With fewer games being released on the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) it’s difficult imagining every new release will become an instant classic. Konami’s long running “Metal Gear Solid” series makes a return to the PSP in the form of “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.” Hideo Kojima is behind this latest effort but can the legendary video game producer squeeze the last bit of magic from the PSP?
Naked Snake (David Hayter) returns for “Peace Walker,” another title within the “Metal Gear” universe set in the early 1970s. Snake is recruited by Costa Rican patriots to uncover a plot to deploy a secret weapon developed by the CIA on Central America.
No longer affiliated with any government, Naked Snake’s private military corporation, Militaires Sans Frontières (Soldiers without Borders) is the perfect solution for this covert operation to defend Costa Rica. However, Snakes interest in the operation is instead based on his personal quest to find the truth behind his deceased mentor, who may have cheated death and might be apart of this new CIA scheme.
“Peace Walker,” like all “Metal Gear Solid” games before it, eschews traditional action with a focus on avoiding confrontation with enemy combatants. Snake has all the tools that an ordinary soldier will have. He has an armory that can be built up through research via in-game menus. The weapons are all there. But “Peace Walker” is about avoiding enemies as much as possible.
Players will crouch, peak and run away from enemy soldiers. The best way to beat “Peace Walker” is to avoid being seen. “Peace Walker” is one of few video game titles in which the main character can go throughout the entire game without having to execute an enemy combatant.
The game feels much more rewarding as Snake goes through the game knocking out enemies with a special tranquilizer gun and by using Close Quarters Combat (CQC) than using direct violence.
By knocking out enemy combatants, Snake can recover them and recruit them to be a part of his private military corporation. It might be unrealistic but it sure is addicting.
Lush jungle scenery presents a mysterious view of Costa Rica. The lighting effects are wonderful, daytime and nighttime are well represented in “Peace Walker.” Snake will expertly traverse a variety of terrains from mud to military installations.
Spectacular boss battles with immense tanks, sometimes hundreds of feet taller than Naked Snake is thrilling on the Sony PSP’s 4.3 inch screen. “Peace Walker” sets a new standard in graphics for the PSP.
Cinematic touches are included in “Peace Walker.” The story is told through dynamic comic book style drawings that are entirely black and white. When characters speak, speech bubbles fill the screen. Close up shots of Snake’s grizzled Che Guevara like face go hand in hand with terrific voice acting.
Several times Snake references his fondness for birds and radio messages from his support staff talk about the meaning of nuclear deterrence and the introduction of computer AI in the field of weaponry.
“Peace Walker” is about the Cold War a period of time filled with fear and tremendous uncertainty. It’s a thoughtful video game focusing on themes, exposition and analysis of our reality told through the fiction of a mercenary for hire.
Although published on Sony’s smallest platform, “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker” feels like a complete entry to the “Metal Gear Solid” series. Stellar visuals, great voice work and gameplay all make “Peace Walker” fun to play and great to own.
It has a high replay value. Completed missions can be replayed to secure new items or to recruit enemy soldiers for Snake’s private military corporation. Players will be immersed by the quality graphics and atmosphere. It’s a portable adventure that plays out like the bigger ones found on full-featured consoles like the PS3 and the Xbox 360.