MGS4 gets perfect 10 in first 'exclusive' review
by Andrew Yoon 
{ May 12th 2008 at 1:15PM }
What major game doesn't get a 10 from an "exclusive" first review? With publications so eager to become the lapdogs of game companies, the integrity of the "exclusive" review should always come in question. Regardless, the first review of next month's Metal Gear Solid 4 will have PS3 fans weeping in joy. Rather unsurprisingly, the UK Official PlayStation Mag has awarded Kojima's PS3-exclusive a perfect 10. "Ultimately, this is a game for fans -- and you should be one," writes Paul Fitzpatrick. "As for Snake? It turns out his last stand really is his finest hour."While we're curious to try and find out more about the end of Metal Gear Solid 4, we absolutely refuse to subject ourselves to any game-ruining spoilers. Suffice it to say, we're glad to hear that whatever the end of MGS4 is, "the resolution is worth the wait."
[Via Joystiq]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Roto13 @ May 12th 2008 1:26PM
The gaming media likes to hand out tens like candy at Halloween these days. They don't mean so much any more.
Though I'm still expecting this to be the best game this year, at least on the PS3, if not overall.
Hashbrown Hunter @ May 12th 2008 4:01PM
Well, that may be true lately, but thats only because gaming has hit something of a renaissance. I agree with most major publications giving out 10s to some of the bigger games, but with exclusive reviews? Gigantic grain of salt.
SuperGayParade @ May 12th 2008 1:26PM
cool. I'll bargain bin this one :D
Syn @ May 12th 2008 1:51PM
I agree. MGS isn't my cup of tea these days...
Socom is my baby.
xeleion @ May 12th 2008 5:57PM
Syn, SOCOM and MGS4 are two COMPLETELY different types of games...
nick @ May 12th 2008 1:30PM
wow. the standards are going to have to be raised if every new game that comes out is rated a 10 lol. MGS4 and gta 4 have been rated 10 already and i bet killzone 2, Resistance 2 and many other big games of this year and next could be just as good. 10's all around.
Fiddlesworth @ May 12th 2008 1:32PM
Looks like Joystiq has joined Kotaku in trying to downplay PS3 games.
Sarcasm: There's clearly no way in hell a game like MGS4 could rank up there with the best games of all time.
Stupid.
Glen @ May 12th 2008 1:33PM
The story over at Kotaku takes that last bit a little further. It's kind of a spoiler, so watch out.
As for "exclusive reviews" and "perfect" 10s, I don't pay attention to all that. I just read the review. If it just says "MGS4 is so awesome" over and over again in different ways, then it's a bad review and I'll ignore it. If it says intelligent things about the game, like that the controls are really tight or the level design is great, then that's helpful to me, the consumer (who's buying MGS4 regardless of reviews, but that's beside the point), because it describes why the game is good.
So I'm not going to throw out the the UK PS Mag's review because it has an "exclusive" review and "happened" to give it a 10. If I can, I'll read it and see how it reinforces (or doesn't) my buying decision.
To go even further, reviews like these don't really affect me, personally. I usually know if I'm going to buy a game, rent it, or ignore it before it comes out because I follow the games I'm interested in. IGN's exclusive GTA IV review, for instance, did nothing for me because I already knew I was buying the game. All it, and subsequently this review, did was get me more excited about the game.
But that's me. These kinds of reviews, if biased because of their "exclusivity," could be bad for someone who was, say, on the fence about MGS4. The overly positive review might convince them to buy the game only to find that it wasn't what they expected from the review. Maybe they'll end up not liking the style or the story, or whatever, due to personal tastes that got overlooked by the hype created by the review.
So yeah. Doesn't affect me, could be bad for the undecided.
reson8er @ May 12th 2008 1:33PM
Well 10's a little low, hell, Working Designs games used to go to 11! ;)
Kabapu @ May 12th 2008 4:11PM
... I miss Working Designs =(
Anyone know who owns their stuff now? I wanna see a new Dragon Force.
ryan @ May 12th 2008 1:43PM
i think it'll be a toss up between MGS4 and Gears of War 2. GTA4 overall might steal the goty award. is God of War 3 expected to hit this year? even tho Ninja Gaiden 2 is more for the hardcore crowd, i think GoW 3 would give it a run for it's money. still anticipating NG 2.
but there are still some potential "10" games coming out I'm sure.
is it true that the PS3 is getting Bioshock the day Bioshock 2 is announced for 360? i dunno. i just heard Rumors.
can't wait to play MGS4!
