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IGN UK: Metal Gear Solid 4 Rated 9.9/10

Taker4ever | May 30, 2008 | Reviews | Playstation 3 
IGN UK have pretty much backed up everything we expected and hoped for, and have written a simply gleaming review for Metal Gear Solid 4, with an equally impressive score. It is relatively low on details, as apparently Konami have forbidden certain topics from being directly addressed. However, what we do learn from the interview is that cutscenes make up around half of the game - maybe those 90-min stories weren't exaggerations after all? Regardless, this looks to be the killer app that PS3 owners have been waiting for.
It is the ultimate in fan service, but it is also hard to see how this could be anything other than one man's uncompromised vision of what a videogame should be. The action sequences are faultless. The cut-scenes – well, yes, you could argue that there are too many of them, that they're too long, and that the dialogue is occasionally leaden. Indeed many of the most dramatic cut-scenes might make you crave action, or wonder why they couldn't have been turned into interactive sequences. But that's because they're the work of an auteur, and if you're going to enjoy the high points of Hideo Kojima's vision, there has to be an acceptance of his excesses, too.

Because this is a return to and a best of and an everything you ever loved about a Metal Gear game, all wrapped up and distilled into one, undiluted vision of gaming.

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  • -3 thumbs!
    Newcloud | May 30, 2008
    1 point less thats scabby why didn't they just give it a 10
    • 0 thumbs!
      Tiger of Wu | May 30, 2008
      Read the review and find out
      • -1 thumbs!
        Alvaroduck | May 30, 2008
        I've read it, and the things that they are complaining about don't warrant taking .1 away. So, some cut scenes are long. What are they? ADHD?

        It even says in the review that they can skip cutscenes if they want...so why complain about them?
        • 1 thumbs!
          Gothic Girl | May 31, 2008
          There's a difference between long cutscenes and movie-length cutscenes. Remember the article from a week ago that said some cutscenes were 90 minutes long? Judging by some recent reviews, it certainly seems like there are a few that are that long (or close to that long). And many reviews have said that some of the scenes are downright boring to watch (which isn't unusual for a MGS game. You'd think Kojima would have learned by now that fans don't enjoy watching those dull slideshow cutscenes).

          If you skip the cutscenes, then you miss out on the story (which is the main point of a MGS game). So not liking the excessively long cutscenes is a perfectly valid complaint. You either suffer through them, or miss a big chunk of the story. It's a lose/lose situation.

          That'd be enough to knock a .1 from a perfect score.
    • -2 thumbs!
      Benedict | June 02, 2008
      No, 0.1 point less. *rates down*
  • 0 thumbs!
    random_gamer | May 30, 2008
    Meh. I'm still only going to rent it first, only because I want to see what all the fuss is about. Never really did like Sons of Liberty or Snake Eater.
    • 0 thumbs!
      iLLmatic | May 31, 2008
      Then I'm almost sure you won't like this one, though I feel you're missing out. I think MGS is 1 of the top 3 franchises ever.
      • 0 thumbs!
        random_gamer | May 31, 2008
        I probably wont, but I figure a game that gets a 9.9/10 should, at the very, very least, warrant a rent, even if I'm none too interested in the series.
  • 0 thumbs!
    Gutter_Tech | May 30, 2008
    Are you serious? you never liked either game? how the hell is that possible? did you even play the originl mgs? one of the best games of all time. i usually respect other peoples opinions, but that was hard to pass on.
    • 0 thumbs!
      random_gamer | May 30, 2008
      I'm completely serious. Stealth games, like the Metal Gear games, are by far my least favorite genre of games. And I have not played the first MGS. I've never had any desire to.
      • 0 thumbs!
        Gothic Girl | May 31, 2008
        You know that you don't have to play MGS like a stealth game, right? Some people just play it like a regular shooter.
  • -2 thumbs!
    Final Blade | May 30, 2008
    You know these scores means shit. I mean they gave GTA4 10s and look at the user scores....I say im not going to be excited til I play it. Cause right now its nothing more but a BS score.
  • -1 thumbs!
    redneonfish | May 30, 2008
    quote IGN review
    Aside from the fact that the cut-scenes bear repeated viewing, you’ll want to play through MGS 4 again and again, simply to unlock ever more exotic weapons, items and player rankings. 9.5/10
    I would have assumed you'ld skip them. So that very very minor detail is worth knocing .1 off. What idiots.
  • -1 thumbs!
    Linkin Park Fan | May 30, 2008
    Might as well give it a 10.
  • 0 thumbs!
    Red 9 | May 30, 2008
    So GTAIV gets mass 10's for being 'perfect in nearly every way' when it clearly wasn't (none of my friends play it anymore), and MGS4 gets docked points for its cutscenes? Leave it to IGN to be stupid and biased.
    • 1 thumbs!
      iLLmatic | May 31, 2008
      So why is GTA clearly not "perfect in every way?"
      • 0 thumbs!
        Moonrise | May 31, 2008
        It's incredibly repetitive and follows the exact same plotline as the previous games. In other words, the story is automatically a bust and although it really isn't the highlight of the game, it's definitely enough to knock it from a 10.
        • 1 thumbs!
          Seeker X | May 31, 2008
          Wow, awesome way to completely discredit a well done story by comparing it to the other games and ignoring everything else about it.
        • 0 thumbs!
          Moonrise | June 02, 2008
          What, so a horribly repetitive plotline means nothing to you? I didn't say it was a shit game, did I? If you're using the same grading standard that they used for MGS4, then it wasn't a 10/10 and there's no denying that. A rehashed and repetitive story should take something away from the game, even if only a little.

