Which one would you get?

I just recently got a PS3. I haven't been into console games in 10+ years, so I've missed out on these games as they've evolved.

Assuming I can only get one, what would be the recommendation?

At this point, I'm leaning toward MGS4 as it is a PS3 exclusive, but that is my only reason.

I'm into all kinds of games. Instead of console games, I had been playing MMORPGs and I don't want to go back to that. GTA seems to have more of the "pick it up and play" aspect. There are times I have a couple hours to play, but more often have the 15 minutes to 1 hour a day to play.

I'm interested in your opinions.

MGS4. GTAIV looks graphically terrible, and that bothers me. I'll still probably get it through.

They had trouble fitting MGS4 on a 50GB Blu-Ray disc...

GTAIV is on an 8.5GB disc... hmm...

That's another part of why I'm leaning toward MGS4. I just have the feeling it is going to be the definitive game for the PS3. The one that really sets things apart and that others will be compared to.

I'd say GTA. As you mentioned, it's more pick up and play. You can run the story missions, cab missions, firetruck missions, or the always fun vigilante missions. Sometimes just cruising through the city causing havoc is fun when you only have a few minutes to play. And now that there's all the multi-player modes.. man, the amount of entertainment to be had from that game is going to be insane.

Not to say that MGS is not going to great as well, I'm sure it'll be fun, and obviously more graphically impressive, but there's a pretty involved story(you could get the pre-order DVD if you really wanted). The online will be initially limited to a "Starter Pack", and might not give the variety of GTA. They're both must-haves IMO.. I'd hate to be in your shoes :p

I could understand if the games were coming out at the same time or near of each other, but they are 2 months apart. One that is coming out in 2 weeks.

I'm into all kinds of games. Instead of console games, I had been playing MMORPGs and I don't want to go back to that. GTA seems to have more of the "pick it up and play" aspect. There are times I have a couple hours to play, but more often have the 15 minutes to 1 hour a day to play..

You just answered your own question.. GTA4 without doubt.



In case you arent aware.. MGS is more of a stealthy spy title.

I could understand if the games were coming out at the same time or near of each other, but they are 2 months apart. One that is coming out in 2 weeks.

I may very well be able to get both. It isn't about the money, more about my realistic amount of time to play them.

If I only had to choose one, that is what I'm asking. Both games are highly hyped right now and I have interest in both. But, I haven't played earlier versions, so I don't really "know" what I'm getting into with either. That is why I'm asking this.

You just answered your own question.. GTA4 without doubt.



In case you arent aware.. MGS is more of a stealthy spy title.

So, how long does it take to play a savable amount of the game in MGS? I'm assuming, it is similar to a FPS?

Edit: I know the new game isn't out. This is in question to previous versions.

So, how long does it take to play a savable amount of the game in MGS? I'm assuming, it is similar to a FPS?


Hrm, I don't think there's enough info out yet to say whether it's checkpointed missions or a free-save. Unless someone has seen something I haven't yet...

But, yes, it's FPS like. In fact, it's been shown that you can choose to play the game entirely in first person mode if you'd like.

Uraja.. another thing you may want to consider:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1020207


GTA IV reviews coming in

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

100 - Playstation Official Magazine UK

"GTA IV is richer, deeper and more involving than its predecessors. By the time the story threads start to tie up, the mission trees shake out, you're totally invested in the characters and their world. I'm actually jealous of everyone about to experience it for the first time. The greatest testament to GTA IV's brilliance is that I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since putting the pad down."


100 - Official Xbox Magazine UK

http://www.gtagaming.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1772627

"Utterly stunning in every respect."





100 = absolute perfection.

Uraja.. you'll probably want to read some preview articles for the information on MGS4. What I can tell you is I've played the series before and its not a "run & gun" type game. Its a more tactical, slow pace, thought out puzzle solving one. MGS is infamous for telling a story.. including lots cutscreens.. with are like mini-movies in the game.

Get THIS (Metal Gear Solid: Essential Collection) (http://www.amazon.com/Metal-Gear-Solid-Essential-Collection/dp/B001383L36/) then get MGS4.

Without a doubt, MGS4 will blow GTA4 out of the water.

They had trouble fitting MGS4 on a 50GB Blu-Ray disc...

GTAIV is on an 8.5GB disc... hmm...
Actually, the useable space on DVD9 is closer to 7.5 GB.

Mgs4...

do you like cinematic masterpieces, or free go anywhere do anything gameplay?

