DTG said:
I would disagree on MGS2. Most of your complaints are ones I would direct toward MGS3 which I think is a stark downfall in the series quality along with MPO. Of course this relies too much on subjective preferences to be worth arguing. I disagree however that the worst thing would be if people remained divided about MGS4. Most great works of art have always divided public opinion and it is that ambitious, uncompromising vision that makes for a profound experiences for few even if for alienation by others (or many). It's usually the mild pieces aiming to please everyone that fail to produce any profound impact in people because they appeal to everyone on a certain level yet to no one on a greater merit. I would rather take a game like MGS4 that does what it wants to do uncompromising, regardless of mainstream opinion than a watered down game that aims to appease the general masses as did MGS3. Kojima said from day 1 that this game is for the hardcore fans that were there from day one until today and appreciated every game in the series for what it set out to do. Playing MGS4 it is quite obvious that though Ryan Payton did try to make some ammendments for newcomers to the series the storyline is very much dependant on previous knowledge and acceptance of Kojima's style. Bringing the same arguements we have heard since 1998 about long cutscenes is redundant considering that this is about Kojima's vision and millions of fans obviously love the games for what they are. |
I would assert that MGS3 was the better game with more intuitive espionage gameplay, more interesting villains (no gay magical vampires, fat men on rollerblades or Dr. Octopus Clones). Plus I like many feel Raiden was a waste in MGS2, but then again, as you and I have already concluded, this will be a note of irreconciliable dissagreement between the two schools of fans.
Either may, Twin Snakes is by far the best MGS game in my personal opinion, a truly flawless game.
Though, I wasn't attacking MGS4 because of what it did, but rather was using that to push the point that the series is now fast losing mass appeal by making it even more tailor-made to the hardcore fans. Whether that's good or bad is a matter of personal opinion but the fact remains that this game risking cutting off the gamer base needed to sustain such a massive project, Konami will most likely have to port the title to the 360 if they can't make a satisfactory amount off of MGS4 in the first initial sales rush. As a 100 million dollar plus investment this game is above and beyond the development price of your typical HD game, even eclipsing the ridiculous price tag of GTAIV.
