[PS3] Cooking Guide: Can't Decide What To Eat? PROTIP: THIS IS THE MGS4 THREAD

Man, that is so disappointing that there's no main theme for MGS4. Just such a shame to deny the concluding game to the MGS series its series' main theme. I guess we should have expected as much when the main theme never once made it into the various trailers. The removal of the theme from MPO should have been a hint as well (which did appear in the GC trailer, but never in the game or soundtrack). I'll be constantly thinking of when the theme should have been used come Sneak Out.

Oh well, still can't wait till the soundtracks release. Heh, it'll be hard to resist listening to it before the game's release. I'm anxious to hear the new vocal songs (apparently there's two), which I'm assuming were written by Rika Muranaka.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Many of us have heard and read about the incident. I personally was hoping that Konami/KP would come forward about it, rather than just go quiet about it and let the theme disappear without a reason (even though we know why).

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

The SA location looks vast, heh, and from the screens it looks like much of the briefing occurs within the NOMAD. Oh and a 29 hour completion time? I was expecting maybe 20 hours at most, so that's just awesome news! I'll definitely be checking out everything, including all the codec convos. I'll be playing the game non-stop from start to finish (better stock up on some energy drinks) the day I pick it up. One more month!

My completion time for the previous titles clocked in at about the same as Freddy Krueger's. Heh, and that was because I took the time to actually call everyone on the codec/radio to pump every piece of info/story element about the individual (I think I recall getting, like 8 pages of images/info for each radio contact in MGS3).

FELIPE NO

That poster on the right should have been the game's cover. I hope they at least make it available for retail.



Well apparently there was a completion event/ceremony for the game in Japan today, which was really for the press. They revealed a new trailer (movie trailer styled), commercials, the game's 17 minute intro, gameplay footage, some promotion stuff, and merchandising.

The game itself contain's a lot of promotional stuff, more than just the Altair outfit. There's actually an Ipod in the game, an Japanese energy drink called Regain (similar stunt to CalorieMate in MGS3), Sony's Ericsson W62S cell phone, and Triumph Motorcycles. What they're doing with the merchandising is pretty crazy, they're actually going to make the GAKO clock seen in the game.

IGN: Konami Holds Metal Gear Solid 4 Completion Event
IGN: Metal Gear Solid 4 Meets iPod

The new "theatrical" trailer and the Japanese commercials that the article mentioned are now available online, as well as the game's intro (only a 2 min snipet). The 2 minute snippet of the intro really had nothing spoilerific, it was footage we've all seen and the dialogue was kinda familiar. The Japanese commericial's were pretty typical, heh, but that Regain one easily the best one.

As for the new trailer, ok wow, I gotta say I kinda regret seeing it. It was awesome, but it really showed so much much more than I ready to see before the game's release. If you're trying to avoid spoilers, I highly suggest avoid viewing this newest "theatrical" trailer, it contained so much more than rehash footage.

GameVideos.com - Metal Gear Solid 4 'Intro' video Video

GameVideos.com - Metal Gear Solid 4 'Regain' ad Video
GameVideos.com - Metal Gear Solid 4 'Cat' ad Video
GameVideos.com - Metal Gear Solid 4 'Cellphone' ad Video

GameVideos.com - Metal Gear Solid 4 'Theatrical' trailer Video

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Simo

EDIT: Yeah ok so now I'm back 8 hours later and the amount of awesomeness to go through is almost too much. So watching the trailer again...shit is still awesome and there's a ton of hidden details in there and even a shot where Snake looks...

Spoiler:

...like he's been run through the mill with the OCTOCAMO in shreds and all battered up. I also noticed during the scene when he asks Naomi how long hes got that in the shot when Naomi is wiping away a tear Snake is standing in the background topless and his age-ravaged back is exposed.

Spoiler:

How about the Snake vs Liquid showdown in Prague (at least I think it's Prague)? Looks like Liquid used Snake's own stun knife against him. I wonder if that's gonna be an actual CQC fight, or just a cut scene. EVA still the same biker fanatic as she was from her more youthful days, with Snake riding behind (another chase/escape sequence?). Ahh, young Snake looking to be a relevant part of the gameplay, and not just some bonus. Oh and revealing Lynda Jarvis' in game render.

Haha, man that trailer really did show too much in my opinion. I wouldn't be surprised if it popped up on the PSN before the games release. Probably even the week before to build up the hype. I'm interested in seeing what steps Sony will be taking to promote the game as well.

Originally Posted by Simo

The official site is now up and running too at the following link:
METAL GEAR SOLID 4 GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS

Site takes awhile to load due to traffic but the bulk of it is made up of a VR game that earns you points to unlock more of the site including wallpapers and such as well as samples from the soundtrack. I've got the OST samples but if anyone else can help getting all the wallpapers in their maximum resolution it'd be appreciated!
RapidShare: 1-Click Webhosting

Also on the site you can listen to samples of the voice actors under the Characters section. Most noteworthy is Raiden given how different, and better, he sounds now.

Checking out the site, which is taking forever to load, I love Raiden's line "Jack is dead. Snake, I'm at your side", that was pretty cold. Huh, that actually makes me curious about his situation with Rose. Hopefully they tie up that knot as well.

According to the site, Sunny...

Spoiler:

...was indeed rescued from the Patriots by Raiden as some might have speculated from the concept art. I'm guessing this event had happend prior to MGS4, since it was revealed on the site. Also it says Naomi's role for Liquid was to develop a way to hijack the SOP control system. This must be what the SOP DESTAB in MGO was, which could used in the Base Mission mode.

Thanks for the samples too, though too bad they didn't included the good stuff, like the compositions used in the trailers. I really love that piece they used in the E3 07 trailer, especially after hearing it again the new trailer.

Oh and those PMC advertisements were, haha, really interesting.

EDIT:
The game's intro that was shown at the actual event, cam version. Nothing spoilerific, it contains scenes we've all seen before (through the numerous trailers released). The only really differences is the music used (good stuff too, which we've heard from the trailers), and that there are credits with it. It was actually a pretty sweet opening for the game.

GameVideos.com - Metal Gear Solid 4 'Intro Gameplay' Video

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Simo

I'm hoping it'll be on this week's PSN update and pretty feasible too considering Konami's Gamer Day tomorrow which the PS Blog hinted at some surprises being in store. Honestly I thought this trailer contained less spoilers than the TGS '07 one main because this one seem to focus more on giving is a glimpse at the Eastern Europe location which we already knew about and the more spoilery stuff flashes by or really aren't as bad as TGS '07 when showing...

Spoiler:

..you as Snake controlling the old disused Metal Gear REX getting ready to take on Metal Gear RAY at Shadow Moses island.

Haha, when you put it that way, TGS 07 definitely had the biggest one. I guess that's a good way to look at it, but before seeing the new trailer I honestly didn't expect the east euro location to have that large of a part in the game (well, at least it appears that way). Heh, though that's probably because all we've ever seen in the current trailers and footage were the middle east and south america locations.

Just a side thought on the TGS 07 trailer and the new trailer...

Spoiler:

What they should have done instead of the Rex vs Ray scene in the TGS07 trailer was show the Snake and Liquid confrontation in Prague. Heh, that would have had an equally large impact and lead people to thinking their final encounter concludes in Prague instead of Shadow Moses. Then KP could have really surprised the players when they actually play and beat the game with the Shadow Moses location and the battle of the metal gears fight.

Originally Posted by Simo

The SOP Destabiliser was awesome! Nothing better than planting that thing and then seeing the opposing team just stop and start freaking out allowing you to just walk up to them and pop 'em in the head.

Heheh, SOP destab was awesome, I used it every chance I had. Though I don't understand why some people pop the other players when they're disabled, the ideal thing would be to stun them that way they can't respawn right away, heh. Oh, that reminds me, I had one match where right after planting my destabilizer the other team planted theirs causing both teams to be disabled at the same time, rendering our efforts to be useless. Haha, I got a good laugh out of that round.

Originally Posted by Simo

Yeah I think the theatrical trailer will be the last piece of footage for me. The PMC ads will spoil the opening movie if I watch them and I'd rather experience the opening as I play it in HD on my set. I mean it's only 29 days away...!

