Huh?M-Metal Gear?!

When Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops was announced to be brought to the ever deviant hand held that is the PSP, many fans were worried about how it would look and play. There was more emphasis on how it would play, because when most console games are scaled down to PSP size, control is usually the first component in question. Don't fret here, because as you can see from the score that I gave this game, it's all good. The game is set a few years after Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater, so you'll still be pulled into that amazing atmosphere. The story, as in most Metal Gear games, is great, and reflects the way you play the game. You will have to recruit enemy soldiers, technicians, medics, and what have you, to form an arsenal of soldiers that help you accomplish your mission. This aspect of the game is very cool and engaging, since each character has abilities, an varying stats. The controls work very well on the PSP, and the gameplay is as Metal Gear as ever. The cut scenes unfold in the art of the graphic novels, and the sound and graphics are top notch. The online multiplayer is also good, with a variety of game modes, and the fact that you can use your recruited members from the campaign just keep you playing again and again. You can input passwords and even download special characters and bosses to use for your stealthing pleasure. A few shortcuts have been taken here and there, but don't worry, they aren't mind blowingly major (you can't slit throats). The game is great, and feels good because it is a solid game in the series, not a spin off like Metal Gear Acid. Though both games are great, you can't go wrong with Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops.