HAY GUYS

Simo · May 2, 2008, 12:09 PM

Just incase this could be made out as a spoiler...

Spoiler:

I'm ready for June 12th... like NOW.

That's not quite what the YouTube vid is which is more spoilerish. We've seen the "Snake's Memory" in action like during the trial version at E For All when Snake meets up with the MkII and Otacon calls it a Metal Gear similiar to "REX" the X icon appears and pressing it right then brings up flashes of images of Metal Gear REX itself from MGS1.

The video just seems to be apart of where we'll be going. The fact that the OCTOCAMO is in use and Snake is carrying a XM8 Carbine Rifle rules out a dream sequence for me. Obviously the 2 scenes of the one in question and Snake waking up could of been spliced together from 2 different points in the game.

Though with all the effects and such going on in that scene, did anyone else notice it looked to be running a smooth 60fps? Thats kind of been up in the air given the beta runs at 30, although jumps to 60fps during M.M at most times, so I'm hoping this reaffirms that single player runs at 60fps for the most part of the game.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Simo · May 5, 2008, 10:39 PM

Well the first review for MGS4 is supposed to crop up next Friday on May 16th courtesy of Official Playstation Magazine. OPM actually has a nice MGS4 issue right now thats dedicated solely to MGS4 and the past games to act as a refresher for those who haven't played the games.

There was also a big spoiler posted over the weekend of photo taken during the Euro press junket when they got to play and complete the game in Konami Europe, Paris. Unfortunately the snap caught one of the players during a cutscene to reveal something we haven't seen yet, although if anybody has been following MGS4 since the beginning then it won't come as any surprise, but I won't post it here though here are some un-spoilerific shots of the junket:

Title screen is awesome and WTF with the smoking warning...

Lastly some good news for strategy guide folks as Piggyback will be the ones responsible for the MGS4 guide which comes in 2 flavors of standard and a LE guide which contents are unknown at this time:

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Simo · May 6, 2008, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by Pietak

What exactly was this? A MGO competition?

Basically what Kilroy said. Last month several gaming journalists across Europe were invited to Konami Europe in Paris to play through a near final and much more polished version of the game from beginning to end. The photos are from some Netherlands gaming site that were taking during the event which kind of caught some spoilers too.

In February 70 gaming journalists from the US, Japan and Europe were invited to Japan and a private Konami resort to play through the game for 3 days and with Kojima and his team monitoring everyone and taking in feedback to help polish the game.

Originally Posted by Kilroy

Simo, couldn't you put the spoiler in a spoiler? I'm tempted seeing what you talk about:P

Yeah I can and will, just don't yell at me if you don't like what you see!

Spoiler:

FELIPE NO

Simo · May 8, 2008, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by dagget

Hmm. OPM? I thought they went under? Unless you mean Playstation: The Official Magazine (Formerly PSM) then I never got that big MGS 4 issue.

Cover for mine is GTA 4 with 6 page preview of MGS 4.

This is a seperate issue that will be on stands until the end of July. I picked it up today and it runs for a more pricey $9.99 compared to the usual price. The GTAIV issue is the current correct one and then next week will see the new issue featuring the MGS4 review.

News wise GAME in Europe, in particular Spain, have up promotional covers for MGS4 similar to the those you see in GameStop and EB here in the states. What is interesting is that the back of the cover features 2 new screenshots as well as technical information for the game including the maximum resolution being 720p and the game requiring a 4GB HDD install.

"A legendary soldier. His last mission. His final sacrifice."

Source

One of the new screenshots you can see clearly of Liquid Ocelot while the second one....

Spoiler:

Also today marks just 5 more weeks until MGS4 sneaks out!

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

Simo · May 11, 2008, 10:18 PM

Quote:

EDIT:

If anyone is interested Play-Asia and Yes-Asia has that gunmetal version of the PS3 (+ the LE of MGS4), the Premium Pack, up for pre-order. Granted it's the Japanese version, and is ridiculously priced, but if you don't wanna wait out to hear whether your local shops will be carrying any you can gurantee yourself one with either site (yes-asia probably better since you can get free shipping).

