User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4356 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Elilol
    Jul 24, 2008
    10
    This should be and is the turning point for buying a ps3... I got it for this, A masterpiece perfect shocking story, multiplayer so fun and in depth game play.My friend never played a mgs game and played this and he did get alot of the story and he loved it to, it is good for old players and new players to the series.
  2. JC
    Jul 24, 2008
    10
    Game of the decade! No question about it!
  3. JamesT.
    Jul 27, 2008
    10
    The most fun and emotion I've ever experienced tied to a videogame, or film for that matter. Truly a Masterpiece in the most meaningful sense of the word. My favorite game of all time.
  4. ThomasO.
    Jul 28, 2008
    10
    One of the top 5 games ever!
  5. KevinA.
    Jul 4, 2008
    9
    As a MGS fan. This is the best MGS in gameplay but the cutscenes are too long, especially the 1 hour ending. Bigboss talks too much, i just wanted to shoot him, to shut him up. Solid Snake should have commited suicide, it would have been a swan song ending but instead bigboss and major zero appeared and tainted the grave of "the BOSS"[the joy]. It would have been a triumphant As a MGS fan. This is the best MGS in gameplay but the cutscenes are too long, especially the 1 hour ending. Bigboss talks too much, i just wanted to shoot him, to shut him up. Solid Snake should have commited suicide, it would have been a swan song ending but instead bigboss and major zero appeared and tainted the grave of "the BOSS"[the joy]. It would have been a triumphant self-sacrifice. In Act4 ending with Raiden self-sacrifice trying to save Solid Snake from being crushed by a submarine, it would have a perfect ending for Raiden but instead , he lived in the end. I demand kojima to rerelease MGS4 and change the ending, the way it should, and be remembered as the best ending in the series. Kojima should step down as a DIRECTOR of future MGS GAMES but remain as a clever gamedesign and writer. I want an ARCADE MODE ala CALL OF DUTY 4, it should play like a FPS and remove clutters on the screen, more enemies please. In ACT 2 when you ride on top of drebins armored vehicle, GEKKO AND lots OF ZOMBIE LIKE PMC approach vehicle. I want more of that level on foot. I want more levels and more enemies. There has to be more gameplay than cutscenes, kojima has to step down as a DIRECTOR. I want the rerelease of MGS4 to be on DVD rather than a BLURAY DISC, ID rather switch disc in 10 seconds rather than wait a 5 installation process, takes about 3 to 8 minutes installation on every act, and when you finished the game, i have to install it all over again WTF. BLURAY DISC IS A DISADVANTAGE. COMPRESS THE AUDIO. I LOVE METAL GEAR SOLID but please kojima step down and focus more on gameplay than incredibly long cutscenes. MORE ENEMIES AND LEVEL PLEASE. Expand
  6. RobertoH.
    Jul 5, 2008
    10
    Great game, great graphics, explains everything well, the gameplay works perfectly. Every single thing I've found on it works great, and I have not found any error.
  7. ChrisL.
    Jul 6, 2008
    10
    As somebody who has honestly never liked the mgs series, I was BLOWN AWAY by this game. I own a 360, ps3, and a killer pc...this was the best game I've played on any of them in the last few years. I am now going back and playing all of the other mgs games just to get caught up with the story. The graphics are amazing, the sound design is amazing, the gameplay (sneak with the octocamo As somebody who has honestly never liked the mgs series, I was BLOWN AWAY by this game. I own a 360, ps3, and a killer pc...this was the best game I've played on any of them in the last few years. I am now going back and playing all of the other mgs games just to get caught up with the story. The graphics are amazing, the sound design is amazing, the gameplay (sneak with the octocamo or run and gun) is amazing, and even if the dialogue is a little cheesy at times...the story is epic. I love this game and I'm already ready to play through it all over again. Expand