My analogy is that GTAIV is a box DVD set of a pretty entertaining TV show, while MGS4 will be the Godfather part II of games.

buy gta
rent mgs

guessing mgs will be another shortie, gta should last a long time

It seems most of the responses are from folks that have played previous versions of the 2 games. I have not and am also interested in which one to get. I was planning to by GTA4 until I started watching more of the videos and it just doesn't seem to me to be something I would keep playing. MGS4 was not even on my radar until I started reading about it and watched the gameplay video and now I am thinking of picking it up on release day. I can afford both, but I really only play about 4 hours a week and still haven't opened the shrink wrap on R6V 2, so that should easily keep me busy until MGS4 comes out...

Get GTA IV, especially if you don't have the time to dedicate several hours at a time and haven't played MGS 1-3.

IMHO, GTA should be the better game in just about every aspect except graphics and that's really only because it's a multi-platform title and (no fanboyism, just a fact) the 360's hardware will hold the game back somewhat.

In my experience, MGS hasn't been that much fun (other than maybe the first one). The story is good, but overly elaborate and confusing sometimes. As far as gameplay goes, I'd rather play Splinter Cell.

I don't plan on getting MGS IV because I don't like games that have no replay value, and that what GTA is all about. The replay value, especially for the sit-down-and-play-for-30-minutes type of gamer, is almost unlimited especially with the addition of multiplayer.

Until they both come out its kind of hard to say which is better. I have played prior entries and I am getting MGS4, myself.

It seems most of the responses are from folks that have played previous versions of the 2 games. I have not and am also interested in which one to get. I was planning to by GTA4 until I started watching more of the videos and it just doesn't seem to me to be something I would keep playing. MGS4 was not even on my radar until I started reading about it and watched the gameplay video and now I am thinking of picking it up on release day. I can afford both, but I really only play about 4 hours a week and still haven't opened the shrink wrap on R6V 2, so that should easily keep me busy until MGS4 comes out...

Quite frankly, while GTA can be fun, it bores the **** out of me with tedious, simple missions. I tend to play it to waste time, and never really get a feeling like "Wow that was an awesome gaming experience" out of it.

While you haven't played the other MGS games, MGS4 can still be enjoyable. You can pick up a special collectors pack of the previous 3 games for PS2 right now for $35! I suggest you do, they're masterpieces.

If thats not an option, just go to gamefaqs, and read up on the story from the originals for NES to the last one MGS3, there's some very detailed plot docs if you don't have the time to play and they'll get you caught up.. but nothing can beat playing them in real time, especially MGS3 which had the best story to date.

I have never played either series before.

But, I am looking forward to MGS4. I like the first person action/stealth/shooter games better than the open world realistic type games. I will probably get both of them eventually. But MGS4 is a day one purchase after seeing Kojima play it at TGS 07.

The reviews are looking up for GTA4 though so we will see.

Quite frankly, while GTA can be fun, it bores the **** out of me with tedious, simple missions. I tend to play it to waste time, and never really get a feeling like "Wow that was an awesome gaming experience" out of it.
For me, the most interesting part of the GTA games was driving around and listening to the radio, hoping one of my favorite songs would come on again.

With MGS, on the other hand, I was almost always on the edge of my seat, and I still jump a little every time I get spotted. :D

Man, all you need to know is: "Press the action button." I might have an interesting lil story about that tomorrow.

The stealthiness of the MGS games can be a lot of fun but can also be really annoying if you are just in the mood for some fast paced beat the crap out of everything - in which case you might rather look at DMC4, ninja gaiden sigma, etc.

If you think that running around an open environment stealing cars, beating hookers and shooting cops sounds like fun, then GTA4 might be for you.

IMO the MGS series is more "hardcore gamer" oriented than a game like GTA4. That is, people who have never played video games a day in their life can pick up GTA4 and respect what they've done and have fun with it. The same people can pick up MGS and be like "WTF? This is slow and boring, what's all the hype about." If I had to guess which game would be more of a "pick it up without ever playing any title from the series before and love it right away" type thing, it would be GTA4. I haven't played MGS4 yet, obviously, but my guess is that it will be most enjoyable to those who have followed the series and love that sort of game.

Either way, these types of questions are always hard to answer, because it is sooo subjective. Everyone's opinion is always different. The only "right" answer is to rent both (when both available) and see which you prefer. Me, personally, I'm getting both without renting ;)

Get THIS (Metal Gear Solid: Essential Collection) (http://www.amazon.com/Metal-Gear-Solid-Essential-Collection/dp/B001383L36/) then get MGS4.

That is my plan. I haven't played any of the MGS games. Keep in mind that you need a 60 or 80 gig PS3 to play MGS2 & 3.

Quite frankly, while GTA can be fun, it bores the **** out of me with tedious, simple missions. I tend to play it to waste time, and never really get a feeling like "Wow that was an awesome gaming experience" out of it.