Buy Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots [Premium Pack] - Order Now!
PS3 40GB Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriot (Premium Pack) (Japan Version), Games - YesAsia.com

Holy crap thats overpriced.

You'd probably be best off just waiting for them to hit US shores than paying twice the going rate for the import. I hear that the US 80GB PS3/MGS4 bundle won't be up for reserve but that Sony is promising plenty to go around come June 12th. Nothing on the "Gun Metal" PS3 so far but with the MGO beta over perhaps tomorrow PS Blog update will shed some light?

Originally Posted by Hantei

On the previous spoiler about the Paris event, and the one above on the box cover:

Spoiler:

Regarding the cover..

Spoiler:

Lastly it looks like the tracklistings for the MGS4 OST, due May 28th, have surfaced on VGMdb. There doesn't seem to be any major or definitive spoilers in the listings but to be on the safe side I'll spoiler mark them:

Spoiler:

Source: GFCA-98~9: Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots Original Soundtrack - VGMdb

Worth noting is that there is no track titled "Metal Gear Solid 4 Main Theme" which could confirm the worst that Kojima axed the theme due to the incident a year or 2 ago.

How ya doing, buddy?

Simo · May 12, 2008, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by KrelEN

£80 for the LE?!

That's $160! ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY US DOLLARS.

I'm not made of fucking money.

Christ and I thought the US LE was a little on the expensive side.

The UK OPM is now out and contains the first MGS4 review awarding the game a 10/10. Of course being a console exclusive mag pretty much renders the review worthless but there are some new details and screenshots with the latter being mostly of the South American region that looks beautiful.

I've got the entire review in readable hi-res scans which I could post later but here's 1 page resized that has no spoilers save for a new look at the mentioned South American location:

Spoiler:

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Simo · May 12, 2008, 04:33 PM

Cropped and resized. Again the new shots just show off more of a location officially revealed and contain no story or cutscene spoilers but given the size of each image I had to spoiler code them:

Spoiler:

Also GamesRadar has an interview up with the OPM UK reviewer who reviewed MGS4 to talk about some details including that it took him just over 29 hours to complete, not including cutscenes:
Metal Gear Solid 4: The first review is out!, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS3 News | GamesRadar

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

Simo · 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by David Caruso

It more than likely does. When was the last time anything lived up to gameplay hours estimates?

It doesn't need to be long, of course. The last ones haven't been, and length hasn't negatively effected them, so.

Thanks for the scans, Simo. Jesus fuck you are awesome. <3

Not a problem. Again I have the scans in a higher resolution that are readable that can be posted if necessary but I haven't even read the text in fear of spoilers though I hear there isn't really much revealed given the press is under an NDA until June 12th. One of my favorite new shots:

Spoiler:

One tidbit from the review I got was that if you managed to buy every upgrade possible in the game for your weapons then you have to have Snake take periodic rests by laying down as not to get a hernia...

Can't really remember my playtimes for the series except that MGS3 took the longest but then it always did seem to be more epic and more vast than MGS1 & 2. So if its anything like MGS3's length then I'm happy. I mean when I played MGS3 last month I was still finding new tricks I never realised were possible and it's been almost 4 years since it was released!

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

Simo · 03:35 PM

HOLY FAWKING SHIT!

That theatrical trailer was epic and in English too! Complete with Movie Voiceover guy too. Wish I could post more but I've got to head to work, quite a nice treat before heading off though!

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:

Secondly I want this poster:

I'm happy with the boxart we've got but I'd love it if Konami made those posters available for purchase. That or just give me a high resolution image of it so I can make my own.

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.

Aside from all the product placement in MGS4 that Hantei mentioned it also was revealed that Snake can obtain an iPod.

Collecting the iPod then allows you to find CDs and hidden tracks littered throughout the game that can be played on the gadget with tracks consisting of old Metal Gear tunes. You can also buy more music from Drebin's store.

Lastly some new images, spoilered because of their size and also because they did accompany the story about the product tie-ins with the game including a cell phone and motorcycle...

