Metal Gear Online Premiere Beta [Update 4]
MGS4 Limited Edition Art Revealed
Collection Update #9
Tuesday April 29th, 2008 by Walleye
New Addition: Old Snake Ultra Detail Figure.
Added to: Figure.
Metal Gear Online Premiere Beta [Update 4]
Saturday April 19th, 2008 by Walleye
As I'm sure you are all aware, the MGO Premiere Beta has been available for download from the EU PlayStation Store since the 17th. If you want to participate, you'll need to download the beta, download the update and obtain a Konami ID.
Many users have been experiencing problems with the Konami ID registration. The server has been hit very hard by the sheer level of traffic coming in and as a result, it hasn't been able to cope.
I have managed to obtain a Konami ID (after 2 days of errors) by using Firefox and an add-on called "AutoFormer," which enables you to save the information entered into various fields on the registration form so that the browser can automatically fill out the form for you. This leaves the registration process as a simple matter of pressing the next button until the process is complete and usually gets you through the forms before the server times out.
Once all that is sorted, you're ready to take on the world in combat and experience Metal Gear Online when the beta goes live on Monday April 21st. However, there are reports that state the beta may go active at around 10pm GMT on the 20th. Which ever time turns out to be true, I look forward to seeing you on the battlefield. My username will be [TUS]WALLEYE.
Update: The beta launched last night at 11pm GMT, and was met with a whole host of error messages. Many users experienced problems with the initial log in, where as some users apparently got to play some MGO. I myself got as far as creating a character before the server disconnected me. After that, I was disconnected every time after logging in and selecting "Start Game" from the Start Menu.
These errors extended to the American servers as well, with many users reporting identical problems. However, it seems all is not well. Today, Konami have issued a statement regarding the beta service of Metal Gear Online:
"We would like to thank all players for their keen interest in taking part in the beta test. However, we regret to inform you that due to extraordinary levels of traffic from all around the globe, we have been unable to run the service to the level we expected.
As a temporary measure, we will be suspending the European public beta test and restart it once we stabilize our server.
We would like to apologize for all inconveniences as well as confusion caused. We would like to add that due to the above reasons, we will be making the following changes to the schedule:
1) Suspend beta test: As of 21/04/2008 08:00(CEST)
2) Restart date: TBA. We will be making another announcement on 22/04/2008 08:00(CEST)
3) Beta Test closure: This will now be on 11/05/2008 at 24:00(CEST) rather than 06/05/2008 at 24:00(CEST)"
Update: Konami, it seems are getting ahead of themselves. The previous statement on the MGO teaser site has now been edited with an updated schedule, which Konami themselves said would be announced tomorrow. The revised schedule is as follows:
"1) Suspend beta test: As of 25/04/2008 08:00(CEST)
2) Planned for 04/25/2008 24:00(PDT). While the start is planned for the weekend, it may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
3) Beta Test closure: This will now be on 11/05/2008 at 24:00(CEST) rather than 06/05/2008 at 24:00(CEST)"
Update: The beta is now open and seemingly functioning fine. I have been playing it for a few hours. However, some people are still unable to connect. I couldn't possibly explain why. All I can suggest is that you keep trying.
Update: New features have been added to the MGO Premiere Beta through scheduled maintenance carried out in the early hours of this morning.
"Please be made aware that the below features were added during maintenance today:
New Game Rule: Sneaking Mission.
1 player will play as Snake and the remainder will be divided in to 2 teams, Red and Blue. In order for each party to win, you must do the following:
* Snake: Steal a set number of dog tags by stunning or holding up other players.
* Blue and red Teams: The team that takes out Snake within the set amount of time, or the one with the more kills at the end of the game will be crowned winners.
New Stage: Midtown Maelstrom (M.M.)
A stage based in a Middle-Eastern town where MGS4 will be based. It is made up of narrow inter-twining alley ways and passages perfect for anyone with "Tactical Espionage" in mind."
This now technically means that players can experience both Metal Gear Online and a tiny portion of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots through the beta. Playing as Old Snake with your friends is a lot of fun, and his inclusion in beta will make players realise the potential of MGS4. If anything, the 30 or so minutes I spent as Old Snake has made me want to play MGS4 even more.
Link: Konami ID Portal Site.
Link: Metal Gear Online Teaser Site.
Site Update #5
Wednesday April 16th, 2008 by Walleye
New Addition: Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus (Promo Version)
Added to: Game.
Also, some of you may have noticed the news ticker cycling through the most recent news posts under the main news image. If it cycles, then congratulations - you are able to view the site at it's best. For some unknown reason, the ticker just displays a list of news stories in Firefox, which doesn't look great. However, until I figure out a way to correct it, those of you using Firefox will have to make do.
It is worth mentioning that I design this web site with Internet Explorer 7 as the primary browser in mind, so there may be other little things that don't quite work with Firefox.
Collection Update #8
Tuesday April 15th, 2008 by Walleye
Inbound: Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus (Promo Version).
MGS4 Limited Edition Art Revealed
Thursday April 10th, 2008 by Walleye
The box art design for the Limited Edition of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots has been revealed. The Limited Edition will retail for $84.99 from GameStop stores in the US and will contain collectible packaging designed by Yoji Shinkawa and a bonus DVD containing making of documentaries, extensive interviews with series creator, Hideo Kojima and the MGS4 Original Soundtrack CD.
This is definitely a must have item for any MGS collector.
New York Comic Con UDF Exclusive
Tuesday April 8th, 2008 by Walleye
The Jacob Javits Convention Centre plays host to the New York Comic Convention, which runs from April 18th-20th. Available at the convention is an exclusive Medicom Ultra Detail Figure, which was revealed at the New York Toy Fair in the same convention centre just a few months ago.
The exclusive figure in question, is the Stealth Camouflage variant of Raiden that was displayed at the Toy Fair. Made entirely out of clear plastic and limited to 1400 pieces, the Figure is estimated to be easily obtainable by those unable to attend the event.
Expect to see these figures floating around eBay really soon.
Collection Update #7
Monday April 7th, 2008 by Walleye
New Addition: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.
Added to: Game.
New Boxarts Revealed
Friday April 4th, 2008 by Walleye
New box art images have appeared for Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. One of them features a similar piece of art to the previous box art, but accented in orange. The other features an extremely detailed close up of a render of Old Snake's face. The artwork design is said to be for Europe and PAL regions. The render design is for North American regions.
Don't get too excited just yet, the word is that these designs are nothing more than place holders. This strikes me as being a rather strange decision, but I've never made a multi-million selling gaming franchise, so what do I know?
Great April Fools, or Greatest April Fools? [Update]
Tuesday April 1st, 2008 by Walleye
April Fools day. The one day of the year when the internet is ripe with things we wish were true. This year however, provided something a little different.
Update: An HD version of the April Fool's video has appeared at GameTrailers. Use the link below to watch, or save it.