Games of Spring 2008

Platform: PS3

Genre: Action

Release Date: June 12

The final chapter in the Metal Gear Solid saga sneaks over to the PS3 this spring. Players will once again slip into the well-worn boots of an aging Solid Snake as he attempts to thwart rival Liquid Ocelot's bid to amass a nanotech army.

Why It's Hot: Sony should send Konami a few million long-stemmed roses, because Hideo Kojima's labor of love is still the number one reason to invest in a PS3. It's officially the franchise's swan song (though we've heard that one before), and should send the series out with a serious bang, emphasizing more fast-paced action than in games past and even shipping with an updated version of the 16-player shooter, Metal Gear Online. Metal Gear Solid games have historically set the bar for graphical excellence, squeezing every drop of power of out Sony's consoles. Expect to be amazed.

Why It's Not: Kojima is notorious for weighing down his masterful games with convoluted, heavy-handed storytelling. Since it's supposed to bring the Metal Gear Solid saga to a close, expect MGS 4 to weave a nigh incomprehensible, socio-political tale of robots, monsters and, of course, Snakes. Newbies, good luck following along.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Screenshots