Metal Gear Solid 4 Review

Metal Gear Solid. The Tactical Espionage game that has sucked in fans around the world and has never let go. This may be out 3 years nearly but I recently picked it up again and thought i'd review it. Metal Gear Solid 4 was released 10 years after MGS1 and 20 years after the original Metal Gear which started the franchise. This game is the final in the main franchise and boy did Kojima deliver in giving Solid Snake a heroic send off. Set in the year 2014, Solid Snake has been brought in to assassinate his brother Liquid Snake. Liquid has taken control of the worlds military powers and has sent the world into near 24 hour war. Well here's my review.

Story:

Well the first thing that people should know is, Snake isn't a young man anymore and it isn't just because the game secretly advanced decades between the 5 years that MGS2 and MGS4 were separated. This is later explained to be his cells deteriorating seeing as he is just a clone of Big Boss. The game isn't just set in one big area which is just replayed over and over again like the Big Shell in MGS2 and Shadow Moses in MGS1. MGS4 is set in 5 unique areas, The Middle East, Papua New Guinea, Eastern Europe (Based on Czech Republic according to credits), Shadow Moses and Arsenal Gear.

The world has been plunged into eternal war, mainly thanks to Liquid Snake controlling a large amount of the worlds PMC groups and his want to stomp out all resistance. Snake is charged with killing Liquid and heads to the Middle East to kill him however as the game progresses and more and more twists undo, we learn that after years of killing Weapons of Mass Destruction, Snake is turning into one. The Fox Die virus that Naomi Hunter inserted into him in MGS1s receptors are breaking down as he ages, in simple terms, when the receptors go, The virus kills anyone regardless of genetic code. I don't want to say much more about this story but it is truly fantastic. Many characters return for one last pow-wow, Meryl Silverburgh, Johnny Sassaki (The guy who has made some form of appearance in each game and then preceeds to shit himself Johnny), Otacon and Colnel Campbell of course are back. Various boss's return in some form and more. The story truly is gripping and if you've been a fan of the MGS series for a while it's nearly impossible not to crack a tear at the end.

GAME-PLAY: With each installment of the Metal Gear franchise, more and more elements were brought in which revolutionised our tactical espionage experience. In Metal Gear 2, they introduced FPS and area damage (e.g. Radios breaking when shot, kneepcaps being shot, Hold ups). Metal Gear 3 they introduced camouflage and stamina and CQC (Close Quarter Combat) and in Metal Gear 4? They revolutionized what revolutionized means...

All these features return with so much more it's surprising they could even fit it on one Blu Ray with everything else.

One new addition is the "Drebin Shop". Drebin is a gun launderer you meet in the opening minutes of the game who agrees to unlock weapons which have ID locks on them and sell you ammo and buy extra guns back off you. Weapon customization has been all out renovated with about 80% of weapons being able to have customizations such as scopes, laser sites, grenade launchers, lights, masterkeys, grips, silencers and more. Camouflage returns in the 'guise of the Octocamo, a sneaking suit which mimics the terrain around you to make you get the most out of your camouflage. There's so much variation in terrain that I find it nearly impossible how they could've ever done it, it also gives you the opportunity to play as other characters by turning on the face camo and playing as young snake, Raiden, the bosses and more and it's possible to use codes and using your ability to scan levels to unlock extra outfits such as militia outfits, tuxedo and Altairs traditional garb from Assassins Creed 1. There is even more though, if you find some unique camo you can store it for easy access. There are other features like the Solid Eye, which acts as you're radar, NVG and Thermal goggles for this game.

Weapons have more than octupled in this game so you're never stuck for choice whether you want to go primitive with a sawed-off shotgun or high-tech with a rail-gun you can find the gun that's right for you. The Metal Gear brand of Comedy returns and there's a lot of it. For instance when you're in Shadow Moses and arrive at the location where in the middle of MGS1 you had to change discs Otacon calls you up and an amusing conversation starts up (see below)

There is so much more that you can do but i'll let you guys find that for yourselves.

Graphics and Music: It's obvious that the PS3 has better hardware but the Xbox has far better online (Only highlighted by the recent psn outage), but because this is exclusive, Konami was able to pump as much as they can into this Blu-Ray disc and it was mind-blowing. Transition from CGI to normal isn't even noticeable and the textures on things like grass and guns really do look amazing. MGS returns with another OST but this time with an "Ipod" feature where you can play songs from the Classic games, Whether it's MG1 or MGS1 you'll be satisfied with the wide array of songs. The originals though are as always brilliant and done really well for what ever the mood may be.

