The third expansion for MGO's "SCENE EXPANSION" brings Metal Gear Solid 4's "Old Snake" to the fight as well as a new stage "Icebound Inferno". The stage is MGS4's windy blizzard Shadow Moses stage.

『メタルギアオンライン』の拡張パック"SCENE EXPANSION"に、オールド・スネークがユニークキャラとして参戦 [Famitsu]

Players will need to have at least the GENE Expansion to download the bikini outfits. You can check out the bikinis in action right here.

念願のビキニ装備が配信開始、『メタルギアオンライン』が活気に溢れる [はちま起稿]

The recently announced Metal Gear Arcade takes Metal Gear Online and stuffs it into an impressive-looking, but similarly expensive to develop, networked arcade cabinet. Thanks to 3D goggles, it will take the Metal Gear series "into the 3rd dimension," kind of a step back for us PlayStation 3 owners already gaming in glorious 4D. But it looks like it could be an enjoyable sit-down arcade experience, as long as we don't have to register for a Konami ID to play it and Kojima leaves the cut scenes at home.

The first trailer for the game shows off some familiar looking gameplay, but gameplay nonetheless. Metal Gear Arcade is slated to hit Japanese arcades sometime in 2009.

The game is an upgraded version of PS3 title Metal Gear Online with a special added feature: 3D Googles. The shooter connects arcade players from across Japan via Konami's e-AMUSEMENT.

3Dメガネにも対応！『METAL GEAR ARCADE』は2009年稼働開始予定 [Inside-Games]

It was announced at the Konami press conference. Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima and his studio Kojima Productions are involved. At the press conference, it was announced that the game uses "3D googles". This teaser images reads "Tactical Online Action."

A trademark appeared this past April. That trademark was protected against "entertainment services" for "providing a website featuring information about video games" and "arranging and conducting video game competitions."

The game will be out in Japan later this year.

Our take: it will be a customized arcade take on Metal Gear Online with networked arcade cabinets.

Three new skills drop with tomorrow's expansion. Close Quarters Combat EX automatically counters any CQC attack on your character, while Toughness allows you to endure knockback moves, lessening your recovery time. The most adorable new skill, however, is Charm, which is earned after being distracted by a magazine 100 times. Once earned, the player can fire off a salute, charming those around them, as seen in the screenshot above.

A handful of new emblems join the new skills, with the Fighting Fish and the Arctic Skua just two of the new status symbols unlockable in the SCENE expansion.

SCENE should be available tomorrow for $9.99, a small price to pay to be able to capture the hearts of the competition.

Besides adding characters Raiden and Vamp, the SCENE Expansion adds three maps: Ravaged Riverfront, Outer Outlet, and Hazard House.

Starting today, it's possible to pre-purchase the expansion pack for ¥1,200 (US$12). Those who do get a special in-game present on March 24: A cardboard box head item.

Three new maps and two new super-powerful playable characters are just the tip of the iceberg for Konami's upcoming SCENE expansion for Metal Gear Online. Along with the introduction of Raiden and Vamp and the maps revealed during the initial announcement, a whole mess of new special gear is coming along with it. Players will be able to dress themselves in bikinis, clown face paint, a hockey mask, and even the head of Robbie the Rabbit from Silent Hill. If ever a rabbit needed to be shot, this is the rabbit.

Along with the new clothes comes a new game type, free to all players whether or not they purchase the pack. Solo Capture is the same as Team Capture, only you're alone.

The Metal Gear Online SCENE expansion will be available via the in-game shop or on Konami's website on March 17th for $9.99, with pre-orders kicking off on the 10th. Players playing catch-up can get SCENE and the MEME expansion for $14.99, or SCENE, MEME, and GENE for $17.99.

Check out the list below to see what else is in store for you once the SCENE expansion drops.