          You say it's "well done" like they didn't get four or five previous attempts at the exact same thing with the only real changes being to names and nationalities of characters. I tell you what, having a story that's really that repetitive should take something away from it overall.
        • 0 thumbs!
          Seeker X | June 02, 2008
          No, a repetitive story with no weight added would be GTA 3 to GTA Vice City. THAT is the classic "Left for dead" crap. San Andreas added a bit depth to the story while GTA IV just left a whole background for Niko himself.

          In fact, his whole story is in the background, not even laid out for everyone to see. No stereotype to be seen, main character's well done too; along with the tragic ending as well.

          Just because the game has "GTA" on it doesn't mean I'm gonna fall back on the past games and base EVERYTHING on them. There's an obvious difference and I'm pointing them out, not grab an argument from Vice City and stereotype GTA IV because of it.
        • 0 thumbs!
          Moonrise | June 02, 2008
          So, the absolutely predictable plotline means nothing to you? The fact that, under the exact same rating system that you would use for MGS4, you wouldn't get a 10 for GTAIV means nothing to you either. Way to actually pay attention to what I'm saying. I didn't care for the story at all, and everything that happened was so predictable it hurt. You can't simply ignore the past games when working in a series such as GTA and say "oh well, they can get away with recycling the exact same plotline many times over because it's the gameplay that matters."

          Yes, gameplay matters, but when the story isn't a hit then you've got yourself reason to not give the game a 10.
        • 0 thumbs!
          Storm | June 03, 2008
          When it comes to shooters and/or racers, who the hell gives a shit about the story? It's not going to be anything spectacular, given it's genre and all. It's not going to be something like RPGs or Action/Adventure.

          Meh, I don't know about you, but I failed to see how GTA IV's story is "painfully repetitive." The plot is a European leaving his home country for the pain and such he's experienced there to start a new life with his cousin. He'd do anything for money, where the missions come in. Of course it get's repetitive there, with the 90+ missions, only a few are standing out and more 'story-wise' but that's just adding to the bulk of the game.

          So, did Tommy and the other protagonists go through the same background? Hell no. We can recall some things from previous GTA games (the missions do need creativity), but seriously, what is repetitive with the overall story? Niko is different from the other protagonists, he's more caring and such, even given his crazy past.

          GTA will likely be always take some bits and pieces from the previous game. Vice City used some concepts from III, San Andreas did the same, and now GTA IV is. Within a few years, you'll likely say the same thing about the next GTA game...the word pattern comes to mind here. GTA is repetitive in some story aspects, but it really can't be helped, that's how R* develops their games (at least their GTA ones), and they do a pretty damn good job with it. They are shooting more for the gameplay, appearantly. Would it be nice to have a fresh story? Sure it would, but creativity is a tough thing to accomplish these days, people just start borrowing ideas.

          Everything was predictable in GTA IV's story? Wow, no way, so if we take away your memory from the game, you'll be able to play through it and tell us what's going to happen next, exactly what happens? You have a gift, Moonrise.
        • 0 thumbs!
          Moonrise | June 03, 2008
          It follow almost the EXACT SAME plotline as the previous games, that's how. Christ, you can say story is irrelevant all you want but when you put it up to the same grading scale that they used for MGS4 then GTAIV is absolutely not a 10/10. What's more, MGS4's replayability is >>>> GTAIV's.

          Besides, GTAIV isn't a racer or a shooter, it's a damn free-roaming action game.
        • -1 thumbs!
          Final Blade | June 03, 2008
          Moonrise you openly stated your an RPG fan. So you hating the game isn't a shock. Unless your a true GTA fan like myself and others your point on GTA4 is null and void.

          DO NOT ever compared MSG4 to GTA4, in terms of grading system. First off MGS4 is all about Story where as GTA is all about the damn gameplay. See thats where it differs. GTA fans loves killing people and doing crazy shit in the game. GTA4 had the best script and storyline out of all GTA's to date. Many have stated this even GTA fanboys.

