TOKYO - This Tokyo Game Show marks the first time that Metal Gear Solid has been shown on a trade show floor, and it was impressive to say the least. It was also the first time the general public got a chance to play the game.

　　It was clear testimony of the intuitiveness of the controls that the designers created as we watched gamers take quickly to the title. As complex a game as Metal Gear Solid is, it was very, very easy to pick up and play.

　　The game is different from most out on the market now - the key is secrecy, and sneaking around is integral to the gameplay. Aside from that, there's plenty of hi-tech trickery present in the game to make you feel like you're really in the game - almost as if your PlayStation is hooked up via satellite to an espionage and spy operation that's actually happening.

　　It's hard to actually convey how cool this game is. The release date for MGS is currently September 3 in Japan.

　　Konami presented a Metal Gear-specific stage show starring half a dozen babes carrying assault rifles (fake, of course).

　　We'll have more on Metal Gear Solid (and maybe even about a US release) next week, as Konami is holding a separate event for the press to check out the game in depth.