Eh, the PMC ads have something to do with the opening/demo movie? (don't elaborate if so, heh, I really don't wanna know what the revolutionary Logan opening is gonna be like) I didn't know that, haha. Oh well, I personally thought those advertisements weren't anything special, just really weird.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

That is true, hah, maybe the real one will be bigger than that, guess we won't really know till June 12th huh?

Got all the wallpapers and screensavers off the new site. Has anyone manage to beat Lv03 of the Secret Mission 01? Do you get anything special out of it? I kept screwing up on the last jump, some how over shooting it so I end up landing on the PMC, and gave up trying.

MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Simo

Man, thats what I was worried about with the OST with the LE version - a gimped soundtrack release featuring a handful of tracks rather than the whole 2 CD thing. Hopefully it'll be the latter and be the full CD release complete with 16 extra tracks, considering that Morricone isn't featured on the 2 CD tracklist.

I was wondering the same thing too. It'd be easier if they could straight up say how discs the soundtrack is. Oh well, I already placed my pre-order to import a copy of the 2 disc, so in a way I'm hoping the OST that comes with the LE isn't exactly the same thing.

Never-before-released could also mean compositions from the previous titles, eg. MGS3 had a few cues that were never released. Or it could be unused/scrapped cues, kinda like those limited/ultimate sorter soundtracks for MGS2.

BTW, for the bundles do they both have backwards compatability? Or has Sony completely scrapped BC after the discontinuation of the 80gb? I ask this cause I have a couple of friends who are holding off on purchasing PS3 for the MGS4 Bundle, and are expecting them to be BC, since only the 40 gb gimped version is available.

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I guess we now know what Ennio Morricone's involvement to the soundtrack is. Apparently "Here's to You" is apart of the soundtrack he composed for the movie Sacco & Vanzetti. No doubt the MGS4 version is a new one, since Lisbeth Scott is will be providing vocals for the song. Oh just incase no one knew (and isn't really a spoiler), "Here's to You" is the game's other vocal song as listed on the soundtrack.

YouTube - Ennio Morricone - Sacco & Vanzetti - Here's to you (concert)



And it looks like the soundtrack has a cover. Kinda lame how they're using the game's cover for it (a cover that I'm too fond of). I'm also guessing that's how the first press edition will look like, as CDJapan says the first press is a "super jewel case" (which I managed to get a hold of with my pre-order). I'm assuming the regular edition is probably gonna be the more orthodoxed packaging for CDs.

¡Ö¢¡½é²óÈÇ¡¡METAL GEAR SOLID 4 GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACKS¡ÊCD¡Ë¡×¾¦ÉʾðÊó - ¥³¥Ê¥ß¥¹¥¿¥¤¥ë

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Simo

Nice. I'd like to snag one of those posters too that were at the completion event but there's been no word on their release yet. I've still got to give my EBgames a call to make sure they're doing the midnight release which if so I'll be going and FYI EB/GameStop is doing a deal that if you trade in your PS2, extra controller and memory card you get $80 towards the MGS4 80GB bundle.

Yea I want that poster too. I'm hoping it appears in Previews in the coming months, as I'll slap down an order for one. It's frame worthy! Midnight releases, I don't think that's happening with the EB I pre-ordered at, but no matter I'll just wake up early the next day to pick up my copy (I got nothing planned for day, and have every intent on playing the game 24/7). I hope they have a couple of those LE Guides though, which I'm only buying for collective purposes (not a chance that I'll actually use it for my first run).

A little less than a week before the soundtrack's release! Unfortunately mine probably won't arrive till the week of the game's release since I chose airmail. On the topic of music, there's a leaked track making rounds that's been dubbed as Vamp Boss Battle. The style certainly sounds the same as the rest of the released samples, it could possibly be legit.

Send big files the easy way. Files too large for email attachments? No problem!

Originally Posted by Simo

Spoiler:

Spoiler:

That's gotta be apart of the scene with the battleship from the theatrical trailer.

Speaking of the theatrical trailer, I wonder if Sony will actually go as far as bringing it to the theatres to promote. You know, like play prior to the previews, along with the lame commercials they show at the beginning. That'd be sweet if they did.

