After years of being locked away as a PlayStation 3 exclusive, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots may finally be heading to modern consoles — and this time, the signs are stronger than ever. While Konami has yet to issue an official announcement, a series of leaks, hints from developers, and strategic moves surrounding the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection all point toward a long-awaited re-release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Konami Is “Aware” of Fan Demand — And Teasing What’s Next
The clearest sign came from a 2024 interview with IGN, where longtime series producer Noriaki Okamura responded to questions about MGS4‘s future by saying, “We definitely are aware of this situation with MGS4. Unfortunately, we can’t really say too much at the moment with Vol. 1 containing MGS1–3… you can probably connect the dots.” This cryptic but confident tone sparked speculation that Guns of the Patriots could headline Master Collection Vol. 2.
And there’s more than just words to go on.
Website Data Leaks & Placeholder Listings
Eagle-eyed fans discovered datamined content on Konami’s official website showing placeholder entries for Metal Gear Solid 4, Peace Walker, and Metal Gear Solid V, fueling rumors that these titles are lined up for a second volume in the Master Collection series. Considering Vol. 1 included MGS1 through MGS3, a Vol. 2 bundling the remaining Kojima-era games seems like a logical next step — especially with the recent uptick in re-releases and remasters from the PS2 and PS3 era.
Why MGS4 Has Been So Hard to Port
Originally released in 2008, Metal Gear Solid 4 was built specifically for the PlayStation 3’s notoriously difficult-to-emulate Cell processor. That made porting the game to newer platforms extremely complex — even Sony itself struggled with backward compatibility for PS3 titles. For over a decade, this technical hurdle kept the game stranded on aging hardware.
However, the tide may finally be turning. Modern hardware has caught up in terms of raw power, and emulation has advanced considerably. Developers now have the tools to rebuild or remaster complex games like MGS4 for modern systems without compromising the original vision. Given that The Master Collection Vol. 1 included both emulated and natively enhanced titles, it’s entirely plausible that Konami is preparing to overcome the PS3 porting problem — or has already done so.
Why This Matters
For many fans, Metal Gear Solid 4 represents the emotional and narrative high point of the franchise — a conclusion to Solid Snake’s journey filled with cinematic storytelling, fourth-wall-breaking flourishes, and stealth gameplay innovation. But it’s also been notoriously hard to replay legally or conveniently. A modern port would finally open the gates for new players and longtime fans who missed out or no longer have access to a PS3.
It would also signal a renewed commitment from Konami to preserve and celebrate its most iconic series. With Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater currently in development as a full-blown remake and Master Collection Vol. 1 already out, the publisher seems to be investing in the franchise again after years of dormancy.
So, Is MGS4 Coming?
While nothing is confirmed — yet — all signs point toward yes. Between developer teases, datamined listings, and growing fan pressure, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots appears to be edging closer to a re-release that fans have waited over 15 years for.
And if it arrives as part of Master Collection Vol. 2, we may be looking at one of the most meaningful retro revivals in gaming history.
Best Third Person Shooters for Action Gaming Enthusiasts
Third-person shooters offer a unique mix of action and strategy. These games let players see their character on screen while fighting enemies. The best third-person shooters combine smooth controls, engaging stories, and exciting combat that keeps players coming back for more.
From sci-fi adventures to gritty war stories, this genre has something for everyone. Popular titles like Resident Evil and Max Payne 3 have set high standards for what these games can achieve. Players looking for a new challenge can find plenty of options across different platforms and settings.
1. Max Payne 3
Max Payne 3 stands as a benchmark for third-person shooter mechanics. The game’s precision aiming, dual-wielding options, and fluid reloading animations create a shooting experience that many players describe as butter-smooth.
Released by Rockstar Games, this third entry in the series took the franchise in a bold new direction. The game moved away from the snowy streets of New York to the sun-drenched urban sprawl of São Paulo, Brazil. Despite this change in setting, it maintained the core shooting mechanics that made the series famous.
The game’s commitment to realistic physics sets it apart from competitors. Each bullet has impact, each movement feels weighted, and the game’s signature bullet-time mechanic remains satisfying even years after release.
Many fans consider it their favorite third-person shooter of all time, praising how well it has aged compared to its contemporaries. The attention to detail in animations—particularly how Max holds weapons differently depending on what else he’s carrying—shows a level of craft rarely seen.
Combat scenarios feel hand-crafted rather than procedural. The game forces players to be tactical about their approach, making each firefight memorable and distinct. No two encounters play out exactly the same way.
