Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker at Amazon

Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker Stories tell of a legendary solider who once waged war versus the world. His name was Naked Snake, a.k.a. Big Boss, and the truth behind this legend will in the long run be told. The era is the 1970’s . Big Boss had stationed his “Soldiers Without Borders” in Colombia, South America, where he was neared by a visitor from Costa Rica, a “nation without a military”. In the wake of the Cuban Missle Crisis, as Latin America became a key to preserving the power remainder amidst East and West, Costa Rica had miraculously managed to maintain it is peace and neutrality. However, in respective regions of the country, a mysterious armed strength seemed to be engaging in distrustful activities. Now, to preserve peace in this nation without a military, the “Soldiers Without Borders” move into action. In time, they would be known as the founders of “Outer Heaven”. Forge a new path and live the legend with Metal Gear Solid Peacewalker, the primary official Hideo Kojima game on the PSP system. Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker is a stealth-action game set amidst the events of Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops and the firstborn Metal Gear game. Revolving around the continuing early adventures of series centerpiece, Snake, it fleshes out the legend of “Big Boss” in the days following the Cuban Missile Crisis through a deep single player story mode, featuring a new control system and missions supplying extensive replay value, as well as broad and engaging co-op multiplayer options. .caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } table.callout { font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1. 3em; } td.vgoverview { height: 125px; background: #9DC4D8 url(http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/callout-bg.png) repeat-x; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; } The legend of “Big Boss” continues. View larger. 2 and 4-player multiplayer co-op. View larger. Challenging missions & boss battles. View larger. New controls & lush environments. View larger. Story Stories tell of a legendary soldier who once waged war versus the world. His name was Naked Snake, a.k.a. Big Boss, and the truth behind this legend will ultimately be told. The era is the 1970’s. Big Boss had stationed his “Soldiers Without Borders” in Colombia, South America, where he was neared by visitors from Costa Rica, a “nation without a military.” In the wake of the Cuban Missile Crisis, as Latin America became a key to sustaining the power remainder amidst East and West, Costa Rica had miraculously managed to maintain it is peace and neutrality. However, in respective regions of the country, a mysterious armed strength seemed to be engaging in distrustful activities. Now, to preserve peace in this nation without a military, the “Soldiers Without Borders” move into action. In time, they would be known as the founders of “Outer Heaven.” Forge a new path and live the legend with Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker, the original official Hideo Kojima game on the PSP system. Mission-based Gameplay Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker is a tactical-stealth-action game based around mission based gameplay. Play in single player mode begins with a tutorial in which players square off versus Snake himself which serves as a way to acquaint themselves with a control system that provides changes as well as improvements over those featured in earlier MGS titles for PSP. These cover both weapons and hand-to-hand combat. In addition, players also gain experience using the controls to chain together moves for greatest or most complete or best possible impact. Once through with the tutorial players embark on a series of missions, the replaying of which offers new enemy actions, as well as the possibleness of new gadgets and tools. During combat players are capable to target specific areas of an enemy’s body and performance for the duration of each mission is rated according to elapsed time, number of kills and other criteria. 4-player Co-op Multiplayer Along with a deep single player mode Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker holds particular multiplayer co-op functionality. Co-op action is facilitated thru the PSP’s local wireless ad-hoc connection and features dissimilar types of missions. Missions more dependent on stealth are fixed to two-player games, while others–for example, boss battles–are meant for games of up to four players. Players have their choice of dissimilar versions of Snake. These not only possess differing appearance, but more importantly, differing strengths. During co-op play players may pull resources by staying within a minimal distance from each other This link is indicated by circles emanating around them. While sustaining this connection resources may be shared, including weapons, furnishes and and overall health, conveyed by a shared health bar. Players are capable to view partner’s inventory at a touch of the PSP’s left or right face buttons, and when need be may resuscitate a fallen companion. When linked players may also move in unison by almost tapping your partner’s shoulder with a touch of the D-pad and then making your move. Key Game Features The Latest Title in the Metal Gear Solid Series – A unfeigned continuance of the ever-evolving franchise that stood the test of time and started the stealth action genre, Peace Walker is the firstborn title on the PSP system in which mastermind Hideo Kojima has to the full or entire extent taken up the reigns to direct, write, and design the game himself. Extensive Content – Arguably one of the deepest PSP games to be freed as Kojima Productions pushes the boundaries of the platform to new levels while blending respective game styles together in ways that will captivate and engross both veterans and newcomers to Metal Gear. Proven Gameplay, Story, and More – Fans of the series will take pleasure in the exhilaration of intimate stealth elements of former MGS titles and will also be enticed by the new gameplay features making their debut in Peace Walker. Those expecting a typical stealth game will be blown away by the Peace Walker experience. This game is a blend of action RPG elements, RTS constituents for a PSP experience like none other. Staying true to Metal Gear form, the entire game experience is woven together by a gripping story which unfolds through the art of Yoji Shinkawa and acclaimed comic book artist, Ashley Wood. Unique Online Multiplayer Support – Peace Walker provides up to 4-player co-op gameplay, which is a revolutionary initial for the series that introduces the all-new Co-op Ring and “Snake Formation.” The Co-op Ring allows gamers to interact and build their goodfellowship through the sharing of items, equipment, and life gauges for the duration of the heat of battle, while the “Snake Formation” lets one player take the lead so the others may focus on defense. Massive Replay Value – Replaying missions in Peace Walker earns players new stuff and experiences for Snake that may potentially alter your experience.