And hey word is MGS5 could happen, I doubt anyone didn't see it coming. Be intesting to see where they go with it, seeing as how they keep reiterating that it's Snake's last mission. Though, IMO it can't be titled Metal Gear Solid 5 if Solid Snake isn't in it. Incase someone tries to use that argument against me, just cause they changed his name to Old Snake in MGS4 doesn't change the fact we're still playing as Solid Snake.

MTV Multiplayer » ‘Metal Gear’ Series To Continue After ‘Metal Gear Solid 4′ — Plus Developer Details ‘Assassin’s Creed’ Connection

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Simo

Well "Solid" wasn't added to the Metal Gear title because of Solid Snake for MGS1 but because the series took the leap from 2D to 3D so characters and environments would be "solid". So they could call it Metal Gear Solid 5 and progress with a new main character without Solid Snake.

Haha, I didn't know that. But now that I think about it, that does make sense. Seeing as how MGS was not the first game actually star Solid Snake. Plus there's the fact that in MGS3 we played Naked Snake (aka Big Boss).

Regarding the midnight release, the EB I pre-ordered at is actually outside of the mall. However, I can't really see them doing a midnight release for MGS4. I personally don't see the hype for MGS4 exceeding that of GTAIV and Halo 3, and therefore can't imagine the staff there willing to do the midnight release (though I'm pretty that location did do it for Halo 2, but didn't follow whether it was done for GTAIV or Halo 3). Haha, to be honest it's no big deal to me, as I said already my plans for that day were strickly to play MGS4. So I'll just have wake up a little earlier the day of to run out and back.

Great new sig BTW Simo. Haha Akiba going power rangers.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by cloud baka

Not sure if they're selectable from a menu screen or not but i believe they're all integrated given the situation. You can stay in FPS mode when you want, you can be behind walls and stuff on the ground and can peek out to shoot but don't think its the GoW style you're talking about.

Well, from my experience with the MGO Beta FPS mode can only be initiated when you're aiming. The camera kinda works like this, default view when not aiming is the Subsistance 3rd persion view. When aiming (holding L1), if you have auto-aim on you'll be using the 3rd person view (MGS3 Subsistance style, holding Square + L1), if auto aim is off you'll go into over-the-shoulder view (a la Gears of War, Ghost Recon) for precision aiming, while in OTS if you press Triangle you'll go into FPS. Auto-aim mode is toggled via the Square button. I believe there's an option where you can select FPS view on memory, therefore whenever you aim you won't have to hit the Triangle button to go into FPS mode from OTS.

While I'm on the topic of MGO (and since most people who visit the MGO thread visit the MGS4 one), Kojima says that MGO will always be free to play. The only expense you'll see from MGO is if you decide the downloable content.

Quote:

He then tackled some pricing issues for MGO. Playing the game will be free, he said, adding, "It will always be free." In the future, Konami will be offering downloadable expansion packs. These will cost money, although Kojima did not share specifics.

IGN: Hideo Kojima Talks MGS5

Originally Posted by Lukage

Looks like I've been cast to be at our store at midnight for the release, so if anyone wants to help me dress up for the event, I'm open to suggestions.

Haha, definitely grow a mustache or buy a fake.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Simo

Some details I seemed to of missed is John Cygan's voiceover and in that scene you can see Vamp dancing in between the marching Gekkos. Something you can also see clearly in the better resolution....

I knew that voice sounded familiar, I wonder what his role in the game is.

Originally Posted by Simo

The last piece of new info from the interview involves a returning character that I'll spoiler mark but it's not a major character and somebody who is apart of Snake's support team:

Spoiler:

Rose is back as a psychological counselor with a combat stress platoon. You can call her for psychological advice in the game where she'll give you tips on how to handle Snake's Stress and Psyche gauges and helping to spike the former by asking what day it is.

Spoiler:

Heh, at first I thought this was going to be about Mei Ling, but it's also good to know Rose is making a return (was actually hoping for it). This should give us some insight on how Raiden has changed.

