Entries in Metal Gear Solid (4)

Tuesday
02Sep

PS3 Uncharted, SC IV, MGS4 Impressions

DateTuesday, September 2, 2008 at 19:04

Earlier in the week there was a delivery, it was my course material for my upcoming venture into Archaeology. Oh, but wait, a few days after that there was another delivery- a shiny new 80Gb Playstation 3.

For the last few years i've been very much anti-Sony, probably due to their increased public arrogance shortly after the PS3 release. Since then, there's been a change in attitude, seemingly from them and definitely from me, and pretty much since E3 i've been wanting to invest in one. The killer-aps are only starting to appear on the console line-up, but like the mish-mash Wii, there's games across all formats that I want to play, it's hard to get by this generation with one console, despite the increase in multiplatform titles. So problem solved, now I just need the monies. That said, i've got four games already, and while Ratchet & Clank remains unopened, here's what I thought of the three i've played so far-

Uncharted

It begins somewhat unexpectedly. After a brief (and visually gorgeous) cut-scene you're plunged straight into the action, guns blazing. It's exciting, and the early gunplay is a lot of fun, but as a recurring gameplay element throughout the game it does begin to get tiresome. Adventure and the platforming aspects fare a lot better, with comparisons to Prince of Persia and Tomb Raider safe and very accurate. the game's linear, with little exploration or branching out, but constant views of the gameworld and jungle around you are always there to challenge that. The story itself is an interesting joyride, again with similarities to Tomb Raider, but it's all very Indiana Jones- full of excitement, suspense, and laughs. The game was completed in abouts ten hours- some have said it was over too quickly, but the game was the perfect length, and certainly an adventure i'd like to replay.

Soul Calibur IV

The fourth title in the Soul series, or if you want to be a real smartass, the fifth. Much of the game's development and hype has been focussed towards the breasts and blade element of the female characters, as well as the gimmicky inclusion of Star Wars characters. While both of these remain in the final game, SCIV is a robust, enjoyable fighter, and one that, like the Dead or Alive series, would perhaps be all the better without the trashy crutches. But hey, if you want your warriors with cleavage, this is the game to play. Single player modes are the stuff you'd expect, with a story and arcade mode, as well as  survival/dungeon-esque modes. Putting a spin on things, characters can be equipped with the weaponry and equipment of your choice, both with enchanted properties, adding a slight RPG element to the game. New characters and freaks alike, additionally, can be created using the CC mode. Online debuts as well, thought with occasional problems notably present. Fighting online with your homemade hero however, is a lot of fun, and what would any game be nowadays without a complete ranked leaderboard? That's right, it's here too.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of The Patriots

"War has changed".

This is noticable immediately. Sure, there's the cinematic opening you've come to expect with the opening of every MGS title, but there's no training or introductory level- you're thrown straight into this war and immediately faced with a daunting prospect- escaping the new -think mini metal gear rex's- Gekko. But that's not all that's noticably new. Control feels completely different, and gone is the seeming obligatory top-down camera- it's behind you the whole time watching your escape, and fully 3D. Gunplay feels new as well, and while to begin with it seems a step backwards, a lot of the options such as save are now menu-bound. Don't worry- you'll soon get settled in. MGS4 is the end. Nothing is left unfinished in this epic, and answers and story reveals come with every other cutscene. Characters from past titles return in what seems like the ultimate in fanservice, while, additionally, the twenty-hour playthrough is littered with injokes, past references of humour, and cheesy lines so out of place they're there simply to amuse. All in all, a MGS greatest hits if you will.

The story as ever may remain heavy and nonsical to series outsiders and  perhaps fans alike, but it's the closing chapter of the saga, and an epic one at that. The visuals, naturally, are outstanding, setting a new standard not only for the PS3, but games itself, while the soundtrack compliments and overshadows the onscreen action in numerous places. Boss battles are interestingly varied, further delves into series surrealism and the abstract, while general enemy encounters are diverse and different- you'll be facing more than just mere soldiers in this game. Criticism may come from the amount of actual gameplay there is on offer, with cutscenes and dialouge taking up probably half of the game. This is understandable, but if this turned you off in the previous titles, don't bother with this one. The game has many strengths, and set-pieces of pure indulgence, but it's a shame to spoil them, making writing this summary all the more difficult. Rest assured, if you're a fan of the other games in the series, you will be rewarded, repeatedly.

