MGS4 pre-order DVDs shipping with MGO beta keys, beta to begin April 21
by Griffin McElroy 
{ Mar 29th 2008 at 11:30AM }
Those who are truly anticipating the further adventures of the now mustachioed, raisin-wrinkled Solid Snake have no doubt hesitantly slid a five-dollar bill across the counter of their nearest brick-and-mortar, trying not to meet the crisp, judgmental eyes of Abraham Lincoln as they fulfill the reservation fee for Metal Gear Solid 4. Well, at least your shame before The Great Emancipator wasn't endured in vain -- copies of Metal Gear Saga Vol. 2, complete with beta access keys for Metal Gear Online, are currently shipping to retailers to be distributed to loyal pre-orderers.
The DVD includes backstory on the major characters in the Metal Gear franchise, as well as a few trailers for MGS4, but the real treasure in this early bird bonus is the access code which will allow you to download the MGO beta on April 17, and play the fourquel's online counterpart from April 21 until May 5 -- at which point bleary-eyed FOXHOUND fanatics will emerge from their houses to an unfamiliar world; one where cowbots don't roam the streets, and neck-snapping is almost universally frowned upon.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ProfWho @ Mar 29th 2008 11:35AM
Is this game coming to the 360? If not why the 360 tag?
WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus @ Mar 29th 2008 11:39AM
Am I to assume this is a sarcastic comment?
How is a game that does not even fit on a 50GB BD disc going to squeeze onto 7.5GB DVD9?
Zeus.:God @ Mar 29th 2008 12:07PM
Easy. Compression.
The PS3's games can easily be compressed to DVD9 discs. The reason the game is so big is because of the raw textures.
Also, if I am reading his post correctly (highly doubt that I'm not) he's implying that there was a 360 tag in the tags section at the bottom of the article.
DangerMouse @ Mar 29th 2008 12:26PM
Heh, I actually find the texture work on MGS4 to be rather disappointing. I know that doesn't have much to do with the texture size, but i find it somewhat ironic.
And i doubt there compressing the audio either, which is a huge chunk.
Curmeo @ Mar 29th 2008 12:35PM
Zeus, the raw textures and the 7.1 channel lossless audio.
Blu-ray's 50GB space definitely cut development time and cost for the producers as they did not have to worry about using compression plus us gamers get the best texture and audio quality.
also it would not be possible to port MGS4 on 360 if the game has backtracking.
ssuk @ Mar 29th 2008 12:38PM
Here we go... Fanboys; There is NO REAL clarification as to HOW LARGE MGS4 is. We only have the word of developers, who more often than not, do not actually have to deal with compression or the printing process for game discs. Hence, they feed back information which is months if not years old.
MGS4 MAY go over DVD9 capacities even with compression, however downgrading assets, removal of obsolete files (or 'leftovers') will help bring down the size required. The game should fit onto DVD9 discs one way or another. It's stupidity to make a game 20GB big, especially when a game like Devil May Cry 4 requires a 6GB install on the PS3 to help curve LOADING TIMES. The bigger the files that have to be loaded, the longer the loading times.
DVD9 discs are 8.5GB big... Not 7.xGB big, hence the DVD*9* (I take it you can round). Also, there's no problem with having multipul discs. Metal Gear Solid 1 did it and I don't see any MGS fans complaining about that.
Now, move along. Nothing to see here.
WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus @ Mar 29th 2008 1:15PM
@ssuk
Come correct son....u r incorrect.
As you should know the maximum XBox360 DVD size is fixed.
You should be familiar with a parameter: LayerBreak=1913760
Ok, LayerBreak is the sector number where the head move from layer 0 to layer 1 and start writing backward (Opposite Track Path).
You should know also that a DVD sector is 2048 bytes so each layer holds up to 3919380480 bytes, or 7838760960 bytes total (7475,625 MB).
Well, now you've to subtract the first track size (you know, the one with the "dancing circles" in DVD Video format) twice (because that's unused on layer 1 too).
What you get back (minus something for XDVD structure, minus something for security placehold, if they still exist on XBox360) is the actual maximum DVD size.
You know, it's more like 7,05 Gb than 8,58 Gb.
Curmeo @ Mar 29th 2008 1:49PM
lool @ ssuk u got owned bad by Killjebus
copa @ Mar 29th 2008 2:45PM
Guys, let's save ourselves some time here.
Just copy and paste all the bullshit comments from developers and Sony fanboys prior to PS3 launch that claimed that Resistance: Fall of Man could never, ever fit on a DVD-9.
Once the game was released, the kids got real quite all of a sudden.
Jon @ Mar 29th 2008 3:35PM
You all are such typical fanboys. Just wait till the real proper game to be released. Fact is if you want to play MGS4 in June, then go buy a PS3. Don't waste our time if you can't afford one.
