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Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops psp Game Reviews
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
Critic Score
Metascore: 87 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
8.8 out of 10
based on 53 reviews
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How did we calculate this?
based on 61 votes
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An all-new action game in Hideo Kojima's legendary Metal Gear Solid series, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops jumps into the stealth action genre on the PSP system with an original storyline that follows the events of "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater" and innovative online play that lets gamers recruit their own comrades to form a unique fighting force. Providing the missing pieces to the puzzle of the Metal Gear saga, players learn more about their favorite characters and how the events of later Metal Gear games were set into motion while experiencing breakthrough online play that lets gamers utilize all aspects of the PSP systems' infrastructure functionality. [Konami]

PUBLISHER: Konami
DEVELOPER: Kojima Productions
GENRE(S): Action, Adventure
PLAYERS: 6
ESRB RATING: M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: December 5, 2006

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100
GameSpy
Portable Ops feels like one of the few games to live up to the PSP's promise, in part because it translates the entire Metal Gear Solid experience into something that can be easily digested in small amounts...inarguably one of the best games to release on the PSP, let alone one of 2006's best.
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100
GameShark
With all the variety offered in this game including signature MGS stealth action, recruitment elements, decent multiplayer and a decent and well crafted story, MGS fans would be foolish not to buy this game - it is truly the best PSP game of 2006 and the best MGS game since "Snake Eater."
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96
Cheat Code Central
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops is loaded with streamlined action and a full bevy of features that would make Baskin-Robbins jealous.
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95
ZTGameDomain
Portable Ops is by far the best reason to own a PSP so far. For fans of the series this game is a must own simply because of the story tie-ins and the incredible production values.
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95
1UP
A game that essentially pushes the PSP in all of its features: graphics, portability, Internet, extra hardware doohickeys, and multiplayer. Sure, it might have hiccups (occasional ghosting, quirky A.I., the one analog nub), but Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops is not only a fine MGS title -- it's also a damn good showcase for the PSP.
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95
PSM Magazine
This is a game--actually the game--to buy a PSP for. [Feb. 2007, p.74]
95
PGNx Media
Its excellent presentation and quick missions make it a perfect fit for the PlayStation Portable. There’s a rather steep learning curve, especially if you are new to the series, but it is worth diving into.
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95
TotalPlayStation
Portable Ops does the series full justice and then some: the compelling campaign we've grown oh so fond of, coupled with the compulsive recruitment system and the high-stakes multiplayer that should have Subsistence fans grinning like fools. A defining piece of PSP software.
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95
Pure Magazine UK
The extra troop element, as well as the unique recruitment system, means the title should see a long life of playability. [Apr 2007, p.76]
93
Gamer 2.0
With a great story, fun gameplay, a dearth of modes to keep you busy for months, and an overall package that’s reminiscent of what you’d expect from a console Metal Gear Solid title, there’s just so much here that other developers need to pay attention to in order to compete on this level.
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92
Electronic Gaming Monthly
This new portable Metal Gear installment finally gives us the tactical espionage action we expect from an MGS title...and a whole lot more. [Feb. 2007, p.98]
91
Game Revolution
A must have, and the latest in a strong 2006 lineup for the PSP. If you see this snake in the wild, by all means, pick it up.
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90
GamerNode
Though somewhat short on the MGS series' traditional pantheon of inhuman boss characters to puzzle out how to beat, it's polished, fun, and delivers in all aspects.
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90
My Gamer
This game will make you carry your PSP around with you wherever you go in hopes of finding a new random access point to unlock a new soldier.
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90
DarkStation
Konami has been spot on, with an engaging storyline and revolutionary new gameplay features.
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90
EuroGamer
The core gameplay is extremely well polished and considered, the storyline and presentation are fantastic, Kojima's addiction to cut-scenes appears to be on the mend, and the squad-based nature of the game adds a whole new dimension which no MGS game has tapped to date - all factors which contribute to make this into one of the finest games on the PSP.
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90
Pocket Gamer UK
A supreme stealth action game that isn't just true to the MGS canon but offers exciting new elements for both singleplayer sneakers and multiplayer junkies.
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90
IGN
The GPS and WiFi scanning feature is excellently implemented, the online and single player modes are deep, and there are plenty of things to do by tracking down and recruiting new soldiers from various places.
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90
Games Radar (in-house)
The controls work surprisingly well, the action doesn't feel like a pared-down console game and even the loading goes quickly. Add familiar characters, sweet visuals, some excellent voice acting and animated cutscenes by comic artist Ashley Wood, and this should keep fans happy until "MGS4" hits.
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90
Game Informer
One of the best games ever made for the PSP. The single-player ties flawlessly into the multiplayer, where you can test your loyal soldiers against up to five other people via ad hoc, infrastructure, and even game sharing.
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90
GameSpot
Just what the PSP needed, this latest Metal Gear delivers on all fronts with an excellent story, a deep campaign, and a complete set of multiplayer features.
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90
eToychest
Though it falls short on some of the series' more lofty standards, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops combines addictive gameplay, impressive sound and graphics, and an astoundingly fleshed-out multiplayer component into a package that is easily recommendable to both fans and newcomers alike.
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90
Deeko
A fantastic game. While it may seem like some of the changes detract from the core experience, they only act to improve and reinvent a series that is apparently never going to get old.
