BitSnark

Firing the first shot in the impressive PSP E3 line-up and providing us with the second of two new Metal Gear titles, comes the announcement of an actual bona-fide Metal Gear Solid sequel for the PSP known as Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.

Due for release sometime in 2010, Peace Walker takes place in the year 1974, some ten years after the events depicted in fan-favourite entry in the series Metal Gear Solid 3. The trailer depicts Costa Rica being overtaken by some unknown force whilst in the midst of a nuclear missile crisis. All the recognisable traits of the Metal Gear series are there; stealth, action, deep dialogue and of course cardboard boxes.

Graphically the title is boasting a simply insane amount of detail for a PSP title, easily surpassing that of previous entry Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops with hugely detailed environments, great character animations and facial detail all rendered at a liquid smooth frame rate.

Perplexingly, the demonstration concluded with not one, two or three but four Naked Snake/Big Boss clones facing down a Metal Gear unit, prompting much speculation indeed.
Overseen by series guru Hideo Kojima himself, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is to be considered a true Metal Gear Solid sequel.

Ironically Peace Walker may prove itself to be truer to the series than the PS3/360 Metal Gear: Rising title, which appears to primarily deal with supporting character Raiden whilst apparently ushering in a new type of gameplay for the series.

One of many PSP titles to look forward to methinks.