          But I would never expect an RPG fan like your self to ever see the true greatness of GTA games. So with that im leaving. Don't bother replying to me, since im not going to read it or respond to it.
        • 1 thumbs!
          Storm | June 03, 2008
          Exactly, Final's right. Why the hell are you even comparing GTA's rating to MGS's? THEY ARE TWO SEPARATE GAMES. They aren't alike in any way, two completely different goals and such, two completely different genres.

          Hilarious though, you're stating things as if they are fact. MGS4's replayability > GTAIV's? Really now? Ok deal. If I can get nearly 150 hours of gametime on MGS4, I'll agree to this.

          How does it follow almost the exact same plotline? Were Tommy and the other protagonists from out of the country? Was there war going on in that country? Are you mixing up plotline with storyline? :S
        • 0 thumbs!
          Fatal Error | June 03, 2008
          You guys have to be *bleep*ing kidding me. WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR GRADING SYSTEM JUST TO CATER TO A PARTICULAR GAME? Good lord, that's some of the stupidest shit I've ever read in my life.

          GTAIV follows the same PLOTLINE as the previous games, but I didn't say the backgrounds are the same. Obviously they have different characters, etc. but the plot flow and direction is the exact same in every game. When you consider that you HAVE to beat clear the story to unlock the city, then repetitive missions and predictable story do play a part in the rating system.

          Also, you only need to look around the site and at other people to see exactly how many have already stopped playing GTAIV because they lose interest after beating the game and seeing the second ending. Really, it's fun and all to a point but it really grows tiring quickly and you only need to ask around for more proof. THAT BEING SAID, EVEN IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE THE GRADING SYSTEM FOR SOME GOD FORSAKEN REASON, GTAIV ISN'T A 10/10 FOR REPLAY VALUE.

          FinalBlade, stop being an idiot. Honestly, do you think I would've played GTAII-IV if I didn't like the games? Holy shit you really are an idiot if you think that I can't comment because I have a preference for RPGs. That really is one of the most ignorant and ridiculous comments I have ever read.
        • 1 thumbs!
          Storm | June 04, 2008
          Ok so let me get this straight. You hate that we have to unlock cities like every other GTA? Tough luck, that's common ground...I love how you keep saying the story's so predictable, when you've given practically no evidence supporting that. I could predict some things about it, but not the entire story.

          No shit. People who play a game, and beat it, barely go back to it. I know I barely do. Replay value is hard to come by in a single-player game. There's quite a few still playing for the Multiplayer, though. That's one thing that'll keep me playing GTA IV for a while.

          Yet you're predicting the future here. Yeah, MGS4 will have loads of replay value. People who beat it once or twice will STILL play it again and again. Right on. MGS4 will come with MGO, so there's some replayability there. I've had fun with the other MGS games, going around and putting guys to sleep, etc., may do the same for this one. Other than that, I don't know what else to do. Will have to wait for the game.

          It's all general matters you're speaking of, Moonrise. GTA IV's bits and pieces taken from previous games comes with the 'sequel' ground (especially regarding the GTA series). Regarding it's style and genre, of course there'll be 'repetitive missions' and such. You need to take into account the genre and style of these games before attacking it for it's 'replay value' or it's 'repetitivity.' Again, MGS4 and GTA4 are two completely different games, comparing their ratings, their reviews, is stupid. Unless GTA4 was an action/stealth, or MGS4 was a free-roam/action, I'd combat this difference of ratings as well...but one thing to also take into account here: MGS4 is not even released yet...

          Oh and, talking like they are facts again? Really now...how can you just judge that GTAIV has little replay value? Guess what, I've bagged about 180 hours of game-time, not including multiplayer. I've put in 15 hours since I beat the game, just going around and causing havoc. So...just because it's not 'replay value' to you or a handful of people that stopped playing, you're assuming this goes for everyone? Granted I'll stop playing this week for some time, due to new releases, but I wouldn't mind going back to it.

          What games would get a 10/10 for replay value? Let's see here...there's fighting games, some sports games, racing games...those are basically the ones that people go back to. Why? Because their buds come over and they want to play multiplayer games.
        • 0 thumbs!
          Fatal Error | June 10, 2008
          It isn't "me and a few other people". Look around and you'll see that there isn't much to do after beating the game twice, period. What the hell do you come back to when it all gets that repetitive? Honestly, if you're going to give GTAIV a 10/10 when (According to the grading scale they use) it should be missing points here and there? That's not even subjective, it's just the way it is. It's simply ridiculous that they bother with giving MGSIV a 9.9/10 when the thing they knock it for (long cutscenes effecting replayability) CAN BE SKIPPED.

