Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Jun 12, 2008
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4356 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,750 out of 4356
  2. Mixed: 239 out of 4356
  3. Negative: 367 out of 4356
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  1. JosephA.
    Jul 16, 2008
    8
    After playing through this game twice, the swan song of the MGS series is a good tune, but hardly one of perfection. My main complaint is along with many others, the cutscenes. While yes, this is a Kojima game and cut scenes are almost inseparable to the series, he went overboard with them, not only are they too long and contrived at times to make sense to beginners (The proposed After playing through this game twice, the swan song of the MGS series is a good tune, but hardly one of perfection. My main complaint is along with many others, the cutscenes. While yes, this is a Kojima game and cut scenes are almost inseparable to the series, he went overboard with them, not only are they too long and contrived at times to make sense to beginners (The proposed flashbacks, are at best, a quick Drebin point maker.) but the way the game pulls it off at certain element, hokey and melodramatic to the extreme, eschewing drama for the sake of characters, more often than not making a quick patch up to a plot point in order to get it done. The secondary reason is for anyone shooting for a higher metal or ranking in game will realize, there is very little gameplay to speak of in relativity. When twenty hours of cumulative time consist of fifteen hours of watching a bastard-mix between Hollywood's and post-modernism's worst traits, and five hours of superb gameplay. Despite my heavy hand on the story, the gameplay is as mentioned, great. While the camera could use some work, it is for the most part, unobtrusive and functioning. The stealth elements are still intact form previous games, with a reworking of the camo system to be more efficient. (And for those of you who like me, couldn't sneak past blind, deaf, and dumb people, the shooting is much more relaxed.) Along with a superb first and second sections, it would be worth the experience by itself. The problem lies with a lack of effort on the level designers part for the next three chapters. While the third isn't as realized as the others, the elements of a decent level are in place but not elongated enough. The forth level (Shadow Moses) is proof positive that they were making up excuses to not delivering their work. While the level in and of itself is a nice throwback, if it wern't for the history behind it I would scoff it off as a pathetic attempt at game design. All in all, the "game" itself is accomplished, but lack some finesse that comes with more work. (NOT ON CUTSCENES, though they could use some work too.) Along with a semi-slow paced shooter MGO, this is a great buy, but only if you either enjoy the series to death, or don't care for story as to skip most of it.… Expand
  2. JoeR.
    Jul 21, 2008
    7
    I was really excited about this game. But i must say im slightly disappointed. The story is good, yes, but the gameplay feels kind of broken, the shooting and covering system isnt friendly, and since there is a lot of action on screen all the time you wont have the chance to take enemies by surprise that often(this is a a stealth game right?). It seems that kojima worked really hard on I was really excited about this game. But i must say im slightly disappointed. The story is good, yes, but the gameplay feels kind of broken, the shooting and covering system isnt friendly, and since there is a lot of action on screen all the time you wont have the chance to take enemies by surprise that often(this is a a stealth game right?). It seems that kojima worked really hard on this game i just dont know why it isnt any fun. I played ratchet and clank on my nephews console and had much more fun. Im starting to think i made a mistake (an expensive one) when i bought a ps3 instead of 360.… Expand
  3. EricZ
    Jul 24, 2008
    10
    A magnificent game with a truly deep emotional attachment. Don't miss it.
  4. ChristianB.
    Jul 27, 2008
    10
    MGS4 is an amazing game. The story line is crazy, the cut scenes are great but you want them to be shorter. But once you play, you can't put it down. Customising your weapons to take out the next soldier means you can even go through the single player game again and again using different tactics. Glorious graphics, fantastic sound, faultless gameplay. THE best game of this generation MGS4 is an amazing game. The story line is crazy, the cut scenes are great but you want them to be shorter. But once you play, you can't put it down. Customising your weapons to take out the next soldier means you can even go through the single player game again and again using different tactics. Glorious graphics, fantastic sound, faultless gameplay. THE best game of this generation and the game to put the PS3 back on the map. Hey, I even sold my 360 to buy this and a PS3!!… Expand
  5. KevinL.
    Jul 28, 2008
    10
    Awesome game. Story line is well-interwoven into the game play, and many of the cut scenes pay homage to quite a few action movies. Multiple threads to approach the game, such that you can go back and play it differently. Definitely one of the best games of all-time and a must for PS3 owners.
