TGS 2006: MGS4 Trailer Details
Early details on the Tokyo Game Show trailer. Plus, a few intriguing comments from Kojima.
by IGN Staff
September 20, 2006 - Although Konami hasn't issued official word on the matter, one of gaming's finest traditions will indeed be continuing at the Tokyo Game Show. The latest issue of Famitsu reports that the Konami booth will, as just about everyone out there had been expecting, house a Metal Gear Solid 4 trailer.
Director Hideo Kojima revealed to the magazine that the trailer will clock in at about 6 minutes length. A bit short, but to make up for it, Konami will also be showing the E3 trailer.
While previous trailers were comprised of cut scenes, the new trailer will be made up of nothing but game play sequences. Konami has taken liberty with the camera in order to make the trailer easier for viewers to understand, but aside from the perspective changes, this will be our first look at MGS4 gameplay.
Famitsu seems to have gotten its hands on the trailer in advance and was able to deliver a few screenshots and details. The trailer shows a number of new gameplay elements. In one scene, Snake uses an oil drum to sneak around -- a replacement for the classic box, perhaps? In another scene, Snake is avoiding enemy patrols. We see Snake carefully making his way over an arched gateway, just above the viewpoint of his armed foes.
In addition to these traditional types of "sneaking," MGS4 introduces a new form, the Octocam. Short for octopus camouflage, this new gameplay system lets Snake change color in order to match his surroundings. The effect is heightened in dark areas like tunnels and caves.
This gameplay system is also highlighted in the trailer. In one scene, Snake is shown crawling on a battle field in the direction of enemies who are firing in his direction, but over his body. Snake has changed color to match the ground and is attempting to get close to the enemy in order to toss a grenade from close range.
In another sequence, we see a giant Metal Gear unit marching through a narrow street. Look closely, and you can see that Snake is camouflaged on the ground, and is aiming a gun directly at the mechanical beast.
Still another sequence shows the aftermath of Snake infiltrating a building through the window. A guard, having taken note of the noise, runs back to inspect the window. He doesn't seem to notice Snake who's adopted the properties of the tiled walls.
The trailer also shows a number of battle situations, in doors and out. And we're not talking just Snake with a gun here. It appears that the Metal Gear Mark II robot that's operated by Otacon will also be capable of attacking. One scene shows Mark II extending a wire out and shocking an enemy soldier.
In addition to killing off enemies in gun fights, Snake will also have an opportunity to negotiate with enemies. This was called the CQC system in Metal Gear Solid 3. The trailer shows Snake having pinned down and enemy, apparently questioning him for information. You'll be able to get information, items and weapons from enemies.
Speaking on MGS4 with Famitsu, Kojima made note of one of the big updates from previous titles. The game is no longer about "sneaking missions." You have a goal, and you're free to decide how to get there. You can use stealth to get to the goal with minimal resistance, or you can kill off all your enemies.
Kojima also had some saddening news to report to the magazine. Konami has previously promised a 2007 release for Metal Gear Solid 4. Apparently, the release will take place, at the earliest, late in the year, as the game still has over a year's development time.
Looks like we'll be getting a few more trailers before sinking our teeth into Kojima's last Metal Gear game.
