Konami shows playable Metal Gear Solid 4

KONAMI HAD A GOOD showing at E For All this year, anchored by one of the biggest games of the show, Metal Gear Solid 4. That is not to say they were lacking in other areas, Castlevania, Contra and Silent hill were also there in force.

The most disappointing part of the show? Konami did not allow pictures of the new Metal Gear Solid 4 bits, but they did let us play with it. The first thing I can say is that it looks really good and plays smoothly. It may just be a one scenario demo, but it shows what the PS3 can do if properly prodded.

The animations were smooth, the scenes detailed, and it looked good. Sony needs this game, it may literally be the make or break the PS3, and they are doing everything they can to help make it perfect. Konami isn't resting on their laurels either, and MGS4 has a lot of changes from MGS3.

Much of the game will remain the same, it is still a sneaky espionage and exploration game, but listening to their users and simplifying the controls. What used to be multiple taps and button presses is now a simple tap.

The GUI is simplified as well, one very interesting new touch is called the threat ring, it replaces the radar. Instead of the usual dots on a bullseye, your character is surrounded by a milky translucent ring, a radar HUD if you will. When there is a threat, the edge of the ring has a bump in it, presumably the closer and badder the threat, the bigger the bump. It worked very well in the limited time I had with the game.

Another nice touch they had was Snake's suit. It has a camo feature, basically the suit picks up the texture of what is around it. Again, it is a subtle but nice touch, and added a lot of atmosphere to the game. In the end, Konami added simplicity and elegance without taking away any of the key features. Look for it in "early 08".

Castlevania on the PSP

Two others were continuations of old favorites, Contra 4 and Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles. Castlevania is a remake of the old PC Engine Rondle of Blood, a game that didn't make it to the US. It is classic Castlevania, and as bonuses, you can unlock the original game, the original Rondle, and new characters.

Likewise, Contra 4 is more of the same. For the 20th anniversary of the series, you get more of Contra 3, not a bad thing, and two screens on the DS. You can also unlock Contra 1 and Super C. Both are due out soon for portables, PSP and DS, with Castlevania any day now, and Contra in November.

Contra 4 on the DS

Also in November we have Silent Hill Origins for the PSP and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus a bit later. Silent Hill is a prequel, basically how Silent Hill became Silent Hill. POP+ is more of the earlier POP, it has more modes, more gameplay styles, and you can even import old characters from the first game.

Konami might not have the biggest presence out there, but they do have some very solid franchises and games. Almost all are sequels, but when the the originals are that good, that is just a compliment. MGS4 will make or break the PS3, so there is more riding on it than a simple game, and the others will simply be fun. µ