Has Anything Topped MGS4 This Generation?

Snaaaake
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 9:40:33 PM
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As of 2011, I'd say no.
Kojima made the best game of the generation.
You may argue Uncharted 3 is better or as good, but it's already 2011.

11 up, 5 down

MartyRules
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 9:46:08 PM

Snake says that MGS4 is the best game this gen,hmmm......

0 up, 2 down

Snaaaake
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 9:48:40 PM

I'm not snake by the way, I'm SNAAAAKE!

Jokes aside, I admit I'm an MGS fanboy, but I'm stating my opinion as a gamer.

Last edited by Snaaaake on 11/15/2011 9:50:26 PM

6 up, 2 down

TheAgingHipster
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 8:22:58 AM

Think that depends on what you're looking for in a game. I would argue that the excessively long cutscenes and absolute need to have played the preceding games limits its appeal. It certainly did for me, and holds it back from being the best of the generation. The Uncharted series, and more specifically the second and third entries, holds that distinction as far as I'm concerned.

0 up, 0 down

Grandma Pantyho
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 9:48:01 PM
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It all depends on whether or not you played the previous MGS games leading up to MGS4. Having played all MGS games in sequential order, I can vow that it is one of the most brilliant master pieces in the entertainment industry. The story, characters and engaging game play craft the most unique mind grasping series of all time. So to answer the question, No, nothing has topped MGS this past decade and I don't believe anything ever will.

4 up, 2 down

shadowscorpio
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 1:57:02 AM

I think whaat you're saying have a lot of truth to it. I would stress that gamers play and finish each of these games in order. When it comes to emotional master peices, this series really brings it.

0 up, 0 down

SolidFantasy
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 9:49:12 PM
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It's all a matter of opinion. I have always been a MGS fan and that might be the tipping point for me in giving MGS4 my game of the generation award over U3 or KZ3. The game not only excels in every possible direction it was also a somewhat early gen game. Uncharted 3 hit me in a way the U2 did not and for that U3 comes very close to MGS4, but not close enough.

Nice article Ben. I advise no one to forget the mind bending masterpiece that is Metal Gear Solid 4. That game shines brightly.

1 up, 1 down

Lotusflow3r
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 9:52:37 PM
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Uncharted doesn't come close to MGS4. MGS4 is deep, well thought out, thought provoking and utterly emotional. Uncharted is ya summer mindless blockbuster....Uncharted isn't as muddled as MGS though, i'll give it that...also, technology wise, Uncharted possibly surpasses it.

Personally, LBP2 was the game to top it for me. But as a sole adventure game, i think it's unbeaten this gen....However, again personally, i think Ni No Kuni can change that. Very different, but the same effect, i'm sure.

Oh, and The Last Guardian...that has a high chance of taking over!

Last edited by Lotusflow3r on 11/15/2011 9:55:36 PM

6 up, 8 down

kokoro
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 11:38:55 PM

Mindless? The game is only as mindless as the player. The characters in uncharted 3 have more depth and dimension than those in MGS4 and the story is told in a more compelling manner. MGS4's story is deeper I'll give you that, but overall uncharted 3 is probably a more accomplished piece of work.

2 up, 1 down

ZettaiSeigi
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 11:47:53 PM

MGS sure is a heck lot deeper than Uncharted, but I'll never call the latter mindless.

2 up, 2 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 3:38:51 AM

Play any Uncharted on Crushing. They're not mindless games. They're just not as deep as MGS4.

Kokoro, gotta disagree with you about the characters. Drake and company are just normal Joes looking for treasure. Snake and Company are all mired in a twist past spanning over decades and many wars and covert operations.

Last edited by Jawknee on 11/16/2011 3:42:04 AM

5 up, 1 down

kokoro
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 4:26:36 AM

Jawknee

What I meant was the way the characters speak and interact with one another has greater depth, not the characters them selves or their backstories. In the latter respect, the characters of MGS4 have greater depth.

0 up, 0 down

Killa Tequilla
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 6:20:15 AM

@kokoro
If you had played Metal Gear in 2001 & then played Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of Patriots in 2007, tears will be shed.

1 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 7:37:59 PM

There was a part in Uncharted 2 that was plenty emotional. Knowing ND, I am sure Uncharted 3 will deliver the goods as well. I have yet to beat it, but I am expecting something good.

Mindless Blockbluster is MW3, and I love the game!

