Dissenting Opinion: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

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If you're a Metal Gear Solid fan, this opinion is for you. I wouldn't say I have a deep relationship with Mr. Kojima, nor have written him any love letters, however, I thoroughly disagree with Tom Chick's review of the game, and Crispy Gamer has given me the opportunity to give a second opinion since I've already played through MGS4 multiple times. I think I get it. War has changed. And I like it.

Taken alone -- without understanding the lore, the characters, the MGS canon -- Metal Gear Solid 4 would be confusing to someone who doesn't understand the series or know the backstory. This game is a sequel in the truest sense, however, that doesn't make it "a terrible, terrible game." Skip the cutscenes and Codecs while the characters finalize their plots if you're not interested. If all you want is a run-and-gun game, you can dumb MGS4 down to something that still plays as well and is more thrilling as any other AAA stealth-action shooter. The gameplay portion is about as long as anything else out there, but it is a much more polished experience, and offers a ton of replay value. But hey, some people crave more from this medium, and that's what makes Metal Gear Solid 4 more than just a neutered stealth-action shooter.

If you skip the story, you're missing out on a good chunk of what makes Metal Gear Solid 4 fit perfectly in the canon. I urge the more casual MGS player to revisit the previous titles and plotlines, or a large portion of what's going on in MGS4 will go over your head. It's like watching "Return of the Jedi" first, or starting to watch "Lost" in the middle of Season 3. The world, political drama, scenarios and characters, and how they all meld with the gameplay, are what truly make the franchise one of the pioneers of interactive entertainment. These are the game stories I talk to my friends about. There are too many "Holy Shit!" moments in MGS4 that make for great conversation -- whether they are plot points or gameplay elements. But ultimately, the mysterious pieces of Snake's world finally come together in this chapter, and for all of the hours poured into enjoying experiences previous, this is a very satisfying end. This wasn't some lame diner sequence with a classic Journey tune -- MGS4 finishes things off properly.

Kojima makes some valid points in his mind-bending crusade, even if they're as long-winded as ever. While war is one of the main reiterated and regurgitated themes, MGS4 actually focuses just as much on the concept of the value of life. Whether it's Snake, Sunny, Eva, Raiden or even the Beauty and the Beast bosses -- you begin to feel for the characters and their inner struggles. Hell, you can't help but feel for Otacon's pansy behavior, either. At least he's finally rewarded, as well.

However, as much as this game does focus on story, there's still a tight MGS game here to keep gamers glued to the edge of their seats. With all of the different ways to play MGS, it was nice to see some fresh additions in MGS4, as well as remixed franchise staples. You can still play through the game in stealth mode searching every nook and cranny for all of the items and secrets (of which there are boatloads), go in guns blazing, try FPS mode, or what most players do -- mix it all together. Getting the ability to completely customize how you attack a situation through everything from Octocamo down to weaponry and ammunition makes each level Solid Snake's playground. The refined controls feel great, and if you need to perfect the expanded CQC move list, there's a training area to get yourself accustomed to everything that is new. For as much of a headache controlling Snake used to be, MGS4 has truly nailed it.