As you can see i havent rated this game because i have not played it. It looks awesome and i really wanted to say for all the metal gear games (ive played 1-3) that theyre not that bad. I mean a game thats awesome and teaches the some what younger kids (10+) that smoking is bad. And because of the reviews im rating this game 5 stars which ive rated the third one. Message to all parents: metal gear is bascily a sneking game with some voilence.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
(2008, Video Games - Action/adventure, Rated M, Play it on: PlayStation 3)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Philosophical action game definitely for adults.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 17–18
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots was written by Chad Sapieha
Parents need to know that this game is part of the Metal Gear franchise, which spans several games, books, comics, soundtrack CDs, and toys. It ' a violent and decidedly mature game featuring extensive and bloody gunplay and knife fights, as well as glamorized use of tobacco, romantic topics, and some profanity. However, the game's primary theme is one of pacifism. Its multitudinous narrative sequences include ruminations on the world's conflicts, lamentations on our culture's war-like mentality, and even touch on complex issues such as the problem of developed nations relying on arms-based economies. The philosophical nature of the game puts it in contrast with most other titles in the military action genre, which often make war and soldiering out to be alluring.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about how effective the video game format is at tackling such complex societal issues as war and the politics that drive world conflicts. Do the game's extensive story sequences do an adequate job of identifying and examining these problems? Do you appreciate having a "message" in the games you play, or would you prefer that they stick to action? How would you rate Metal Gear Solid 4 compared to other mature shooting and stealth games that focus more on action than story?
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More on Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
What’s the Story?
METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS is purportedly the final adventure for the tactical espionage action series' eponymous hero, Solid Snake. Though it takes place not long after the events of previous games, our grizzled, philosophical poet-warrior appears much older, due to an unidentified affliction causing him to age rapidly. His final mission sees him tracking down his old nemesis, Liquid Ocelot, while coming to terms with an unfamiliar world in which private military companies wage wars on behalf of corporations and nanotechnology augments the abilities of its soldiers. Between the lengthy and numerous cut scenes, players engage in the sort of third-person action for which the series is famous as they sneak about trying accomplish mission objectives and take part in the occasional all-out gun battle.
The Metal Gear Solid games have always been about good storytelling, and, unsurprisingly, the same is true about the series' fourth entry. Players will find they spend just as much time watching the game as they do playing it. Lengthy cut scenes that either show off Hollywood-style action choreography or feature characters elaborating upon the intricate MGS4 mythos pop up every few minutes throughout the game, making it feel, like its predecessors, more akin to an interactive movie than a typical shooter or stealth game. But that's no reason to avoid it. In fact, it could be viewed as the primary reason to play. The game's characters -- primarily our disillusioned hero -- have a depth rarely seen in video games. What's more, the game's story, unlike those of other popular shooters and stealth games, has a smart and important message about the evils of war and the difficulties involved in bringing about peace. It stops short of making any particularly shocking observations -- it feels less like Syriana and more like Political Science 101--but it's still quite satisfying to play a big budget game that attempts to tackle such complex and socially relevant issues.
Is It Any Good?
As for the actual game, it's one of the most polished action experiences available for any platform. From the tiny manufacturer's print legible on soldiers' weapons and uniforms to the video-realistic animations of the game's characters, it's a stunning visual achievement. Graphics aside, the play is refined and highly addictive. New gear includes Snake's Octocamo suit, which turns the same color and texture of any object he leans up against, the Metal Gear Mark.II (a little robot companion that Snake can take control of to scout new areas and interface with colleagues), and the Solid Eye, which covers Snake's left peeper and provides players with night vision, zooming capabilities, and a smart heads-up display that identifies enemies and objects. Getting a feel for the relatively complex controls can be tricky, but an innovative instruction manual that walks players through the game's first mission via instructive comic book panels helps ease players new to the series into game's idiosyncratic mechanics. The sophisticated 16-player squad-based online mode is just the icing on the cake. PlayStation 3 hasn't had much in the way of exclusive mega-games up until now, but Metal Gear Solid 4 fills that void nicely.
Publisher’s Details
Developer: Konami
Released on: 6/12/2008, Price: $59.99, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: M for Blood, Crude Humor, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
Released on: 6/12/2008, Price: $59.99, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: M for Blood, Crude Humor, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
Our Members Say
See 30 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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Kids ages: 17
I rate this title on for age 12 and give itProbaley the best game ever!!!!!
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
You can turn blood off.
This game is ok for 13+ if blood is turned off. Its a fine game and there is nothing else wrong with it. Apart from a few swear words which I hear at school everyday. Its not bloomin bad.
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I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
MGS4, simply outstanding
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, is one of the PS3s finest titles. Fans of the series will undoubtedly indulge in the confusing yet brilliant storyline and come to appreciate the fantastic gameplay. However, the game definitely isn't for everyone. The extremely lengthy cutscenes contain mammoth amounts of dialogue and for newcomers to the franchise, it will be extremely difficult to understand and appreciate the game's plot and Snake's struggle. Not the most entertaining game for the kids in this regard. Parents, go by the rating on this one. Albeit not overly voilent, it's a mature game meant for mature audiences. As for the smoking, the game warns players of the dangers of smoking and discourages it, but as a core component of Snake's character, it had to be in the game.
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
- Easy to play
all bad content can be turned off!
Metal Gear Solid 4 is the last of the awsome Metal Gear Solid series. For people who think that all M games are bad games, man I think thats not the best thing to think. Some things in the game are bad, (one charecter Johnny is found going to the loo in a metal barrel). The violence is only for those people who really want to not go with the plot. Solid Snake is stealth agentwith military experince. Hes not supposed to kill, so he caries lethal weapons and an equall amount of anesthetic weapons. For people who are not the violent type but want a really good action game, Metal Gear Solid 4 is a smart choise!
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I rate this title on and give it
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