0 up, 0 down

Shams
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 9:52:43 PM
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MGS4 has held up very well, and has been very influential. But, as far as gameplay is concerned, I think it has been eclipsed by the likes of Arkham City and Assassin's Creed, and as far as visuals and production values, I think ND's franchise superceded it by the 2nd entry. Though, it could just be my fading memory. I'll be sure to revisit it.

1 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 3:37:23 AM

I don't think those games can be compared to MGS4. They're only similar because they try to be stealthy but utilmately fail when compared to MGS4. Batman is a great game but the gameplay gets boring after awhile and I never thought Assassin's Creeds gameplay was that great anyway. MGS4 allowed the player to approach situations is so many different ways that it never got old to me. The other games on the other hand felt very limited. Especially Assassin's Creed. .

5 up, 0 down

Shams
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 9:23:19 AM

I'll guess I'll have to give it another looksee. I would argue the open world nature of both Arkham City and Assassin's Creed (2 especially) made them less limited as stealth games, but I know what you mean in terms of combat options, especially when it comes to Assassin's Creed.

0 up, 0 down

johnld
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 1:07:14 PM

man, i really want a new tenchu game so i can play a stealth game. i definetly prefer the way mgs4 handled thing. no kill-unseen playthrough, guns blazing playthrough. i know you can do that in batman and assassins creed but i still like mgs4 better, maybe because snake is closest to the average guy character. i did like the batman and assassins creed games.

0 up, 0 down

ZenChichiri
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 10:07:01 PM
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Nope. I don't think anything has. I haven't finished a game this generation and just sat there for a time after just thinking about it aside from MGS4. I have been wowed by the likes of Uncharted, Vanquish and Arkham Asylum (haven't played city yet), but MGS4 really hit deep down. It's the game that pushed me to really rethink the course of my life as a recently graduated person teaching English, to make a move to a career in something video game oriented. It made me want to be a part of an industry that spawned such greatness. It MOVED me.

Here is to hoping once my contract ends a year later I can move on to the game industry =)

Last edited by ZenChichiri on 11/15/2011 10:07:31 PM

5 up, 0 down

gray_eagle
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 10:10:20 PM
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im not a big MGS fan, no disrespect to other devs, nothing comes close to MGS4.

3 up, 1 down

Twistedfloyd
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 10:19:49 PM
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No, no, and no. MGS4 remains the unprecedented masterpiece of this generation followed closely by Uncharted 2 and Heavy Rain. No game possess the depth of MGS4's story, characters and game design.

Snake's arc he goes through in this game is absolutely amazing. Going from a man who doesn't value his life at all, to someone who does value his life by the end of it and has a completely new outlook on everything by the end of MGS4. It's a beautiful thing to see that someone explored the existentialist quality in this industry. A true story of human emotion, struggle and sacrifice that is without equal maybe except for MGS1.

Snake in general is a character that has so much depth over ten years of gaming that undergoes an incredible arc from MGS1-MGS4, not just within this game.

During my fifth play through (which I am playing through now), I am still discovering new places I had never seen before. The choice of playing stealthily or playing action oriented is incredible. The revamped CQC is exceptional, the level design is phenomenal, the cutscenes are unparalleled in their production value only being challenged by Amy Hennig, David Cage and Rockstar, but all of them come up short from matching Hideo Kojima's cinematic power.

Are there a couple of moments where MGS4 stumbles? Sure. Didn't like Raiden's arc by act 5. Thought a couple of cutscenes went too long. Despise Drebin and Johnny. But overall there are very few things like MGS4 out there. And those small nitpicking things right there don't come anywhere near close to being anything that can make MGS4 less than a masterpiece.

Microwave scene. Enough said. Masterful integration of gameplay (where you really feel Snake's struggle) and seeing his friends struggle at the same time as you're mashing that triangle button.

All due respect to Mass Effect and Uncharted or any other franchise, but nothing to me is as beautiful or poignant as Metal Gear Solid. MGS4 especially makes me cry tears of sorrow and joy each time I play it.

MGS4 is one of the most picture perfect experiences ever. And I defy anyone to find a better final boss than the LO fight. The cutscene before it pumped me up so much the first time I saw it, I was literally just in tears and on the edge of my seat as I fought Liquid.

And the final scene with a certain character at the end of the game (while Kojima needs a better editor) is just unreal in its brutal honesty and social commentary. A heartbreaking portrayal of two men at odds for their entire lives coming together in a moment of brotherhood is one of the most emotionally beautiful things I've ever seen.