  8. RyderK.
    Jul 7, 2008
    10
    An amazing finish to the MGS series. Brilliant graphics, easy to comprehend controls, stuning AI, well layed out levels with countless ways to finish them, mad weapon animations and sounds, truly impressive storyline, great visuals and just a all round amazing game that will leave you stunned. It sure left me stunned and completely captivated the whole way through the game, I found it An amazing finish to the MGS series. Brilliant graphics, easy to comprehend controls, stuning AI, well layed out levels with countless ways to finish them, mad weapon animations and sounds, truly impressive storyline, great visuals and just a all round amazing game that will leave you stunned. It sure left me stunned and completely captivated the whole way through the game, I found it impossible to drop the controller and when I did, it was with regret. For all you people who dislike this game... It was said fans of MGS would love this game and haters of MGS would hate it... So why the hell would you buy it if you know you hate the series, to me it seems like you must be completely retarded or just plain stupid. As to all those silly kids who play games like Gears of War and Halo, yes they are cool games to, but killing aliens in games is so cliche now that I almost die of boredom when another alien shooter game comes out. Also in games usch as Halo and Gears of War there is very crude storyline and it is easy to just run around with guns blazing as the developers just want the kids who enjoy mindless shooting and violence to spend their pocket money on their game. To you kids, I say to broaden your views and wake up to reality. No-one realy cares about your lame attempts to discredit MGS series when we all know that it is one of the best series out there. The MGS series requires you to play and finish all the games in the series to fully know whats going on in the story line of the next game in the series as they are all linked. The game requires you to use your common sense and knowledge to use tactics and cunning to get through each level. Now all you silly kids go back to your cliche shoot up the aliens games where you belong. When you finally mature, (IF EVER) you hopefully will be able to trully understand the game and realise its greatness. For now stop your blatently stupid attempts at discrediting the game and take a look at your own games. It seems the cunning and knowledge I mentioned was required for MGS is what is laking in the kids of today. Wake up man. Expand
  9. DanielA.
    Jul 9, 2008
    10
    I'm calling this the game of the decade. An incredible story mixed with superb acting and animation add to an outstanding game. The gameplay is truly amazing, the fluidity and sheer scope of the game is breathtaking. This is what all games should aim to achieve. MGS4 is a powerful and moving experience that all gamers should play. This game alone is worth buying a PS3 for
  10. johnf.
    Jul 9, 2008
    9
    ---Yes, this game has long cut scenes and a lot of them. So if you don't like the idea of watching large sections of story then skip this game. It's not for you. ---I am a huge Metal Gear fan starting back with the original on the NES. MGS1 was my favorite until this came out. The story wraps up very nicely, although perhaps a little long in the tooth (I'm looking at you ---Yes, this game has long cut scenes and a lot of them. So if you don't like the idea of watching large sections of story then skip this game. It's not for you. ---I am a huge Metal Gear fan starting back with the original on the NES. MGS1 was my favorite until this came out. The story wraps up very nicely, although perhaps a little long in the tooth (I'm looking at you Big B and the 1 hour ending cut scene). ---CONS: Some textures look low-res when you are in 1st person view. Installs between levels are really irritating. ---PROS: Excellent story. Tons of customizable weapons to experiment with. Great ending of the Saga. Lot's of replayability. Pretty good online multiplayer. Expand
  11. GabrielleA.
    Jul 9, 2008
    10
    definetly a fan service. everything you expect from series is realized. The fantastic use of Octocamo is the icing in the cake. Few games has the depth in characters, that you can actually relate to, that makes you care what happens to a character, this game deliver it with flying colors. We care and it matters.
  12. JohnD.
    Aug 11, 2008
    10
    Let me start by saying I own a 360 and a Ps3 so I am not biased. This game is the greatest game I have ever played in my life. The storyline is just long enough despite naysayers. You get to see how long the game took you and at the end of my first play through it took me 20 hours. On my second 17. The gameplay is awesome because you have freedom to get through it how you want to. Let me start by saying I own a 360 and a Ps3 so I am not biased. This game is the greatest game I have ever played in my life. The storyline is just long enough despite naysayers. You get to see how long the game took you and at the end of my first play through it took me 20 hours. On my second 17. The gameplay is awesome because you have freedom to get through it how you want to. Stealth? Sure. Kill them all and run with your AK? Go ahead. Truely The Dark Knight of video games. Expand
  13. AnthonyL.
    Aug 1, 2008
    10
    A truly great game, but... to enjoy this game you must be fan of the series, it is very plot driven, i dont know what else to say except it is an incredible game, and Halo sucks.
  14. STFUX.
    Aug 12, 2008
    10
    Hey G P. I'm new to this series and I have to say this is one of the best games I have ever played. I guess some people just want gameplay and absolutely no story. All the people who are complaining about the cutscenes STFU and skip them if you hate great stories that much.