---

Most helpful customer reviews

43 of 47 people found the following review helpful.
Metal Gear Solid 5
By Wesley Jacobs
If this game was called Metal Gear Solid 5: Peace Walker, I would not hesitate to call it that. This game is astounding. It’s a technical marvel. A feat on portable platforms. There was not a single time where I said I wanted this game to be on a console. In fact, if this was on a console and cost $60, I would buy it in a heartbeat. From the gameplay, to the graphics, to the sound, to the length of the story, this is a huge console adventure, right in the palm of your hand. It’s absolutely amazing that so much could be crammed into a little disc. I still can’t get over it.

Unlike Portable Ops, the controls did not hinder the gameplay. Apparently, the developers learned from their mistake and made the controls work. Not once did I wish for a second analog stick. It works. It’s Metal Gear Solid on a handheld. No exceptions. Do you remember the ability to recruit soldiers and use them in Portable OPs? Well, that’s now more streamlined, it’s improved, and overall more enjoyable. Knock out a soldier, hook a Fulton Recovery System balloon onto him, and continue your mission. No more dragging across the map anymore. Just pop on on there and continue your mission. When you go back to your Mother Base (GEE I WONDER IF THIS COULD BE THE START OF OUTER HEAVEN) you can put them in different units (such as combat and engineering) to have them do missions or build weapons or do other things of great wonder. However, you mainly want to build up your engineering (called R&D) sections. This is highly improved, because instead of getting random weapons ever so often like in Portable Ops, you choose which weapons to develop, and you can upgrade them. You can even upgrade your items, like your sonar system and Fulton Recovery System. It’s awesome, useful, and you actually want to spend the time to upgrade it. And not only do you have this wildly improved Portable Ops system, but you have the main story missions, which are on-par with the likes of any of the console predecessors, and you have side-missions as well, which you can complete at any time. Let’s just say this game will last for a long, long time.

The graphics are without a doubt amazing. I honestly kept forgetting I was playing a handheld. There is a ruddy texture or two, but let’s cut the PSP some slack, eh? The graphic novel cutscenes are not only well done, but they fit the game. They don’t feel out of place. Also, there are quicktime events inside the graphic novel cutscenes, which are beautifully animated. Also, did I mention the quicktime events don’t suck?They’re (shock and awe) fairly exciting, and do not seem forced at all.

The sound is also wonderfully done. Usually, I hardly ever pay attention to the sound when playing handhelds, because it usually ranges from ‘alright’ to ‘mediocre’. Or maybe I don’t even notice it at all. Well, I did this time. Do yourself a favor, play this with headphones. You won’t regret it.

Storyline is your typical Metal Gear Solid fare: unmanned robots, nuclear weapons, Snake grunting in agreement, remembering the basics of CQC, etc. For those of you who have played Metal Gear Solid from the beginning will enjoy many plot points that tie in various people and objects from different games. Overall, very enjoyable, but I presume many will prefer the story lines from the console brethren.

I have only one gripe with this game: co-op. Now, usually, I would be extremely happy with having co-op for the game, but the developers put so much emphasis on co-op that some missions nearly require it, even if they don’t say so. This can lead to frustration, but it is not impossible. Prepare for some difficult times, but most of the time, you will be having a blast.