Raikage (LDF CRAB BATTLE!!!) @ Mar 29th 2008 4:42PM
"Blu-ray's 50GB space definitely cut development time and cost for the producers as they did not have to worry about using compression plus us gamers get the best texture and audio quality."
I call BS dickweed.
That would take one guy one day to compress it.
Just because MGS (or any game for that matter) does not need BluRay, doesn't mean you need to go around making excuses, ALL of us know MGS could go to the 360 and most believe it will. You guys need to stop being babies and be glad that you get to play another MGS.
LameDuck @ Mar 29th 2008 8:56PM
One time, I had to change a CD while playing Final Fantasy 7. I tripped over my dog, killing it... I landed on my little sister, killing her... And cracked my head open on the entertainment center, putting me into a comma...
I just woke from my comma and will be buying a PS3 and MGS4 just so this will never... NEVER... happen to me again.
True story.
WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus @ Mar 29th 2008 11:38AM
I thought these discs and the offer would not be made availabe till April?
I need to git ovr to Gamestop and put down a fiver so that I can gits me sum MGSO beta actshun cum April 17. Yep, ummm hmm....I reckon I ought to do that.
THE WICKER MAN (BWF) (GT: Dalek Prime) @ Mar 29th 2008 1:30PM
You are a vile excuse for a human being. I hope you have trouble sleeping in your bed made of baby seals and orphans. At least your the money you make as a sony head gives you some comfort...evil Krazy K.
WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus @ Mar 29th 2008 2:56PM
Dude,
Billy Bob Thorton
Swingblade
Jackass
John McPoop @ Mar 29th 2008 4:33PM
@Killjebus
FYI its sling Blade... CLassic movie BTW... MMM HMMM It aint got no gas in it.. MMM
WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus @ Mar 30th 2008 1:46AM
Yes yes, the sharp object that Mmnmm Hmmm talcs about mnnnn hmmmm.
I like dem french fried pataters...ummmm hmmmml, i reckon.
J.Goodwin @ Mar 29th 2008 12:22PM
Almost universally. Thank god for loopholes.
Mills and Boom @ Mar 29th 2008 12:33PM
I thought nothing MGS4 related could fit on DVD?
Curmeo @ Mar 29th 2008 12:39PM
and the Retard of the Day award goes to...congrats Mills and Boom!
Charles @ Mar 29th 2008 1:33PM
This post is hilarious.
colinbell @ Mar 29th 2008 1:41PM
MGO should be interesting, cant remember any really good stealth based multiplayer. I wonder if the Agency will have similar gameplay elements.
The 360 tag is quite justified - take any game where the developers have given the 360 a hearty kick in the balls and become PS3 exclusive (MGS, Haze) and you attract more xbots trying to run down the game than PS3 owners.
"It's stupidity to make a game 20GB big"
Well I could argue its stupidity to make games more than 600MB big - then we could all survive on the CD ROM.
Fact: DVD was not needed when the PS2 came out. However, nobody cribbed about it because it didnt add to the cost. Now, price definitely was an issue at the PS3 launch but not any longer. The gap now is just 50-100$ and this is parctically compensated by free multiplayer, better quality, no overpriced hard drive/wifi. Sure, BR still costs more than DVD, but who cares as long as its Sony bearing the brunt?
And in another year, blu-ray players should be dirt cheap. So why should developers and consumers compromise? 1-2 years of pain, due to the high initial cost of blu-ray, will pay off big time for Sony And PS3 owners in the long run.
"The bigger the files that have to be loaded, the longer the loading times."
Would you be able to explain why Lost Odyssey and Mass Effect have insane load times while PS3 games such as Uncharted do not? The difference is, Sony has hard drives in every machine, the XBOX does not. With the size of files in this gen, ANY game would take long load times, whether Blu-ray or DVD.
Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Mar 29th 2008 2:56PM
Actually, Colinbell, people did gripe about the high price of PS2 thanks to DVD at launch and how it wasn't needed. Especially compared to the "by then" $149 Dreamcast. For a while, the internet gag was "What's the most popular PS2 launch game? The Matrix."
Also, Uncharted doesn't install on the PS3... just thought I would point that out.
Raikage (LDF CRAB BATTLE!!!) @ Mar 29th 2008 4:34PM
Stealth based multiplayer? Your kidding, the best multiplayer of all time is stealth based.
Yep I'm talking about Splinter Cell.
