It's Good To Be Solid

Computer games have come a long way, growing more intelligent and impressive with each title. Metal Gear Solid is one of the forerunners in this growth process, combining a thinking man's game with that of an action hero, while also displaying a lot of humor and philosophy to the minds of gamers.

I did bring MGS2 to one of my philosophy classes, although not to show off the artificial intelligence of the in-game characters per se, rather to illustrate that a game can actually be just as deep and thought-provoking as any form of literature, scientific or fictional or otherwise. MGS2 was a testament to the control of information and how it could shape a society. Stronger still it displayed an uncanny ability to completely manipulate the player and throw him off guard. It's strength lies in making the player believe in the story and to be immersed by it, and then rudely pulling him in all directions, doubting reality and blurring the lines between it and fiction.

In fact MGS4 is probably even worse. Although I must say the philosophical weight is far less than in its predecessors, the story is truly exceptional. It more closely focuses on the main protagonist Solid Snake (now Old Snake), and on the general Metal Gear lore, although mind you, it also is a great running critique on technology, and the risks and benefits associated with it.

The execution of the game is excellent, from both aesthetic and a content perspectives. It is the first game ever that had me going through several emotions, often within a very short lifespan. You care about the characters, actually believing that they are going to cough their lungs to death. You feel their pain when they get a seizure. The hairs on the back of your neck truly stand on end when you fight the Beauties. And you feel a definite sense of accomplishment when you actually work through the game. And you are so excited, and there's so many content left, you want to do it again.

And even when you glance at a spoiler, even when you're quite up to date on the lore and the legend, and are used to Hideo Kojima's jokes, the game still manages to surprise you with a plot twist, or a new reference or a shocking new revelation. And of those MGS4 has plenty. Truly amazing that even when you know something's gonna happen, it does, and you're still in awe.

Finally without a doubt the PS3 finally has it's killer app. This is the game that will put Sony's game console in people's homes... just in time for Final Fantasy XIII and Gran Turismo 5 in the coming two years...