Joystiq quick visit: Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops

Last month I was able to get my man hands on the latest Metal Gear Solid to hit the Sony PSP: Portable Ops. Lumped in with a couple other swanky journos, we were shown a quick overview of how multiplayer would work, then were handed the PSPs ourselves as we battled in a 4-person free-for-all deathmatch.

The most important aspect of any PSP game, especially shooters, is controls. They're always a concern, and more times than not, a huge problem -- I blame that stupid nub. Sadly, Portable Ops was not able to leap this tall hurdle for PSP developers. While the gameplay was nicely paced and it was fun to roam and take out my enemies, the controls were just not as solid as they could have been had the PSP been a tad more smartly designed for these kinds of games.

The controls work like this: Left Shoulder: brings up weapon; Right Shoulder: first person; Directional Pad Left, Right: strafe; Square: attack, shoot when weapon is equipped, melee when not; X: duck or tumble roll; O: switch weapons; Triangle: stealth; Analog: move around.

Even though moving your player around, aiming, and shooting were a bit on the shaky side, the game is a positive step in the right direction for PSP users. The fact that it will take advantage of PSP infrastructure play, makes the game even more of a must-have than just having Metal Gear Solid slapped onto the box.

For those interested in more screenshots and some of the features that will be included, check after the break.

The storyline will take place after the events of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and allow players to learn more about their favorite characters and how the events of later Metal Gear games happened.

Here are some key features:

• Original storyline set in 1970 featuring Big Boss

• Returning cast of characters including Para-Medic, Major Zero, Sigint and more

• Recruit NPCs with different abilities to create a custom fighting force

• Fully voiced cinematics featuring 3D models and original artwork from renowned illustrator Ashley Wood

• New 3D camera optimized for play on the PSP system

• Connect to wireless access points to recruit new comrades -- each access point generates a unique group of allies

• Unique new multiplayer modes

• Wide variety of multiplayer-specific environments

• Use your squadron of comrades in online play and recruit new members only available in multiplayer

• New "White Flag" system -- choose to surrender and live to fight again or fight tthe death until the next game begins

• Trade squad members online with other players