While you haven't played the other MGS games, MGS4 can still be enjoyable. You can pick up a special collectors pack of the previous 3 games for PS2 right now for $35! I suggest you do, they're masterpieces.

If thats not an option, just go to gamefaqs, and read up on the story from the originals for NES to the last one MGS3, there's some very detailed plot docs if you don't have the time to play and they'll get you caught up.. but nothing can beat playing them in real time, especially MGS3 which had the best story to date.

I agree with your post. Where is the plug for Goozez? :D

if i could only get one i would buy gta and steal a copy of mgs. sorry, but i gotta have both. lol.

I think MGS4 will be easily the better game, but it would be far more enjoyable if you had played the previous games or at least have watched the Metal Gear Solid Saga DVD. Whereas GTAIV doesn't have any significant continuity with the previous games.

But really you can't go wrong with either game, GTAIV if you like stuffing around, MGS4 if storylines and character development are your thing.

MGS4 if I could have only one.

Me, personally, I'm getting both without renting ;)

This is the correct answer.

The only real similarity between the two is the inclusion of guns.

I say get GTA4 when it comes out and play it until MGS4 comes out two months later. If you don't like GTA or don't think you will continue to play it, you will easily be able to get rid of it without losing much money since there will definitely be someone wanting GTA4 for less than $60. Consider it a long term rental.

I would choose GTA4 because it will have more pick up and play than MGS4

MGS series has had kinda a story following it. So playing the older ones will make so many more things make sense

GTA gets old very quickly. Run around, shoot people, get caught by the cops. That's pretty much it. The missions are boring. I can't say anything about online play. That should be pretty interesting.

That being said, I do have both on preorder.

GTA4 is a complete story, and 'sandboxy'. The previous GTA's have all had a beginning middle and end -- I am assuming that this one is no diffrent. No real refferances to 'back story'. It's fun to "pass the joystick" with buddies trying to complete missions, and sometimes, just see how many bystanders you can rough up beore geting arrested. They've also been quite accessible to all players -- not difficult to control.

MGS on the other hand, has a complex story, frequently reffering back to Big Boss, Liquid Sanke, Solid Snake, Solidus, Revolver Ocelot ... knowing who they are and thier history adds allot to the game's story. It was really exciting for me to get to see revolver Ocelet as a young man in MGS3, or see Raikov (is Raiden a clone of him?) being exposed as Volgin's.. um.. toy? The controls are complex, the game is deep, in play and in story. I have no doubt MGS4 will be a fantastic game -- I'm just not sure that it would be as friendly to a newcomer to the series as GTA4.

GTA4 is probably a better pick-up and play, I belive it will be a complete story, on it's own. However, IMHO, hardcore gamers are going to enjoy MGS4 much more as it is a more complex game. In story and in play.

In short, I think, GTA4 is a going to a be a fun pickup+play, pass the joystick game, with it's own violent flair -- suitable for all audiences. MGS4 will be a solid (pun intended), complex, fulfilling game, better suited for gamers.

However, what hardcore gamer isn't getting both?

GTA4 is a complete story, and 'sandboxy'. The previous GTA's have all had a beginning middle and end -- I am assuming that this one is no diffrent. No real refferances to 'back story'. It's fun to "pass the joystick" with buddies trying to complete missions, and sometimes, just see how many bystanders you can rough up beore geting arrested. They've also been quite accessible to all players -- not difficult to control.

MGS on the other hand, has a complex story, frequently reffering back to Big Boss, Liquid Sanke, Solid Snake, Solidus, Revolver Ocelot ... knowing who they are and thier history adds allot to the game's story. It was really exciting for me to get to see revolver Ocelet as a young man in MGS3, or see Raikov (is Raiden a clone of him?) being exposed as Volgin's.. um.. toy? The controls are complex, the game is deep, in play and in story. I have no doubt MGS4 will be a fantastic game -- I'm just not sure that it would be as friendly to a newcomer to the series as GTA4.

GTA4 is probably a better pick-up and play, I belive it will be a complete story, on it's own. However, IMHO, hardcore gamers are going to enjoy MGS4 much more as it is a more complex game. In story and in play.

In short, I think, GTA4 is a going to a be a fun pickup+play, pass the joystick game, with it's own violent flair -- suitable for all audiences. MGS4 will be a solid (pun intended), complex, fulfilling game, better suited for gamers.

However, what hardcore gamer isn't getting both?

I'm only buying MGS4. GTA got far too dull far too fast after GTA III. Vice City is really where they jumped the shark...

Mgs4.