Originally Posted by Simo

Not sure if you guys caught it now given the other wealth of info in the post but that "Metal Gear Saga" theme on YouTube link....well it looks like it's legit considering that the Japanese iTunes store has the entire soundtrack up for grabs and you can sample each track including the above posted.
MGS4 OST via Japanese iTunes Store

Glad to see "Old Snake" is some of the TGS '06 trailer music. "Mobs Alive" is also the music that was featured in the E3 2K7 trailer and among my favorites. Glad its on the CD! Listening to all these samples has my very happy I purchased the OST along with hearing them in the game.

"Mobs Alive" is the first track I'm gonna jump to. Can't wait to hear it in its entirety. After that it'll be "Atonement", love that track too. "Metal Gear Saga" was really good, I really liked that cue from the MGS3 version of the theme. Though, it's still not the true MGS theme, nothing can replace the established theme IMO.

Oh and mine just shipped early this morning as well (I think I got the e-mail around 4am). Haha, if I'm real lucky I'll
see it in the mail on Friday. But knowing from previous experiences with CDJapan, that's not likely gonna happen. I always seem to have to pay duty taxes on items I purchase from them.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Simo

If you guys want the OST here's the first CD courtesy of GoldenEyeRa at TUS:
MGS4 OST - Disc 1

Of course I got it just so I can listen to "Old Snake" and "Mobs Alive".

Here's 2 tracks from the 2nd CD - "Father & Son" and "Atonement". Both sound fucking so good. Plus a third track "One More Reboot":
Atonement
Father & Son
One More Reboot

Awesome thanks for the links. "Desperate Chase" is another great composition by HGW. The man can write great chase music, "Sidecar - Escape From The Fortress" and "Sidecar - On The Rail Bridge -" were my favorite tracks from MGS3 and "Desperate Chase" is easily becoming another one of my favorites. Oh and the full version of "Love Theme" is really really good too.

Man, I wish they didn't release the soundtrack before the game. It's like another tease before the main event.

Heh, and the removal of the bandana was pretty neat. I wonder that option is actually available to us in the game (though personally I'll never remove, it's iconic).

Originally Posted by Lizardcommando

As for the spoiler in Simo's post:

Spoiler:

Is it just me or do they look too much alike? Blegh, maybe it's because their hair looks similar.

Spoiler:

Haha, that's exactly what I thought when I first saw the screen. It's definitely the hair that's throwing me off. I also didn't figure Mei Ling to be a Navy Captain either, at least I assume that's the position she's in now.

EDIT:
Aw man, I so glad they got HGW back, he has yet again made some great contributions. Pretty much enjoying everything he's composed. Haha, and man "BB Corps" is creepy, I love how they actually added in the emotions of the unit.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Simo

Well Konami finally issued some better press kits of the Euro LE pack:




Apparently there were only 25,000 of these things for the whole of Euroland with Play.com being the UK distributor who are all sold out.

Looks like the soundtrack that comes with the LE is only one disc. Interesting to see that the disc's design is the same as the two disc soundtrack's. The figure that comes with the PAL LE is kinda lame though, same UDF Old Snake figure by Medicom except with the olive drab camo (paint job).

Originally Posted by Colonel Skills

While there's nothing I can do about that per say, it is something I can attempt to fix if I find an offending post.

Best I can do dude, sorry.

Actually this can be remedied by making the thread title ridiculously long.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Is the guide in stores now? If so I better snag me a copy of the LE, before it's too late.

Originally Posted by Simo

New wallpaper:

Awesome! That's gonna be my new wallpaper.

BTW, the official site updated. The SP Mission 02 is now online, it's pretty much a point & click with the mouse shooter. There's also a new PSP wallpaper featuring Raiden, as well as a flash wallpaper featuring Raiden and Vamp. The flash wallpaper is really neat, it's got a timer to the game's release, links, a little news banner, and if you click on the character (either Raiden or Vamp, which you can select) you'll actually get an ingame animation. Unforturnately my desktop is littered with crap right now, otherwise I'd take a screen cap.

I've uploaded the flash wallpaper to Sendspace, incase no one wanted to spend the time to rack up the 30k DP to purchase it.

raiden-vanp-1600_1200.zip
raiden-vanp-1024_768.zip

METAL GEAR SOLID 4 GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Simo

The Japanese Playstation store also updated with a nice HD version of the "Courage is Solid" trailer. If you prefer you can download it from the link below to watch on your computer..
1080P Theatrical Trailer.

