Metal Gear Solid 4 Q&A - Runs at 60fps, 720p (with possible 1080p) + more

A Metal Gear Solid Q&A posted by Jeff Haynes on IGN reveals that Metal Gear Solid 4 will be running at 60 frames per second, with 720p resolution. Whether it will support 1080p or not is a "closely guarded secret" which I'm going guess means yes. There's no reason they would make it a "closely guarded secret" otherwise. The game also supports Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. 7.1 surround sound has not yet been confirmed.

Here are the highlights from the Q&A session:

• Controls provide responsive gameplay. Control scheme is similar to previous MGS titles, but is now more simplified and intuitive.
• It is indeed possible to play the entire game like a FPS, but you'll miss details and it makes it hard to be stealthy.
• Huge variety of weapons. Estimation of 70 different weapons is accurate. Weapons are highly customizable with grenade launchers, laser sights, pistol grips, etc.
• Animations in the game are incredibly fluid and slick. Frame rate only dropped slightly during explosions or a lot of on-screen action.
• The game looks much better than whats been shown in trailers and screenshots.
• Guns that snake finds are locked, and can be unlocked using the 'Drebin Points System'. Finding a gun allows you to convert it to 'Drebin Points'. You can also purchase extra ammunition, etc. on certain sale days. System works well and you will feel the need to collect them all.
• All cutscenes are in-engine, and are interactive using the L1 and X buttons which will change a camera angle, trigger a flashback, etc. These will also add to your Drebin Points total.
• The colors in the game are very vibrant and are based on the environment you are in. The middle eastern sections are more colorful and not as gray and abstract as trailers and screenshots have shown.
• DualShock 3 rumble feedback works well. During low psyche or high stress situations the controller will pulse, simulating Snake's heartbeat. There are some sections where it could be stronger, but that will most likely be fixed.
• There are four initial difficulty settings: Liquid Easy, Naked Normal, Solid Normal and Big Boss Hard, with Naked Normal being the default.
• CQC Counter from MGS: Portable Ops (allowing you to attack a guard before he calls for help) is in the game.
• Players can adjust the elements of the HUD. Also has 20 different color schemes.
• The game emphasizes both action and stealth equally. Players can choose how they want to play the game, just like in the previous games. You can just run and gun through the entire game or sneak up on enemies and pick them off one by one. It's up to you.
• The battles between the PMC and Militia range from only a few men to a full on battle, with reinforcements on both sides. You'll be able to see completely different battles in the same locations. The size is all based on how things are going at the time.
• CQC in Metal Gear Solid 4 is much deeper. You now have the ability to incapacitate and disarm an enemy. You can also apply a choke hold to a soldier on the ground, which will silently knock out enemies. You can now pat down enemies which you've held up to get items and ammunition from them. And yes... you can knock out enemies by grabbing their balls.
• Metal Gear Solid's trademark humor definitely returns with MGS4. There are also plenty of inside jokes for the MGS fans.

All in all, the game is sounding great so far. I'm sure more updates are coming soon, so keep checking back.

Source: IGN