Metal Gear raises the bar

HIDEO Kojima has been producing the Metal Gear franchise for the past 20 years, but you get the sense the latest and final instalment is the game he always wanted to make.

The Metal Gear games always stood out from competitors because they used a rich storyline to tie together the strengths of the shoot-em-up - role playing and puzzle solving.

The whole was always greater than the sum of the parts and Metal Gear Solid: Guns of the Patriots continues this tradition.

The robust combat engine is tweaked with new stress and psyche indicators, adding fresh insight into the mind of the troubled series protagonist, Solid Snake.

Coming under fire puts him under additional stress, making it harder to get off shots. Retreating to the shadows or listening to his iPod calms his nerves.

Advanced artificial intelligence is woven through the game, right down to the ability to befriend hostile soldiers.

The graphics are stunning and it's easy to get confused about whether you're in the action or watching a movie sequence. This line is blurred even further through the engaging script and real life voiceovers.

SPECIFICATIONS
Rating: 9/10
Publisher: Konami
RRP: $119.95