Hot Play
War makes the world go ’round in the stealthy shoot ’em up Metal Gear Solid 4
By Scott Gardner
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (pictured above)
PS3
It’s 2014 and a grim global scenario has unfolded: countries are constantly invading each other, using giant private military companies (PMCs) to do the dirty work. Political leaders know it’s untenable, but with war now powering the global economy, they’re too scared of financial collapse to stop this madness.
Now one rogue leader, Liquid Ocelot, has a plan to take over all the PMCs and then...the world. That’s why grizzled covert operative Solid Snake — the only man who’s stopped this megalomaniac before (in other MGS games) — is back for one last mission: liquidate Liquid once and for all.
Like previous MGS titles, this is a stealth-action game where you creep around silently taking down foes — often just with tranquilizer darts and sleeper holds. In the past, Snake was usually found infiltrating high-security military facilities, but with so much of the world at war, he now spends much of his time sneaking through chaotic combat zones in the Middle East and South America.
Stealth technology keeps improving too. Now Snake’s got an “OctoCamo” suit that matches background colours and textures and a small reconnaissance robot he controls, in a cute touch, with a PS3 controller. The trademark cinematic cut-scenes also return to explain the series’ twisted narrative of treachery and betrayal.
Since their 1998 debut, the MGS games have always been about more than silent throat-slitting. For a decade, celebrated series creator Hideo Kojima has thoughtfully explored themes like the dangers of genetic engineering, the folly of nuclear deterrence and the futility of war. But the throat stuff is still wicked cool.
Release date: June 12
Civilization Revolution
DS, PS3, Xbox 360
Since 1991 computer gamers have been guiding civilizations from prehistory to the space age — and making war — in version after version of this gazillion-selling series. Finally debuting on consoles, Revolution features an array of historical leaders, epic head-to-head or free-for-all combat and online play. It’s about damn time.
Release date: June 2
Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Conspiracy
PS3, Xbox 360
Your weapon is the world in this third-person actioner blending 2002’s The Bourne Identity with a new back-story. So Bourne can hit, stab, burn or shoot with anything in his environment. So while you don’t look like Matt Damon, you do move like him. And yes, you get to drive a Mini — hard.
Release date: June 3