Countdown to MGS4

[Kkun]

I'd agree with you if it wasn't for two things:

1. They've never liked the MGS games, showing it even way back when MGS 2 was released. It wasn't as if they just randomly decided to hate this one for no reason.

2. Tycho ADMITS HE BOUGHT IT. If he was saying "I hate it and Kojima will never get my money!" maybe you'd have a point, but when he readily admits "I sometimes wonder why I buy every MGS game that comes out when I profess to hate them," the point is kind of destroyed.

Number one might be halfway legitimate but number 2 does NOTHING to destroy my argument. All it does is prove it more: Penny-Arcade hates on popular games because Tycho and Gabe are pretentious. I don't even think it REALLY has to do with them hating games because people like them like I kind of alluded in my previous post. I think they just do it because people expect them to. It's part of their shtick. They make fun of popular games.

Also, as for your question about the euphemism, the answer is yes.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

GABRIEL, SPOILER TAGS PLEASE. Friggen... FRIG.

This was my adventure for the past two days.

It started around 10:00 PM on the 11th of June when my friend Corey and I (Accompanied by Joe and Tim) decided to go to Gamestop for a midnight launch so I could pick up the Metal Gear Solid 4 80gb PS3 Bundle.

Well the Gamestop that "said" that they were having a midnight launch... ended up not having one after all. We checked out two more Gamestops and two Wal-Marts. The last Wal-Mart we went to was a 24/7 store, so we went in and decided to chill. We saw a group of guys waiting around, so we went up to them and asked what they were waiting for. Sure enough, they were in line for the same thing I was after. The catch: It was said that there was only eight of them. I decided to wait in line anyway. What number was I? Number Ten.

Unfortunately, there was only eight at the store, so I left pretty disappointed.

On the way home, I made plans that tomorrow, I would go to class, turn in a paper really quickly, then quickly find a Gamestop where I could sit and wait for the store to open.

However, a flat-tire put a minor hinderance in those plans. I quickly called Corey, and with his three-hours of sleep, he agreed to pick me up so I could carry the rest of the plans.

After turning in my assignment, we waited outside a Gamestop for about twenty minutes. When we were there, I told Corey: "You know what would suck? If this Gamestop had a midnight launch..."

Alas, 10:00 AM finally arrives, and the employee opens the door. "If any of you guys are here for Wii-Fit, we're all sold out".

Some lady, another dude, and I all go "No, we're here for Metal Gear". As the employee is smiling, the dude asks him "You guys got the PS3 Bundle right?"

It was then that I realized that my search was not over. He tells us "Sorry. All sold-out at Midnight."

"You guys had a MIDNIGHT LAUNCH?" I ask him. He tells me that he did, and that their store was the only one in the area that had one. I'm standing there, at a state of absolute surrealism and disbelief. I FREAKEN JYNXED EVERYTHING! GAH! I turn to Corey and tell him, "COREY. GET IN THE CAR. NOW".

Eventually, we drove to Toys R'Us, which only has two... PREORDERED. D: We then tried Wal-Mart, Game Krazy, and Circuit City, all which were sold out.

We decided to make a final stop... to a Gamestop; hoping, just HOPING that they might have one available.

I walk in and I see a line of about four black dudes, and at the counter is the Manager (His name was Christopher!) bagging someone's MGS4/PS3 Bundle. When the guy in front of me was getting the bundle, I politely interrupted the manager and asked him, "Sorry, but can I ask how many more you have?"

"Why? Do you want one?"

"Yes"

"Zero, this is the last one."

I... I didn't know what to say. Here I was, standing in line, with the guy in front of me about to get the LAST bundle...

"No, I'm just kidding. I got two more left."

I wanted to strangle and hug the manager at the same time.

After taking forever to recuperate from the shock, I finally was able to acquire my prize.

So how is Metal Gear Solid 4? Without a doubt, best game of 2008. I just beat one of the bosses (Laughing Octopus. Holy crap, I have never been so freaked out by an enemy in quite some time!) and the gameplay, production values, and everything else are just absolutely gold. Snake Eater has been my favorite MGS game so far, but will Guns of The Patriots one-up Snake Eater?

Only time will tell.

