This is the part of the review where the storyline usually gets talked about. In the case of Metal Gear Solid 4, I really don't want to say too much, as it could possibly spoil the experience for you.

There is a bit I can say without spoiling your first play through. It can be pretty obvious from screenshots of this game, and even the cover, that Snake is older than he was in previous missions. This is really only his body, however.

Many faces will reappear from earlier entries in the series; some might even shock you, annoy you, or make you happy to see. All this really depends on how you feel about certain characters in the series, but some of your feelings may change during this game. I know mine have.

Any question you may have about Solid Snake, his past, or his few but glorious missions will be answered here. Lots of other questions about other parts of the story will come together as well, tying it all together and bringing it to a satisfying end.

The storytelling here has to be the best the series has seen, everything fits together so well. Sometimes you'll be watching a cut scene and be so drawn in by the story you won't even realize 20 or 30 minutes have gone by. This game changes the way cinematic games are done, as far as integrating story and gameplay together.