So, yeah, for me, MGS4 is the best game this generation and is without equal (in this generation).

5 up, 0 down

Dancemachine55
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 10:53:23 PM

Holy crap! I forgot about Mass Effect!!

As much as I love Mass Effect... oooh, so close, but only marginally beaten by Uncharted 2 and 3 and MGS4.

1 up, 0 down

SubjectiveTruth
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 7:53:00 AM

Couldn't have said it any better.

0 up, 0 down

SoulController
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 9:03:28 AM

@Floyd

You nailed with that post bro. The only games to ever move me to tears were FF7, MGS 3 & 4.

MGS 4 had something magical about it that despite the 360's dominance at the time, here was a clear statement from Kojima & his team that this kind of quality was only possible on the ps3. A nice big middle finger to shoddy hardware & empty hype. Kudos Ben for this article

0 up, 0 down

aaronisbla
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 7:39:33 PM

i felt the microwave scene was a bit unneeded, reminded me of the ladder scene in mgs3. Could have been a cutscene instead

0 up, 0 down

BigBoss4ever
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 10:46:33 PM
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As I said many times, MGS series is the greatest video game franchise ever existed with the most complicated historical/fictitious background thus became the greatest story ever told in video gaming.

I will forever remember the saddest and most emotional ending of all at the end of MGS3 with The Boss's tragic death (like Big Boss said himself -- ever after the day I killed the Boss, I am already dead)... In that sense, nothing will ever surpass what MGS series has achieved.

Here is my salute again The Boss, from Big Boss.

p.s. I just got my MGS HD Collection Limited Edition today, super excited and worth every penny of it :D

Last edited by BigBoss4ever on 11/15/2011 10:55:11 PM

5 up, 0 down

main_event05
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 1:19:07 AM

To me, that is the moment that literally started everything. Either that or Ocelot's birth. Go back through MGS lore and you might find that Ocelot may be the most important player/pawn in the series.

2 up, 0 down

fatelementality
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 10:47:21 PM
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As far as tuggin at all the emotional strings, no game comes close.

0 up, 0 down

Dancemachine55
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 10:50:38 PM
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For me, MGS4 signalled everything wonderful about the PS3. It was the first truly next-gen game, something that made the Xbots jealous in a time of 360 dominance.

To me, nearly everything exclusive to PS3 has had a huge impact on me!! Only Gears of War 2 and 3 had a big impact on me on the 360. Halo Reach was impressive, but just didn't do it. Nothing special. Fable II came oh so close!!

As for PS3, well, with Uncharted 2 and 3 I had to invite my friends around to check it out, and showed the rainforest graphics off to my mum. Yeah, THAT impressive!!

Heavy Rain was revolutionary!! I have never been more absorbed in a character's story and personality than I have with everyone in that game. It introduced me to a new type of gameplay I now love more than anything, exploring human relationships between fictional characters. Truly excellent if done right, and Quantic Dream definitely nailed it!!

Got more 4 player action out of Littlebig Planet than any Mario game I own on Wii.

God of War 3... words cannot describe the epicness!!!

Honestly, PS3 has it all. Wii has some gems and is incredibly fun, 360 has Gears of War, but PS3 really is the only console to truly have it all!!!

As for anything beating MGS4?

.... nope, Uncharted 2 and 3 come close, but the story of MGS4, the cutscenes, the characters, the length of the story, the increasingly varied gameplay types, it truly was, at least to me, the perfect game. :)

2 up, 0 down

tes37
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 10:50:53 PM
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MGS4 was too great of a game. After playing it, I thought it was going to be a good sign of things to come. I was wrong. There have been some amazing games that followed, but not very many could compare to the quality of Kojima's effort.

6 up, 0 down

Dancemachine55
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 10:59:23 PM
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Anyone catch the new episode of The Simpsons, where Homer takes the kids to E4?

Guts of War II: Entrails of Intestinox!!

Grand Theft Scratchy

Medal of Duty

Assassin's Creed: Summer of Love

Protovision

Ybox

I was surprised to see so many PS3 references in there!! For an American show, I thought Ybox would get more attention, LOL!!

Last edited by Dancemachine55 on 11/15/2011 11:01:22 PM

5 up, 1 down

SolidFantasy
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 11:12:22 AM

Yeah I saw that. It was nice to see Guts of War get some attention. The Simpsons don't have a deal with M$ like I suspect family Guy does. So they can reference what ever they want at the "E4".

