Early MGS 4 Reviewers Muzzled by Konami

Several publications have reported that publisher Konami instructed pre-release Metal Gear Solid 4 reviewers not to speak on the title's reportedly massive cutscenes and PS3 install size.

According to two anonymous gaming media sources speaking to MTV Multiplayer, Konami representatives asked print reviewers to omit details concerning the cut-scene length and installation size. Moreover, a recently published MGS4 review on IGN UK says that the concessions were made in exchange for a pre-release review.

"In return for letting us play Metal Gear Solid 4 before its release," wrote IGN UK editor Dave McCarthy. "Konami issued us with a list of things that we're not allowed to discuss. This list of prohibited topics is pretty long, and even extends as far as several facts that the company itself has already made public."

The most recent issue of gaming magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly makes a similar statement, noting that the publication of a round table discussion of the game was chosen in lieu of a full review due to Konami's limitations on what could be said.

"We weren't happy with the limitations Konami wanted to impose on our comments, and rather than publish compromised reviews in the interest of being the first to rate the game, we'd rather wait until next issue, where we can be completely open and thorough with our thoughts," the EGM staff wrote.

While the notion of publishers or developers restricting details of certain gameplay or technical elements is nothing new, these requests tend to be quite reasonable. Shacknews staffer Nick Breckon was asked not to speak about the final two levels of Tecmo's Ninja Gaiden II (360) in his recent review of the title.