Buy this game. It’s only $40. $40 for one of the best video games you can get your hands on. Do it.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful.
Hideo Kojima Hits The Sweet Spot
By Elias L. Blondeau
“Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker” may very well be the best handheld video game I’ve played in my life. After ten
straight hours of complete immersion in Hideo Kojima’s world of sci-fi political espionage, there is nothing that
can convince me any other game on a handheld system has presented such an epic scope, heart-wrenching story and
tight gameplay as the latest entry in the venerable “Metal Gear” franchise.

Taking place a decade after “MGS 3: Snake Eater”, “Peace Walker” finds Snake, aka “Big Boss”, a shell of his former
self. Sure, he’s still strong, deadly and ruthless, but he’s an emotional trainwreck after being forced to kill
the woman whom he loved and was trained by. Ten years still can’t wipe away the pain he feels, and even distracting
himself with the private mercenary organization he’s founded can’t make him forget. But one fateful day, a mysterious
man and young girl come forth with a mission that involves restoring peace to Cuba. Snake initially refuses, but
when the man presents an audio tape which suggests that the woman he thought dead to still be living, he rushes headlong
into the mission, unaware of the consequences which await him. On the surface, it may seem like a simple “stop the
bad guys from nuking the world” type of plot, but fans of the series will realize that it’s much more; this game is
a spiritual journey for our tortured protagonist, filled with twists and turns every step of the way.

The gameplay has gotten an overhaul from previous PSP entries of MGS, and I have to admit: it’s really for the better.
Close-quarters combat (CQC) has been streamlined and assigned to one button, making it incredibly easy to dispatch
whole mobs of foes with nothing more than your fists and a quick trigger finger. Also more simple this time around
is the gunplay; no longer do you have to stand in an awkward position to get off a good shot on your enemies. Kojima
took the fast-paced gun battles of “MGS 4: Guns of the Patriots” and put them onto the PSP with no complications
whatsoever, and without anything being lost in the process.

Speaking of “MGS 4″, the very thing I liked about that entry in the series is prevalent in this one as well: options.
You don’t HAVE to stealthily dispatch hostiles; you can walk in with guns a’blazing, and easily get through each
section, and vice versa. There is no wrong way to play “Peace Walker”, in the sense that how it’s played is
completely dependent on your own playing style. I prefer the “sneak in undetected” approach, but my friend operates
by the “might makes right” strategy. We both get through each level with our respective plans, albeit with some
complications exclusive to those plans (sneaking around often involves hiding in awkward places that you can
easily get trapped in if detected; taking the forceful approach can often leave room for unseen enemies to sneak up from
behind and take you out without any warning.) But that’s the beauty of this game, really: learning from your mistakes,
taking what you’ve learned and then applying it to the next level. Very few games have rules that are as broadly-defined
as these.

Another key strategy that will differ from player to player is the vast recruitment system. Much less convoluted than
the previous PSP entries, getting soldiers on your side is as simple as knocking them out, then strapping a
balloon harness (yes, a balloon harness) on them to be sent straight to your Mother Base, which is incidentally a
prototype for the pivotal Outer Heaven base seen later in the series. The soldiers can then be assigned to their
respective units, such as Combat or R&D, or even Mess Hall. As the game progresses, the more soldiers you have,
the more weapons and resources you’ll gain. You can even play side-missions with your recruits to unlock more
weapons to aid Snake in the main story missions. Catching and training new blood adds an addictive “Pokemon”-like
aspect to “Peace Walker”, one which I found myself spending a vast amount of time with.

Now, on to minor matters (sort of): graphics and sound. And folks, these are just two more of this game’s good points.

How the developers got a game this beautiful and rich in detail to fit onto a UMD, I’ll never know. I won’t question
their magic, though, because I’m just too blown away to even consider doing anything of the sort. The quality
and effort bleeds from each micro-pixel, putting other PSP graphics darlings such as “God of War: Chains of
Olympus” to shame. Not a single time did I feel the game was constricted because of the PSP’s graphical limitations.
Kojima Productions has created the single most immersing world ever rendered on a handheld.

The music is great (as per usual for the series), and the voice acting, featuring the likes of Steve Blum and Tara
Strong, is absolutely phenomenal (again, as per usual for the series). Sound effects are also great, complimenting
the graphics to form the aforementioned immersing world. After playing this game for a few hours, it’s hard
to go outside and not think of the game. It’s that mind-altering.