Popfrogs @ May 12th 2008 2:11PM
If GOW2 gets the GOTY award, it'll be due to sales, not quality. I seriously doubt any game will top MGS4 this year. Call me a MGS fanboy, whatever.
ryan @ May 12th 2008 2:25PM
well, quality is still unknown. if it's anything like the last GoW, and is aiming to succeed on it, then i'm sure it'll be fine.
True_Darknight @ May 12th 2008 2:13PM
OH GOD NOT A another 10 point review for a PS3 game.. what is the world coming to??????
and what is only on the PS3?? ack!!! Lies I tell ya!! Lies!!!! (looks at his MGS4 Pre-order receipt and grins)
Oh well!
MCX @ May 12th 2008 2:34PM
I just hope they tested it on 60gig models to make sure it works right.... Still haven't got GTA4 up and running.
Popfrogs @ May 12th 2008 2:37PM
Konami > Rockstar. I'm sure they'll have it running fine from day one.
Valr @ May 12th 2008 2:56PM
Seriously? I have a 60GB and bought GTA4 after Rockstar released the 1.01 patch. I have NEVER had a freeze during gameplay. Have you deleted the game data and reinstalled?
MGS4 will be an amazing game for sure. I can't wait.
MCX @ May 12th 2008 7:25PM
Yep did all that -- even tried the extensive steps to disable everything. Not mad at Sony or R* but I am sure envyous mines not yet working. Gonna get a new HD installed soon so I am sure it will work at some point. Just kills me everytime I see all the millions of ads (tv, web, mags) and still havent played 4mins before a crash.
boltu222 @ May 12th 2008 3:22PM
From what I know this is the 3rd 10 that OPMUK has given first went to Oblivion and then GTAIV...
I remember back when it was PS2 the first 10 given was like MGS2 then another 10 for San Andreas... they used to given em out rarely but now it seems they dish em out of long awaited games...
TinyTim121 @ May 12th 2008 4:51PM
I was thinking exactly that! *Star up*
This magazine also gave MGS2 and MGS3 a 10.
Not old OPS2, the new OPM UK
If you have the mag, its on page 93 where it says the three scores
boltu222 @ May 12th 2008 4:54PM
I've never actually picked up a copy of the new OPMUK but I do remember OPM2UK gave MGS3 like an 8 or 9...
They also gave FFX an 8 and FFX-2 a 9...
HAAS599 @ May 12th 2008 3:48PM
I have GTA4 and love it, never had a freeze, but the game is not a 10. If GTA is a 10, then MGS4 should be a 12
Popfrogs @ May 12th 2008 4:12PM
I agree. While I enjoy GTA4 when it's not locking up, it's no 10 in my book. Alot of people say it's "thinner" than San Andreas also.
TinyTim121 @ May 12th 2008 4:48PM
GTA IV dosen't seem to have anything to offer after you finish the story i found. I'm sure if i could be bothered to find all 200 pigeons i would get near as makes no difference 100%.
Where are the rampages? Why can't i own a club? Can i have more than 8 rocket launcher shells? No way is GTA IV a 10.
Phil @ May 12th 2008 5:18PM
I've already stopped playing GTA4, its definetly not a 10. Not a bad game, but not perfect. They seem to have left a lot out from what San Andreas had to offer.
Desi_D @ May 12th 2008 7:25PM
No one in gaming press (other than that Variety reporter) doubted anything when IGN had GTA exclusive review with score of 10/10, now every journo is suddenly bringing up this exclusive review thing and questioning PS magazine's integrity. Double standards much?
And yes, I'm aware that lot of gaming sites reported that Variety story, but it was done as "here, look at what this guy is saying". I don't recall anyone personally questioning IGN or Rock* ethics.