0 up, 0 down

PAKINIPS
Friday, November 18, 2011 @ 10:19:11 AM

I remember a family guy episode taking the piss out of microsofts E3 conference and how they buy people back

0 up, 0 down

Jalex
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 11:07:22 PM
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It's a legitimate contender for 'Best Video Game of All Time (To Date)' in my mind. And that's not just because I'm an admitted 'Metal Gear' fanatic. Surely the gameplay won't appeal to all, but there aren't any actual glitches or design problems (at least I haven't noticed any in my 18 playthrus), earning it a place near the top, if not the very toppermost.

4 up, 0 down

Victor321
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 11:17:47 PM
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To me personally, I reminisce and you're right Ben; nothing has topped MGS4, but many have come close.

In my eyes and in my experiences, the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series have had me coming back for more (over 200 hours spent in each franchise). Same with the Uncharted series.

Those 3 series above give me shivers and goosebumps, and just plain gaming bliss when I played all the games in their respective franchises the first time; wonderful, memorable experiences for sure.

But I remember playing MGS4, and witnessing the ending while the credits rolled; that final scene made me shed tears.

No other game has done that to me to this day.

1 up, 0 down

Dancemachine55
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 2:54:52 AM

Trying to one up my avatar, huh Victor? :)

1 up, 1 down

Victor321
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 9:52:27 AM

Haha XD I was looking for a new one and this pic surprised me, I had no idea it was in my pictures!

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 11:19:43 PM
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Nope.

4 up, 1 down

kokoro
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 @ 11:20:48 PM
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Uncharted 3. Definitely.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 3:15:56 AM

Nope. Not even Uncharted 3. Uncharted 3 is amazing but it's ultimately lacking depth in both gameplay and story compared to MGS4.

Last edited by Jawknee on 11/16/2011 3:21:33 AM

3 up, 0 down

kokoro
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 4:27:56 AM

I guess you're right. Though uncharted 3 has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. I literally could not stop smiling half the time- it constantly amazed me, all the way through.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 11:01:26 AM

Oh most definantly. It is indeed one of those games that was just nonstop fun. I but once you played it once or twice, there isn't much new to explore. MGS4 had a ton of guns and attachments to play with. Had alternate ways to approach the game. Granted different medals to challenge the player to play it in different ways. Getting the Big Boss Medal was one of the most rewarding and challenging gaming experience ever in my opinion. Uncharted is amazing but it just doesn't offer that level of depth and challenge.

1 up, 0 down

johnld
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 1:09:44 PM

i'll pick elena over merill though anyday, hahaha. just saying it.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 2:35:54 PM

Merill could be hot if she didn't have man arms.

0 up, 0 down

CanadianGuy420
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 12:00:58 AM
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nope not for me anyway. several games have amazed me this generation. ( most notability Heavy rain assassins creed 2 uncharted series GTA RDR) but MGS4 remains the most unforgettable gaming experience i've ever had period. obviously being a long time MGS fan going back to 98. i don't really need to get into how emotional the story got at times ( who didn't get misty eyed when the credits started to roll the FIRST time ?!. you know what i mean :)

anyway even in gameplay terms its still a technical masterpiece. to this day its hard to find a fault with it.

Last edited by CanadianGuy420 on 11/16/2011 12:03:45 AM

0 up, 0 down

shadowpal2
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 12:14:24 AM
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MGS4 was the game that marked the beginning of the rise of the PS3. After MGS4, blockbusters all over started hitting the console.

I mean MGS4 made the PS3 what it is right now. As MGS2 did for the PS2, and MGS did for the PSX. Kojima is God.

2 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 12:31:05 AM
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JAwk loves this game. I've never been a big fan of MGS but I respect its quality and understand why people enjoy the series. This game deserved to sell 12 million in its first week.

3 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 3:20:05 AM

Yurrp! :) I played the hell out of this game. 9 play throughs and I have been meaning to play it for a 10th here soon. It ranks up there with my top favorite games of all time. MGS4, FFVII and Zelda OOT.

Last edited by Jawknee on 11/16/2011 3:22:26 AM

0 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 12:45:02 AM
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It's hard for me to say anything has topped it. I can much more easily say that there's been several games that sit right there with it on the same level, each bringing their own identity and individual strength and significance.

1 up, 0 down

Rogueagent01
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 2:07:52 AM

I'm with you Temjin001.