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90
GameZone
An action game worthy of Snake’s name, and one of the best games yet on the PSP.
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90
DailyGame
Undoubtedly one of the best games available on PlayStation Portable, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops does nearly everything right. Other than slight problems with controls, the game is worth every penny spent for its solid presentation and great gameplay.
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90
Boomtown
Portable Ops is a difficult game for both newbies and experienced players, but the way in which the whole aura of MGS has been transferred to a portable platform impresses to no extent.
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90
PALGN
The definitive PSP gaming experience.
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90
AceGamez
Ranks amongst the finest games yet released on PSP.
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90
VideoGamer
Visually the game is fantastic. In-game the graphics are among the best on the PSP, and alongside the occasional, highly polished traditional cut-scenes, there are a wealth of comic book style semi-animated cut-scenes that are presented with panache, and in some way explain the creatively inspired Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel, as a kind of precursor to Portable Ops' styling.
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90
Play UK
Everything you want and love about Metal Gear Solid is in here, while the gameplay still feels fresh and relevant. All in all, brilliant fun. [Issue #150, p.82]
90
Worth Playing
Like pretty much every Metal Gear since the original Solid, this one's a system-seller. There are many reasons to get a PSP—this is arguably the biggest.
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89
Digital Entertainment News
This is a truly excellent game whose only real flaws are caused by the platform it’s on. Still, as long as this is only on the PSP, it’s a must-have title for both Metal Gear series fans and PSP gamers looking for a great action game.
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89
WHAM! Gaming
An expertly crafted game, that’s almost completely at home on the handy Playstation Portable. With the exception of the lack of camera control, Portable Ops does almost everything right in translating the Metal Gear experience to the handheld platform, as well as adding some significant elements from both a gameplay and technical perspective.
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89
Console Gameworld
Great use of limited buttons on PSP.
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88
Games Master UK
One of the best games on PSP, and possibly the most refreshing and original use of Sony's machine so far - adding a welcome new dimension to the absorbing MGS universe. [Feb 2007, p.80]
88
Action Trip
Even with its minor control gripes Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops is another fantastic game in the incredible Metal Gear series that no gamer should overlook.
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88
Pelit (Finland)
One of the best PSP games out there. Snake's dreary life is never fun but playing it is a true pleasure. What we have here is a stealth game par excellence. [Aug 2007]
84
The New York Times
This may disappoint Metal Gear fans used to the lengthy, elaborate missions of previous games, but it is ideal on a console you use while waiting for the train.
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83
GameTrailers
With so much going for it, having to wrestle with the controls in Portable Ops is a real shame. It simply tries to do too much with too little, and while not a deal-breaker, it definitely makes the experience a lot less fun than it could be.
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83
PSM3 Magazine UK
Ultimately, MGS: PO is like eating a platter of finely crafted hors d'oeuvres - easy to digest, but compromised and repetitive. It's just less satisfying than a set menu of balanced textures and flavours - and, simply, why "MGS: Snake Eater is still Kojima's tastiest dish. [Feb 2007, p.60]
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83
GamingExcellence
The new twist on having allies to play as introduces a fair amount of replay value into the game (as there are secret characters to find), and the ability to obtain missions for each of the levels means you’ll be able to return to them again and again if you want to, though it’s possible just to move forward in the story.
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82
Play.tm
It's still a title that's hampered by the limitations of its chosen platform, one that would have been significantly more fun to play on a PS2 or any of the other home consoles.
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80
Game Almighty
The collection aspects of the game in addition to the online modes make this a real gem in the PSP’s lineup.
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80
Playstation Official Magazine UK
Original, compelling, and a technological marvel, it's just as essential for Metal Gear fans as "MGS3" is on PS2. [May 2007, p.84]
80
Play Magazine
All's fair in love and war, and Ops is smart enough, thankfully, to make at least some of its battles count. [Jan. 2007, p.78]
80
Yahoo! Games
As a single-player game, Portable Ops can't match the scope and drama of its predecessors. Of course, with its bite-sized style and team aspect, it doesn't really try to. This is one of the PSP's best multiplayer titles, giving you essentially a two-for-one experience.
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80
GamePro
Portable Ops still has a way to go- it still sucks being gang-stomped for the tiniest of sneaking missteps- but it's encouraging to see that Konami is willing to take chances with one of its main franchises. With luck, they'll take things even further in the future.
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75
Gaming Age
While I love this game, I can't forgive its asinine camera system and controls when there was clearly a much better solution available.
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70
Edge Magazine
Extravagant and uncompromising, with its head high in the clouds and feed deep in the mud, Portable Ops manages to be both a true original and quintessential Metal Gear. [Feb 2007, p.74]
70
GameCritics
Despite being something of a mixed bag from any perspective, there's no doubting the fact that even a middling Metal Gear game easily outclasses most of its competition.
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70
Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
A fun game for short sessions, suited to the system and with some clever ideas, but it's not the proper Metal Gear Solid title we were expecting. [Mar 2007, p.107]
70
GameDaily
The PSP's inability to match the functionality of the PlayStation 2's Dual Shock controller causes some problems and the degree of control accomplished by developer Kojima Productions under the circumstances speaks volumes of their expertise, but the results aren't perfect.
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60
games(TM)
It may be light years behind even the original Metal Gear Solid, but as a standalone handheld effort it contains enough character and charisma to see it through...A fun videogame, but certainly not a great Metal gear game. [Feb 2007, p.112]