FEATURES:

2 new special characters
o Raiden - A cyborg warrior endowed with superior physical abilities. He is agile, runs fast
and uses a high frequency blade. This character is suitable for close-range hand-to-hand
combat

Raiden's Special Weapons:
o High Frequency Blade
o Throwing Knives (Raiden and Vamp can perform headshots by throwing knives)

Raiden's Special items:
o VISOR (item can be used opened and closed)

Raiden's Special Actions:
o He moves very quickly and can jump to high places where ordinary soldiers would
need a co-op boost to reach high grounds.
o He can also fall from high places and land without taking any damage.
o When his High Frequency Blade is drawn, Raiden can deflect frontal attacks.
o The High Frequency Blade can be switched to a non-lethal mode - by using the
rear of the blade.
o All stage traps will be displayed on Raiden's VISOR display when the VISOR is
closed

o Vamp - Immortal and a master of Knives. He's agile, runs incredibly fast and is great at
close-range hand-to-hand combat.

Vamp's Special Weapons:
o Combat Knife
o Throwing Knife

Vamp's Special Actions:
o He's able to move quickly and jump to hard to reach places.
o Can also fall from high places without taking damage.
o Whenever Vamp is defeated during the game, he is resurrected at the same
location.

· New Rule - A new game type that will be available to everyone as a global update to Metal
Gear Online with or without the expansion pack.

o Solo Capture (SCAP): Free-For-All Match with no team divisions,

Game Rules:
o The player who is able to keep possession of the target object (Kerotan frog) and
lets the timer reach zero will be the winner.
o Only one Kerotan per match will be available.
o The Kerotan will also reset to its original location if a player does not touch the
object for an extended period of time.
o Defeating players who do not possess the Kerotan will not grant characters
points, but will reduce the time of the defeated player.

· Special New Gear - Players can customize their avatar with playful new gear. Some of this
new gear includes:

o Bikini Outfit
o Haven Trooper Uniform Set
o Resistance Uniform Set
o Clown Face Paint
o Hockey Mask
o Mohawk Wig
o Short Cut Wig
o Shirtless
o Robbie (Silent Hill character)

· MGO Codec Pack 2
o 33 different voices and phrases of unique characters are included

Not only does the SCENE Expansion add Vamp and Raiden to the list of special characters in MGO, it adds punchily named maps like Ravaged Riverfront, Outer Outlet, and Hazard House.

Do stick around for the Robbie the Rabbit-head wearing girl in a bikini and furry pants near the end.

Yes, Raiden makes his appearance in the SCENE update for Metal Gear Online, bringing Vamp along with him for the ride. The dynamic duo feature extraordinary physical abilities and overwhelming destructive power, though Konami has yet to confirm nor deny the possibility of wielding a katana with your feet.

Along with the new characters come three new maps. Outer Outlet and Ravaged Riverfront are both perfect for medium to long range combat, while the close quarters of the Hazard House mansion will allow players to practice some close range maneuvers.

The SCENE update will be available in March, but players can opt to preorder the expansion via the Metal Gear Online's in-game shop or Konami's website in order to receive a special free gift - a cardboard box helmet. Classy!

Check out the first screenshots from the SCENE expansion below, complete with plenty of sexy cyber-ninja action.

Here's the note Konami sent out to players late yesterday afternoon:

Konami has a firm policy regarding cheating in Metal Gear Online. It will not be tolerated. In keeping with this position, we have taken action against 113 accounts participating in prohibited behavior.

The role of the gaming community in keeping Metal Gear Online free of this type of activity cannot be overstated. You are the first line of defense. We encourage you to report instances of prohibited behavior and ask that you provide any evidence you may have regarding these events.

Violations can be reported to us at: support@konami.com

All reports will be reviewed; necessary and appropriate actions to address the issue will be taken immediately. Due to privacy concerns, we will not be able to notify you of our findings, nor of the actions taken to resolve the reported violation.

We wish to thank you for your continued support of Metal Gear Online.

Konami, citing privacy, refused to say what "action" it had taken, but I doubt it was pleasant. It sounds like this is a "we heard you loud and clear," type notice.

The tipster who mentioned this to us said the abuses - "glitchers locking themselves into walls and shooting through entire maps, making them unstoppable to reach" - were for months a common gripe among MGO players. Many said they were through with MGO until the issue was resolved, and it looks like that number became large enough to force Konami to act.

Konami Takes Action Against 113 Metal Gear Online Accounts [Game Observer, thanks reader Jim D.]