Spoiler:

Phew. So I think I managed to cover just about everything.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Simo · May 13, 2008, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by Freddy Krueger

Yeah that theatrical trailer was awesome, they REALLY need to try and get that trailer in US movie theaters. They should go all out for the marketing since it is the last game.

Ol' Kaz was at the completion event and said that Sony would be partnering with Konami for worldwide advertising including TV spots, trailers, bundles and PSN events including 3 days of MGS4 coverage.

Also GameStop/EBgames will be having a midnight launch for the game. So no worries about having to wait till the 13th for the game as apparently it'll be shipping from distro to EB/GS stores on June 6th.

How ya doing, buddy?

Simo · May 13, 2008, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by Freddy Krueger

Also wtf at midnight launch I just pre-ordered the game at Gamestop yesterday and when I asked of a midnight launch he said no. Then again that's typical gamestop for ya

I think they just got the word today so try calling your GameStop again and see what they say now.

Originally Posted by ZiggyGo

Thanks a lot for those music samples! I think they'll fit the game quite nicely. What is Untitled6, if you know? All the other ones had names associated with them once I loaded them into my player.

War Economy I believe.

Originally Posted by Karasu

Also, is EB/GS the only people doing the 80 gig Bundle?

I don't believe so since by the sounds of it it'll be a common SKU and not really a limited item. The "Gun Metal" PS3 on the other hand...

FELIPE NO

Simo · May 13, 2008, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by Hantei

Spoiler:

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.

Spoiler:

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:

Quote:

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:

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.

Quote:

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.

Well they're just samples and the OST will be released in 2 weeks anyway and no doubt somebody here at GFF will have it ripped and ready in no time.

Quote:

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

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...!

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

Simo · May 14, 2008, 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by Hantei

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.

Well Ryan Payton mentioned that the opening was using real actors as well as the voice actors reprised their roles for it too. Also Logan mentioned one of the PMC ads in the KP Report too and the long speculation for the opening is the possibility of it being a "TV set" with changeable stations that would show the PMC ads but ultimately immerse you in MGS4's world and timeline by bringing everybody up to speed as to what happened between MGS2-MGS4.

IGN has some snaps up of that MGS4 bluetooth headset:

Quote:

We've got the first official pictures of Pelican's Metal Gear Solid 4 Bluetooth Headset for the PlayStation 3, which show off more of the product than the leaked sales sheets that hit the net a few weeks ago. As a matter of fact, our pictures are of the real product that just arrived in the office. While we work on the full review, take a look at what Snake would use for his calls if he didn't have slightly more advanced technology available.

Quote:

The MGS4 Headset is a standard Bluetooth 2.0 hands-free device, which means it can be paired with both the PlayStation 3 and any Bluetooth-enabled cell phone so you can rock it both at home and on the street. We're certainly down to roll with it in public, as it offers a good deal of contrast to the stand-issue Bluetooth headsets on the street. Spec-wise its battery life is rated at 8-hours of talk time and 160-hours of standby.

Quote:

Pelican will launch the Metal Gear Solid 4 Bluetooth Headset day and date with the game's release, June 12. Retail price will be set at $59.99. Stay tuned for our upcoming feature review to see how the headset performs in the heat of battle / the streets of Los Angeles.

Spoiler:

IGN: Pelican Metal Gear Solid 4 Bluetooth Headset

Yeah ok so I need to get one of those now.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Simo · May 15, 2008, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by SouthJag

Wtf indeed. This was supposed to be the reason to re-release the 80GB model. I wonder what happened.

This isn't that package. This is the "Gun Metal" PS3 that Konami completely sold out of in Japan within hours of going up on their website so it really is a "Limited Edition". It's also made out of a different material than regular PS3s so it isn't just a color swap.

The 80GB package is still coming only it'll be a regular 80GB machine and will come with the regular, not LE, version of the game..

Originally Posted by orion_mk3

Now that's interesting. Does that mean it's a 16-track disc, none of which are on the official 2-disc set? Or is it only 16 selected tracks of the OST? At least we won't necessarily have to shell out 600 clams to find out in this place of pirates.