  6. ChrisG.
    Jul 29, 2008
    10
    Single player campaign is perhaps the best I've ever played, as long as you enjoy a deep storyline and long, cinematic quality cut scenes (I do). Still ,plenty of actual gameplay to get you through and you can approach it any way you like, from run-n-gun to all out sneak. Tons of easter eggs and level-ups. Solid replay value. Metal Gear Online (multiplayer) is very good, as well. Single player campaign is perhaps the best I've ever played, as long as you enjoy a deep storyline and long, cinematic quality cut scenes (I do). Still ,plenty of actual gameplay to get you through and you can approach it any way you like, from run-n-gun to all out sneak. Tons of easter eggs and level-ups. Solid replay value. Metal Gear Online (multiplayer) is very good, as well. Though it may not quite rank with the top PS3 online experiences (e.g. COD4), it does have it's merits and offers a slew of level-ups to keep you going.… Expand
  7. ChristianH.
    Jul 31, 2008
    10
    This game is amazing. From the graphics to gameplay. Long stylish cutscenes replace long boring codec calls, and the boss fights are amazingly fun. A complaint I have about this game is that it's so damn short! Most of it was movie and not gameplay, but it's all good when it comes to MGO, and being able to get the big boss emblem should give you a trophy. The normal mode is This game is amazing. From the graphics to gameplay. Long stylish cutscenes replace long boring codec calls, and the boss fights are amazingly fun. A complaint I have about this game is that it's so damn short! Most of it was movie and not gameplay, but it's all good when it comes to MGO, and being able to get the big boss emblem should give you a trophy. The normal mode is easy, but new controls, awesome gameplay, and there is nothing about this game that is a major let down. Haters out there are just mad because they don't have a ps3 and have to stick with that piece of shit halo.… Expand
  8. NickS.
    Aug 21, 2008
    10
    I am truly addicted to this games style of game play. Instead of trying to shoot and kill people (which results in them out numbering and over powering you.) You are trying to sneak past them and, or take them out silently. The online portion of the game puts you up against millions of other stealthy assassins to test your skill.
  9. AlainG.
    Sep 13, 2008
    10
    Best game I've gotten so far for my ps3 played it like 10 times which is rare for me to do trust me it is!!! Online is awesome one of the best i've played even though it needs some polishing and better maps.
  10. thebossman
    Sep 19, 2008
    9
    An excellent game, fitting of Solid Snakes last adventure, but it's hampered by far too many cut-scenes. If they were shorter, this would get a 10 from me.
  11. SuleimanM.
    Sep 19, 2008
    10
    What Hideo Kojima has done is too much to fathom, and he concluded my favorite video game series with such a conclusion that I feel like I'm in debt to him some how. To type how phenomenal this game is would take over ten pages, one page for each mark, so I'm going to keep it short, a legendary ending for a legendary soldier, and a legendary ending for a legendary series. Best What Hideo Kojima has done is too much to fathom, and he concluded my favorite video game series with such a conclusion that I feel like I'm in debt to him some how. To type how phenomenal this game is would take over ten pages, one page for each mark, so I'm going to keep it short, a legendary ending for a legendary soldier, and a legendary ending for a legendary series. Best game I've ever played and my pick for game of the year. Thank you Solid Snake for the years of entertainment you've provided me with, and most of all thank you Hideo, when your game can bring me to tears by the end of it, you know it means something, Thank you Hideo, Thank you.… Expand
  12. SahilD
    Nov 13, 2009
    10
    One Word: MASTERPIECE. Metal Gear Solid 4 is the true definition of a gaming masterpiece. Boasting unmatched graphics, brilliant gameplay and an amazing score MGS 4 deserves all the perferct scores it receives. Still dont know why everyone makes such an issue of the cutscenes. In my opinion the deep story of the Metal Gear franchise made them a necessity, and anyway they're immensely One Word: MASTERPIECE. Metal Gear Solid 4 is the true definition of a gaming masterpiece. Boasting unmatched graphics, brilliant gameplay and an amazing score MGS 4 deserves all the perferct scores it receives. Still dont know why everyone makes such an issue of the cutscenes. In my opinion the deep story of the Metal Gear franchise made them a necessity, and anyway they're immensely enjoyable (remember Raiden Vs Vamp in South America - jaw-dropping!) A legendary sendoff to a legendary character by a legendary designer. WE SALUTE YOU SOLID SNAKE...u too Kojima-san.… Expand
  13. anthonyv.
