Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops preview

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops was on display for multiplayer hands-on at both Sony and Konami‘s booths during the TGS, and according to IGN, the demo was short, allowing players to look at only one map from the game. However, it was enough to get a feel of the game’s controls and gameplay, and how it will look and run on the handheld.

Map environment: The sole map available for preview is based around a large winding trench, outside of which are buildings that you can climb onto or use as a sniper tower. The map is somewhat small, but nonetheless still has plenty of areas to use as cover and block off shootout opportunities.

The map can be a bit deceiving as it is small, but still has a lot of areas that can be used, giving the feeling of being both confined and open at the same time. For example, it’s easy to corner someone in one area (if you know what you’re doing, that is), but it’s also easy to escape and hide if you’re the one who gets cornered. At certain points of the game, you can also see from one side of the map to the other.

Controls: Left analog stick directs your movement, while the left shoulder button acts as the camera “reset” so you can place it directly behind you. Left and right D-Pad buttons controls the angle rotations of the camera, while the up and down buttons are used to zoom in and out at camera spots. Holding the L button allows you to look down the barrel or zoom in through a scope while the R button brings up your gun.

You use Square to fire, but you won’t be able to move at all while firing. Sadly, it won’t be a run-and-gun shooter as most of us expected. When you’re not firing, the Triangle button basically acts as your action button, you use it to climb ladders or pull yourself up over a ledge, etc. while X will be used to roll. The control setup is similar to a standard MGS one, albeit with the apt PSP modifications in place.

The verdict? Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops runs extremely well, and looks stunning considering it’s a handheld game. Currently still in development at the Kojima Productions headquarters, the game will hit the shelves on December 5th of this year for US residents while Japan would have to wait a bit more before they can grab a copy on December 31st.

Pre:Order: [Metal Gear Portable Ops]

Via IGN

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops was on display for multiplayer hands-on at both Sony and Konami‘s booths during the TGS, and according to IGN, the demo was short, allowing players to look at only one map from the game. However, it was enough to get a feel of the game’s controls and gameplay, and how it will look and run on the handheld.

Map environment: The sole map available for preview is based around a large winding trench, outside of which are buildings that you can climb onto or use as a sniper tower. The map is somewhat small, but nonetheless still has plenty of areas to use as cover and block off shootout opportunities.

The map can be a bit deceiving as it is small, but still has a lot of areas that can be used, giving the feeling of being both confined and open at the same time. For example, it’s easy to corner someone in one area (if you know what you’re doing, that is), but it’s also easy to escape and hide if you’re the one who gets cornered. At certain points of the game, you can also see from one side of the map to the other.

Controls: Left analog stick directs your movement, while the left shoulder button acts as the camera “reset” so you can place it directly behind you. Left and right D-Pad buttons controls the angle rotations of the camera, while the up and down buttons are used to zoom in and out at camera spots. Holding the L button allows you to look down the barrel or zoom in through a scope while the R button brings up your gun.

You use Square to fire, but you won’t be able to move at all while firing. Sadly, it won’t be a run-and-gun shooter as most of us expected. When you’re not firing, the Triangle button basically acts as your action button, you use it to climb ladders or pull yourself up over a ledge, etc. while X will be used to roll. The control setup is similar to a standard MGS one, albeit with the apt PSP modifications in place.

The verdict? Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops runs extremely well, and looks stunning considering it’s a handheld game. Currently still in development at the Kojima Productions headquarters, the game will hit the shelves on December 5th of this year for US residents while Japan would have to wait a bit more before they can grab a copy on December 31st.

Pre:Order: [Metal Gear Portable Ops]

Via IGN