Konami has just announced that Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (MGS4) will be released simultaneously in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia on 12th June, exclusively for PlayStation 3. In Japan, two editions will be available along with a PS3 console bundle.
New Zealand will likely get it at the same time, as Konami is calling it a worldwide release. "This will be the first time ever for Konami to simultaneously release the Metal Gear series throughout the world," the company's announcement states.
The game will supposedly be the final chapter in the series, "so all the major characters will make an appearance and all the remaining mysteries will be unveiled," it promises.
The series turned 20 years old last year, and its global sales have surpassed 22 million units. "The series has been created to carry an antiwar and antinuclear theme to society," apparently.
MGS4 will be followed by a later release of Metal Gear Online, a standalone spinoff which offers 16-player online battles, based on the MGS4 gameplay and setting.
In Japan, MGS4 will be offered in three packages: a standard version which includes a Metal Gear Online "Starter Pack" with five maps; a "Special Edition" which adds a Blu-Ray Disc of bonus features, including trailers and making-of videos; and a "Premium Pack" which bundles the game with a PlayStation 3 console. Pricing and the look of the PS3 bundle will be released on 21st March.
The official web site is due to be updated today.