Other: In the extended edition of Metal Gear Solid 3, Snake Eater (Subsistence) there was a multiplayer option, this has been introduced to MGS4. I don't like it. Metal Gear I think, isn't really a game you CAN make an online with. You may be able to down the line but this part is just a waste of space on my Ps3s hard drive. There are many flaws with it such as making a friendly game with friends being impossible. The community too is a big reason why I hate it, even though it's not necessarily Konamis fault it's just that a lot of people like to report people for abuse if they do better than them, Not all players do this, but a lot of them do. There is one advantage to having this game get an online feature. By typing in passwords in the online menu you can get yourself new shit for single player, such as a free scoped Desert Eagle, a Patriot (The smg with infinite ammo from MGS3) and various camo and weapons with special abilities

Verdict: Well this was the last of the main Metal Gear games and they have given Snake a truly heroic send-off. This isn't just a game to me, it's in fact one of the best games I've ever played and even makes my top 3. It was one of the reasons I chose a ps3 when I was looking to advance in hardware and it was worth it. It was also worth the 12 play-throughs on my main save file.

It truly is amazing and I whole heartedly recommend it. Well done Snake, You've earned your rest :')

Liked:

• Amazing Story
• Amazing Game-play
• Amazing Graphics and Music
• Retention of original Metal Gear games
• Easter Eggs and character Comebacks.

Disliked:

• MGO

If this game came with a decent online, it could have done SO much better. But I just can't give this game the 10 it deserves for it's offline play because of it so It' gets a

9.25/10

If you have a PS3 and DON'T buy this then it's safe to assume you're going to hell :P. Until next time,

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Sony release compensation game list

These are the games we get for our trouble + a month of PS+ so i'm told. Annoyingly for me I already got 3 of the Ps3 games... *sigh* guess my psp is getting some new shit on it namely... LITTLE BIG FUCKING PLANET for the PSP which i've been trying to find for quite some time...

• LittleBigPlanet (I have)
• Infamous (I have)
• Wipeout HD/Fury (I have
• Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty (Europe only) ( I played and hated)
• Dead Nation (Looks good, may get it)
• Super Stardust HD (Usa and Ger. Only)

And two PSP games from the following list:

• LittleBigPlanet PSP (WANT!!!!!)
• ModNation Racers PSP (ALSO WANT!!!!!!!)
• Pursuit Force
• Killzone Liberation

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Gears Of War 3 Epic Edition Confirmed!

I don't often post about Collectors Editions towards video games, but for this one I feel that its appropriate considering I am totally buying this for 100 Euro's. Mad you might call me? Insane maybe? Well I dont care, you see I have been playing the Gear Of War series since November 2008 and ever since it quickly became my favourite game ever, then it became an obsession. 

Prowling around the internet trying to find anything that gave me clues or insight to the Gears Of War storyline I found myself buying books and comics on the franchise and the occasional figure of my favourite character. But thats what is awesome about being involved in a franchise, you buy everything. You may look at me and say I am crazy but when a game with those extra bit of something comes around and starts tickling your wallet you almost cant refuse. You love the world so why not? 

With the finishing of the Beta today this announcement sure is a good one with all these goodies in the box which include: 

Limited Edition ($79.99 US) – The must-have for fans who want to celebrate the culmination of the trilogy, the Limited Edition includes:
• An Octus Award Box with Octus Service Medal – A 1:1 match in size and weight, this zinc-alloy cog-shaped medal replicates the award given to Adam Fenix in recognition of his work on the Hammer of Dawn. [Dimensions: 77 mm (3 in.) x 10 mm (0.4 in.)
• Exclusive Unlockable Adam Fenix Multiplayer Character – Each Octus Service Medal replica is engraved with a unique Xbox LIVE code that is the only way to unlock Adam Fenix in multiplayer.
• A fabric COG Flag – Proud colors that once flew above the House of Sovereigns.
• The personal effects of Adam Fenix, including his "Last Will and Testament," the initial Hammer of Dawn schematic, and other Fenix family mementos.

Epic Edition ($149.99 US) – The ultimate collection for hardcore fans who can't get enough "Gears of War 3," the Epic Edition includes:
• A Limited Edition Marcus Fenix Statue – Designed by Epic Games Art Director Chris Perna and expertly crafted by the artisans at Triforce, this fine PVC statue collectible makes the ultimate living room centerpiece for any true "Gears" fan. [Dimensions: height 285 mm (11.2 in.), diameter 225 mm (8.9 in. Weight: 1.7 kg (3.7 lb.)
• The Art and Design of Gears of War by Tom Bissell - Through unprecedented access to the Epic Games team, acclaimed author Tom Bissell (Extra Lives) gives readers an incisive behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the most celebrated sagas in video game history with 96 pages of interviews, photos, concept artwork and more.
• Infected Omen Weapon Pack — Custom multiplayer skins for the game's five starting weapons; Lancer, Retro Lancer, Hammerburst, Sawed-off Shotgun, and Gnasher Shotgun.
• All the contents of the "Gears of War 3" Limited Edition.

