4/5 ★ – farmboy's review of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.

"To Let the World Be" Kojima could have stopped at MGS3. The story was told. In many ways, MGS4 shouldn't exist. It is full of retcons, ridiculous fan service, and knotted loose ends that did not need tying up. Also, the game design is sort of half-baked. I mean, is this a sandbox game or not? But I don't mind. My cup, like my weapons inventory, overflows. MGS4 is a gift. This game could have been a soulless cash grab. I would have still bought it. We all would have. But Kojima is a true artist; he had more to say. He used MGS4 as an opportunity to explore new ideas and themes. He allowed his creation to mature. It takes someone with years and wisdom to say something like "It's not about changing the world. It's about doing our best to leave the world the way it is." The world of MGS4 is scary and grotesque. Playing this game for five minutes makes you go "Yeah, this whole 'technology' thing may have been a mistake." It makes you feel old. Snake is also old. In fact, in this game he is known as "Old Snake." On his combat vest is an emblem which reads "To Let the World Be." What does this mean? It is ponderous. It is profound. It calls to mind the words of Moses, speaking to the frightened Israelites as the Egyptians hunt them down: "Do not be afraid. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Be still. Let the world be. Play MGS4 and think on these things.