What’s remarkable is how the game continues to hold up years after its 2012 release. The shooting mechanics remain crisp and responsive even by today’s standards. Many newer games have tried to capture the same feeling but haven’t quite matched its execution.
The seamless integration between gameplay and storytelling also deserves mention. Cut-scenes blend into gameplay without jarring transitions, maintaining player immersion throughout the experience.
2. Vanquish
Vanquish, released in 2010, stands out as one of the most innovative third-person shooters of its time. Created by PlatinumGames, this sci-fi action game pushes the boundaries of what the genre can offer.
The game’s standout feature is its unique movement system. Players control Sam Gideon, who wears a special suit allowing him to rocket-slide across battlefields at high speeds. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy and excitement rarely seen in other shooters.
Combat in Vanquish is fast and fluid. The game combines traditional cover-based shooting with melee attacks and bullet-time effects. These elements create a distinctive gameplay experience that rewards quick thinking and reflexes.
Despite its fun gameplay mechanics, many players found the plot somewhat disappointing. The story follows a conflict between the United States and Russia set in a dystopian future, but it often interrupts the action.
The game received praise for its technical achievements. The graphics were impressive for its time, with detailed environments and smooth animations. The sound design and music also complement the futuristic setting effectively.
Some critics have even called it the best third-person shooter ever made. While that claim might be debatable, Vanquish certainly introduced mechanics that influenced many games that followed.
The title originally launched on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 but later received a remastered version for modern platforms. This allowed a new generation of players to experience its unique approach to the genre.
Vanquish might not have achieved the commercial success of some bigger franchises, but it developed a dedicated fan base. Many gamers consider it one of the best shooters on the PS3 and a game-changer for shooter games in general.
3. Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn stands out as a unique blend of third-person shooting and action-adventure gameplay. Released in 2017 by Guerrilla Games, this PlayStation exclusive (later ported to PC) puts players in control of Aloy, a hunter in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by mechanical creatures.
The combat system combines ranged weapons with melee options. Players use bows, slings, and tripwires to target specific parts of robotic enemies. This strategic element adds depth to what could have been just another shooter.
The game features an open world that encourages exploration. Lush forests, snowy mountains, and desert landscapes create a visually stunning backdrop for the action. Each area contains resources for crafting ammunition and upgrades.
Some critics have argued that Horizon devolves into a generic third-person shooter as players progress, but many fans disagree. The variety of machines and combat approaches keeps engagements fresh throughout the journey.
Horizon Zero Dawn has earned its place among the top third-person games ever made according to many gaming enthusiasts. Its combination of storytelling and gameplay creates a compelling experience that goes beyond simple shooting mechanics.
The game offers a robust skill tree that lets players customize Aloy’s abilities. Whether focusing on stealth, direct combat, or foraging, these choices affect how encounters with machines unfold.
For players who enjoy third-person action with depth, Horizon delivers. The game balances shooting elements with story, exploration, and RPG components in a way that feels cohesive rather than disjointed.
4. Armored Core 6
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon brings a fresh take on the mech shooter genre. It combines fast-paced combat with deep customization options for your mech, letting players create unique battle machines.
The game performs well on various platforms, including the Steam Deck. Players might need to adjust some settings for stability, but the experience remains epic even with compromises.
Graphics in Armored Core 6 are impressive, showcasing detailed mech designs and explosive combat effects. The environments range from industrial wastelands to futuristic cities, all serving as perfect battlegrounds for mech warfare.
Combat feels responsive and rewarding. Players can equip different weapons and parts to suit their play style, whether they prefer long-range sniping or close-quarters combat.
The game ranks among top third-person shooters for good reason. Gaming sites often list it alongside other notable titles like Remnant 2 and Resident Evil 4 Remake, highlighting its quality and appeal.
The learning curve might seem steep at first. Mastering mech controls and understanding the upgrade system takes time, but the effort pays off in satisfying gameplay.
Missions offer variety and challenge. Players face different enemies and objectives, keeping the experience fresh throughout the campaign.
For fans of fast-paced action, Armored Core 6 delivers. The game strikes a good balance between strategic planning and quick reflexes, making each battle exciting.
The soundtrack complements the action perfectly. Music intensifies during battles and helps create an immersive experience in this futuristic world of mech warfare.
5. Resident Evil
The Resident Evil series stands as a pillar in third-person shooter games, evolving significantly since its early days. When discussing the best in this genre, several titles from this franchise deserve recognition.
Resident Evil 4 revolutionized third-person shooters with its over-the-shoulder camera view. This game redefined the genre by introducing dynamic camera angles and precise gunplay that many later games would imitate.
