well even though the odds are it aren't, I'm quite hopeful MGS4 gets GOTY status, it even got the theaterical trailer treatment from Hal Douglas as well. It has a lot to answer for since GTA raised the bar pret-ty high.

Nothing really new? At first glance, yeah. But I think there's some improvements which I think are pretty worthwhile.

1. Euphoria physics engine, ragdolls now have self preservation AI built into their reaction. They cover their head when falling from impact, curl up their feet, etc.

2. True fullblown multiplayer for the first time on a non-handheld platform with 7-8 gameplay modes.

3. Taxi cab rides let you move around town a lot faster, taking away the tediousness of repeating missions and getting around.

5. Failure of missions impact events on a higher scale, i.e, getting roman killed will make u pick him up at the hospital.

6. Water and fire effects especially explosions are much more immersive.

7. Various new media introduced. TV shows, internet, phone calls to emergency services.

8. Car body now deforms according to degree of impact.

9. Social interaction with NPC, you can take them out for pool, bowling, etc.

10. Significantly improved lighting effects, with support for depth of field, per pixel lighting.

no way! side missions come in a bigger way now! They come in form of SMS messages, random encounters, even via email and websites!