Two quick comments:
- I think we all need to realize that Western review sites/magazines have pretty much adopted the Famitsu model for scoring. Normal games get reviewed along the normal scale, big-budget hyped games get an extra boost. The fans are happy, the publishers are happy, the advertisers are happy, and so on. Expect every "big" game that doesn't totally suck to get either a 9 or 10 from most sites from now on. Again, this is not unique to Grand Theft Auto or Metal Gear Solid, it's an industry-wide phenomenon. Everyone needs to be aware of it, however, so that they can understand what's really going on.
- I know that this will draw flak, but... it is really a good idea to have huge Metal Gear Solid fans reviewing the latest game in the series? The reviewers admitted that they had played the past games and couldn't wait for this installment. I think they were being honest, that they believe the game really deserves a 10. But again - that's the opinion of two huge Kojima fans! Of course they're going to like the game! I wouldn't ask my friend from LA for an unbiased view of the Lakers/Celtics series either, if you catch my drift. Wouldn't it be better to get more neutral reviewers to evaluate these games?
End of 2008 totals: Wii 42m, 360 24m, PS3 18.5m (made Jan. 4, 2008)