I can say that a couple games/developers have definitely bumped MGS4 to the side and said share. Valkyria Chronicles, Heavy Rain , and the Yakuza series are the only games I can think of that feel like the same caliper(to me).

0 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 1:06:53 AM
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Well I literally bought the first three MGS games before 4 came out so I could catch up, having not played them. They are all great games, 4 being the icing on the cake. MGS stands in the top 5 of my favorite franchises, and MGS4 probably should stand as one of the top games ever!

With that said Uncharted stole the show. I don't think the first game gets enough credit. Drakes fortune was brilliant and if people don't recall it really showed what the PS3 was capable of. Uncharted has become my favorite series and it truly is the defining franchise of the PS3 console. It's an easy answer for me. But understandably it should be and is a very tough question to answer.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 3:25:06 AM

The only one I hadn't played before 4 was Snake Eater. That's another great one though none of them are as good as 4 in my opinion. If I has to list them in order of my favorite to least favorite I think it would be MGS4, MGS: Peace Walker, MGS, MGS3 then MGS2.

0 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 9:47:17 AM

I havnt played peacewalker. I will when I get the HD collection but mine would go 4, 3, 1, 2. The boss fight at the end of 2 was awesome well in fact all the end boss battles were epic.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 3:27:55 AM
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The only game left this gen that I could see topping MGS4 for me is Skyward Sword. From all the reviews I have read, it's supposed to be Nintendo's best storytelling and best Zelda yet.

0 up, 1 down

Beamboom
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 4:39:18 AM

Even I have noticed those reviews, and I don't usually read reviews for games I can't play. But that game looks to be ridiculously good.

Last edited by Beamboom on 11/16/2011 4:39:38 AM

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 9:41:12 AM

I'll get a Wii for it within the next 10 years.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 11:03:12 AM

Lol World. I'm sure you can score a Wii for like $50 somewhere by now. Most of the reviews I have read have said its actually worth buying or at the very least borrowing a Wii to play it.

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 3:43:02 AM
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I loved MGS4. I don't know what it is that makes it resonate with me as it does, but there are few games that match it. UC2 is a great game, but it isn't as affecting, at all. Same with Heavy Rain, it's a different feeling. Fallout 3 is an experience, inFamous is brilliant fun and Bioshock was so engaging, but none of them feature a certain magic that MGS4 has.

In fact, I have only played one other game that gives me a similar feeling. The feeling that I am experiencing a true masterpiece. Something that is entirely singular and gives one feelings that can't really be found anywhere else. Like Snake's swansong, I can't really describe what it is that makes me love it, but it is Valkyria Chronicles.

Games have beaten MGS in terms of technology, narrative, gameplay, you name it. But to me, only VC has the heart.

1 up, 0 down

___________
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 3:59:18 AM
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AC, JC2, darksiders, uncharted 2, portal 2 and dead space.
thats about it.
i just hope next time they take it easy on the movies.
i like to PLAY my games, not watch them!
nothing worse then coming home from work and wanting to have a short 1 hour play session, then spending all of it watching cut scenes!

Last edited by ___________ on 11/16/2011 4:00:19 AM

1 up, 6 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 11:07:43 AM

You're nuts. None of those game you listed even comes close with the exception of Uncharted 2. Darksiders? Are you kidding me?

4 up, 0 down

___________
Thursday, November 17, 2011 @ 8:05:12 AM

of course darksiders!
a blending of 2 of the best series ever made, zelda and GOW.
what more could you ask for!?

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Thursday, November 17, 2011 @ 2:14:03 PM

Just because it was a blend doesn't mean it wa a good one. The game has "suck" written all over it.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 5:06:56 AM
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I got a question for those of you who rate MGS so high:
Was MGS4 your *first* MGS for any of you, or had you all also played the earlier MGS and knew the series well?

I'm really curious of that cause to me, whose MGS4 was my first mgs, I don't even understand how the question can be raised, "if anything topped mgs4". Uhm... Yeah?

Don't get me wrong, the game was ok with its interesting strategic and stealth elements (I always play stealthy given the chance).
And the setting in that you were not a participant in the actual war going on on the screen - that was such a cool idea to put in a game! I love ideas like that! So this was a game that I per definition should have *loved* and not just find "ok".

I wrote down these thoughts right away to avoid being mistaken for a "hater" or just to want to stir up things. I think it was a descent game, one of many quite good games this gen, but nothing *that* special?