Despite being released in the mid-2000s, RE4 remains highly regarded but some players note it has dated controls compared to modern standards. Still, many consider it the best third-person action horror shooter ever made.
The Resident Evil 2 Remake brought the classic survival horror experience into modern gaming. It offers tense gameplay with limited resources and terrifying enemies in beautifully rendered environments. Some gamers consider it the best third-person survival horror shooter available.
Resident Evil 5 and 6 took the series in a more action-oriented direction. While they don’t capture the same horror atmosphere as earlier entries, they provide exciting cooperative gameplay experiences with robust shooting mechanics.
The Evil Within, while technically a separate series, was directed by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami. This game presents a brutal challenge for players who enjoy the tension and horror elements of the Resident Evil series.
Each Resident Evil title brings something unique to the third-person shooter genre. From pioneering camera angles to perfecting the balance between action and horror, the series continues to influence game design across the industry.
6. Sniper Elite
Sniper Elite stands out in the third-person shooter genre with its focus on tactical sniping and stealth gameplay. The series puts players in the role of an elite sniper during World War II, with detailed mechanics that simulate realistic sniping.
What makes Sniper Elite unique is its signature X-ray kill cam that shows bullets tearing through enemy anatomy in graphic detail. This feature has become the hallmark of the series and gives players satisfaction for well-placed shots.
The latest installment, Sniper Elite 5, builds on the strengths of previous games with larger maps and more freedom to approach objectives. Players can choose between stealth or action-packed gameplay depending on their style.
The game offers strong level design with multiple paths and vantage points for sniping. Each map contains numerous opportunities for creative kills and strategic planning, making each playthrough different.
Many fans consider Sniper Elite 4 to be one of the best sniper games ever made, with its Italian setting and refined gameplay mechanics. The balance between stealth and action hit a sweet spot that appealed to many players.
For those new to the series, Sniper Elite offers a compelling mix of patience and precision. The satisfaction of landing the perfect shot after calculating distance, wind, and timing creates a unique gaming experience.
The series also features cooperative play and multiplayer modes that extend the gameplay beyond the single-player campaign. Playing with friends adds new tactical dimensions to the sniping experience.
Rebellion Developments has consistently improved the formula with each release, adding more weapons, customization options, and gameplay refinements. The attention to historical detail also adds authenticity to the World War II setting.
Sniper Elite has earned its place among top third-person shooter franchises by offering something different from the run-and-gun approach of many other shooters.
7. Metal Gear
Metal Gear Solid V stands out as a game that has ruined other third-person shooters for many players. Its controller layout and responsiveness create a shooting experience unlike anything else in gaming.
The Metal Gear franchise combines stealth with shooting mechanics in a way that feels natural and intuitive. Players can switch between sneaking past enemies and engaging in direct combat, with controls that make both approaches viable.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater appears on lists of the best third-person shooter games available on Xbox. Its inclusion in the Master Collection has brought this classic to modern platforms with its shooting mechanics intact.
What makes these games special is how they blend genres. They’re stealth games at heart, but the shooting elements are so well-crafted that fans report enjoying Metal Gear Solid 4 when played purely as a shooter.
The series continues to impress players with its combat mechanics. Video compilations of best kills in Metal Gear Solid 5 showcase the smooth gunplay and tactical options available to players.
Metal Gear games give players freedom in how they approach combat situations. The shooting mechanics reward precision and planning rather than run-and-gun tactics.
The attention to detail in animations, weapon handling, and enemy reactions helps create a satisfying shooting experience. Guns have weight and impact, making each firefight feel consequential.
Even with newer games constantly releasing, Metal Gear’s approach to third-person shooting has aged remarkably well. The series proves that when shooting mechanics are thoughtfully designed, they can enhance rather than detract from a stealth-focused experience.
8. Saints Row
Saints Row is a series of action-packed third-person shooters known for their over-the-top gameplay and humor. The franchise began as a Grand Theft Auto competitor but quickly established its own identity.
Saints Row: The Third is often considered a highlight in the series. It strikes a good balance between absurd humor and solid shooting mechanics. Players can customize their characters, wield wacky weapons, and cause mayhem throughout the city of Steelport.
Saints Row IV took the series in an even more outlandish direction. It gave players superpowers, allowing them to jump buildings and throw fireballs while fighting an alien invasion. This game blends third-person shooting with superpowered action in a unique way.
The 2022 reboot, simply titled Saints Row, attempted to return to the series’ roots. Unfortunately, many fans found it disappointing compared to earlier entries. It ranks lower in most franchise rankings due to technical issues and less inspiring gameplay.