I wonder if Ennio Morricone really did write an original music cue for the game. That would be completely awesome and unexpected!

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.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Simo · May 15, 2008, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by Pietak

Hmmm. Now were do I press the button to order it? Don't judge me!!
All I see is the whishlist link?

MWhAHAHAA!

From the press release:

Quote:

Yhe bundle will be exclusively available at Konami’s website, Konami America, for a SRP of $599.99. Pre-sell for the bundle begins on May 19th, 2008, and limited supplies are available

Originally Posted by Hantei

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.

I'm pretty sure it's meaning is that the CD will be only 16 tracks being a select picks of Williams, Toda and the Morricone track(s). I mean they did this with RE4 so I fully expected the CD to be gimped in a way.

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

Simo · May 19, 2008, 09:08 PM

I managed to get on earlier just for shits and giggles to see if the site was working given how slammed it was, seemed to be working fine but the checkout might be another thing though...

Alternatively the 80GB bundle is now up for preorder at Circuit City and Fry's. I'd imagine everyone will be following suit and this should be up for preorder everywhere soon.

Cover art is now out for LE version of the strategy guide.

It's written by Piggyback who put out some of the best guides for the Metal Gear series in Europe and published by Prima. The site lists the features of the LE guide as this...

Quote:

The definitive Metal Gear Solid 4 Limited Edition Collector’s Guide — boasting a hard cover and a frame-ready 8 x 10 lithograph, as well as an exclusive behind the scenes chapter written on-site at Kojima Productions in Tokyo. The guide itself is 100% complete. With the aid of complete 3D maps, the Walkthrough leads you through the entire game covering all optional tasks and secrets as they become available. As the story plays such an important role in the game, the guide features short "Flashback" box-outs that briefly introduce characters as they appear. At over 200 pages, the guide includes a dedicated chapter on Basics, Controls, Items, Weapons, Camouflage, Enemies, Secrets and Metal Gear Online. Containing original and exclusive artwork, no stone is left unturned in this epic guide.

I preordered a copy on Amazon for $19.99 saving $10 over the RRP and with a Prime account I'll get it June 16th. GameStop lists it as being released on June 3rd though but we'll see.

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

Simo · May 19, 2008, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by cloud baka

Nice the 80GB pre-orders finally sprouting up, thanks for the tip. Kinda wish i waited but i'm happy, i'd rather get the LE MGS4 game anyways so saved some money minus the dual shock 3 which i hope to own before i get the game.

Also, a question about the Gunmetal version.. is it just the color or actual feel of it?

The "Gun Metal" is just the name of the color for the console but it's also not just a color change since the actual material of the system itself is different to have more of a rough textured feel according to Exec. Producer Ryan Payton. Kind of why its limited and so sought after given the bundle is already completely sold out in Japan.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Simo · May 19, 2008, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by Pietak

So.

Funny story, Konami decided to be ridiculous, and Shipping Insurance is, you sitting down? $500.

I went and hit "back" (after thousands of refresh hits), and changed to an upgraded shipping method, and miraculously, the huge charge went away.
Suffice to say, the entire sitution reeked of Amazon's $150 XBOX360 fiasco, traffic slowing to a crawl, many people pissed.
Regardless, I have succeeded. I have it pre-ordered.
I feel like a complete nerd now.

Yeah I forgot to post about the insurance charge but you do get that refunded back on the card once you receive the bundle.

How ya doing, buddy?

Simo · 12:20 AM

Nice! Thanks for the info, Hantei.

I used the CDJapan link and went ahead and preordered the OST to snap one of the first edition copies and the price seemed decent considering Amazon has it for $49.99. That and in the producers interview on GameTrailers they pretty much confirmed that the LE version of the game is shipping with 3 discs which rules out the soundtrack included is the full thing..

So right now my MGS4 haul is consisting of..

MGS4 LE version
MGS4 LE Strategy Guide
MGS4 Original Soundtrack

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.