    Feb 24, 2009
    9
    This game was absolutely amazing. a true epic of story telling crafted a master at its best. and thats the problem. this was som much a game with an amazing story as a story with a side of gameplay. the fact that u could actually spend less time playing the game than watching it is a downturn for me and prevents this game frm receiving a perfect score. this story is far too in depth for This game was absolutely amazing. a true epic of story telling crafted a master at its best. and thats the problem. this was som much a game with an amazing story as a story with a side of gameplay. the fact that u could actually spend less time playing the game than watching it is a downturn for me and prevents this game frm receiving a perfect score. this story is far too in depth for the limited gameply. the graphics are stellar and the voice acting is perfect. this is a modern classic for sure but could do with lengthier gaming segments. it makes you feel a little cheated that you didnt get to control more of this amazing game and were actuall relegated to be a spectator for the most part. still this game impresses with the parts you do get to play. with literally dozens of on screen soldiers and robots all simultaneously performing detailed action this is a technical marvel as well. but still the gamer in me wants more.… Expand
  14. AnonymousMC
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    The best game i have ever played!!! For all of those people out there bashing this game for the cutscenes, you're an idiot who doesn't know how to skip them, and don't understand the greatness of the story. I have played all of the metal gears, (yes the 8 bit ones) and i think this game is the best one yet!
  15. IamF
    Apr 13, 2009
    10
    This is the greatest of all tactical, action, 3rd person shooter-, simply the greatest game! The game's visuals, prfound plot and characters, sounds, and most of all cutscenes, distingiush this game as one of the greatest. This game leaves fans waiting for more and hungry for more of Hideo Kojima's ingenuity.
  16. PatrickNorris
    Nov 17, 2009
    9
    I never played the earlier games, but this game was just awesome. Fun combat with lots of stealth, lots of ways to play and a futuristic and dynamic storyline. Fantastic cut scenes and voice acting. A must have for any action game fan. One of the few games I've finished.
  17. drlowdon
    Mar 19, 2014
    6
    I’ll be honest, after about an hour or so of playing Metal Gear Solid 4 I decided I was just going to skip all the cut scenes. Maybe I just don’t have the patience I used to but I just couldn't face sitting through hour after hour of Hideo Kojima’s ramblings. Of course it meant that I had virtually no idea what was going on most of the time but I could at least get on with actually playingI’ll be honest, after about an hour or so of playing Metal Gear Solid 4 I decided I was just going to skip all the cut scenes. Maybe I just don’t have the patience I used to but I just couldn't face sitting through hour after hour of Hideo Kojima’s ramblings. Of course it meant that I had virtually no idea what was going on most of the time but I could at least get on with actually playing the game and, for the most part.

    In all honesty the basic mechanics have generally changed very little since the Playstation One days and, while many would argue that it hasn't really needed to, it does mean that it is behind other stealth games like Deus Ex or Dishonored in terms of the level of freedom offered. Fortunately Kojima’s ability to conceive ideas and set pieces that very few other game designers can, means there are always surprises just around the corner and this is largely what kept me playing all the way to the end. If Kojima can accept he is a game designer not a film director then maybe we’ll be treated to a true classic again one day but for now this will do.    … Expand
  18. williammckay
    Dec 7, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This was the most anticipated game ever for me, and it didn't disappoint. Every single part of the game is brilliant and requires multiple playthroughs and experimentation to truly uncover the game's brilliance. The game's cutscenes are the longest in the series, and that's saying something, but the gameplay is always waiting for, and the game has enough confidence to know this.

    This was the true sendoff for one of the most legendary games series of all time, and Kojima delivered a timeless masterpiece that's still head and shoulders above all action adventure games today    … Expand
  19. potatoes351
    Nov 22, 2015
    8
    The Metal Gear Solid that shouldn't even really exist. As much as I refuse to warrant the existence of MGS4, seeing as it completely undermines the point of MGS2, it is still a well crafted and excellent addition to the franchise.
