• Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Dec 5, 2006
Metascore
87 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 54 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 54
  2. Negative: 0 out of 54
  1. 100
    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.
  2. 100
    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."
  3. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops is loaded with streamlined action and a full bevy of features that would make Baskin-Robbins jealous.
  4. This is a game--actually the game--to buy a PSP for. [Feb. 2007, p.74]
  5. 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.
  6. 95
    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.
  7. 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.
  8. 95
    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.
  9. 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]
  10. 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.
  11. 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]
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. Ranks amongst the finest games yet released on PSP.
  16. Konami has been spot on, with an engaging storyline and revolutionary new gameplay features.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 90
    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.
  21. 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.
  22. An action game worthy of Snake’s name, and one of the best games yet on the PSP.
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 90
    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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 90
    The definitive PSP gaming experience.
  30. 90
    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]
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 97 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 36
  3. Negative: 2 out of 36
  1. This game is great! I do find the stamina meter extremely annoying, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying this.
    The storyline is wonderful.

    Voice acting is SPLENDID! (David Hayter AND Steven Blum).
    The gameplay and graphics are sweet!
    I'd say get this if you can find it in a retail store or on PSN.
    Full Review »
  2. NickyL.
    9
    Everything everyone else says i agree with... including the problems... when i first got the game the camera was very jerky and really weird, but all i had to do was slow it down a bit (which is very easy to do in the options menu) and it was perfect... There are plenty of settings to make the camera more appealing... As for the controls, did anyone really expect something better from the PSP... controls seem to always be a problem with any game... But basically the controls are exactly the same as on any other Metal Gear Solid game... O is confirm and X is back (which actually makes so much more sense), square is fire, triangle is sneak and action, etc etc etc... at least it's the same as MGS3: Snake Eater (that being the only MGS game i have played fully)... To get the controls right just play it for a while, and it's confusing if you switch around playing games, but if you keep it in your psp, as you will want to because of the engaging story, addicting short bursts of play, and over good gameplay, you won't have a problem... but hey, there's always room for improvement for any game... a metal gear SOLID 9 (so lame, i know... i had to...) Full Review »
  3. Although Kojima did not direct this game, it still feels as though he did. If you played any MGS game, then you know what to expect. But this time, you can kidnap enemy soldiers and convince them to join you. It's really cool. Gameplay is the same. Enemy soldiers see you? Alert Mode. Then Evasion mode. Then Caution Mode. And then Normal. Just like any MGS game. And, of course, that's a good thing. Believe or not, the story IS canon, that is, it IS part of the timeline. The story is set in 1970, six years after MGS3. The Special Force Unit FOX has rebelled against the USA, and is supposedly sided with the Soviets. Snake has been framed as the mastermind. It's his job to find out who's behind all this and clear his name. And it has its share of twists and heart-wrenching moments like its big-brother consoles. Unfortunately, they have shut down the online-component, but that was just the icing on the cake. As it is, the game can stand on its own. It's $9.99 on the PSN Store now, so if you have a PSP (or better yet, a PS Vita), buy it now. Full Review »