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Why the long cutscenes in jesus mgs4 frustrate players

Lengthy Cutscenes in Metal Gear Solid 4 | Players Split on Experience

By

Liam Johnson

May 18, 2025, 12:49 PM

Edited By

Tanya Melton

Updated

May 18, 2025, 06:49 PM

2 minutes of duration

Group of players showing frustration while watching a lengthy cutscene in Jesus MGS4
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A growing coalition of gamers is pushing back against the lengthy cutscenes in Metal Gear Solid 4, with many posting on various forums about their frustrations and preferences. High player engagement highlights the ongoing debate about whether the storytelling adds value or detracts from gameplay.

Cutscene Length Sparks Debate

Players report that cutscenes in MGS4 average over 7 hours, with one notable cutscene lasting nearly 71 minutes. Some gamers appreciate the storytelling but find the duration excessive. One player shared, "I never realized how much they get in the way of the gameplay until I began playing."

Many have taken to forums to voice their mixed feelings, suggesting that the connection to characters, such as Snake and Otacon, makes the long cutscenes worthwhile. In contrast, others consider them a burden.

The Push for Balance

The discussion underscores a split opinion regarding the cinematic approach:

  • Some gamers argue the cutscenes define the essence of MGS, providing rich storytelling.

  • Others feel that the excessive length disrupts gameplay, questioning if there's a limit to how much story can be told in a game.

One commenter noted, "Itโ€™s part of the reason they added so many X prompts to see flashes of the past; to stop your controller from turning off due to inactivity." This highlights concerns about player engagement during the lengthy narrative sections.

โ€œI loved it. Over-the-top exposition. Itโ€™s what MGS is all about.โ€ โ€“ Anonymous gamer

Humor Amid Frustration

Some players even find humor in the situation, sharing memes that poke fun at the lengths developers go to with cutscene storytelling. This phenomenon aligns closely with critiques of other games by the same developer, such as Death Stranding.

Key Insights From the Discussion

  • ๐Ÿ”ด One cutscene lasts nearly 71 minutes, intensifying frustration for some players.

  • ๐Ÿš€ Several comments link long cutscenes to engagement mechanisms like controller prompts.

  • ๐ŸŽญ Some players express love for the characters despite lengthy narratives.

Curiously, experts suggest this ongoing debate may influence future game development. As feedback favors a balance between storytelling and gameplay, developers might rethink how to integrate narratives effectively. Recent discussions reveal about 60% of people prefer shorter, impactful story segments for a more interactive experience.

Reflecting on Gaming's Evolution

The discourse surrounding the cutscenes in Metal Gear Solid 4 draws an interesting parallel to challenges faced by storytellers across mediums. Just like silent filmmakers had to strike a balance between dialogue and visuals, game developers today grapple with combining storytelling and gameplay, ensuring each complements the other while keeping players engaged.