Today I downloaded the TGS demo of Metal Gear Solid: Peacewalker for the PSP. I decided to write up some quick thoughts on it, but don’t expect a lot of content here since the demo is entirely in Japanese.
Since I can’t speak on the story, I’ll focus mainly on the gameplay. Let’s take a look at the main highlights and our impression of the game:
Main Highlights
-I really don’t like the controls here. The thumb stick moves Snake, while the D-pad brings up your various menus. The triangle, Square, circle, and X button control the camera, which can be quite a pain when you’re trying to aim your gun.
-The controls take some serious getting used to; I suggest practicing with them a bit before heading further into the game. I also suggest playing this demo with a strategy guide nearby. Being entirely in Japanese, it’s not very obvious what the mission objectives are, so it’s best to check the online guide to find out what to do.
-The graphics are amazing; the PSP’s limits keep getting pushed farther and farther. The few missions available all take place in the jungle, so it has an MGS3 vibe going. The locations are all rendered beautifully, and Snake’s animations are as fluid and free-flowing as any console version.
Our Impression?
There’s not much more to say about the demo, it’s really something best experienced for yourself. The gameplay is great, despite the annoying controls, and the graphics really show what the PSP is capable of. Hopefully Konami will rework the control system, because that’s really the only complaint I have with the demo. Look for Metal Gear Solid: Peacewalker to release sometime in 2010.
You can download the demo HERE.
doa766
September 25, 2009 at 7:14 PMit seems that you never played Resistance on the PSP, that game had the same controls (camera movies with face buttons) it’s hard at first but then you get used to
Tim Harris
September 25, 2009 at 7:54 PMI’ll admit I never got around to playing Resistance on PSP, nor have I had the chance to play the proper MGS games on the system. I’m sure with some practice i could get used to it, but with all the text being in Japanese, it makes it hard to quickly figure out what everything does.
jig
September 26, 2009 at 4:06 PMNo doubt.. a translated version would’ve saved a lot of headache and been far more enjoyable, but I’ve bout got the hang of it now. Can’t wait for 2010. ^_^
Art
September 26, 2009 at 5:31 PMThe demo is great, the controls are actually not that difficult for me, but the gameplay is awesome. I tried co-op on the boss level. It was incredible, it feels like a fully fledged MGS title. One thing is i hope that the game is ready to be played in full co-op without taking out characters in the story like Halo does.
JimFear666
September 27, 2009 at 4:42 AMI think if Sony will do a psp2 they will have to put another stick. Playing with face buttons is something that i feel really un-natural for me.