Scripted Events Game of the Year 2008 #1 - Metal Gear Solid 4 : Guns of the Patriots

Metal Gear Solid 4 : Guns of the Patriots (Hereafter abbreviated as MGS4). Where to begin. I can go on for hours and hours about MGS4, but I'll try and keep it short. For those who are not in the loop when it comes to MGS4 and the Metal Gear series, I think it's about time I drop a little knowledge on you. MGS4 is the culmination of the storyline started in the original Metal Gear 20 years ago, as well as the swansong for the series' now aging and grizzled hero, Solid Snake.

The presentation is amazing, by far the greatest thing I've seen in years. Every moment of the game is rendered in engine, whether it be one of the many cutscenes or when you are sneaking your way through the 20+ hours it takes to complete it.

The characters are interesting, all with their own quirks, flaws,and well developed personalities, and every line of dialogue is expertly written and delivered. The voice acting is fantastic (With the exception of Otacon... God dammit Otacon.) and does an excellent job at conveying the emotion of a given scene or character.

Where MGS4 truly shines though, is the story. Be warned though, if you are looking for a feel good experience, MGS4 is not the game for you. Throughout the story you play as the aging Solid Snake as he comes to grips with his mortality during his final, epic mission. The game does a great job at wrapping up 20 years of the epic (and somewhat convoluted) storyline, leaving no loose ends and creating a nice, solid (no pun intended) ending.

If you haven't given Solid Snake's swansong a whirl and experienced it for yourself, I strongly urge you to, because you'd be missing out big time if you didn't.