[Stephen]

I actually did not read many posts on this, for fear of spoilers. I figured I owed it to everyone to throw my opinion out. I've loved Metal Gear since the PS1 demo I played. (I own the original NES Metal Gear, but was kinda meh with it) I kinda let this new one sneak up on me. However, thanks for a wonderful company online called Frys, I have a PS3 MGS4 Bundle coming my way. Should get here Monday I think.

http://shop4.frys.com/product/5573180?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG


Says sold out again now though. Dunno if they will get more or not. Good luck to anyone still on the hunt though! I will jump in again once I have finished the game. I am so scared of getting it spoiled I am avoiding most websites lol.

[Link Antilles]

I got my copy yesterday. I'm taking my time playing through on "Solid Normal". I think I'm about half-way through Act 2. Just beat the first technical boss.

Minor Spoiler about the fight:

[spoiler]If you haven't looked at the soundtrack order, it's Laughing Octopus. She forced me to use a second ration (I was doing really good too). Anyone have trouble with that stupid bowling ball move? There wasn't enough room for me to get out of the way. [/spoiler]


O'yeah and since we've got a good number of people playing: Everyone post up your end game stats for your first play-through when you are done.

Also, what guns have you guys been using?

My main gun seems to be the M14EBR with the silencer attached. -Been leaving that on single fire to conserve ammo. I've also been using the Five-Seven to use all that 5.7 ammo from the P90s dropped by those Frog gals.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Link, I've been having trouble with that too! However, I think I found an easy method to dodge that attack by her...

[spoiler]Stand on a box or a table.[/spoiler]
My weapons of choice have actually been the same! The M14EBR with the supressor is amazing, and getting loads of headshots have never been so easy with dual analog before! I also frequently use the p90 and the m4. However, I still also use the Tranquilizer a lot.

I should buy a Five-Seven. It's my favorite pistol from Counter-Strike. XD

[Raiden no Kishi]

Man, I'm really not into games much anymore, but right now I am SERIOUSLY wishing I knew someone with this game and a PS3.

Somewhat off-topic: It's interesting that you guys favor the M14EBR. That rifle really is that awesome IRL., and someday I will own one (it's expensive, but totally doable). Makes me wonder why we even bothered with the M16 . . .

.rai//

[Kkun]

I use the Mk 2 quite a bit just because I've been playing Portable Ops a LOT and old habits die hard. I keep having to remember that I don't have to RECRUIT any of these guys! I can kill all of them that I want!

As far as regular guns, I haven't been experimenting much but I do like the SVD (I've always been a fan of the sniper rifle) and the P90. I'll wind up playing through this game four or five times, I'm sure. I'll have more opinions on the weapons later since I'm off work today.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

I am glad that Raiden actually has some sense of manliness in this game.

Much better than the MGS2 version...

[Kkun]

I'm still not very far but he seems awesome. I was in the part after the Laughing Octopus fight tracking Naomi and then my game froze on me. o.o; I'm not sure what that's all about....and I totally forgot to save so I'm gonna have to fight Laughing Octopus again. XD; Good thing she's pretty easy.

[Htom Sirveaux]

So you cracked after all, eh Ryan? I still can't bring myself to do it. But I dunno . . . MGS4, upcoming game from the ICO team . . .

[Kkun]

I had to fight Laughing Octopus again because my game locked up on me so I decided that I wouldn't beat her until I figured out how to do it and use only one or less rations.
[spoiler]
So, Ryan is right about the crawling on a table or box. In one of the three hallways surrounding the main connecting rooms, there are two lone boxes that you can crawl onto. I managed to beat her without using any rations using this method and the M4. She wasn't able to hit me once with that stupid rolling attack. Then, after I'd shoot her up, before she'd have a chance to attack me I'd just run away to the other side of the building and wait for her to hide again. It worked fairly well. I'm sure there's a faster way but I'll try to figure it out on my next playthrough.[/spoiler]

[Mr. SmartyPants]

[spoiler]How do you crawl on a table? XD[/spoiler]

[Kkun]

[spoiler]Whoops. I thought you'd said something about a table and I was just typing quickly because I was in a hurry. Just boxes. Just boxes.[/spoiler]

[Mr. SmartyPants]

So I just beat MGS4. =)

All I can say is "Woooooooow". I might put up a detailed thought-analysis later.