Additional Spam:
Double Posting. Apologies but I figured some new screens were worth it.

I <3 Naomi.

Spoilered for image size, no actual spoilers present.

Spoiler:

More here:
IGN: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Screenshots, Wallpapers and Pics

It's nice to see the actual lighting and color palette for the scene from the TGS '07 trailer involving...

Spoiler:

Also managed to get these new screens uncompressed and at their actual resolution so if anybody has an image request or wants to download the full 60MB zip file then let me know.

Lastly, at least for tonight, is that the US Official Playstation Magazine is now out which contains the MGS4 review - 5/5 Stars. Some key quotes in the mag..

Quote:

"If you come to the game with no prior MGS knowledge. You'll still uncover one of the most absorbing stories ever told."

Quote:

"Two acts into this this experience you might think you know what's in store for the rest of the game, when it suddenly changes in such a beautiful way."

Quote:

""MGS4 is special in so many ways that I suspect it will reside among the videogame industry's greatest achievements long after we're dust."

The mag contains some new screenshots as well such as Snake in cave by a stream using the Solid Eye in NV mode, Snake on a mounted gun taking out an A.P.C, new image of Snake meeting Big Mama and...

Spoiler:

FELIPE NO

Simo · May 22, 2008, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by Hantei

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

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.

Originally Posted by cloud baka

Thanks for the music clip, sounds like an intense fight.

As for midnight releases, Gamestop.com usually has a list a week or couple days before with the stores that'll be open. They did this with Super Smash Bros. Brawl and GTA4, so i specifically went to the one that always opened up for the midnight releases. The other Gamestop here is in a mall which doesn't open until 10am so, yeah hopefully yours is its own building or outside it has a chance of opening. This would be my first midnight release so i'm kinda excited to see the turn out if any in this town.

Yeah my EBgames where I preordered the LE version is within a mall so it's more of a pain in the ass for them to do midnight releases since they've got to get payroll for those working that night as well as letting mall security know and all that jazz. I suppose I could check the website to make sure they're doing it and if its not listed then call. If all else fails then I'll just pick up in the day but with since I'll be working I won't be able to get it until after 5pm so I'd be going nuts all day.

Quote:

I've seen a few articles about Metal Gear to be kept going, GameTrailers also had a recent interview after the Konami Gamers' Day talking to him about it. Mostly like how he was gonna step aside being the head of MGS4 but his crew had some difficulty on how to close the series, they just didn't want to ruin it so Kojima came back cause of them and fan reactions.. YOU MUST DO THIS, plus MGS is his baby what else should anyone expect. So next one it sounds like he's gonna be watching his team from a distance, hearing rumors mostly gonna be Metal Gear Raiden, but its still to early to know.. don't even know what's gonna happen in MGS4.

Kojima has wanted to step back and let his team take over since the end of MGS2 but they wouldn't do it, mainly because they didn't tackle the story that Kojima had started since 1987 and cap on anything that could be considered canon. Now though with Solid Snake's saga coming to a close in MGS4 Kojima hopes and believes his team will take over the reigns and start fresh especially without the baggage. Unless of course the fans demand Kojima's involvement.

I pissed around earlier with the uncompressed new shots to make some 1080 wallpapers for my PS3 if anybody is interested:

Spoiler:

Originally Posted by sexninja

So the guide will have all spoilers also hitting june 3.

So scan it and post if anyone are getting.

Not a fucking chance.

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

Simo · May 25, 2008, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by Hantei

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.

That's good and all but they need to address whether the final version of MGO will be region locked or not.

Originally Posted by cloud baka

Yeah i played the MGO for a bit took me awhile to get the hang of the controls, defiantly want manual aiming. I was disappointed that you had to press and hold the buttons for FPS cause in an early video they mentioned if you're ever so inclined you can play the whole game like that.. but not the way MGO had it, so the button scheme should be a bit different. Not that i'd want to play in FPS mode the whole time but like they stated, best for precision aiming.