Seeing how you all love this game I suspect this might be cause I did not know the Snake character (or anyone else in the game) at all before I started it, therefore I saw the game through different glasses than you guys who has followed this character for years.

But my main point, and answer to the question, is: Should the Game Of The Generation require that you had played all prior releases of that franchise in order to enjoy it? I'd say not!

Last edited by Beamboom on 11/16/2011 5:09:26 AM

1 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 5:38:00 AM

I'd only played MGS2... but I had some idea of the events of the other games. Maybe it was just getting revenge on Vamp for what he did in MGS2, or seeing Raiden's struggle.
"You were the lightning in that storm." is a line that haunts me.

Maybe it was that all of the characters felt well rounded and that the boss battles were all rather inventive, and that you weren't just doing one thing. Above all, I think it's just that it was such an insanely polished and obviously incredibly high quality game.

Your last question is valid, and I do agree, but I don't think that you need to have played the previous MGS games to get Guns of the Patriots. Maybe to get all of the nuances and Easter Eggs in it, but not to see the brilliance inherent in it. For the record, UC2 is my GotG because it blends everything so well and is simple fun, even though MGS4 and VC hit me where it really counts. *shrugs*

0 up, 0 down

ZenChichiri
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 5:45:27 AM

It is definitely important to have played the other games first to get the most enjoyment out of it, but even if you hadn't, it should still stand out on its own as being quite the experience.

If you were to watch Return of the Jedi without having watched any other Star Wars movie, you would probably be thinking to yourself "who is this green muppet? why is he so important?" or "that bikini girl is hot! what's her job?! oh wait, she's a princess?!".
Going even further the emotional revelation (SPOILERS) at the end of Empire Strikes Back about Darth Vader being Luke's father would make their fight in the movie seem more meaningless. Having watched the others makes this movie a more full and better experience.

Same with the likes Return of the King. If I hadn't seen the others I would think to myself "hmmm, ok so there are these 2 hobbits that are in a relationship together trying to get their ring thrown into volcano?! hmmmmmm, oh wait epic fight soon that looks cool!" It's obvious who the good guys and bad guys are, but without prior knowledge they have no depth and you can only accept what they have done in that movie you're watching as their full character depth. You have to assume their past, which may or may not be accurate.

As for MGS, I would highly recommend playing the others, and then go back to play this one, but of course MGS is not for everyone and perhaps it just wasn't for you. I know some people that played MGS4 without playing the others and were still pretty blown away by it. They then went ahead and played the others to complete the story. Perhaps it just is not your style, which is completely subjective and understandable.

5 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 6:14:51 AM

MGS4 is the conclusion, If people have not bothered to play the previous entries in the series and finish the game unsatisfied. Then that is their on fault and I give them no empathy. A sequel should not be marked down because it is not a stand alone title.

I like many started with Metal Gear Solid which even though had 2 prequels, certainly stood on its own two feet and made an impact. But MGS is an established franchise and available now to everyone with a PS3, there is no excuse for people to not follow the full series now.

1 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 6:38:48 AM

ZenChichiri,
I were thinking along the exact same lines as you in comparing it to movies. It's been quite a while since I saw the Star Wars movies, but usually a sequel let new viewers get a chance to catch up, either by reading between the lines of the dialogue (as I imagine is the case in the SW movies) or the script includes some "looking back" moments designed for these purposes.

This was most definitely *not* the case with MGS4. That game was like being thrown into the last quarter of a movie after a commercial break.
And i allow myself to question how smart a move that was considering it was released for an entirely new platform, therefore it is reasonable to assume there were plenty of folks like me, who had never owned a PS before and therefore *could not* have been up to date on that storyline.

And that's the answer to you too, Ultima: In many cases it's not a question to "bother", it is a question of being "given the chance". There was no MGS1, 2 and 3 for me to play prior to MGS4.

Last edited by Beamboom on 11/16/2011 6:39:49 AM

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Ultimadream
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 7:18:53 AM

Questionable, Even though most PS3 cannot play PS2 games nowadays, PS1 discs work on ALL PS3's. So there is no excuse for anyone not to at least start with that. As for MGS2 & 3. They will still work on PS2's with Backwards Compatibilty. So a lot of people could have really played them before.

As I said before, I don't think anyone who started with MGS4 could truely apreciate it on its 1st playthrough. In act 4, the location would mean absolutley nothing to people who never played MGS1. How can people apperciate the characters which most of us have been following for over 10 years . I feel sorry for anyone who has started out on MGS4 as they have just lost out on one of the best gaming experiences possible.

