will encounter lengthy cutscenes averaging 30 minutes or more, so budget your time accordingly.
Even with the game’s somewhat questionable cutscene-to-gameplay ratio, this is still is one of the finest titles available for the PlayStation 3. It does an incredible job of showcasing the graphical power of the system and makes a great argument for games as a mode of compelling narration.
Fans of “Metal Gear” will find this installment to be a fitting conclusion to one of the longest running series in video game history, and new players may be inspired to pick up the earlier titles, if only to figure out those flashbacks. “Metal Gear Solid 4” eloquently wraps up 20 years of “Metal Gear” fiction and puts a nice little bow right on top.