I guess it's apples and oranges.
IMHO:
GTA4: Mass market AAA game
MGS4: MGS fans, stealth fans, espionage story fans, AAA game

I like both apples and oranges allot. But, if I had to play the odds, becuase (IMHO) GTA apeals to a larger audience, I would recommend that to a gamer I do not know. However, if I know the gamer is hardcore, likes stealth games, espionage stories, and had the coordination to play MGS I would recommend MGS.

I certainly can't say one is better than the other.

MGS4 hands down. My reasoning is simple. I have a great deal of fun the first 2-3 times I pick up a "sandbox" game like GTA and then it takes a nose dive for me. Do a couple missions, kill people in random ways, jump vehicles off of various ramps and ledges, get my want level as high as possible... bored... That is just me though. I completely beat MGS games and quickly lose interest in GTA games.

.02

Dungwader, are you sure that's not because the games you were playing were, umm, kind of crappy?

I mean GTA3 is a groundbreaking game, changed game development forever. But man, it is broken in so many ways. The aiming/gun action is atrocious, there are difficulty spikes like crazy, mission design is uneven, etc. Other GTA3 games were the same way... I mean, San Andreas was huge, and had a great story, but so many gameplay parts were flat out broken (like having to defend your turf every 10 seconds).

Saints Row was a lot of fun from start to finish, simply because the gameplay was good. The fact that the title was freeform and let you do extra stuff was just a bonus.

GTA is much more mainstream than MGS. A LOT of people end up really disliking MGS, it's a unique kind of gameplay that just doesn't sit well with some people.

I could easily see someone picking up an MGS game and thinking "I don't see what the big deal is". I think that is much less likely with GTA.

GTA gets old very quickly. Run around, shoot people, get caught by the cops. That's pretty much it. The missions are boring. I can't say anything about online play. That should be pretty interesting.


Same here. If GTAIV plays like that then I'd be spending more time with MSG4. Its time for a unique game play.

What funny is that I have absolutely no interest in either game and yet I am going to get GTA4. The main reason is because most likely 'everyone' on my friends list will have it (peer pressure, lol), but the fact that there will be on-line gameplay, coop with GTA4 makes it a no brainer. Sometimes an hour or so of mindless violence/destruction is 'relaxing' (from a gaming point of view) vs the slow pace of MSG4 which become 'tedious' if you are not in that frame of mind to play that type of game.

Yup GTA is much more of a relaxing "chill" experience. Lots of variety. Sniper rifle + rooftop = hours of fun.

MGS is cool too, but I don't have the patience or the nerves for it sometimes. People like to say it's more for "hardcore" gamers...I'd replace that with uber-dorks. ;) But to me "hardcore gaming" is some Metal Slug X or Esp Ra.De., all of which is quite the dorkness.

For the OP I would strongly suggest GTA4.

You really need to know your MGS mythology to fully enjoy them. Having played all games in both series, If I could only play one it would definently be MGS4.

Damn the both of them. Why must I spend $200 for two games??:mad:...:):confused:
Plus for the average gamer GTA4 is going to give them the most bang for the buck.

$200? :confused:

I wouldnt buy either, because once home comes out, you'll never want to leave it...

$200? :confused:

Hells yeah. I want that lockbox. And the MGS LE is actually limited(no like that frikkin helmet that was numbered up to 10million).

It's the last MGS(maybe not Metal Gear though). And the first Next Gen GTA. You gotta do it up.:)

There are 2 different types of games, for different gamers. MGS4 is an in depth story, with history to previous titles, and also u need to get the hang of stealth (metal gear fame) not just run in an area and blast away.

Metal Gear and Final Fantasy are my favorite games of all time, and honestly the only reason why i bought a PS3.

I've never liked GTA games...but I pre-ordered both. why? GTAIV trailers show GREAT visuals..combine that with the typical interaction of the series and u have an awesome action game. Not to mention the online play. Game designers even teamed up with Amazon.com.... u can download the in game songs through the game!

how cool is that *ish! I can't wait for my new 42" to get here before GTA drops!

It comes down to what type of game you like...If you like the sneak around, use a strategy to complete a mission type game, pick up MGS4. If you like the who the hell cares and blow everything up and maybe complete a mission type game, then get GTA4

From my experience though, playing each since the beginning......

I say Buy MGS4 and Rent GTA4...I love MGS games, i am really not a fan of the GTA games after the 1st 3 it was the same thing over and over again, i would get bored, use the tank cheat, blow stuff up and then never play it again and it would collect dust. To this day though i still find myself putting back in MGS and MGS2 and playing them....I love the MGS series...

But this is my opinion...but like i said it really comes down to what you rather play.

But i do agree, if you get MGS4, make sure you go buy MGS1 and 2 atleast so you have an idea what is going on...personally MGS1 was an amazing game and should be in your collection anyway.