          Care to tell me exactly where I'm off on this one? Listen, when storyline is a driving part of a game (LIKE IT IS IN GTAIV) then it should have some weight in the grading scale. Honestly, you're making almost no sense here with your rebuttals.
        • 0 thumbs!
          Storm | June 10, 2008
          I forgot about this. xD

          The fact of the matter is, replayability in games VARY. Trust me, most fans aren't going to play through a story and such more than two, three times tops in genres such as GTA's and MGS's. The major replayability comes from multiplayer games. GTA and MGS attempt to grasp this aspect, with GTA's 15 different MP modes, and MGS's MGO, but for what? Because the fans want to enjoy the series longer, until a possible sequel.

          You have to take in that they are two completely different genres, and would be graded differently with that in mind. You also have to take in that IGN wasn't going to unleash another 10/10 because it wanted to keep that 'perfect score' prestigious.

          But again, MGS4 isn't out yet, and yet here we are arguing over it's 'pro' rating, when all that really matters is our rating/review of the game...after we play it.

          And honestly, stories for GTA haven't been a strong point for me. I can recall quite a few missions in all the games that I've played (from III onwards), but I seriously can't explain what the hell went on in terms of the character and such. I was more into...the crazy genocides and such, heh. I'd beat the games, yeah, but I spent much more time in causing havoc than anything. That's one major disappointment with GTA IV for me, it's not that fun to wreck the place as it used to be. But meh, MP is a nice addition.
        • 0 thumbs!
          Seeker X | June 10, 2008
          For *bleep*'s sake...

          quote
          Look around and you'll see that there isn't much to do after beating the game twice, period. What the hell do you come back to when it all gets that repetitive? Honestly, if you're going to give GTAIV a 10/10 when (According to the grading scale they use) it should be missing points here and there? That's not even subjective, it's just the way it is.
          How many games YOU played have 2 different Single player Campaigns for each time you beat the game? Honestly you're just reaching for something.

          quote
          Care to tell me exactly where I'm off on this one? Listen, when storyline is a driving part of a game (LIKE IT IS IN GTAIV) then it should have some weight in the grading scale.
          This is obviously more of a point of view. Obviously the story isn't going to be some "Bioshock"-like complex story, but it ain't exactly as simple as the past GTA games. Since you admitted earlier that you never cared for the story in the first place, I highly doubt that you're in any position to judge it.
  • 2 thumbs!
    Silver Mirror | May 30, 2008
    At least its only .1 points, considering IGN I was expecting a lot worse
  • 0 thumbs!
    Rinkydink | May 31, 2008
    lol @ people complaining that it didn't get 10.

    Only idiots would decide on whether to get the game off these reviews. What we do know is that the game is going to be bloody fantastic, and a must-buy for PS3 owners. That's all you need to know.
  • 0 thumbs!
    Razentsu | May 31, 2008
    I really want this game, if only I had a PS3...
  • 0 thumbs!
    Storm | May 31, 2008
    Oh yeah, let's give this game a 10, and then hear people (after playing it) say that it has it's flaws and shit, unworthy of a 10, how they believe a 10 is perfect. Yeah, let's do that.

    Fair judgement, I'd say. I suppose IGN didn't go the full ten because they want to keep it prestigious after giving GTA that glory.

    And Rinkydink, I wouldn't say it's a must-buy for PS3 owners. Why? Because some people, and I can't imagine why, have yet to play any game of the Metal Gear series. Starting from this supposed final Metal Gear Solid would ruin it, imo.
  • 0 thumbs!
    PangTong_Blademaster | May 31, 2008
    GTA4 was crap... MGS4 = believe the hype.
    • 2 thumbs!
      Storm | May 31, 2008
      It's likely that you were caught in the 'over-hyping' of GTA like the majority who say it was crap. I highly anticipated Halo 3 and ended up hating it, so I made sure not to do that with these games.

      So word to the wise, don't believe any hype, just stick with a low anticipation as best you can...because if you over-hype something, it's very possible that you'll end up disliking it in the end.
      • 1 thumbs!
        Red 9 | June 01, 2008
        I've been using that tactic, but I always get questioned when I do.
        • 1 thumbs!
          Linkin Park Fan | June 01, 2008
          You can never ruin a game when you don't get your hopes up yo high
  • 0 thumbs!
    StarJet | June 01, 2008
    So IGN is basically saying "Don't buy MGS4, go and buy GTAIV. It was a bit better", aren't they? Ah, and I had to suppress few chuckles at people who complain about the game not getting a 10/10.
    • 0 thumbs!
      Storm | June 01, 2008
      Not at all. If GTA IV and MGS IV were of the same genre, then it's like they'd be saying that. But since they are two completely different games, that can't really be applied here.
      • 1 thumbs!
        Gothic Girl | June 04, 2008
        quote
        So IGN is basically saying "Don't buy MGS4, go and buy GTAIV. It was a bit better", aren't they?
        More like: "Buy MGS4 and GTA IV because they are both excellent games"

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