The awesome thing about this statue is that its designed by Epic Games Art Director Chris Perna so you  know its in awesome quality, not only that Project Triforce who have been making Gears Of War replicas for a while now are making these beauties. I am loving the whole prospect of Adam Fenix becoming the main focus of the Epic Edition. Adam is a real cool character from the comics and especially from the books and there is a lot of mystery following this guy since the ending of Gears 2. I am sure we'll find answers in the final game. 

Beta impressions will be up soon with gameplay and some awesome kills by yours truly.  

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PSN is back!

Well Playstation Network is rolling out world wide again. In a video announcement Sony announced that we will get a welcome back package and that the store shall be returned soon... Well I am going off to update my console and play a bit of COD BO :P

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Modern Warfare 3 Announced With Concept Art and Impressions UPDATE: 4 NEW TRAILERS!!

Yep, its back folks the series that made the biggest game of mankind is once again hitting shelves on November 8, 2011. And if you had any game that you felt was going to be a top seller this quarter well then you certainly must drop those thoughts. Because MW3, as its called on the cover, will destroy every game on the charts. End of....

Now of course I am not saying this is the best game ever created, I am saying that its the best selling game in the world which is a slight shame. But in fairness it deserves it, and its only the aftermath that we gamers have to endure that truly sucks. I dont know about you, but did anyone notice the god-awful strand of games that tried to copy this? *cough* Medal Of Honor *cough* 

But nonetheless I am liking the sound of this game that will feature missions in New York City, London and Paris, why travel when you can play this game? And they are really war torn check them here: 

So the storyline follows just after Modern Warfare 2 where Soap and Price after killing Shepard are still on the run and meet up with some of Nikolai's Russian loyalists. You you play as a man named Yuri when the focus is laid on Soap and Price. 

You will play as new soldiers on the American side of the battle, Frost and Sandman are two new guys into the game and whether Ramirez will return from Modern Warfare 2 is not yet been confirmed.

You also play as a Russian agent in one of the missions protecting the president of Russia from Makarov. 

Seal team six will also make their appearance in the game but only by voice. They are given a salute by the Infinity Ward team by being heard over the earpieces. 

The game sounds impressive and I like the sound of the crazy battlefields in the massive city's such as New York. Unfortunately nothing is mentioned about multiplayer given its just been announced, it shall be interesting in the next coming months considering we don't have to wait that long. 

Looking forward to this I have to admit, I always liked the Modern Warfare series especially the campaign (yea I know, weird right?). 

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Don't have Angry Birds and have Google Chrome? Well guess what... YOU DO NOW!

Angry Birds, the smash hit title on the Ipod touch, Iphone, Ipad, PSP etc. is now on Google Chrome. For what price I hear you ask? Free, Zilch, Zip, Zero, 何.

All that you need is the web browser Google Chrome, which is by far, in my humble opinion, the best browser there is. The Download link is Below:

Angry Birds Google Chrome Download Link

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Metal Gear 3D gets release date

Metal Gear Solid 3D Snake Eater, The Naked Sample, has finally gotten a release date. November is the month. That's all we know. My guess on the date though? 11th or earlier. It would be beyond stupidity to have it after seeing as Skyrim and a few others will be coming out then. What i'm unsure of is it just going to be a demo like the 10 minute trailer looks like or a full remake... Let's hope it's the latter.

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Thor Movie Review

Well last night I went to see Thor with a friend of mine. I never really cared much for Thor but being a general fan of Marvel I did know of him. This is the first of the big super hero movies released this summer and here's my review of it.

A pic of the Ice Giants

Thor is the about the Norse God of Thunder from the land of Asgard. Thor grew up alongside his brother Loki while being thought the methods of being a good king from his father Odin (or his All father I should say... yes it was a very bad pun). I'm a huge fan of Mythology from Egyptian to Greek and of course the Norse so this did seem interesting in terms of a film. When it comes to Thors ascension day to become the new All Father, an unexpected attack from the Ice Giants happens as they try and steal the Cradle the source of their power. However Odin saves the day with the flick of a wrist and this doesn't go down well with Thor that his big day was ruined. So with the help of his friends and his brother Loki he invaded the Ice Giant stronghold of Jotenheim. Thor moves to attack them, throwing his hammer, Mjolnir, into the face of anyone who came near but was soon pushed back to the edges of a cliff. However at the last second Odin saves him but for starting a new war with the Ice Giants Thor is exiled to Earth and had Mjolnir removed until it found him worthy. Well that's enough spoilers.