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 8.8 (out of 10) based on 61 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Dan C. gave it a10:
Its not as good as MGS3 (of course) but its better than MGS1 and MGS2, seeing as how it has a great story, fully 3D camera, great, superb sound/voices/characters and the amazingly good gameplay of MGS3, complete with the CQC system and the option to create and play as your own version of the Cobra Unit. Its a long, fun and replayable adventure, and its getting an expansion pack this November. If you've got a PSP and you like the MG series, please, please- at least try this game.

Jacob P. gave it a10:
I really can't get over how much I like MPO. I've had it for almost two years now and its still the game I play the most on that system; and I use the system more than my GC or PS2. It really is a complete package and a bargain at any price.

Zem Z. gave it a9:
If you played MGS 3 & loved it you'll love Portabe ops, i personally liked the origianol MGS & MGS much more but make no mistake Portable ops is on standed with the console serices. my two biggest grips with this game are that one they left the stamina meter without leveing in wildlife. & two it's too short, you'll find yourself playing it all the time & beating it too fast, but the multiplayer experiance is still a fun diversion from the real world.

Josh D. gave it a10:
honestly if nothing else this is one of the best vgames for a modern portable gaming systems, although people the psp has more console ports/rehashs then it should, at the very least this game is a shinning example of how to translate a console series onto the psp... after all snake eater/subsistance had an almost identical control layout and it worked well for that game, this takes it a step further by making it a portable gamer friendly game by breaking the story/levels into segments...i can explain all day on how this game is (almost) worth getting a psp for, but for anyone who has a psp this game and syphon filter are must have games even if you dont like the stealth genre.

Rory L. gave it a10:
This game has so much depth and quality the grapics are amazing and the game is so well put together the konami team have cerated one of (if not the) best shooter games on psp. a good enough reason to buy a psp i think so.

Chris H. gave it a9:
This is one of the best PSP games ive ever played, a much needed game for the system, and excellently suited to it too.

Byron T. gave it a10:
Perhaps the best game released for the PSP. Portable Ops lives up to the high standards, of the Metal Gear games.

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