After my experience of Kingdom Hearts, I refuse to continue a series if I have missed out on a part. If Kingdom Hearts III eventually comes out and gets 10/10 reviews I will still refuse to play it. I remember playing KH II having missed out on Chain of Memories (A GBA title set inbetween 1 & 2) and the story just did not make sense. Sure I could have read up what happened on CHain of memories or bought a GBA just for that. but I shouldnt have too.

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Beamboom
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 8:01:23 AM

Ultima, quoting:
"... but I shouldnt have to"

And that's *exactly* what I say about any title that is to be hailed as the best of the generation. I should not *have* to play the earlier titles, especially when it's not even released for the same platform.

Last edited by Beamboom on 11/16/2011 8:03:46 AM

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slugga_status
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 11:27:43 AM

In some cases you don't have to play the previous entry to play the newest one (ex. Uncharted series). MGS4 is completely different. If you never played a MGS game you're going to be left out. MGS4 is a very story driven game that continued the same narrative for over a decade.

If you never played MGS then you don't really understand the meaning of returning to Shadow Moses. That was epic in itself..You really don't understand why Ocelot acts as he does, the relationship with Meryl, Colonel, Otacon, etc. Or all together why "war had changed"..

The gameplay mechanics are second to none. Uncharted borrows off of the gameplay mechanic of MGS4 some what. It's extremely deep and to be able to see the emotional state of a soldier took gameplay to another notch.

In a nutshell..you definitely have to play the previous titles..or at the very least you should play MGS1 and 2...

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sirbob6
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 9:33:41 PM

MGS4 was my first MGS and I found it breath taking. I did have a basic sense of the story from a friend that played the older ones but that was about it.

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taus90
Thursday, November 17, 2011 @ 5:11:34 AM

I have to agree with Beamboom. and also would like to for a gamer like me who started his true gaming life this generation, I Had a PSone, and had only played few countable games like Crash, Tomb Raider, Final Fantasy 9, ape escape... and had played only one level of MGS. At that time I didn't even know what was the name of that game. Then after a generation break i bought a PS3 and upon release i purchased MGS4 just to see what the hype was all about, I started my play through, and soon MGS4 struck an emotional chord with me when i reached Shadow Moses and played the same level, the same sequence that i had played years ago on PSone, I still remember i didn't knew where to go in that level, later realizing that there was small vent where i had to crawl in, so suddenly i was going through the same flash back as snake and till now No game has ever done this to me. As for the entire game, the overall package is second to none, the only thing i hate about MGS4 is the install. Having said that my second game was Uncharted DF, I was surprised how good the game was, I think that is because I went into the game with least expectations. Then the endless wait began for uncharted 2, and we all what happened when UC2 released. And now we have Uncharted 3, after completing the single player campaign i realized many flaws in the game's story and most importantly UC3 made me realized what a gem Uncharted 2 was. Don't get me wrong Uncharted 3 is a brilliant game, especially Chapter 21 the one with the eclipse, i think that chapter is the best chapter in the entire uncharted series. so strictly from this generation view point i think personally for me Uncharted 2 is above MGS4. As for people stating that MGS story is deeper than the story of Uncharted, I would like to point out that MGS is one the oldest game franchise in gaming history, and story has been evolving for more than a decade and uncharted has just been out this generation so its not fair to say uncharted is not deep enough or compare their stories. So I can safely say strictly from this generation point of view Uncharted 2 is at the top, and for the people who have been gamers for many generations MGS4 will be at the top in this generation, but not in the MGS series.

Last edited by taus90 on 11/17/2011 5:16:40 AM

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Ultimadream
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 6:11:18 AM
Reply

MGS4 is a sensational game, I utterly adored playing through teh game for the story on my 1st playthrough. But the game simply has no replay value (MGO aside). I cannot figure out why but I just find it very tedious to play through again, unlilke MGS1-3 which I still frequently play. And it is not due to the long cutscenes either. If anything I think it is the act structure. Act most acts just feel like A to B missions. Act 3 is so painful to replay especially the long stalking part. I also prefer the controls of MGS2,I really did not like how they intergrated the over the shoulder system into MGS4.