  15. PeteW.
    Aug 14, 2008
    8
    First off: outstanding gameplay, as usual for the series. There's nothing quite like sneaking through the middle of a firefight, or slipping up behind a guard and cutting his throat before he even knows you're there. And the boss battles are lots of fun as always. Also, the graphics were simply some of the best ever in a game, and the music, while not the best in the series, was First off: outstanding gameplay, as usual for the series. There's nothing quite like sneaking through the middle of a firefight, or slipping up behind a guard and cutting his throat before he even knows you're there. And the boss battles are lots of fun as always. Also, the graphics were simply some of the best ever in a game, and the music, while not the best in the series, was duly cinematic and epic. Now, The Cutscenes. I have one gripe with them, and one alone. I don't mind that they represent easily half of the total play time. I don't mind that some of the best action sequences in the game are things you just sit back and watch. But what I DO mind is when the plot of the game is hammered into my skull by having characters repeat the same few points over, and over, and over, and over. Kojima could easily have cut at least 1/3rd of the running time without losing any substance. Also, while I give the series credit for trying to have a more involved story than games usually do, let's not pretend that this is any deeper than a Tom Clancy novel, people. I get that war is bad, that the military-industrial complex is a threat, that genetic engineering is potentially dangerous, and all the rest. I wish the creators could have avoided pretending like this stuff is pivotal social commentary and kept things a bit snappier. Overall I'd still say that MGS3: Subsistence is the best in the series, but this is certainly a worthy new entry and good for a couple dozen hours of high-grade entertainment. Expand
  16. ToddK
    Aug 14, 2008
    10
    Most excellent game. Graphics are spectacular, my one and only gripe is the final battle with Liquid where it is all CQC.
  17. MattC.
    Aug 21, 2008
    10
    Ignore low scores, the Xbox Fanboys (Xbots) can't get this game and this is the best videogame ever made. So if people complain because they sucked with a Xbox 360.
  18. ClaytonC.
    Aug 22, 2008
    10
    This is the first Metal Gear game I have played. I was a little unsure about buying it, but it turns out it was one of the best decisions i have ever made. The gameplay is smooth, the cutscenes are top-notch, and it's one of the few games that i could feel emotion from. The story is complicated, but amazing. It raises the bar for story-telling in games because it didn't get This is the first Metal Gear game I have played. I was a little unsure about buying it, but it turns out it was one of the best decisions i have ever made. The gameplay is smooth, the cutscenes are top-notch, and it's one of the few games that i could feel emotion from. The story is complicated, but amazing. It raises the bar for story-telling in games because it didn't get dumbed down because some people wouldn't like it, it went all out and it worked beautifully. Definitly one of the greatest games of all time. Expand
  19. CMP.
    Aug 23, 2008
    10
    This game has raised the bar so high that all games pale by comparison. It is like playing the greatest movie I've ever seen in my life. Masterpiece doesn't do it justice.
  20. YeahRight
    Aug 24, 2008
    10
    Beats halo, beats Gears of war. Mgs4 was really a beautiful game. Shame its the last one.
  21. AndrewM
    Aug 30, 2008
    10
    A amazing experience that blow away most games on the market today, including the less stellar Halo 3 and with graphics better than Gears of War, its the reason to own a PS3. Don't listen to the negative reviews, those are just jealous 360 owners.
  22. Sheikh
    Aug 3, 2008
    10
    A timeless classic. Has a few minor issues but all in all a near perfect game. Epic story,Stylish gameplay ,breathe taking audio-video presentation and tons of replay value. Also Ships with metal gear online.
  23. FireSoul
    Sep 16, 2008
    10
    With every game of metal gear 1 , 2 , 3 you just keep saying there can't be better than this well , heido kojima keeps on surprising any human who hold a video game controller Yeah once again i said it ... MGS4 a game can't be better than this ( sill waiting heido kojima answer in MGS5 ) ... a master is a master and he is the master of games creation 10/10 for onr of the best With every game of metal gear 1 , 2 , 3 you just keep saying there can't be better than this well , heido kojima keeps on surprising any human who hold a video game controller Yeah once again i said it ... MGS4 a game can't be better than this ( sill waiting heido kojima answer in MGS5 ) ... a master is a master and he is the master of games creation 10/10 for onr of the best games in the best saga of all time. Expand
  24. AaronB.
    Sep 18, 2008
    10
    Story wise, this game is perfect. Graphic wise, this game is perfect. Gameplay wise, this game is perfect. Replayability wise, this game is perfect. I don't know how else to put it, but it got me hooked from the moment I picked up the controller. I bought a ps3 for this, and am not disappointed!
  25. ClemetW.
    Sep 22, 2008
    10
    10 years after MGS1, MGS4 comes along and pulls it off again. The best graphics seen on a console game this far, very improved gampeplay, and a story that makes up the perfect closure for one of the best series in gaming. Metal Gear Solid 4 will move any MGS fan!
  26. DanielR.
    Sep 25, 2008
    10
    Superb, beyond reproach.