As for my stats:

MGS4 Stats:

Total Play Time: 23:10:54
Continues: 37
Alert Phases: 117
Kills: 498
Recovery Items Used: 76
Weapon Types Procured: 35
Flashbacks Watched: 143
Special Items Used: Not Used

Total Bonus: 10,390 DP
Current Drebin Points: 198,796 DP
Confer the title of... Eagle. Racked up the Headshot Counts. =)

Also got Inchworm, Hyena, Pig, Cow, Crocodile, and Puma.

[Link Antilles]

Wow, almost 500 kills? I thought I had a lot. I'm on the final Act and about to wrap it up.

Btw, Ryan...
[spoiler]During the South America fight at mansion, I got a quick audio flashback of Liquid saying, "You enjoy all the killing..." Did you get that one or anymore?[/spoiler]

[Kkun]

I'm on Act 3...I think I'm about halfway through it. I'm gonna try and beat the game tonight and start on another playthrough.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Wow, almost 500 kills? I thought I had a lot. I'm on the final Act and about to wrap it up.

Btw, Ryan...
[spoiler]During the South America fight at mansion, I got a quick audio flashback of Liquid saying, "You enjoy all the killing..." Did you get that one or anymore?[/spoiler]

I get so many kills because I get so many alerts! XD

And I don't really recall getting that audio flashback.

AND DUDE.
[spoiler]Shadow Moses mixed with all the flashbacks... pretty freaky stuff! The atmosphere is pretty creepy, especially since you know you've been here and everything. When I was hearing the voice of Master Miller when crawling through the beginning vent, I freaked out a little bit. XD[/spoiler]

Another spoiler.
[spoiler]I cried a little when Naomi Hunter died. =( I felt really really bad for Otacon and his continuous trend of his crushes dying.[/spoiler]

[Mister Frodo]

Well, I have to say, even though I have not played any of the MGS games before, this game looks awesome. I have doubts that my parents would let me get it (I'd have to get a PS3 first anyway), so I'll probably have to wait until I'm old enough to buy M-rated games on my own. By then I should be allowed out of the car seat and finally be able to drive a car. But, regardless, it does look amazing. Hope you all enjoy playing it.

Also... are there actually 90-minute cutscenes in the game? I heard that rumor from some gaming magazine, and I didn't quite believe it. IGN said that the longest cutscene clocked in at about 45 minutes... which is still pretty long. At least you can pause the cutscenes now.

SPOILER: SNAKE SMOKES CIGARETTES

[Mr. SmartyPants]

None are like 90 minutes... that's MGS2. XD

I'm still in shock with the whole series. Man... it's totally one very convoluted game, lol.

[Fish and Chips]

[spoiler]Snake killed Dumbledore.[/spoiler]

[ShiroiHikari]

[spoiler]Snake killed Dumbledore.[/spoiler]

[spoiler]Snake is also Luke's father.[/spoiler]

[Jingo Jaden]

Tarantula - Awarded to soldiers who where rarely spotted or killed, but killed an untold annoumt of enemies. *One time intentionaly, against Vamps because I could not figure him out and when I did I had used too many rations. Second time in the old PS1 flashback, yeah, could not figure out the controls in time.*

Now, for the ultimate challenge.

[spoiler] Big boss is not the hardest difficulty after all [/spoiler]

[Link Antilles]

I got around to finishing it up earlier this evening. Here's my first play-through stats...

Solid Normal
Total Play Time - 16:03:16
Continues - 4
Alert Phases - 62
Kills – 280
Recover Items Used – 28
Weapons Types Procured – 41
Flashbacks Watched – 130
Special Items Used – None

Total Bonus Score 29,590
Current Drebin Points – 135,174

My rank was Eagle, as well. In addition, I obtained Blue Bird, Hawk, and Tarantula.

I'm super happy that you can replay the game on any difficulty with all your items.