Anyone notice how some of the music in trailer changed? The most notable change to me being at the end of the trailer where originally they used "Mobs Alive" to close it off, but in this version it was a different track. Though I never actually listened to the whole soundtrack, so I'm not sure what the track is called but I know it was available as a sample on that timer thing on the teaser site. Personally I thought "Mobs Alive" worked much better than what they've decided to use now. I also noticed that on the JPSN they have a little reporting session on the completion event.

Stopped by my EB today to pay off the balance for the game. Found out that the location isn't doing a midnight release, which could be all for the best. Considering so much of the game's plot is flooding onto the net, last thing I would want is for someone to blurt out a spoiler while I was waiting in line. Anyway, I'll be dropping in first thing Thursday morning to pick up my copy. They also didn't have any guides yet, hopefully they'll have some on Thursday, if not then I might need to resort to Amazon. Ahh, about 2 more days.

Interesting to note that in Canada the Limited Edition is going to be available at Best Buy and Future Shop. I also noticed that pricing for the LE is cheaper in Canada than in the States (well, except at Future Shop, where the price is on par with the States). The LE costs $79.99 (CAD) here (which is what I paid, + some GST), while it's $84.99 in the States. Heh, pretty sweet deal for us.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Qwarky

And yes, there is an 8 minute install at the start of the game where you watch Snake smoke and little notes and health warnings appear on the screen. Once you clear a chapter, the game will install the next chapter, and wipe the previous one. Meaning if you want to play a previous save, from a previous chapter, you need to reinstall that chapter, over the current one, before you can play. I imagine this is the detail Konami didn't want magazines to talk about too much.

Aw man, that's pretty dumb. I wonder if there's a work around, maybe you can just make a save file for each chapter? That could be a possible I'd think.

Originally Posted by Simo

Since my EB seems to be one of the few that isn't doing a midnight launch I'll be having to wait until tomorrow at 10am before I can get mine.

Haha, just got a call from EB saying that the game's ready for pick up at 10am tomorrow too (apparently I was one of the first to pre-order the LE, guranteed now). I was also told that the pre-orders come with a free artbook, didn't know there was gonna be another pre-order bonus other than the Saga vol 2 DVD. Ahh, just gotta keep busy for 16 more hours.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Ahh, so intense. I just finished watching the mission briefing after the first act, I clocked in at almost 7 hours for the act. Haha, though this mostly because I was dicking around racking up Drebin Points. There's also a lot of items laying around if you actually take the time to explore. Even stuff like weapon attachments such as the dot sight, supressors, laser sight, and master key (well this one comes off a PMC soldier). Procuring weapons from site is definitely money saving. I think the only thing I've purchased from Drebin, other than unlocking IDs on weapons I found, is a hand grip for assault rifles.

Regarding the very first thing you saw when you start the game....

Spoiler:

That was definitely one of neatest openings ever, where you're actually watching TV. Mine opened with the cooking show, and I was all like WTF? Then I accidently hit the L2 button, and noticed that I changed channels and started flipping through them. Heh, I definitely gotta start a new game again so I can check out that one show with David Hayter and Lee Lee Meriwether (who appears to be the host).

Regarding the mission briefing prior to act 2...

Spoiler:

Haha, it looks like Rose is Campbell's wife! I was not expecting that! I also wasn't really expecting Meryl to dispise Campbell that much either. Heh, though at least we saw/know why now.

BTW, did anyone actually check out the iPod? Haha, man it's so neat, especially...

Spoiler:

how there's a KPR podcast with Ryan Payton. That was definitely something nifty. And I'm really hoping they do more of these.

Originally Posted by cloud baka

Another is what happened to the complex CQC moves like the videos showing Snake grabbing a PMC to the ground and submitting that way? (yes the butt sex one)

It's still there, you should really check out the Briefing menu in the start menu. They give you a detailed list of everything you can do.

FELIPE NO

Finished the game this past weekend and started doing my second run yesterday. Man, this game was epic, it gave exactly what I was looking for: closure. Though I gotta say the story is really convoluted, newcomers won't be able to appreciate (story-wise) how the all the games meshed together if they haven't played the previous ones. I clocked in at about 23 and a half hours. It could have been longer if didn't start rushing about half way through, heh, though this was because I eager to progress the story.

