2/2

Hey Snake, Turn the Page
In keeping with my past 'Metal Gear' experiences, ‘Peace Walker’ solidifies my opinion that the 'Metal Gear Solid' series has become better at telling the story then letting us play the story. This might be surprising, given that no one can really understand all in inner-goings of a Metal Gear game. Even so, Kojima has some compelling material here, and even if you don’t “get it,” the delivery and the vibrant personalities bring the action to life. The game mechanics could be considered slightly retro, a recycling of sorts, but the storyline could never be held to that same standard. As a narrative driven action game, MGS is an true original, and 'Peace Walker' continues this tradition.

In ‘Peace Walker’ Kojima Productions take a graphic novel approach of stylization, which surprisingly adds another dimension to the game. Snake is an awesome character and in graphic-novel form he seems darker and grittier then in the past. The story plays with cold war idealisms focused on an internal war within America. As the entrepreneurial Snake acts out own his own, things are never as simple as they seem. ‘Peace Walker’ has an interesting story and it slowly uncoils into a enthralling boiler at the perfect speed.

Keeping things interesting is a new interactive element added into the cut-scenes. Yes, the cut-scenes are still long and occasionally drawn out. However, this new "interactive" component of timed-button-presses or QTE (Quick-Time-Events) help move things along. These little punch-in segments also help to keep you alert while playing because they are tied in with your final score. Missing a few timely presses won’t end your game, but it will affect your overall mission ranking.

Sharp Looker
This alternative stylization would matter if they graphics didn't look good, but that is something we don't have to worry about. 'Peace Walker' is substantially solid, looking super sharp... and after all the optional installs, it runs as good as it looks. Sure there are some aspects can be criticized like a few noticeable low textures that can be wash of colours at times-- mainly greens and browns. However, in grand scheme of things it's an impressive showing and an improvement their last PSP effort. Add in the element of the graphic novel presentation and you have a winner. ‘Peace Walker’ might not be able to stand up to MGS4, but not too many games can.

More-Ops
Bringing in some elements from ‘Portable Ops’ you will able to manage your team of mercs. Outfitting them and playing with these options will affect your game, although the whole ordeal seems like an unnecessary complication. Snake is fine on his own, however, thee ability to send mercs in on ‘Outer-Ops’ or increase your access to tech and items is wonderful. Playing in extra missions as another mercenary doesn’t changes things up too much. The real surprise is co-op availability that lets you play certain missions with friends, and even team up for boss battles. You can also trade gear, hit up some six-player virus play in two different modes. Primary, you will probably enjoy MGS for its solitary experience, but it doesn’t hurt to give these features a go... go figure, they are actually fun.

There is even a ‘Extra-Ops’ feature that lets you play side missions as any character in your staff, used to earn points for your home base. This home base is an offshore structure called ‘Mother Base,’ a place where you can construct and train your own private army. Acting as your operation HUB between levels, MotherBase lets you expand you army, research and gather intel, along with several other SIM-like options. Acting as general to your own private army is rewarding in its own right, but it might be a little overwhelming for some. Thankfully, running through everything Mother Base has isn’t forced on you, more like encouraged, just like the stealth. Although, it might be a little confusing at start it is beneficial to sink sometime into it to take advantage of its abilities. Is ‘Peace Walker’ ambitious, you betcha. A little too ambitious, sure. However, it knows it role and never steps on the toes of the main draw of the game, the action.

‘Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker’ has something for everyone. From its dynamically rich presentation and narrative, to its slowed down creeping gameplay, ‘Peace Walker’ is a full ‘Metal Gear Solid’ game in every sense. Any limitations are fault of the platform and not the developer. Sure, a few cutbacks have been made, and we did encounter a few bugs, but things are good once they get going. Gamers who want a full console-like game for the PSP, ‘Peace Walker’ is the way to go. Even if you are not too familiar with the series, you have to start somewhere and why not now? If you are not sure on Big Boss's retro fitted endeavor then pick this up as a rental, either way, PSP enthusiasts should check out this snakey addition to the 'Metal Gear Solid' series.

Gameplay:8.4, Graphics:8.6, Sound:8.5, Innovation:7.5, Mojo:8.0  Final: 8.2 / 10

Reviewed by DowntownJimmy | 07.29.10

		Graphical novel presentation really works Encourage stealth play, but not necessary Deep ‘Mother Base’ expansion Challenging big boss fights Plenty of options in how to approach each situation Story is solid and more appealing to some of MGS previous efforts Customize, Customize, Customize, Lots of Options!
		Some odd bugs Twitchy controls-- Sony we need that second nub! Requires a great deal of patience Might be too “deep” for some Some limitations compared to console version

Similar Games: Metal Gear Solid 4 (9.6) | Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow (8.0)