    Set five years after MGS2, Solid Snake has aged rapidly thanks to the nano-machines in his system. War has also become it's own economy and an extremely    The Metal Gear Solid that shouldn't even really exist. As much as I refuse to warrant the existence of MGS4, seeing as it completely undermines the point of MGS2, it is still a well crafted and excellent addition to the franchise.
    Set five years after MGS2, Solid Snake has aged rapidly thanks to the nano-machines in his system. War has also become it's own economy and an extremely profitable business venture at that. Metal Gear's are now standard military hardware and the plan of the Patriot's is going smoothly. It's up to you to change that in the final act to the Hideo Kojima MGS series.
    Being more of an action game than a stealth game, MGS4 often borders on 3rd person shooter, though the stealth is still there if you're persistent enough to play that way. With near limitless supplies of ammunition and a large arsenal however, it's all too easy just to blast your way through.
    Infamous for it's lengthy, highly detailed cutscenes (as well as the world record for the longest cutscene ever coming in at 21 minutes for the individual clip (part of a larger cluster of cutscenes over 70 minutes in length), MGS is heavy on story and pretty light on gameplay.
    If you're not an existing fan of MGS then MGS4 is a very very bad place to jump in at. But if you're a fan then MGS4 is a game worth playing, even if it only exists because needy fan's couldn't understand the point MGS2 was trying to make.    … Expand
  20. BillyMo
    Jul 30, 2017
    10
    This is truly a remarkable game that stands tall even to this day - nearly 10 years later! I had never played a Metal Gear game before this one, and this game was so good that I ended up getting and playing the entire rest of the series. I first played it in 2008 shortly after it came out when I happened to buy the PS3 bundled with this game. The gameplay is amazing and unique, the storyThis is truly a remarkable game that stands tall even to this day - nearly 10 years later! I had never played a Metal Gear game before this one, and this game was so good that I ended up getting and playing the entire rest of the series. I first played it in 2008 shortly after it came out when I happened to buy the PS3 bundled with this game. The gameplay is amazing and unique, the story is emotional, engrossing, serious, and well told, and the graphics were great for the time and solid even today. I never experienced a single bug or glitch in my many hours of playing the game. This game made me a fan of Metal Gear for life, and is still my favorite game of all time.

    Unfortunately the online was shut down a few years ago, but it was a blast too!    … Expand
  21. gyigyo2
    Jun 30, 2013
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The good:Graphics,Music,Story,Old Snake pessimistic,Ocelot., last boss fight with ocelot.
    Bad:Ending Naomi,Otacon,Sunny.Places,Big Boss,Big mama,patriots.
    First of all im a big mgs fan my childhood hero was Solid Snake but:
    Ending was pretty bad because if i recall that wasn't supposed to be the original ending,the original ending was when snake and otacon die by pentagon that would be much,much better what mr kojima wanted,But he's staff members ruined this game this is pretty shame and sad the last game whit solid snake is ruined,All that thing otacon and snake done in mgs2 timeline (terrorism,hacking) was forgotten by pentagon?
    Naomi is a irritating character in this game just like otacon was, otacon was baddass back of MGS1 and MGS2 is now totally gone he is pretty different character.Sunny ughh why japanese people love genius kids? its just irritating,Places was pretty bad except middle east,South America shadow moses.Why why bring big boss back to live and telling idiot things to snake? and big mama? just ridiculous,Patriots was mgs3 characters another ridiculous thing.Yeah snake was puting down the weapon and cigar forever and he don't need to smoke? just like that he changed after 10 minute? Im sorry to say this but this game is ruined its like a bad hollywood movie.    … Expand
  22. GrizzlyKuma
    Mar 20, 2014
    9
    This is an amazing installment in the Metal Gear franchise with the return of the lovely hero, Solid, or now known as "Old Snake". The story may be a bit over-complicated at times but it still holds of atrociously well, one of my gripes though, is that the boss battles aren't as good or memorable as in the previous games.
  23. Vicjo
    Mar 31, 2014
    8
    Metal gear solid 4, is the culmination the one of the most important franchise of games. The ambientation of the game is really good, in sometimes we believe that we are in war. The gameplay is typical of the franchise, and we choose if we want stealth or accion. The game have many weapons and customization options.