In the end, there is no reason any PSP owner shouldn’t own this, unless of course you haven’t played any previous
entries in the series. In that case, go back and play “MGS 3: Snake Eater” before playing. But for veterans of the
series, buy this without delay. As a longtime fan, I can firmly say this may be one of the franchise’s high points,
easily topping “Snake Eater”, which was previously my favorite entry until this came along. It’s also the
largest in terms of content and replay value. All subsequent entries will be greatly affected by “Peace Walker”, and
thus you owe it to yourself to play it.

Then again, I won’t be surprised if all PSP games are greatly affected by “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.” It reminds
me of how good the PSP can be, to be sure, but more importantly: it reminds me of just how good a video game can
truly be.

Story: A+ (Jaw-dropping, tearjerking, and pulsepounding; there’s never a dull moment.)

Gameplay: A+ (As tight as the series has ever been; nothing is lost on the PSP.)

Graphics: A+ (The very best the system has to offer.)

Sound: A+ (Great music, great voice acting… Just great in general.)

Overall: A+ (One of the rare examples of a perfect game; Easily the best I’ve played all year.)

NOTE: I apologize for not being able to review the multiplayer; my friend lives in another state,
and this game only supports local Ad-Hoc play. I have no other PSP-owning friends (they all have
DS’s, which I have one of as well), and thus can’t give a review on the multiplayer. Again,
I apologize.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful.
OUTER HEAVEN, built in a day.
By Oliver Leland
The stealth genre is an odd duck, as it is too slow paced to appeal to most action fans and too linear to appeal to most WRPG fans. There’s only 3 or 4 major stealth franchises, which stop by every other year to remind us that the genre still thrives despite its niche appeal. We here in Massachusetts we have our local-favorite, the THIEF series, whose fantasy-based stealth sets it apart from fellow genre entries, and Canada brought us SPLINTER CELL, marked by the militarist protagonist Sam Fisher. Both are terrific series, but neither invoke the near-universal appeal of Japan’s METAL GEAR saga, which has been re-birthing itself again and again since its debut on the MSX over 20 years ago.

Though I make an effort to remain objective, I can’t seem to control myself around METAL GEAR. There’s something about the series’ unique combination of over-the-top political sci-fi, pitch-perfect stealth, and quirky comedy that just keeps tugging at my heartstrings (and my limited finances). I was young when I picked up METAL GEAR SOLID 2, and it was love at first sneak. I’ve been following the series ever since, picking up every damned release and re-release like Gibson to Salinger in “Conspiracy Theory”. It is, in my opinion, the fillet of the genre.

And, with one notable exception (where my GHOST BABEL fans at?), the series’ quality has floundered on the handheld. Desperate to adapt to the PSP’s limitations, entries like AC!D and PORTABLE OPS did their best to shrink SOLID’s pedigree to pocket-size through heavy redesign. Though the result was usually overall good, these games weren’t fit to wipe the shoes of the canon console entries. Enter METAL GEAR SOLID PEACE WALKER.

PEACE WALKER succeeds not only as a canon entry to the saga’s lore, but as the best of sequels do: by completely reworking the franchise. The sneaking mechanic – the true heart of the game – is largely unchanged (but say goodbye to “crawl”), though just about everything else has been tuned to fit portable gaming. Rather than having a continuous narrative, gameplay is broken up into chapters which are then broken up into missions. Missions vary in length – usually the side missions take about 5 minutes, while story entries can take upwards of a half hour. Almost every one of these missions can be played either by yourself or with up to 3 friends. I haven’t touched AD-HOC multiplayer, but it’s quite clear that certain missions have been programmed with multiplayer in mind. The boss fights in particular are absolutely brutal. Much like my experience with MONSTER HUNTER, taking down these mammoth mechanical beasts took me many attempts, each swing taking around 20 minutes. It can be pretty frustrating; the boss battles are an impressive spectacle, and yet still the low-point of the game. Outside of the missions, there’s a lot of micro-management to do. As Big Boss, you are charged with running MSF, and from forming and sending out small strike squads to managing your food supply, constructing your army is a significant portion of PEACE WALKER’s gameplay offerings. Much like GRAND THEFT AUTO: CHINATOWN WARS’ drug-running feature, managing MSF is tremendously satisfying and productive while lending itself to short-bursts of portable gaming.

I’d be happy to yammer on about how this is the best game on the PSP, the best METAL GEAR game since SNAKE EATER, and a serious candidate for GOTY, but I’d hate to risk credibility with hyperbole. Gaming-on-the-go can be a trying experience, but with PEACE WALKER, you’re in good hands.

See all 57 customer reviews…