<P> Reviewers acclaimed the manner in which the title concludes the series . Eurogamer stated that "You could not ask for a funnier, cleverer, more ambitious or inspired or over-the - top conclusion", and IGN found that the result "refines the MGS formula and introduces just enough new (or respectfully influenced) ideas to ensure that it stands on its own as a game". Edge concluded that "it is faithful to its fans, its premise and its heart, delivering an experience that is, in so many ways, without equal", while IGN UK described it simply as "the ultimate Metal Gear game" and "a dazzling, heart - lifting, voyage of discovery". </P> <P> The game was also described as being very sad and depressing for a video game, with the main character dealing with death, depression, and self - carelessness . Kotaku said, "Metal Gear Solid 4 is so unusual in that it's the rare game that asks them to be interested in something else: a march toward defeat, an interactive tragedy ." </P> <P> The new control scheme ("the ideal balance of intuitiveness and range"), camouflage system and shift to more free - form, "replayable" gameplay (in particular the Drebin Points system and alternatives to "stealthy" play) were particularly highly praised with a few minor annoyances . The variety of set - piece events, details such as the "psyche" meter, and healthy provision of secrets were also remarked upon . Eurogamer tempered their overall praise with concern that one of the chapters may induce "ennui", but noted that the game quickly recovered, while Edge expressed mild disappointment that the "Beauty and the Beast" unit compare poorly to the previous title's main foes, the "Cobra Unit". </P> <P> The game was also lauded for its technological and artistic achievements, with Edge describing the "Otacon" character as "the real star", and "a gaming revolution" while they found the game's score to be superior to that of many Hollywood offerings . The magazine felt that the few visual shortfalls (such as texture detail) did nothing to detract from the game's overall quality . IGN UK commented that the attention to detail in both visuals and audio represented "sublime brilliance", and remarked upon innovations such as the use of split - screen . </P>

Metal gear solid 4 guns of the patriots ending