I completed the game last night, just over twenty hours total. I realised shortly afterwards, that despite the length, I only actually played the game on three occasions, usually taking in six/seven hours in just one playthrough. I'm a loser, and it's obvious there was nothing else I wanted to do this weekend, but MGS4 keeps driving you forward, building itself up bigger and better, until the closing hour. The ending? Well, that would be telling, but as closure to the series, it is exciting, tense, sad and overall and most importantly, rewarding.

"This is good, isn't it?"


AuthorRichardAM | Comment1 Comment |
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Thursday
14Aug

Things That Annoy : #5

DateThursday, August 14, 2008 at 21:53

Remakes, or, more recently, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes.


Ahead of a playthrough (and purchase) of MGS4 at the end of this month, i've been playing through the MGS trilogy- against my better judgement, it included the Gamecube's Twin Snakes rather than the PSOne original. Don't get me wrong, it was great playing through the game again, but this is yet another remake that completely butchers the original. The cut-scenes are stupid -stupid even for the MGS series.There's no VR Missions, and villains Ocelot and Liquid are nowhere near as badass as previously- it's a total mess that fucks with my nostalgia.

Never again.


AuthorRichardAM | CommentPost a Comment |
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Sunday
25Mar

Ten fantastic PS2 games.

DateSunday, March 25, 2007 at 23:32

The launch of the PlayStation 3 this weekend marks all but the end of this current generation, and perhaps to an extent too, Sony's reign as console kings if recent sales figures are to be believed. But ignoring the future, the PS2 has had a fantastic run, and certainly, a games catalogue full of triple AAA titles. So with that in mind, here's ten that stick out for me-


SSX
Undoubtedly the jewel in the PS2 launch, SSX is still incredibly playable today. Running at a fantastic framerate, SSX is a neon explosion of light and colour all set to the foreground of being a snowboard arcade-racer where the emphasis is purely on speed and style. Though the sequels meddled with the formula and exaggerated some of the title's defining features, for pure retro joy and simplicity, this is the best iteration of the series.


Grand Theft Auto III

The series' first foray into a 3D playing environment, and for many, the first memories associated with the PS2. Laden with pop-culture references and jokes on culture, GTA3 is such a joy to play because it does everything so well, whether it be exploration, shooting or driving. But it's the fact that there is so much freedom within the gameworld in the first place that makes the game successful. As with all games nowadays there's the obligatory storyline, but the notion of just being able to do whatever you want in a constricted environment previously had been unheard of. It's not revolutionary by any means, but in terms of evolution of game worlds, that it is. Like SSX it's spawned numerous sequels, but again, this is the one you want to play.

God of War
While housing numerous genres, the PlayStation 2 will always be the home for 3D action adventures, as is the Xbox(es) to First-Person-Shooters. God of War is far from revolutionary, and on the surface is just another one of those generic adventures, but a quick play and it's evident it's more than this. While far from revolutionary, GOW is an absolutely incredible playing experience with solid execution throughout. Set in ancient Greece, visual design within the game is at an all-time high. As much a platformer as it is an adventure, this is the free-roaming beat-em-up genre brought back to life and up to today's game standards. Perhaps the game lasts a little too long, but certainly, it's a game-playing experience you'll never forget upon completion.

Ico
At it's simplest level, Ico is a platformer involving the usual jumping and rope swinging, but for perhaps the first time in a videogame, the story is the main focus and admirable quality of the game. It's incredibly surreal and dark of course, but the tale of a young boy outcast from his village and a mysterious girl of light traversing a big castle while helping each other out on the way is just too charming not to care about. For once, the NPC becomes more than just that and suddenly transforms into someone you do genuinely begin to care for- not a goal, not a screen nuisance, and certainly not a chore, Ico is certainly a game that invokes emotions towards videogames you never knew possible. Visually stunning and engrossing throughout it's platforming with an adult spin.