Gat Out of Hell is a standalone expansion that sends players to battle Satan in Hell. Despite its short length, it offers fun combat and the absurd situations fans expect from the series.
Saints Row games work well on multiple platforms. Both The Third and IV received solid Nintendo Switch ports, bringing their chaotic gameplay to portable form.
The series also spawned a spin-off called Agents of Mayhem. While technically a separate game, it shares the Saints Row universe and similar combat styles, though with more emphasis on character-swapping mechanics.
What makes Saints Row stand out among third-person shooters is its willingness to embrace the ridiculous. Few other games let players beat enemies with giant purple sex toys or ride tanks through city streets while auto-tuned music plays.
9. The Evil Within
The Evil Within blends horror and action in a unique third-person shooter experience. Created by Resident Evil mastermind Shinji Mikami, this game offers a disturbing psychological journey through twisted environments and nightmarish enemies.
Players control detective Sebastian Castellanos as he navigates a distorted world full of grotesque creatures. The game’s combat focuses on resource management, with ammunition being scarce and enemies often requiring strategic approaches.
What makes The Evil Within stand out is its perspective options. While originally designed as a third-person shooter, the sequel added a first-person mode. Many fans prefer the third-person view for its wider field of vision and better situational awareness.
The shooting mechanics feel weighty and impactful. Each bullet matters in this survival horror experience. Players must aim carefully and make tactical decisions about when to fight and when to run.
The game’s environments shift unexpectedly, creating a sense of disorientation that enhances both gameplay and storytelling. From abandoned hospitals to twisted villages, the settings provide varied combat scenarios.
Enemy design deserves special mention. The creatures are both disturbing and challenging, requiring different tactics to defeat. Boss battles are particularly memorable, combining puzzle elements with intense shooting segments.
The Evil Within series has earned its place among notable third-person shooters by balancing horror and action elements. The camera perspective creates tension by showing the protagonist’s vulnerability while still providing good combat visibility.
For those who enjoy psychological horror with their shooting mechanics, this game delivers a challenging and unsettling experience that rewards precision and resource management.
10. Remnant: From the Ashes
Remnant: From the Ashes stands out as a unique blend of third-person shooter mechanics with souls-like elements. Players face challenging combat in a post-apocalyptic world filled with dangerous creatures and unexpected threats.
The game features procedurally-generated levels, giving each playthrough a fresh experience. This design choice helps maintain excitement even after multiple sessions, as layouts and enemy placements change.
Co-op gameplay is a major selling point for Remnant. Players can team up with friends to tackle the game’s difficult bosses and areas, creating a more strategic and social experience than many other shooters on the market.
The combat system balances gunplay with melee options, requiring players to manage resources carefully. Ammunition isn’t unlimited, forcing tactical decisions about when to shoot and when to conserve bullets.
Visually, Remnant has something oddly appealing in its style that sets it apart from other third-person shooters. The atmospheric environments enhance the post-apocalyptic storytelling.
For those seeking challenging gameplay, Remnant delivers. Some players even argue it’s among the best third-person shooters of the last decade, though this remains debated among gaming communities.
The progression system rewards exploration and combat prowess. Players unlock new weapons, armor, and abilities by defeating bosses and discovering hidden areas throughout the game world.
Remnant: From the Ashes proves that combining shooter elements with souls-like difficulty can create a compelling gameplay experience. The mix of familiar concepts with fresh ideas helps the game carve out its own identity.
Characteristics of Third Person Shooters
Third person shooters offer players a distinct gaming experience through their unique camera perspective and gameplay elements. These games combine visibility advantages with immersive mechanics that define the genre.
Innovative Mechanics
Third person shooters stand out thanks to their camera positioning behind the character, which provides several gameplay advantages. This perspective allows players to see their surroundings more completely, making it easier to navigate complex environments and judge distances.
The ability to switch shoulders when aiming is a key feature that gives tactical advantages. Players can peek around corners without exposing their character, something first-person shooters rarely offer.
Cover systems have become a staple in modern third-person shooters. These mechanics let players hide behind objects while maintaining visibility of the battlefield, creating strategic gameplay opportunities.
Movement mechanics often feel more fluid in third-person games. Players can see their character perform dodges, rolls, and jumps, which helps with orientation in fast-paced combat scenarios.
Graphics and Visuals
Modern third-person shooters typically employ an over-the-shoulder camera angle, minimizing screen obstruction issues that plagued older titles. This perspective balances immersion with visibility.
