Hello, Assembler's. First, a story: In my youth, I recall being in a store, and a young man was asking an employee about video game recommendations. He stated that he didn't like Metal Gear Solid because he "kept getting stuck to the wall." Being young myself, I thought, "Man, I don't think you were meant to play video games." Even in my head, I wasn't trying to be disrespectful or rude, but I thought it odd that this person couldn't grasp the basic mechanics of the game. Ironically, I had my own crisis when I played through Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. I want to be clear, though: I'm not trying to be negative. I may sound opinionated, but I'm genuinely looking for feedback. Plus, I want to note that my memories of the game are several years old now, so feel free to correct me. (Time and health issues have definitely had an effect on my 7-year old MGS4 memories.) However, it's definitely like the Topic Title says: "I Didn't 'Get' Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots." Screen tearing aside, MGS4 looks great. (The two-panel segments were pretty nifty, too.) It's also one of the few modern games with boss battles. (To its credit, varied ones; Not the "dodge at the last minute" or "Quick Time Event only" kind typical of Bronze Age releases.) However, I never really got the mechanics. The radar system was sound-based, if I remember correctly, and it was much more efficient to completely ignore it, utilizing either the free-moving camera or a carefree frolic through the area. I believe there was a sensing mechanic activated while standing still, but I found that relatively useless, as well. In fact, the tranquilizer pistol was sufficient for the vast majority of the campaign. (Boss battles and the final areas are the only exceptions.) Beyond all that, the gameplay was simple sneaking and shooting. I'm not even sure how much of the 20 hours were pure gameplay. I'd argue about 5 hours, but others have told me I'm mistaken. (Maybe someone that's timed it can give me a real approximation.) I want to give special attention to the grueling hour-long tailing sequence too; Getting spotted and having to reload got old fast. So, Assembler, after all this: Is it my fault for not "getting" MGS4, or is it just not as fun/memorable as it's said to be? Thanks for reading. I look forward to your answers, Assembler's.
I have to say there's no going back to the others after V, the gameplay is just that much better. Doesn't help that MGS's gameplay before V was never that good to begin with.
I died more times in 3 due to the shoddy controls than anything. It's a Miracle I made it up to Volgun. Now MGS4 Is one of the most EPIC games I've ever played that fight with Vamp not withstanding. I'm playing most of the MGS games at the same time. Only one I'm not playing now or haven't played is the first one. I made a thread on MGS a few weeks ago. Seek it out.
I feel ya for sure!! MGS 4 Guns of the Patriots is by far my least favorite of MGS 1 through V. The radar mechanics in 4 were brutal, and yep jus ignoring it was (i think) how i got through it. I did like most of the character design / art direction in Guns of the Patriots, and the cutscenes certainly were exciting. I did finish the game, but it may have been due to shattering my ankle skateboarding about a week before starting to play it. Also probs why MGS 4 still leaves a bittersweet taste in my mouth!!
Its easily the weakest entry in the series, but that's only because all the other games are so incredible. Its definitely still a good game, and deserves the praise it gets. -doulomb
It was hard going back to 3 while playing 4. I was told to go back to 3 to get some story elements, then I got stuck on Volgun. So far because I only have one act left in 4 the only problem with 4 I have is the fight with Vamp. I like that I can pause cut scenes, cuz sometimes you gotta go and you ain't waiting for a cut scene to finish.
It's nice to know I'm not the only one; Thanks for the replies, everyone. I'll play MGS3 any day, even with the original camera system.
I remember liking MGS 4. It wasn't as good as 3 but it was a great game and it was definitely epic which I really liked at the time. I started playing MGS 5 a few weeks ago but I stopped to play Forza 6 and I still haven't come back to it and I don't feel the urge to play it. I was dissapointed by the mission structure and reading on forums that there isn't a lot of story to it made my urge to play decrease even more.
4 throws all kinds of shit at you at the beginning of Act 4. Wave of soldiers several Gekkos (I'm sorry I'm calling them Moos) and after that no idea because I keep dying on the first part of Act 4 with all the shit being thrown my way.