  27. JCS
    Nov 4, 2009
    9
    Being a hardcore MGS fan since its origins, it didn't take a second's hesitation for me to purchase this fourth and final chapter as soon as I got my PS3. I knew it would get mixed reviews, especially from users, because MGS4 closes what is surely the video-game series with the most intricate story-line ever created. Kojima definitely didn't have an easy task on his Being a hardcore MGS fan since its origins, it didn't take a second's hesitation for me to purchase this fourth and final chapter as soon as I got my PS3. I knew it would get mixed reviews, especially from users, because MGS4 closes what is surely the video-game series with the most intricate story-line ever created. Kojima definitely didn't have an easy task on his hands... He needed to tie together everything that had occurred over the past 3 games (including the mess he left behind in MGS2's ending that left everyone puzzled), and miraculously make it all work. OBVIOUS consequence: 20-minute cutscenes here and there, and between them, classic MGS gameplay (i.e. perfect for the real MGS fans). The people that aren't happy with this formula, the length of the cutscenes, and the story-line (which is and always has been the core of all MGS games) are simply not enjoying the game for what it is. The transition from MGS1 to MGS2 was a let-down for many, as I'm sure this one will be too. For me personally, it worked fine. You either accept it or you don't, it's as simple as that. Everything else, from graphics to OST to gameplay is outstanding. So, maybe it's not the best MGS ever, but it does its job. Expand
  28. DavidS.
    Feb 27, 2009
    10
    This is the pinnacle of video game storytelling. A good plot full of twists and turns, well developed characters, great action sequences and more than one tear jerking moments make MGS4 my favorite game this generations. If you don't mind long cutscenes check it out, it'll keep you glued to your screen from beginning to end.
  29. JS
    Mar 31, 2009
    10
    I am a hardcore gamer, I play all sorts. At this point I try and only play games I really want to play just so I have time for a life. I have always wanted games to become truly deep on every level, its like from 1990-2000 there has been more GAMEPLAY innovation (think about it) than from 2000-2009. This game shatters all my requests for a deeper game. It is the highest quality game I I am a hardcore gamer, I play all sorts. At this point I try and only play games I really want to play just so I have time for a life. I have always wanted games to become truly deep on every level, its like from 1990-2000 there has been more GAMEPLAY innovation (think about it) than from 2000-2009. This game shatters all my requests for a deeper game. It is the highest quality game I have ever played, it is an extremely rewarding experience, its only fault is its brevity and lack of choice, however these things could simply not be any other way given the nature of the game. It is as close to perfect as a subjective experience can be. For anyone that likes depth, MGS, great games, great stories and amazing experiences play this game. If you cant be bothered figuring out the nuanced control system (which is tricky but very rewarding and has less limits) and would rather just moving aiming and shooting, or anyone who doesnt want to see a great deal of the best cutscenes ever made in gaming history (COME ON!!! lots of the best ever made! WHAT ARE YOU COMPLAINING ABOUT!!!!!! You can skip you know!) and also if you just dont like violence (the most forgivable reason for not wanting this game, and I would point out it is quite eloquently anti-war) you probably should not get this game. Bottom line is the reasons you would rather play some rubbish shooter than this are the same sort of reasons somebody would watch Freddie VS Jason rather than Shawshank or 12 angry men (watch them if you havent) anyway, to anyone who like video games and isnt an idiot this game will more likely than not instantly become your favourite game ever. Only memories of my first adventures in Morrowind compare, but thats just me. Expand
  30. anthonyL
    May 26, 2009
    10
    A truly epic masterpiece that wraps up the saga nicely. Kojima outdid himself this time with a very wide range of gameplay from the classic stealth, to the motorbike sequence, to the metal gear rex segment. MGS4 also includes one of the most memorable and climatic boss battles I have ever experienced from an action game. Although the story may be a little hard to digest fro newcomers to A truly epic masterpiece that wraps up the saga nicely. Kojima outdid himself this time with a very wide range of gameplay from the classic stealth, to the motorbike sequence, to the metal gear rex segment. MGS4 also includes one of the most memorable and climatic boss battles I have ever experienced from an action game. Although the story may be a little hard to digest fro newcomers to the series, it was well executed with well done cutscenes. Expand
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 82 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 82
  3. Negative: 0 out of 82
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    100
    Guns of the Patriots is almost intimidating in the consistent quality of its ideas, invention, and execution...Even by the series' stratospheric standards, MGS4 is a remarkable high point. [June 2008]
  2. 99
    If you've ever loved any one of the Metal Gear games, or any moments from the series, there will come a moment when MGS 4 will send your spirits soaring. If you've loved them all, well then there'll be many, many more. It’s a masterpiece.
  3. Guns of the Patriots is a frustrating, fractured game that turns Metal Gear Solid's world upside down several times over, but never changes it.