While I do like Metal Gear Solid 4, there have been other games which have just delieved more to me this gen. Catherine is the suprise hit of this gen, I was really not expecting it to be so deep and enjoyable. The interactive narrative is the way forward in gaming in my opinion. Heavy Rain also being a huge contributor to this. Then there is FFXIII, Which I loved from beginning to end. It delivered precisely the RPG experience which was lacking at the time, along with Nier too.

I don't want to say I was dissapointed with MGS4, because I really wasn't my 1st playthrough was so satisfying and it was the 1st game which made me feel content with the PS3. But as I said before It's just not a game I enjoy replaying, saying that I have yet to replay FFXIII and I consider that one of my favourite this gen. When the UK finally gets the MGS HD collection me and my flat mate will be doing a Metal Gear Marathon in chronological order, after that I will know where MGS4 will stand.

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T W O
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 7:20:11 AM
Reply

This is great question and my simple answer would have to be nothing tops MSG4 for this generation.

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firesoul453
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 9:18:07 AM
Reply

did this get a greatest hits edition?!

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Victor321
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 9:53:25 AM

Yes my friend :) and if you snoop around hard enough, you might find the Limited Edition XD and any other editions, if there are any.

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Fabi
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 11:42:48 AM
Reply

I will say that if the whole game would have kept the feeling of the first act, it would be the best game I have ever played.

But I just cannot get over that damn act 3... I HATED IT.

It ruined what could have been a perfect game for me.

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Robochic
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 11:54:25 AM
Reply

It depends on what you like as a gamer i've never played the MG games my best friend loves them but I think just watching someone else play I can see how it's hard to beat out MG4. I personally love UC3 and think it came pretty darn close the graphics were tight, the game play was smooth and fun just, the cut scenes were a bit long but i understand why.

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DjEezzy
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 12:39:42 PM
Reply

yeah mgs 4 ranks up there as best of the generation right next u2 and u3. I would also say that Red Dead Redemption blew me away almost as much as mgs 4. Such a great game!!!

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Jawknee
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 2:34:38 PM

I honestly didn't think Red Dead was all that great. It was fun for awhile but got so boring just like the other Rockstar games I have played including L.A. Noire. Great ideas, just boring execution. Though I will grant that Red Dead some great moments and characters.

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sirbob6
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 6:46:36 PM
Reply

Considering MGS4 is one of two games of the generation that, when the credits finished rolling I just stared at the screen for a few minutes before going, "Hot Damn!" and going back in for a second round immediately(and a third, and a fourth, and a fifth, ect...)

No, it has yet to be surpassed.

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aaronisbla
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 7:36:10 PM
Reply

Its probably my fav MGS game. But im gonna have to say yes. Story wise, if ur into the series, its great stuff. GAMEPLAY wise? It starts off extremely strong, but chapter 3 was such a bore. Chapter 4 was good, But chapter 5 was pretty darn disappointing to me as well, way too short.

And like someone mentioned above, the replay value is somewhat lacking. The other mgs games i went thru a bunch of times, mgs 4 not nearly as much. As a whole package, its tough to beat though. Graphically, its still pretty impressive. In order to fully appreciate the game, you have to play the other 3 games in the series to really grasp it. If you didnt like those, you wont get into this.

But im gonna have to say yes, other games have topped mgs4 this generation in my opinion.

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InBlackestNight
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 8:32:52 PM
Reply

Nothing touches MGS 4. Uncharted 2 or Arkham City comes closest. Uncharted 3 was a bit of a letdown (squirrelly shooting and no option to buy weapons for later playthroughs).

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Deano34249
Thursday, November 17, 2011 @ 8:12:30 AM
Reply

MGS4 > Uncharted 3

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Jawknee
Thursday, November 17, 2011 @ 2:15:01 PM

MGS4 > everything.

Last edited by Jawknee on 11/17/2011 2:15:22 PM

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megahertz
Thursday, November 17, 2011 @ 2:42:10 PM
Reply

Are you freaking kidding me? I hated that game. It was sooo boring. The load times, the horrendously long "cut scenes" that dragged on and the extremely brief period of actual game play. Give me a break already!! The most overrated games of all time!!

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DeathOfChaos
Friday, November 18, 2011 @ 10:13:33 AM
Reply

Probably every game I've played outshines it. It's pretty, but that's about it. I've had a die hard fan of the MGS series tell me that MGS4 was the worst one and they didn't like it at all and trust me, this guy knows EVERYTHING about the MGS series, even from the Metal Gear games on the NES and such, lol. So yeah, it's been topped. God of War II and the Uncharted series outshine it story and re-playability.

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