Dragon Quest- The Journey of the Cursed King
In terms of progressing the RPG genre, Dragon Quest is far from revolutionary. In fact, the game is very decadent, free from a lot of the malarkey that current plagues the genre. But despite both these points, Dragon Quest is an absolute joy to play. A back to basics approach, everything in this title is by-the-numbers, but that's why it's so good in the first place- this is simply an old-school RPG in a "next-gen" environment. As should be the case with all RPGs, character design is a real highlight with cel-shading illuminating the game visually, and while in regards to many free-roaming titles this title is pretty restrictive, it's still a lot of fun. And hey, that's what all games should be about, right?


Canis Canem Edit
Originally titled "Bully", Canis Canem Edit ran into problems with the media very early on in it's lifespan. From Rockstar, the similarities to Grand Theft Auto are very clearly there, and Canis could easily be best described as just being "GTA with schoolkids", but that's a lazy comparison. A third-person "action-adventure", Canis Canem sees you playing young Jimmy Hopkins- trying to dodge the school bullies, find his way and life, and generally just survive his time at school. On it's concept alone it just sounds like another chance to revisit your horrible adolescence, but the game is incredibly quirky and full of humour- much like it's bigger-brother of a game. Aesthetically the game has that washed-out visual grain that's familiar with so many PS2 titles, including of course the GTA games themselves. Not that it matters, because despite this, Canis Canem is a game full of interesting ideas, and a gameplaying experience that few games can house.

Metal Gear Solid III- Snake Eater
The third installment of the popular stealth-em-up, MGS3 turns things on their head early on in the game when you soon realize that for the first time in the game, you are alone, and you are exposed. On paper the notion of placing MGS in a jungle setting doesn't sound too revolutionary, but the game is radically different from it's predecessors (and all the other stealth genre titles) as a result. The production of the game is impressive to ensure that you do really feel as if you're in a jungle, with leaves and grass slowly blowing in the wind, waterfalls heard from a distance and choruses of wildlife the number one priority on the soundtrack agenda- it truly is such an immersive gameworld. The game still sticks to series traditions however as the endless cutscenes show, but this is a great story of worldwide fear and panic on a small scale. Plotholes and absurdities are present naturally as there is in all MGS games, but for cut-scene game endings, there really is no better than the one featured here- it truly is incredible.

Final Fantasy X
The series' first title on the second PlayStation, but certainly not the last with the twelfth edition coming out only recently. Final Fantasy X is like the other games in the series, and if you've any general experience of RPGs you'll know what you're up against here. New features present in this title are the Sphere-Grid means of levelling-up and Overdrives. As with all titles in the series, the storyline is undoubtedly the main concern of the game, and while in some cases it's a masterpiece, in other areas it's completely awful. Again, if you've experience with the series you'll know what kind of things to expect, but as a newcomer it can be quite enjoyable, and dare I say it, emotionally engrossing, so much so that after eighty hours you'll still be playing. The game starts off reasonably slow but with interesting characters and locations, once you're in you'll be staying for a while.

(the) Ratchet & Clank (series)

Developed by the same team that brought you Spyro the Dragon to the original PlayStation, Ratchet & Clank is a reinvention of the platformer genre. Introducing guns and weaponry to the genre, there's times of course where the titles feel more like third-person adventure games than anything else, as well as to an extent, "shooting games". But the weapons present in this game thankfully aren't shotguns et al, but rather are comically dangerous, in a style not so distant from Nick Park's Wallace & Gromit series of films. The focus then is on fun and laugh-out-load moments rather than gore and violence, and the game (and the series) is built on this foundation. A quick glance at any platform game will tell you just how effective this notion was. But besides the arsenal, the series is naturally humourous on it's own- ripping pop-culture and bringing a new dimension to "comedy in games"- the end result of it's quirky, silly and yet interesting character design.

Okami
Released earlier this year, currently, the last great title of the PlayStation 2's legacy. Developed by the renowned Clover Studio you know automatically that this title's going to be a winner. With a fantastic visual and audio design throughout, Okami is an incredibly enchanting title that wows on all fronts. With Japanese culture and history being such a pivotal focus for the game it's easy to feel distanced at times in particular with the plot, but on the gameplay and visual front the game is wonderful. Graceful yet strong, bold and yet frail, this is a third-person adventure game like no other. The similarities to Zelda are of course there, but artistically and on the notion alone, this game is unique, and a real gem not just in the PS2 games catalogue, but the last generation in it's entirety.

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Notable mentions of more fantastic titles
Katamari Damacy, the Eyetoy technology, Resident Evil 4 (not included because of it's release on the GC), Tekken 5, Devil May Cry, Timesplitters and Lego Star Wars.
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    AuthorRichardAM | Comment1 Comment |
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    Sunday
    24Dec

    Ten fantastic videogame characters.

    DateSunday, December 24, 2006 at 19:18
    Jon recently posted a list of his favourite female videogame characters of all time. With no intention to rival or challenge his nominations in any way, i've created a list of my own, naturally including both genders, and then some. Why? I just like lists.

    In no order whatsoever then-

    Solid Snake, the Metal Gear series.
    A war-veteran, a hero, and someone who despite their best efforts will always be alone in life. His appeal undoubtedly lies in the fact he both battles and lives by and for himself, and along with the games, there's certainly a lesson to be learnt from his character in general. One of the last good game series Sony has as an exclusive too.

    Sonic the Hedgehog, the Sonic the Hedgehog series.
    Only true dedicated fans would argue that the newer generation of STH games were just as good as the early years, but despite these design shortcomings in videogame playability, it's hard to forget that in the nineties, Sonic really was the coolest videogame character in the world.

    Pikachu, the Pokemon series of games and it's spin-offs.
    His vocabulary may be limited to a simple "Pikachu" and his emotions merely a squiggly line on his forehead, but when it comes to Nintendo and the Pokemon brand in general, he's easily one of the characters that come to mind very quickly. An icon for his series of games, and certainly, a merchandise designer's wet-dream.

    Rikku, Final Fantasy X & Final Fantasy X-2.
    The problem according to many with FFX was that Tidus plain and simple was a loser. The storyline too is also negatively discussed as well with it's complete absurdness and it's feeble attempts at time differences and blackholes, but in amongst all the mess there is hope, and her name is Rikku. Clearly the light humour for a heavy-as-hell dullathon she's charming, quirky, and oh-so irresistible.


    Yoshimitsu, the Tekken series of videogames.
    Space-ninja, cyborg-pirate, future-philanthropist, whatever you want to call him, he's easily the oddest out of an already odd-as-hell videogame cast. A green sword that lights up? That's almost fit for inclusion itself.

    Toads, the Mario games.
    They make Mario grow strong, and shuffle along the screen from left to right. Like Rikku, they're incredibly cute and charming.

    Yorda, Ico.
    Characters with a little bit of mystery and a surreal personality about them are always the best, and Yorda's no exception to that ruling. Where she came from, what she does and where she lives are questions that we the gameplayer have to interperet for ourselves, but if there was no Yorda, clearly, there would be no Ico game. Easily an example of a supporting character given a far bigger role than intended.

    Albert Wesker, Resident Evil and all it's spin-offs.
    It's a common misconception in survival horror and Resident Evil in particular, is that the villans of the game are the numerous grunts after you on screen. This isn't true, as Albert Wesker's involvement in every RE game proves only too well. At a stretch Resident Evil is "his" story, and like real life, the only villans in the world are, shockingly, our own human race.

    Pikmin of various size and colour, Pikmin 1 & 2.
    A fantastic example of Nintendo character design in the current generation. Which variation of Pikmin is the best? I just couldn't decide...

    Captain Qwark, the Ratchet & Clank series.
    A superhero that ain't too super, a buffoon that's out of this world, clearly the parallels to Zapp Brannigan of Futurama fame are there.



    Finally, while she doesn't make my list per se, in regards to Jon's own list, I think Ayane is definately the better of the ninja sisters from Dead or Alive...


    AuthorRichardAM | Comment1 Comment |
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