Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2008/02/29/msg4_launch_june/

Metal Gear Solid 4 to launch on 12 June

The game the PS3 was made for, apparently

By Scott Snowden

Posted in Personal Tech, 29th February 2008 10:48 GMT

It's official: Konami has announced that the fourth instalment in its extremely successful Metal Gear Solid series, Guns of the Patriots, will be released across Europe on 12 June.

Konami will whet appetites with a public beta version of Metal Gear Online before the release of MGS4, details of which will be released soon.

Delayed from last year, this latest adventure with former Foxhound black ops agent Solid Snake takes place in 2014, five years after the "Manhattan Incident" - the events depicted in the Plant chapter from Metal Gear Solid 2.

Guns of the Patriots is set in a world where the restriction of military intervention on foreign soil has been eased, fueling the need for private military companies (PMCs) to fight proxy wars for business purposes.

So plenty of guns, tech, shooting and big robots, then.

Metal Gear Solid 4

The name's Snake, Solid Snake. That's Mr. Snake to you.

Earlier this week Sony spoke of a MGS4 PS3 bundle to coincide with the US launch, including an 80GB console, MGS4 and a DualShock 3 wireless controller, all for $499. The bundle will only be available in the US.

No mention has been made as to whether the game will utilise the rumble function of the DualShock controller - something the previous games did, making that one of their trademark attractions to PlayStation gamers. But since Sony's bundling the controller in the US, it's likely that it will be utilised fully in the game.

The game will be released on a Blu-Ray disc containing both the game and Kojima Productions' Metal Gear Online, a dedicated online title that uses locations and gameplay elements from Guns of the Patriots.

MGS4 uses the series' traditional third-person view with full camera manipulation, but also allows the freedom to play in first-person mode, as well as presenting an over the shoulder view, which can be switched from right shoulder to left for easy corner maneuvering. The close-quarters combat system has been completely revamped, and the player will also be able to interrogate guards for information and supplies.

Here's a little visual taster of what's in store...

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click to enlarge Metal Gear Solid 4

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Several elements from previous titles return in modified forms. Players will also use a new form of camouflage called Octocamo, which replaces the camouflage system featured in MGS3 and the Optical Camouflage seen in the first two incarnations. Dark blue when disabled, the Octocamo suit allows the wearer to blend in with any surface within a few seconds.

A new monocular device called Solid Eye replaces the various binoculars and image intensifiers from previous titles, and a steel drum complements the series' traditional cardboard box disguise. It is able to deflect bullets, and can be rolled to knock enemy soldiers over.

Snake will also be partnered with a robotic drone, the Metal Gear Mk. II, which allows him to communicate with other characters. It is also capable of engaging enemies using an electric shock, as well as providing reconnaissance.

Metal Gear Rex...made from Lego

...destroy the radar dish, that opens the mouth and exposes Liquid...

One truly inspired fan has created a Metal Gear Rex made from Lego, that is so cool we felt it definitely deserved a mention.

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