Character customization holds greater importance in third-person shooters since players constantly see their avatar. Developers often invest heavily in character models, animations, and clothing options.
Environmental design in third-person shooters tends to be more expansive and vertical. Games utilize the camera advantage to create spaces that encourage exploration and traversal mechanics.
Particle effects for weapons, explosions, and abilities are designed to be visually impressive without blocking the player’s view. This balance maintains battlefield awareness while delivering visual satisfaction.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Third-person shooters have transformed gaming by pushing technical boundaries and influencing how stories are told in interactive media.
Technological Advancements
Third-person shooters have driven significant innovation in game development technology. Games like Returnal showcase cutting-edge graphics and performance capabilities that push hardware to its limits.
The camera positioning in these games required developers to create more detailed character models and animations visible from multiple angles. This led to improvements in:
- Character animation systems
- Environmental destruction physics
- Advanced lighting techniques
- AI behavior patterns
Games like the Tomb Raider reboots mentioned among the best third-person shooters pioneered techniques for realistic character movement and environmental interaction. These innovations later spread to other genres.
The perspective also pushed developers to create more intuitive control schemes that balanced precision aiming with character movement, influencing controller design and interface standards across the industry.
Cultural Influence
Third-person shooters have shaped modern gaming culture significantly. Games from studios like Naughty Dog have elevated storytelling in the genre, blending narrative and action in ways that influence film and television.
These games affect players differently than other genres. Research shows they impact brain function in unique ways compared to games like platformers.
The third-person perspective has proven especially effective for creating emotional connections with characters. Players see their protagonist face challenges, creating a bond that first-person games sometimes struggle to achieve.
This perspective has become increasingly popular among indie developers as well. Despite higher production demands, many smaller studios choose this viewpoint for its storytelling advantages and marketability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gamers often have specific questions about third-person shooters based on their gaming setup, preferences, and interests. These questions cover everything from performance requirements to multiplayer experiences.
What are the top critically acclaimed third-person shooter games for PC?
The PC platform hosts many highly-rated third-person shooters. Max Payne 3 stands out with its bullet-time mechanics and gritty storyline that critics praised for its narrative depth and refined gameplay.
Vanquish, developed by PlatinumGames, earned recognition for its unique sliding mechanics and fast-paced combat that sets it apart from other shooters.
Other notable mentions include Resident Evil 4 Remake and Spec Ops: The Line, both receiving acclaim for their storytelling and gameplay innovations.
Which third-person shooters on PS4 have the best multiplayer experience?
The PS4 platform offers several third-person shooters with robust multiplayer options. Games like Uncharted 4 provide competitive multiplayer modes that maintain the fluidity of the single-player experience.
Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 has been recognized for its tactical team-based gameplay that rewards coordination and strategy rather than just quick reflexes.
Some SOCOM titles also maintain dedicated communities on PlayStation platforms, though they’re from earlier console generations.
Can you recommend third-person shooter games suited for low-end PCs?
Older third-person shooters often run well on modest hardware. Max Payne (the original) and Max Payne 2 deliver excellent gameplay experiences while requiring minimal system resources.
Just Cause 2, despite its open world, was optimized to run on a wide range of hardware configurations and still provides bonkers action gameplay.
Some indie third-person shooters also cater to lower-end machines, focusing on gameplay over graphical fidelity.
What are the most anticipated third-person shooter releases for PS5 this year?
PS5 owners are looking forward to several upcoming third-person shooters. Sequel titles to established franchises like Horizon are generating significant buzz among the gaming community.
New IPs with innovative shooting mechanics are also on the horizon, promising to take advantage of the PS5’s advanced haptic feedback and adaptive trigger features.
Some studios are working on remasters or remakes of classic third-person shooters optimized for next-gen hardware.
What third-person shooters for PC have the most active online communities?
Several third-person shooters maintain vibrant communities years after release. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon has cultivated a dedicated player base who appreciate its mech combat depth.
Hitman games, while primarily stealth-focused, include shooting mechanics and maintain active communities that share creative assassination methods and challenges.
Some older titles like Rainbow Six continue to have dedicated players who prefer their more tactical approach to the genre.
Which third-person shooter games released in 2022 are considered must-play?
2022 saw several standout third-person shooter releases. Horizon: Zero Dawn’s sequel expanded on what made the original special while refining its combat and world design.
Some indie third-person shooters also made their mark by introducing innovative mechanics or unique settings that differentiated them from mainstream offerings.
Remakes and remasters of classic shooters also launched to critical acclaim, bringing modernized controls and visuals while maintaining the core gameplay that made them beloved initially.
