I just completed Acts 1 through 3 of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. There seems to be quite a bit of uncertainty on the Internet community as to whether or not the game lives up to its hype. For this reason I decided to write a review of my experience so far.

The first thing that shocked me was the amount of comic relief that takes place early in the game. Metal Gear has never been known for its humor, but I felt it was a refreshing addition to the game. Whether it’s a shaven-soda-drinking-monkey or the game’s butt of nearly every joke (no pun intended) Akiba. Akiba is a specialist when it comes to traps and computers, but when it comes to combat, he well… loses control of his bodily functions. Let’s leave it at that.

[On a side note, I was slightly disappointed that the game doesn't explain the significance of Akiba's nickname. Akiba is actually short for legendary nerd-capital-of-the-world Akihabara, Japan.]

The game-play is exactly what a veteran of the series would expect, but comes with 4 levels of difficulty if it’s your first time playing a Metal Gear title. The first Act takes place in the Middle East: Old Snake is thrown into a battlefield ravaged from constant strife between the local Militia and the PVCs. At times it can be difficult to tell who is friend or foe, creating a very real aspect of war–confusion. The militia is pretty much neutral towards Old Snake as long as you don’t attack one of them. Helping them in combat against the PVCs can even increase their favor of Old Snake.

When I don’t know who is friend or foe, I try and play it safe by just laying low and trying to go unnoticed. The first mission of the game is rather tough since you are only given un-silenced weaponry, a Stun-Knife, and Snake’s mitts. Once you meet up with Otacon’s robot buddy you acquire a silenced pistol as well as a tranq-gun. From there the battlefield becomes much more manageable. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy!

While the first Act doesn’t have a boss, we are introduced to the bosses via an especially grizzly video of them tearing through a small unit of Militia. I can’t say I’m looking forward to fighting them. For lack of a boss, there was an especially tough battle in which Old Snake teams up with a small group of allies against a special fighting force known as the FROGS. FROGS units appear to be armor-clad women who are insanely agile and deadly. I had 10 rations in my possession and admittedly scarfed them all down while firing clip after clip from my 2 automatic machine guns into as many FROGS as I could. My patented Octocamo was stained with blood by the time I finished… or maybe it changed colors because of the constant blood-splashing?

The game is loaded with items. I already have access to a ridiculous amount of guns and anti-tank weaponry. That’s right, anti-tank weaponry. To make all the items more manageable is a truly awesome customization system. Old Snake meets a mysterious arms dealer named Drebin who is able to remove the ID locks on weapons allowing Snake to use them as well as providing Snake ammo and accessories. Of course such a convenience isn’t free. Drebin grants Snake some points initially to unlock the necessities like grenades and etc. After that all points are earned by acquiring excess ammo and weapons which are instantly brought to Drebin for more points. The points rack up fast, but can be spent just as fast depending on how curious you are as well as where on Earth you are. The harder the fighting, the greater the cost.

The story doesn’t disappoint either. There has already been a handful of character making appearances from previous titles. I don’t want to spoil anything, but fans of the series won’t be let down.

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Job class: Beast Master (魔物使い)
Evility: Dark Tamer (ダークテイマー)
Evility Effect: Adjoining allied monster-class character(s) receive a 20% stat boost.
Prerequisite: Valkyrie and Fight Mistress LVL 15.
*NOTE* Must also pass bill entitled “魔物使いを作りたい”, or “I want to make a Beast Master” for 150 mana in home room.
Suggested weapons: Spear, Bow, Axe
Move: 4
Jump: 25
Counter: 2
Throw: 5

Stats

Evilities

Unique Ability

I translated all of this info from a Japanese Disgaea wiki, which is very informative. The Beast Master is one more tool to bring monster-class characters up to speed with humanoids. While Beast Master’s stats don’t really excel in offense, their rank 6 evility allows monster-class characters to help Beast Masters become more dangerous. An increase of 20% to a Beast Savior’s attack aptitude would bring it to a staggering 155%.

Since Beast Masters are good with an Axe, it seems obvious to create at least one Orc to befriend your Beast Master. Orcs Magichange into especially lethal axes, and their stats and abilities make them a great addition to any party. If Orcs aren’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other potentially earth-shaking beasts to recruit just make sure to keep whichever unit you choose close to your Beast Master. Check back for more info as I am always on the lookout for news on Disgaea 3.

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All other Kotowari posts relating to Makai Senki Disgaea 3 can be found here.

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Click to open the mystery package

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That determined looking Pokémon on the right is Shaymin’s new form called it’s Sky Form. It’s element type is revealed to be grass and flying–an interesting combination. In addition to Shaymin, both protagonists new look’s have been revealed:

As before, the female’s outfit is pretty awesome, and as before the male’s outfit falls painfully short. He kind of looks like a futuristic French wine taster. In fact…

Right, enough fooling around. The scan goes on to announce that in celebration of the upcoming Pokémon movie, Japanese players will be able to acquire the rare Shaymin on their Diamond and Pearl games via the wireless club. The scan doesn’t specify how, it just suggests that players check the films official website. Here’s hoping American fans get the same treatment.

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Atlus revealed their secret today with the announcement that Yggdra Union for the PSP will indeed be receiving an American localization.

The PSP version does feature a few added bonuses that the Game Boy Advance version did not have including (but not limited to):

• Complete voice-overs with both Japanese and English dialog
• Higher difficulty setting (watch that morale!)
• New Playable characters
• New Missions
• Multiple endings
• Enhanced visuals and audio effects

Yggdra Union will be giving you one more reason to buy a PSP September 16th. In addition to the opening of an official website Atlus also sent out a newsletter featuring this trailer video:

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