You could do that though. In the Gameplay Options tab in settings was an option to turn on First Person Memory or something to that effect so that everytime you pressed L1 to ready your weapon it'd automatically jump to First Person without having to press Triangle too. Likewise if you got tired of playing it like that then you could press Triangle to switch from FPS to the standard aiming mode.

Originally Posted by Ultima

So I can get a signed version of MGS by Kojima at Virgin Megastore or I can get the limited edition from Gamestop. WHAT DO I DO?! Because of Gamestop's STUPID fucking exclusive shit on the limited edition, I cannot have both.

I'm thinking that lining up for a signed version might be a better idea though.

Shit son buy both, at least thats what I'd do but unfortunately they don't do too many of those gigs in Chicago.

Couple of news things, first is that the official site updated with 2 PSP wallpapers and a new OST sample titled "Atonement" by Nobuko Toda that was featured in the Japanese trailer on the DVD for I Am Legend a few weeks back:
zSHARE - untitled1.mp3

There's also a new Japanese clip that's part of short briefing with Naomi teaching Sunny how to cook eggs and use the GAKO timer:
Gametrailers.com - MGS4: Guns of the Patriots - Japanese Duck Clock Cinema

Lastly the Courage Is Solid trailer now available in a much better and clearer resolution. Konami's site seems to have it blocked for now but heres a mirror:
RapidShare: 1-Click Webhosting

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....

Spoiler:

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Simo · May 25, 2008, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by cloud baka

About 18 more days left and i'm real anxious, been trying to find stuff on web that'll ease it but not spoil it much for me. Went ahead and pre-ordered the limited edition guide, Gamestop had it coming out on the 3rd of June but i got it off Amazon that said the 12th.. no idea if it'll come any earlier but i won't be opening it up before the game anyways

June 3rd is the ship date for the guide to GameStop stores just like the actual game will begin shipping to GS/EB stores on June 6th but both the game and guide are street dated for June 12th. Of course it doesn't mean there might not be leaks but it's going be around that time you might want to stay clear of certain MG-centric boards and sites. I know I will and I won't be posting any guide scans or spoilers either.

The big thing this week though to be excited about is the release of the OST on the 28th. Like Hantei I went with a cheaper shipping option so I'll probably get mine on or just after MGS4's release.

GameTrailers have their new Bonus Round up with special guests including David Hayter (voice of Snake), N'Gai Croal (Editor of Technology for Newsweek) and Rob Smith (Editor for Playstation: The Official Magazine):
Gametrailers.com - Bonus Round: Episode 22, Part 1

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Simo · 02:06 PM

DOUBLE POST. APOLOGIES

Update with some news starting with EU folks who can now get a look at their Limited Edition version of the game:

Contents include:

LE MGS4 with MGO Starter Pack
7" Old Snake in Olive Drab Action Figure
Bonus Blu-Ray disc with "Making Of" documentaries
Official MGS4 Soundtrack

The box set itself looks pretty nice. The figure also looks to be the same Old Snake figure from Medicom's Ultra Detail Figure 7" line. Also regarding goods is that the OST is now shipping!!

There's also some new info that surfaced in the Kojima interview on the Japanese side of the official site. Basic summary:

The three places they went to for research were Peru, Morocco, and Prague. The countries in the game aren't named.
As seen in some videos, Sunny has a stutter.
The Foley recordings lasted 100 days. Some of the game's mixing was done at Skywalker Ranch by Chris Boyes.
For the motion capture, cutscenes that allow you to move the camera were done in one take, which lasted over 10 minutes in some cases. Also, some characters had separate actors for action and story sequences. The entire process lasted 4 months.
Facial animation was done by taking photographs of the actors then having animators do it by hand. They tried facial capture at one point but it wasn't always accurate.

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:

Credit to Marc for translating over at TUS.