Spoiler:

Act 1 more or less played out the way I was expected, the trailers pretty much revealed everything we saw. About the meaning of "La Li Lu Le Lo", that was pretty much just the System's control over the word "Patriot", right? That's the implication I got from the convo with Drebin during Act 2.

I gotta say the game pulled somethings I didn't expect, specifically the part near the end of Act 2. I was not expecting to make a run down a busy city street escaping from a rampage of Gekkos. That part was pretty crazy.

The Act 3 "Desperate Chase" was intense too, and HGW score only made it even better. Heh, oh and we finally got to see Johnny's face. Snake's eastern europe appearance looked very similar to Gibson's from Snatcher (no doubt intentional).

Act 4, I loved those little voice-backs (?) you got when you encountered something nostalgic. Heh, and there was a pretty funny comment from Otacon during one of codec convos(one you have to initiate), where he mentions that he thought Snake was "the shit" when he took down the Hind D (I think that was the topic of discussion). The codec convo with Otacon before going to the Blast Furnace was pretty good too. Oh and I love how we got use the Rail Gun, so sweet. Ah, and I wasn't expecting Naomi to pass on like that, or be responsible for the creation of Vamp, that some what unexpected for me. Poor Otacon, it seems like it's a curse for the guy to fall in love.

One thing I didn't like but at the same I thought was really neat were the instances in the game where half of the screen was gameplay and other a cut scene. It was so hard to concentrate on the Raiden vs Vamp while facing the chaos of self-destructing Gekkos (gonna have to get my brother to play this time through, so I get enjoy the cut scene while he focuses on surviving).

And holy crap, Raiden! My god, there were so many times I thought he was done for (especially at the end of Act 4). Man, still continuing the fight in Act 5 like that, pretty bad ass.

Act 5, the best part for me was easily the Snake vs Liquid fight. That was pretty epic, starting from Snake vs. Liquid going through the game's and ending with the Old Snake fight. The most frustrating part for me though was the Snake vs. Liquid Ocelot, LO's power/heavy punch kept ending me quickly. Heh, it was nice to see Ocelot regaining his conscious giving his classic hand gesture and returning the comment "you're pretty good".

The Screaming Mantis fight was pretty good, it like a puzzle. It took me maybe 10 minutes before I finally figured it out (thanks inpart to constant contact with Otacon). Haha, and I love the brief return of Psycho Mantis. It was hilarious when he was trying to read your memory card again, as well as seeing his estatic reaction when he found out rumble was back.

Campbell pretending to marry Rose to protect her and little John was nice little twist. Bleh, I wonder why Kojima likes the name John so much (Johnny, Jonathan, John).

Oh and the biggest surprise, was definitely Big Boss. That was such a huge shocker. Along with the revelation that the Patrios themselves were Zero, Big Boss, Para-medic, Sigint, EVA, and Ocelot. Zero being the leader of the Patriot's was unexpected, as well as revealing Para-medic to be Dr. Clark (the one who performed the experiments on Grey Fox). Sigint being the DARPA Chief I'm sure no one was surprised by that, it nice to know how it was that the DARPA Chief knew of Ocelot's identity (mentioned in MGS1).

Snake not actually dying on screen, opting to live out the rest of his days, was kinda of a surprise as well. I thought for sure Kojima was gonna axe Snake, giving him a patriotic death. Though, I thought this was a much better way to end the story, giving it a much lighter mood.

Anyone actually try bumping into the characters during the briefing missions? There's a lot extra items in the Nomad, if you take the time to search about. Oh and here's a neat little easter egg, while on the Act 3 Mission Briefing check out Otacon's Laptop screen.

Here's one of things you can get (spoiler alert).

Spoiler:

I love the Digital Camera this time, there's a 2nd person view (though you need another controller for this), especially now that there's the ability to actually upload your photos. Heh, making it less useless when compared to the previous games.

