Metal Gear Solid 4 on PS5 is an almost perfect port of my favorite PS3 exclusive

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots has finally been made available on the PS5 through the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2. This is a welcome development for fans of the iconic PS3 exclusive, as transitioning from the older hardware to modern consoles can be a challenging task due to the PS3's unique Cell architecture.

The news came as a pleasant surprise, given the difficulties associated with porting PS3 games. The author, a longtime fan of the Metal Gear Solid franchise, recalls eagerly anticipating the release of Metal Gear Solid 4 back in 2008 and being captivated by its launch. The game exceeded expectations, becoming the author's obsession for an entire summer.

The Master Collection Vol. 2 also includes Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker and Ghost Babel, but the focus here is on MGS4, the crown jewel of the collection and a title that has long awaited a replay. While not recommended for newcomers, the collection is a must-have for anyone who has followed the series in the past. The port of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is a native version of the 2008 PS3 original, retaining the same gameplay as the original but with improved performance, sharper resolution, and reduced load times.

The visuals, while generally detailed, do have some low-resolution background elements that may appear jarring in certain scenes. Performance has been significantly enhanced, now running at a consistent 60 frames per second on the PS5 Pro, which also supports 4K resolution. This marks a stark contrast to the original game's 30 fps frame rate and long loading times, which often featured Solid Snake taking a break for a smoke.

The controls have also been redesigned for modern sensibilities, with full remapping options and the default configuration better suited for contemporary third-person shooters. Haptic feedback from the DualSense controller further immerses players in the experience. Although Metal Gear Solid 4 is primarily a stealth game, its core mechanics still hold up well, with active camouflage, environmental distractions, and hiding spots remaining effective tools for sneaking around.

While Metal Gear Solid V boasts refined stealth mechanics, MGS4 remains a formidable stealth title. Although a remake of the PS3 original would have been ideal, an almost direct port is a welcome return for one of the author's all-time favorite games.