6 reviews are out now for MGS4 with 2 of them cropping up just before the weekend from Europa. As they stand right now...
PlayStation Official Magazine (UK): 10/10
PlayStation Official Magazine (US): 5/5
PlayStation Official Magazine (Italy): 10/10
PlayStation Official Magazine (Dutch): 9.6/10
LEVEL (Sweden): 10/10
Chief (Belgium): 9.7/10

Some excerpts from the LEVEL review with their pros and cons first and then some select quotes:
+Very bleak, somber game, not just by MGS standards.
+The character Snake has never felt so believable. The briefing scenes show how frail he really is.
+Controls are incredibly refined and allow for much more options during the combat sequences.
+Amazing graphics and sound.

-Some of the bosses are a bit too easy.
-The game can be a tad confusing a times. One section took more attempts than wanted.
-Some skirmishes suffer from what seems like enemies spawning in.
-Some plot twists feel a bit silly.
-Notes that these details are still minute stuff that only “stand out” in a game like this.

Talking about open and free gameplay..

Quote:

”When I’m about to enter a huge fortress, I can choose to sneak through the trenches, up the stairs and coordinate my crawling motions with the guards’ patrol routes. Or pick guards off from a distance with my sniper rifle. Or utilize the smoother control set to get Snake to climb up on scaffoldings, across walls and roll through hallways to quickly get ahead without getting spotted from a distance.

During the larger battles, I can accompany the guerrilla troops who are fighting the PMC armies and take out my bazooka in order to silence helis and armoured vehicles that otherwise rain down lethal machine gun fire. Or I can look around, sneak away from the battle and utilize the tiny robot Mk II to eliminate the lone soldiers who guard the route that leads past the battle. And even within these different manners of approach there are a great number of options. There are hiding places and possible routes everywhere.”

Quote:

”MGS4 constantly changes character. While previous parts in the MGS series have had good pacing and a large variation, Guns of the Patriots almost feels like several separate games. The different locations that Solid Snake visits are radically different from each other, both visually and in terms of how they force you to play. There are large, open areas with it’s a challenge just finding the right way. There are also completely linear sections. Enemies vary from human soldiers who make rational decisions to the occasional but very powerful mechs and tiny little robots who throw themselves over Snake.

Some parts are all about pure action in the vein of Lost Planet or Gears of War. Other times it’s a fatal error to equip yourself with anything other than silenced pistols. There are suspenseful chase sequences and mech battles. In one moment Snake is forced to use his eyes to look for signs in the nature in order to follow a person. In the next he’s forced to listen for sounds to be able to maneuver properly. Sequences where he travels alone in claustrophobic tunnels are followed by enormous battles where troops face off against each other, helis are thundering in above the ground and APCs head in between the trees.

The game constantly showers the player with new impressions, new challenges, and the end result is never anything else than fantastic.”

Closing comment:

Quote:

A lot of fantastic games have come out in the past years, but none that has seriously given me that feeling that I’ve discovered something completely new, the way Metal Gear Solid, Half-Life or Zelda: OoT did when I played them for the first time.

…

But Metal Gear Solid 4 takes me back to that stage where everything feels new. Hideo Kojima not only surpasses the ten-year old predecessor – he once again manages to conjure up emotional storms within me that I actually didn’t know existed.

It’s not about one single revolutionary aspect. It’s about that MGS4 is so beautiful, so perfect and that it dares to get so close. When the credits roll, it feels like it’s just now that I’ve understood what games are all about.”

The CHIEF review didn't really break it down in terms of graphics, sound, gameplay etc just a pie chart like so..

62% Hideo's perfect closure
20% picking up memories
15% saying goodbye
3% too much incomprehensible bullshit in between for the non-fans

Quick summary from that review..

Quote:

"MGS4 is much more then a game, more then just finishing levels. It's an experience, a closure of a legendary epos, one with about 50% of great cutscenes, very strong dialogue and not to forget: emotion. Maybe I'll create a better view of this when I say that after 3 days of playing I looked behind and I saw grown-up men really crying during the credits. Normally I would call them crazy, but this time I respected it, cause even this machoman was sad after finishing the storyline that had me in it's power for so long. Exactly for that reason Kojima deserves credit. The way the story is told, the way the plot takes a few last, very special turns; the way in which the trusted characters did their last trick; the way the motives finally fell into place and on top of this all: the tragic hero that finally takes care of his ultimate destiny."