Loki who is played by Tom Hiddleston

This movie really set up the Avengers movie for next year. Agent Coulson from the Iron Man movies returns along with Nick Fury and more. The cast personally for me, I had heard of barely any of them before but they did deliver. The 3D in this movie was spectacular, nothing is cooler than seeing an Ice Giants head explode in slo-mo as a big-ass hammer flies through it's head towards you. I loved all the Norse references e.g. Folstag (Who funnily enough was an Ice Giant himself in traditional mythology), The Einerjhar was awesome too and the special effects that was done for him. The realm of Asgard too was a mind fuck. Sailing through an epic golden city in 3D was even better than the Hallelujiah mountains in Avatar, no joke.

A pic of Odins throne in Asgard

The script was brilliant. The writers managed to deliver an amazing action script with a comedic twist which couldn't have been done without the amazing actors performances especially by Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Anthony Hopkins (Odin). I loved all the little Viking references e.g. The scene in the coffee shop. There was also an amazing original sound track. This is one that i'm definitely going to buy.

Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Natalie Portman (Jane)

But the question is, how does it stand against the original Marvel movies? Hulk movie (well who could call that a movie) Fantastic 4, Spiderman, Iron Man, X-Men and such. I think it's up at the top with the big boys. It's all a matter of opinion as to what it could be equal to, greater or less than but for me it's possibly the best or it could be tied with Iron Man, i'm still not sure. It'd definitly been the best movie I've seen so far this year and i've seen a few e.g Tron, Jackass 3D, Rango. What did I like/Dislike about this;

I liked ;

1. The great witty script
2. All the actors performances
3. Nordic references (especially Eihnerjar)
4. The music
5. The 3D and Special Effects

What I disliked :

1. Nothing, nothing at all...

This movie was near epic and has got me seriously excited about the Captain America: The First Avenger and The Avenger movie, One big ass super sequel of Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Captain America etc.

This gets 5 stars, 10/10, two thumbs up, 100%.

I just can't find any flaws and have been looking for them but I enjoyed every second. If I didn't convince you to see this, check out this trailer:

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Anonymous splinter cell confirmed to have hacked PSN

Now I've posted A LOT about anonymous these past weeks and at the start of the PSN outage I suggested, along with a large percentage of the internet, that some form of Anonymous was to blame. Well Sony has now with yet another delay announced that Anonymous members left a file called "Anonymous" after it was hacked with their "We are legion" tagline. However the "leaders" of Anonymous forums, automatically delete any and all Sony related threads in terms of accusing or planned attacks. I still see them as the problem. This splinter cell of their group wouldn't have showed up if they weren't all pissy and moany about Sony wanting to sue George Hotz (the guy who jail broke the Ps3). So regardless they are in some way to blame, but I do like how they are trying to at least show that they had nothing to do with it. So they get a +1 for me for their online presence. Still a long way to go before they ever get close to positive again.

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Does Osama Bin Laden's Death Effect Gaming?

Just pondering on the news channel throughout the past couple of days eagerly anticipating any new information on the assassination of Osama Bin Laden and I start thinking about how I have played this mission a million times in Modern Warfare 2. 

I don't know about you but when I heard about the assassination I was immediately thinking about the Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare series. It was just putting the mission that I felt was most similar to it, which my conclusion was The Gulag from Modern Warfare 2.

It was one of my favorite missions but the only problem with it was that it was a rescue mission, sent in to get Captain Price. If you were sent to kill someone the whole operation would have been very similar to Osama Bin Ladens death. But you have to admit, when you heard the news you were quite tempted to pop in that Modern Warfare 2 disk or at least tempted to play it. 

Its interesting to consider if you compile both Modern Warfare 2 and the Medal Of Honor reboot, together you get quite a similar operation done in Pakistan on Monday. The video technology that was used in Medal Of Honor is quite a contrast to what Obama was using to watch the operation live through their helmets. And obviously the mission layout of Modern Warfare 2 is similar to the outline used by the Navy Seals. After all you do kinda play as them in the The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday mission. 

I guess its an interesting look at video games when it comes to military operations like these, especially when these things do happen. Sometimes....

But whats bad about this piece of news is that the demand for modern warfare games will go up making developers less imaginative and publishers less inclined to go for more innovated titles. Modern warfare games have earned its own genre of games considering its popularity over the coming years. When someone said on the news that this 'ends a chapter of modern warfare' I knew games like the upcoming Battlefield 3 would prosper highly from this news. 

Of course this new piece of news wont change the gaming industry directly, but for the folks that hate Call Of Duty and modern warfare games in general, be prepared for a little surge of games set in modern warfare. 

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