Analyzing the Problematic Hysteria Regarding MGS4
June 19th, 2008
Yes, I am aware of how my Metal Gear ramblings are probably off the charts by now. Cut me some slack though, I mean how often am I ever at the fore front of gaming conversation? So let me bathe in the sun for a little while longer.
In order to find my footing to write the last piece, I read a number of recent reviews of Metal Gear Solid 4. What I found to be quite surprising is that there appears to be a bit of a backlash regarding the mixed opinions of this title. Of course, this is another great example of the lack of acceptance and maturity among a proportion of the enthusiast crowd. I’m not particularly interested in what they have to say myself instead I feel that the pillars supporting this debarkle are much more interesting (and highly relevant to another issue that I wish to poke at later on).
Rather than summarizing the situation and picking out the tasty bits I want to work backwards this time so that I can highlight the cause of the problem. This way I can concentrate my efforts on a resolution. Read the rest of this entry »
Metal Gear Solid 4 – Complete Impressions
June 15th, 2008
Over the past few days Metal Gear Solid 4 has been a completely immersive and unreal experience for me personally, one that I never would have imagined possible, at least at this stage of life in video games. This title, is a landmark title; significant to the Playstation 3, more so to evolution of the industry. MGS4 concludes the long running franchise in the perfectly problematic way the series is known for yet in the process it represents the first foot into a new wave of interactive entertainment. Make no marks about it, Metal Gear Solid 4 is all of the photo realistic graphics, apt gameplay and mind sprawling story telling that the Playstation 3 was hyped to be. Looks like the console has finally found its feet, welcome home.
There is just so much for me to say about this game so I am going to attempt to condense it down as much as possible. On this final edit I’m at roughly 4500 words, don’t let that scare you away (..no please come back!). Everything is under neat, little headings and is as well written as I can possible write. So please, read on. This is also a spoiler free zone so feel free to read all the way through without any worries.
Read the rest of this entry »
Got the Game, Missing the Console…
June 11th, 2008
Today is June 11th and I was fortunate enough to procure a copy of Metal Gear Solid 4 before the June 12th Worldwide release (for the record that is 1.5 days infront of you Americans [/gloat]).
To conclude my previous article highlighting the terrible communication that Australia has seen regarding release bundles. I managed to get a copy of the Bonus DVD (Special Edition) and I think that it is likely that this version will be distributed at most places, there is also a console bundle as suspected, it costs $AUD749 and contains the console and game. Unfortunately only a standard Six Axis controller is included and not a Dual Shock 3. I will get onto the PS3 grumbling later.
In anycase, I bought my game and unfortunately the store had no Playstation 3 consoles in stock. So I just went to the store next door and asked them, recieiving the same response. Turns out there is a severe Playstation 3 shortage in my state and quite likely the rest of Australia. “Oh noez!” I cry on finding that 5 or 6 retailers later they are all fresh out. So I am sitting here writing this article at home, with the game in hand and not a console to play it on.
Fear not, most of these retailers are receiving/already have a fresh batch of Playstation 3s ready to sell….but guess what? They are all bundled with MGS4! If I want a standard PS3 then chances are I will have to wait for the next predicted shipment in a few weeks, now this is just pathetic isn’t it?
Whats a guy to do? My plan for tommorow is to ring up one store out of town (well basically in town) which supposively has 1 console left ( I didn’t get the time to further investigate today) to see if my luck will bend. If not, I will have to buy the bundle like everyone else and sell the extra copy. Now, remind me, what is it that they say about early birds?
You’ll need to perform these kinds of acrobatics to pick up a PS3 in South Australia
I’m not too fussed though as I woud have only managed a few hours of game in tonight in anycase. It just feels good knowing that I have 1up’d you Americans. It sounds sad, doesn’t it? But I feel imensely proud that for once I haven’t been completely left in the dark (well actually I have…but don’t you spoil my fun!).
Since I should be able to play the game tommorow, I intend to spend the following couple of days playing through MGS4 throughly from start to finish. Even though I could rush my way through this game to find the answers to my questions I refuse to. I want to take this game bite by bite, I want to make this my stealthiest play through yet. If you will be joining me in playing this game then I advise that you do the same. Be sure to answer the new site poll as well (zing!).
What am I trying to say with this ludacris story and fanboy ramblings? Well…this all means that I will be taking a short blogging (and life) vacation fo the next few days. So in the meantime I have collated this list of Metal Gear related articles that I recommend you read. Expect me back in maybe 4/5 days with a full write up with (hopefully spoiler-less) impressions and critique. I think that I’ll have a mouthful to say for this one.
One Last Theory Before Metal Gear Solid 4 Hits
Heavy Metal Blues
Decoding the Metal Gear Solid 4 Marketing Machine
Why You Should Buy the Original Metal Gear Solid over Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
Metal Gear Solid 4 Pushing 50GB, What is Really Going On?
Awesome Otacon (Metal Gear Solid) Clock Widget
Is There Any Truth in MGS4 Coming to the Xbox 360?
MGS4 TGS Trailer Analysis
A Metal Gear primer
This I believe…except when I don’t.
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