Some photos, does contain game spoilers

Spoiler:

Originally Posted by Kilroy

Christ, Sunny's one of the cutest game characters ever. It tears me up when someone treats her bad

OFT, for more cuteness try this out: while listening to "Oishii Two-Hand Seikatsu" on your iPod and check out the start menu. Haha, I stumbled upon it while browsing about in the menus listening to the iPod.

Originally Posted by Shenlon

also not sure about anyone else but I kinda miss the codec chats. Not for the long sequences where they explain the same thing as the cutscenes but for some of the interesting tidbits we get to hear and learn about certain characters or places

I miss the codec convos this time too. So lame how there were only 2 contacts.

Spoiler:

Speaking of the Codec, heh anyone actually try contacting Rose during the Screaming Mantis fight? If not I highly suggest trying it out, there's some hilarious reactions. If you call Rose enough time's you'll get to hear her cooking get mentioned again, as well as a reason as to be it's probably so bad.

Edit:

Originally Posted by Gechmir

How do you get the camera? And is there a purpose to taking photos?

I can't remember how I did it, but I think I picked up it during the mission briefing for Act 4. There's no real purpose for photos, other than sharing what you've taken or searching out for the ghosts of the game designers.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by cloud baka

Another reason i'm gonna play through is cause of a couple more secrets. this is mainly about all the B&B beauty fights. No real spoiler but it's a secret. Apparently if there is no result before 3 minutes of the Beauty fight conclusions they go into a "white world" (hadn't seen this) and a countdown of 3 minutes begins to take them out. During this time you can use the camera and they'll actually pose for you. Also having the iPod on to the song Hantei said, "Oishii Two-Hand Seikatsu" they'll dance for you, too bad can't get picture of that as same time. So i'm wanting to check this out.

I actually have had that happen. It was while I searching for the statue for the Screaming Mantis, haha I was like "WTF? Am I too late to finish it?"

It's also possible to take photos of it. Just set the Camera to 2nd Person, and re-equipped the iPod. The screen will be of the appearance of a camera lense and you just hit R1 on a second controller (with it turned on of course) to take the picture.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I just finished my no kill, no alert, speed run this past weekend (beat it in ~4 hours and 50 minutes, skipped the cut scenes). Granted it was on easy mode, but it did the job of getting me the stealth camo and bandana (+ a handful of other rankings). A tip for Act 3, wear face camo using a face other than Snake's own, it's as good a stealth camo. Heh, and I finally found some Akina poster's, Snake exclaims "Akina!" or "It's Akina!" when he sees them. Also something nifty I found, try the pressing triangle button for the chase sequence in Act 3, as well as the last boss fights in Act 4 and Act 5.

It's Akina!

Spoiler:

Regarding the database, anyone notice how on there they claim Big Boss' first name is John. That's gotta be a mistake right? As he was always refered to as Jack in MGS3, and I was under the assumption that John (Doe) was just a bogus name he gave to Ocelot when he asked BB for his name.

Originally Posted by cloud baka

WTF.. i dunno how or where that Sunny and Naomi picture was taken. Here's the site if anyone is interested Hatimaki Blog - MGS4, it's got some more Laughing Beauty and other weird images as well as a video of even more. Just thought it was a weird thing to share.

Haha, yea apparently you get those bonus pictures if you picked up the camera during Act 4's briefing. Heh, I lucked out by not really fiddling with the Mk II during briefings till the Act 4's, which was when I happend to find the Digital Camera. I didn't even realize there was a condition that had to be met till I read about it.

Originally Posted by Shenlon

omg nobody ever talks about the "extra" Feature in mgs. Probably because there were only lame camo's and songs to download but now something more interesting has popped up.

Spoiler:

Laughing camo which will increase the laughter of the soldiers that spot you, and raging camo, you get the point. I guess we can expect Crying and Screaming Camo's in the near future.

And also Hind D music from MGS1.
Not sure if this has any sort of effect

Downloading them now.
Well good to see that they just didn't abandon the downloads for the game. I demand liquid camo =0

Yea, they've actually been updating the Extra's content every Thursday. Heh, I really hope they get around to releasing more face camos too. Or maybe even more alternate costumes (even though the menu says for Octocamo) Eg. MGS1 and MGS2 sneaking suits.

There's nowhere I can't reach.