I would have preferred the option for just one huge install, even if it was 10GB. My install currently only shows a 4GB file. The multiple installs is definitely one of the most curious aspects of the MGS4 code build, but I'm guessing it was to keep the HDD overhead down to a minimum at the cost of penalizing those who want to play in multiple sections of the game (or multiple players on one console).

Wii games have no major issues with load times because the games all use low resources relative to everything else this generation. All the games have load times, they're just shorter because there's less data to transfer to memory.

With 24MB of graphics memory, 3MB of texture memory and 64MB of main memory developers can only do so much.

I don't even see the point of comparing the Wii. The SNES had no load times thanks to the even lower overhead and chip based games. Is that supposed to make SNES games technically superior to those on the Wii?

You guys are way off base. A 12X DVD player reads at about 8-16 MB/s for a single layer disc. But that reading off a DVD9 (dual layer DVD which all XBox360 games come on), lowers the speed it can read data at. 2x Bluray is about 9 MB/s constant. A 5400 RPM 2.5" HDD won't have substantially higher throughput than a 12x DVD player, but what it does spank both disc player in is seek times.

I love MGS4. Probably the best game I've ever played. I love everything about it from the weapon customization, to the varied gameplay (the third and fourth acts were nice surprises), to the graphics/sound. And this install time, while fairly short (2-3 min per act) is incredibly annoying. I can't believe ANYONE would say it isn't. It hasn't really taken away from my enjoyment of the game, but it is still annoying to see. They really should have made it an option to install the whole damn thing for those of us with HDD space to spare.

 BTW, MB = megabytes.  Mb = megabits.

 Not as strong a spin as you put on it. The discussion is about install to HD so the post was appropriate.

funny how konami fails to mention the crappy dl times on the box

an option for installs would have been better , still a great game

It's because MGS4 is over 50GB on a dual layered BDdisc, its a very big game

Original install bothered me a little but I can't say the install between Acts do.
With me taking in average 5-6 hours to complete an Act the break is welcome to give me time for a smoke ( I actually do smoke breaks during acts too so really no biggy).

I agree. Sony/devs need to come up with a better solution. To play games like MSG4 I would suffer through anything, but Hot Shot Golf requiring an install is a slap to the face. Optional install options please. I am in Act 2, but I already want to play Act 1 again. I would love to be able to demo the opening cinematic for friends without reinstalling the first Act.

@Starcraft - 12x dvd drive speed is between 66Mbps - 132Mbps not "between 120 and 140MB/s"

Oh, this bull-shit again.

Well, I guess you can't please everyone.

One big long install - "It's too long, and takes up too much space"

Short small installs - "I want to go back to the beginning of the game, then skip right to the end of the game, this suxxxxx."

Can't freakin' win.

And all this Blu-Ray read speed bull-shit is old too. It's just fine, it's how developers use it.

Uncharted, a beautiful game, no installs. Now everyone, please shut up.

As long as your not constanly jumping between acts the installs are not a big deal ...

and they get shorter for the later acts ...