    The history is very good, and conects all the loose ends of the saga    Metal gear solid 4, is the culmination the one of the most important franchise of games. The ambientation of the game is really good, in sometimes we believe that we are in war. The gameplay is typical of the franchise, and we choose if we want stealth or accion. The game have many weapons and customization options.

    The history is very good, and conects all the loose ends of the saga offering epics moments, special mention the end, that is amazing.

    As I said before, the history is very good, but is difficult follows, especially if you aren't fan of the saga.

    another point that I didn´t like is that scenes video are very very longs, and we can desperate, we spend more time waching scenes video than playing.    … Expand
  24. Empyreance
    Feb 8, 2014
    7
    I finish this game, so I believe I can write a review. This game is OK. I don't think it deserves above 8 on the User Score because the graphics is at 1080 but it looks like 720. I think the cut scenes are way way too long and If I want to watch a movie, I will watch a Blu-ray movie; not MGS4 movie. I game play is very good if you like single players.
  25. Eithi007
    Mar 30, 2014
    10
    F''''ng incredible, so much depth the soundtrack, the plot, snake, the easter eggs, the characters, the control, the boxes, the bosses, the final boss with that you will cry buy it now if you like metal gear solid.
  26. AleEspanhol
    Sep 7, 2020
    10
    O melhor Metal Gear de todos os tempos. É melhor que o MEGS5 até porque o 5 é repetitivo e esse é um show de coisas diferentes e história pra se combater e se entender junto com a mudança que a jogabilidade deste teve em relação aos anteriores. O MGS5 não tem nada de mais a não ser um mundo aberto, mas repetitibo pra poder ser um mundo aberto com centenas de grupinhos de soldados, esteO melhor Metal Gear de todos os tempos. É melhor que o MEGS5 até porque o 5 é repetitivo e esse é um show de coisas diferentes e história pra se combater e se entender junto com a mudança que a jogabilidade deste teve em relação aos anteriores. O MGS5 não tem nada de mais a não ser um mundo aberto, mas repetitibo pra poder ser um mundo aberto com centenas de grupinhos de soldados, este aqui não ele é UM SHOW , um espetáculo para a época que foi lançado sem nenhum erro! Só vi um cara falar mal dele aqui comparando com game do xbox?!?!? Se liga, esse MGS4 fez milhares de pessoas comprarem o PS3 por ser exclusivo dele e ser muito legal!… Expand
  27. MaxPayneIsGod
    Nov 5, 2015
    8
    Played through this one a couple of years ago. Its the reason I picked up a PS3, in fact I owned the game before the console.
    That aside before playing it I felt I had to know how Snake's story ended, I had to know what Kojima was going to cook up.
    And cook up is what he did. Don't get me wrong this isn't a bad game, its just as convoluted as you'd expect. In all my years of playing    Played through this one a couple of years ago. Its the reason I picked up a PS3, in fact I owned the game before the console.
    That aside before playing it I felt I had to know how Snake's story ended, I had to know what Kojima was going to cook up.
    And cook up is what he did. Don't get me wrong this isn't a bad game, its just as convoluted as you'd expect. In all my years of playing MGS games this stays true to form, I know what's going on but I really don't care. Its hard to put my finger on it but effectively all the 3D MGS games are the same just set in different environments with upgraded graphics.
    To sum it up Kojima is the Tarantino of video games, his early work was his best and what he's been doing recently doesn't live up to his legacy and now he's past it.    … Expand
  28. jelikey
    Oct 2, 2021
    8
    Hideo Kojima does it again. This game is a true masterpiece, and I don't say this lightly.
    If you are a fan of The Metal Gear Solid franchise you know what I mean when I say that most games directed by Hideo Kojima feels like an interactive movie and this one is not the exception.
    The graphics were at the top the gaming industry when this game came out and I can say it's still better…
  29. Caracue
    Oct 17, 2014
    9
    Una obra maestro de ps3 rejugable 1000veces y nunca deja de sorprender, si tuviera dialogos fuera del ingles seria la gran obra maestra de esta generacion, superando a the last of us
  30. umair_s51
    Mar 28, 2015
    9
    Amazing audio-visual presentation, tight gameplay, interesting but a little dense story makes this a true masterpiece. This is a benchmark in quality, and very few games are like it.
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PS3 Game of 2008
2
#2 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008
2
#2 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. IGN UK
    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.
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer
    80
    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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »