Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Preview

Although most of the game is carried out through a third-person view (or an over-the-shoulder perspective), the developers did promise a first-person viewpoint for FPS fans. Albeit, at first glance, this first-person view seems more appropriate for aiming and firing accurately, rather than moving around like in other FPS games. Still, this particular component is not without its uses. It was stressed that while this viewpoint is activated, players can tilt the SIXAXIS controller to peek around walls. MGS 4 marks other good uses of the SIXAXIS controller, such as shaking the controller to cause the OctoCamo to return to its default position. Not bad, and definitely practical. We'll see how it works when used during intense moments of gameplay (or extreme frustration when you are punching the crap out of your couch and screaming in fury - Ed).

Ooh, that feels nice! Don't stop, Snake!

Hey, wait for me, ya bastards!

Hideo's recent 15-minute demonstration of the game showed one particularly interesting segment involving Snake and a certain type of magazine. Whenever he's feeling exhausted or overstressed, Snake can get out a copy of a dirty mag to... err... relax for a bit (I always need a nap after I ....relax that way - Ed). While controlling the character, players can flip through the pages freely, feasting their eyes on the various love ladies shown in the men's mag.

Such moments, coupled with the brilliant artwork and excellent overall design, hint Kojima's persistent attention to detail. Thanks to him and rest of the talented crew at Kojima Productions, we have no doubt this will be one of the most sought-after action games during the following year. March 2008 is the projected release date and, from what we've gathered, it will be the kind of game that makes you want to go out and buy a PS3 console (Sure. Right after I sell a kidney so I can afford it - Ed).