"The way the gameplay is combined with the storytelling raises this game way above each other media experience. This is so much deeper then and experience through books or movies, so much deeper then other games. This is the true power of Metal Gear Solid: Guns Of The Patriots."

I think I covered everything from the last 3 days...

BELATED EDIT: This cropped up on YouTube which is supposed to be the music track "Metal Gear Saga" by Harry Gregson-Williams and as such it contains the MGS theme:
YouTube - MGS4 ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACKã€€ ã€ŒMetal Gear Sagaã€

Make of it what you will if it's legit or not. The track title and length match the official tracklistings and the OST is now available. Obviously though it doesn't feature the segment of the theme that was accused of plagarism but its better than nothing!

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

Simo · 07:51 PM

Heh no problem. I didn't realise until afterwards how big the post was but I hope the double post was worth it. At least this way it should help encourage discussion given we've got like, what, 15-16 days left....!

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.

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

Simo · 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by Pietak

What has happened to the KP report? Have there been any new updates since Session 86?

No, the KP Report was put on indefinite hold a few months ago due to crunch time in getting the game finished. There is a new report in the game though since you can find and listen to one of Ryan's podcasts on Snake's iPod.

HideChan, the Japanese report, is still going on though with Kojima showing up on a couple of occasions. Actually he was on their a few weeks ago discussing the issue of how the American press and what happened with EDGE magazine and such.

EDIT: Another review is in courtesy of GamePro - 5/5. Some select quotes along with their pros and cons:

Quote:

Every once in a long while, a game will come along and change all the rules. Final Fantasy 7 transformed the RPG genre. Resident Evil helped create a new sub-category of gaming - survival horror - and Grand Theft Auto 3 single-handedly reshaped the gaming landscape. And now comes Metal Gear Solid 4, a game whose potential influence on the current state of gaming is nothing short of tectonic.

Quote:

"[MGS4] sets new standards for graphics, sound, gameplay, and storytelling, and it may be years before it is equaled, let alone surpassed. You will not play a better game this year -- maybe even this decade. If you own a PS3, buy this game the day it comes out. And if you don't own a PS3, well, you better start saving your nickels and dimes."

Pros: One of the greatest games ever created, it satisfies in almost every way possible.

Cons: "Stress" concept is initially hard to grasp, a tutorial for newcomers would of been appreciated.

EGM won't have the review in their new issue since they missed the deadline but the crew did talk about it and the quick point version of what they said...

Quote:

Jeremy:

- MGS4 represents the truest expression of the "Metal Gear" concept the world will ever see.
- Bittersweet that the series is over but at least it goes out in style.
- Controls a welcome addtion but he wishes for a cover system.
- Different approach to the game you dont have to be stealthy if you dont want to, infact many big firefights dont allow for stealth.
- Environments larger than MGS3
- You will find out what "La-li-lu-le-lo" means.
- Usually played stealthly in MGS games but killing people is so effective in this game that he got a high kill count.
- Having Drebin on call for ammo makes resource management less of an issue, also offers ridiculous number of possible weapon choices. But best to trick out a few favorites.

Andrew:

- New camera is a relief.
- Didn't mind the lack of dedicated cover system, to busy rushing into battle and getting Drebin points
- Game really encourages run and gun approach, but you can still play both ways.
- New gear and systems like octo camo and MK2 are great.

Matt:

- Played game on easy and hardest mode. On easy you can run around and not fear anything.
- On harder modes he really found the need for cover, wished the expanded the wall hug system they have.
- Other than that new control scheme does a great job, but does not feel it matches those of Splinter Cell.

Shane:

- Loved Act 1's unpredictable pacing, it ditches the usual hand holding tutorial.
- "The game contsnatly toys with your expectations right before exceeding them"
- Commends MGS4 "shockingly well-realized environments"
- "As always, Kojima productions dedication to stuffing the game with oddles of minutiae elevates the artistry to a level rarely reached in gaming."

Courtesy of NeoGAF.

I was speaking idiomatically.