AND DUDE.
[spoiler]Shadow Moses mixed with all the flashbacks... pretty freaky stuff! The atmosphere is pretty creepy, especially since you know you've been here and everything. When I was hearing the voice of Master Miller when crawling through the beginning vent, I freaked out a little bit. XD[/spoiler]

[spoiler]Haha, yeah, that part was amazing. I got chills when I heard the ending theme of MGS and the codec flashback between Snake, Campell, and Naomi. Also, some of the Otacon codec calls are classic then. [/spoiler]

[Bobtheduck]

I got it late friday... I'm currently fighting Laughing Octopus. I kinda suck, and I'm on "Naked Normal"

Scratch that, I just beat Laughing octopus... Holy crap, the second part of the battle scared me, where the first part was just cool, except her stupid Samus impression. That bugged the crap out of me.

I'd like to comment on a few things about my first two chapters worth of adventure in this game:

1. Snake's a JERK to Sunny... I hope that changes, I just feel so guilty whenever I see them interact.
2. Sunny... I couldn't tell from the trailers, but she's got some sort of disorder, doesn't she? Like she's autistic or something, and she has a stutter...
3. If you're like me and make really stupid mistakes, the results can be funny, if a bit embarassing... For instance, in the middle east when you're crawling through that collapsed building, I accidentally went halfway through then all the way back to the beginning. I got a call from an annoyed Otacon, holding my hand through the whole thing so I wouldn't get lost... "You're... *sigh* right back where you started, Snake... Ok, go through that door" This has happened a few times, like when I died 3 times on Laughing Octopus...

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Minor Spoiler for Bob.

[spoiler]Sunny is basically how she is because for her whole life she locked herself in the internet. Naomi Hunters and Otacon talk about this later at one point.[/spoiler]

[Bobtheduck]

I was noticing something... There are certain points where it's open and action is going on and there are almost no frame hitches. Then there are very quiet points with closed spaces where the framerate hitches noticeably... Mostly in the briefing... I'm going to have to guess it's because of either the multiple rendering points (there may be 3 views on screen at any one time) or because of texture depth... There are points on the briefing where it looks like a real, albeit too clean, live action set. And is Sunny's hand + the eggs live action, or is that another render? Because I could swear that was live action... If it's not, they put all their effort into making those hands + the pan + the eggs look real.

After all the dust and dirt in the first two missions, I'm glad to see some wet stone in act 3... I don't know, I guess I just like variety... And this game has THAT in spades... Dry desert sand, jungle with a river, wet cobblestone streets...

This game is really something.

[Gabriel 9.0]

No, I'm sorry, Gabriel, I didn't even make the connection that there might be a misunderstanding with the names! Penny-Arcade is a web comic by two highly opinionated gamers named Tycho and Gabe. If I'd referred to you, I would have said Gabriel, not Gabe. Pardon the misunderstanding, I was trash talking Penny-Arcade and not you!

By the way...this game is still kicking insurmountable amounts of boo-tay. The firefight with Liquid's personal unit in the hotel? HOLY CRAP!

Its alright Kkun, I myself am sorry again for misunderstanding.
They sound like they like cause debates for no reason.

I wonder how long MGS 4 is...Looks like it continues the legacy of the MGS series being one of the best video game franchises on the planet..

And sorry for the spoiler Mr. Smarty Pants. I had no idea the rumor i heard was actually true.

I got to get a PS3 and this game ASAP!

[Mr. SmartyPants]

It's not really that, Gabe. If you spread a rumor of that magnitude, it changes our perspective of the game to a considerable amount. XD

[Bobtheduck]

Ok... Holy crap... Like, 50 big reveals in a row (act 3, BTW) Oh, and this shouldn't be a spoiler without context, but... SCARABS... Second time in this game I just broke out laughing like crazy when it wasn't supposed to be funny. But her speech... and all those people from seemingly every single metal gear game... and the part with the narwhal... So illegal. I mean... Holy crap... I just wish I'd kept my disguise on for that part instead of the octocamo, it would have looked better, I think.

Oh, and so far, I think I was right in my prediction that the weird factor would be somewhere in between MGS3 and MGS2.

[Jingo Jaden]

Man, the top of line difficulty is crazy. Those soldiers can hear a rock drop from the other side of the map and you lose like 1/4 of your health per bullet you take. I have managed to progress somewhat... However, this is hard.