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?"