/Splinter Cell Fanboy
Kinda off topic, I picked up the Essential Metal Gear Solid pack yesterday (MGS 1,2, and 3)
It's really awesome, I do wish it had Twin Snakes though (I do have it already so that's not a problem:D)
John McPoop @ Mar 29th 2008 4:52PM
If this game did fit on DVD-9 it would most likely take 4-5 discs like Blue Dragon (3 disc) and Lost Odyssey (5 disc)... I have both of those games and its not a big deal to switch the discs because they are extremely linear games without any backtracking in them.. If MGS 4 had no backtracking et all then it would not be a huge deal to swap out the discs but in all honesty 1 disc is obviously better than 3-5 for a single game... When you consider the scope of this last MGS game and the amount of cut scenes I do not think it would fit on a DVD-9 [in its current state] without some degradation of data & content.... Thats not hating its the truth... If my opinion and the 50 Gb size of the game is actually correct.... The reason we have different systems is because of great exclusive titles and extra features... If I wanted one single machine to play anything I would build or buy a bad ass gaming PC not consoles.... I pretty much have the 360 to play my sports games & 360 exclusives.... I have my Wii only for exclusive titles and for the kids and wife honestly... I use the PS3 for exclusives and the majority of multi-platform titles that do not have any major differences (i.e. Burnout Paradise, Orange Box, COD 4 & Assassins Creed).... If Microsoft did not fix my 6 RRODs for free I would have moved on from the console all together by now. If it keeps breaking I will continue to play games so long as Microsoft fixes it for free.... However, whenever the next Microsoft console is released (720?) I will not buy a launch console and wait and see if there are more stability and hardware issues/errors...
For me I rate my enjoyment, games, features and stability in the following order... Favorite consoles....
Stability
1. PS3
2. Wii
3. 360
Games (Exclusives Only As Of Today)
1.360
2.PS3
3.Wii
Features
1.PS3
2.360
3.Wii
Overall Enjoyment
1.PS3
2.360
3.Wii
This does not take into account unreleased titles and is just meant to be my opinion not console bashing et all... I have had all 3 since their launches and I currently have more PS3 games than any other systems because it is by far the best gaming rig in my opinion.... When you consider everything else it does it is truly amazing people bitch about paying for it.... I guess certain people ONLY want to play games and nothing else... Even for me I prefer the PS3 controller for everything except maybe shooters and I am not a huge shooter fan.... I will say Battlefield Bad Company Beta is off the fucking chain on the 360.. Buttery smooth graphics, controls and frame rate as well as weapons and vehicles... Thats just 1 online multiplayer mode as well!!!
Mills and Boom @ Mar 29th 2008 6:00PM
But John McPoop votes games down because of how they look, so TBH I won't bother reading what he has to say because that sort of mentality warrants disregard.
Raikage (LDF CRAB BATTLE!!!) @ Mar 29th 2008 6:16PM
Bu bu but videogames need lots of bloom to be good!
Seriously, anyone that dismisses games like Mario, R&C, Zack and Wiki, and Okami as being "Kiddie" and not worth your time really needs to stop playing games.
*Ahem John *Ahem
Especially when "Poop" is in your name... come on...
Pawsie @ Mar 29th 2008 6:23PM
the more i hear people, the more i learn not to listen to anyone. Why is the game bigger than 50 GB.. we don't know, clear and simple.
Is it going to be on the 360.. no. He said it 2 years ago, and it still stands now. I'm a Wii person myself, and I got myself a PS3 just for this game, and for this beta test.
I don't care if the video or sound quality is off the wall. My leaning is the gameplay and the story. Considering it's taking 200 or so people to create this.. and they have.. and still are working on the game for the past 3 years.. I think that's enough to make the game big. No one ever thought that maybe there's just that much stuff in the game.
naxe @ Mar 29th 2008 6:59PM
Well i read this when i woke up at around 1:30 p.m. (late night last night) any way i made a quick stop at my local game stop and ploped down my $5 and kindly asked for the beta...... Sorry we dont have it yet. Check back at the beginning of april.... dude its the 29th isnt this technically the beginning of april? Oh well. so now i got my receipt and i will be calling back every day until i get it.
Has anyone else gotten theirs??
Autopsy15 @ Mar 30th 2008 2:40AM
Glad I pre-ordered mine! I'm saddened by the length of the beta (April 21- May 5), but I know it's still going to kick ass no matter how long it is.
Sidenote: To all the 360 fanboys who are secretly in love with Snake, if you oh so desperately wish that MGS4 could fit on a DVD9, stop wishing. It's not going to happen anyway. Just go bite the bullet, buy PS3, love MGS4. Jesus Christ you guys are just mental with this argument. The simple solution is just buying the game! Who cares what it would fit on! It's only coming to the PS3 anyway!
Dark @ Mar 30th 2008 12:57PM
so is this like a gamestop only type of thing or are there any other retailers cause i hate that place and i'd rather get it somewhere else but if i dont have a choice.........
goengland @ Apr 1st 2008 7:36PM
Just got the Saga DVD from Gamecrazy after i dropped down 5 bucks. Can't wait for the beta to begin in less than 3 weeks, even though i don't have a PS3 yet.. and hoping to get one before that..
Anthony @ Apr 14th 2008 2:12AM
Sony has those installs like the one in Devil May Cry because the blu-ray laser can only read at one speed, right?
Thats why the 360 version doesn't have the install. Because the dvd-ray(?) can read at different speeds allowing the disc to be read more efficiently. Which is a good thing too because I do not want to be paying $120 for the big harddrive.