Due to land on January 27th — no need to do anything regular Metal Gear Online players, it will coincide with regular maintenance — the new mode adds classic bomb defusing tactics to the online arm of Metal Gear Solid 4.

Yes, it's free.

Further details and screen shots from Metal Gear Online's new mode can be found in the official announcement after this.

KONAMI ANNOUNCES FREE BOMB MISSION FOR METAL GEAR™ ONLINE

Available on January 27th, All-New Mission Enhances MGO Experience By Requiring Players to Eliminate the Defending Team, Protect the Base, and Plant Bombs to Destroy the Defending Team Stronghold

Konami announced today that an all-new mission for the hit online tactical shooter, Metal Gear Online, the online multi-player player experience that is included free in the retail version of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, will be available for download on January 27th. Free to all registered Metal Gear Online users, the Bomb Mission provides players with an all-new combat experience that expands the playability and adds variety to the online phenomenon. The new mission will automatically be implemented during the regular Metal Gear™ Online maintenance when players sign into their MGO accounts.

In the new mission, the offensive team's objectives will be to detonate a bomb at a targeted location in the map and protect it until it explodes. The defending team must protect its stronghold and prevent the planted bombs from detonating by using a special coolant to nullify an activated bomb and stop the attacking team from approaching the base. To complete the mission and come out victorious the attacking team must detonate the bomb within the mission time limit if they fail the defending team wins.

For more information, please visit: www.konami.com.

The promotional item wishes players happy holidays from Kojima Productions and will be available until January 6. This isn't Akina's first rodeo with the Metal Gear publicity train. She appeared on Metal Gear Solid 4 posters and at MGS4 press events, among other things.

『メタルギア オンライン』にアッキーナ仕様のグラビア雑誌が期間限定で登場 [Famitsu]

(by way of game site CVG)

MGO Ver.1.20 Update information

Updates include:

All alterations
1) New skills
2) Change of skill specification
3) New rules:
- Interval
- Stealth Deathmatch
4) New BGMs
5) Change of weapon specification
6) New explanation of weapon
7) New functions "Skill Set" and "Gear Set"
8) Briefing Screen appears changed
9) The Game Screen appears changed
10) New Gears

Lobby
1) The icon was added to the lobby name in "Lobby Select" menu.
2) The time which can enter the survival lobby was restricted.
3) Automatching lobby was divided.
4) Survival lobby was divided.
5) The headshots invalid lobby was added.

Ranking
1) The figure of the displayed ranking was increased.
2) The quantity of the ranking which moves by the left button or the right button was changed.
3) When viewing personal details, the page of a corresponding rule will be opened by the default.
4) The GRADE display of the player details was unified with "Community Support Page".

SURVIVAL
1) The total number of the Teams currently in battle is added to "Survival match List".
2) "Clan Members Only" is added to the stance of "Creat Team".
3) "Clan Members Only" is added to the condition of the filtering stance.
4) The icon of "Spanner" is displayed next to the character name who exists in "Personal" menu etc.

Others
1) "Radar orientation" added in "Gameplay Options".
2) "Appearance Settings" was changed.
3) The icon of EXPANSION which shows the owned pack was added to "Personal Stats".
4) The icon of "Beginner" added to the "Personal Stats" of biginners.
5) The E-mail Address was changed from "GM" to "CS"(Customer Support).
6) The new functions "Delete all read messages", "Delete all messages from a particular sender" and "Delete all messages" added to inbox of Mail.
7) Decision method of the "Beginner" was changed.
8) "EXPANSION PACK" is added to the condition of the filtering stance of "Free Battle".
9) The display was added to appear when Riward Points was earned at the time of login and the Automatching play.
10) The display of the current Riward was changed on the Personal menu.
11) Warning is displayed when playing for a long time.
12) The score came to be added through assistance action.
13) Change in the specification of the level up.
14) If you Quit the game before finish, the record will be added to your profile.
15) The icon of "Friendly Fire" and "Voice Chat" and "Lock on" were added to "COMMON SETTINGS" of Free Battle and Survival.
16) The camera was added to the equipment of Mk.II.
17) The function which turns OFF a text chat was added to the "MUTE" menu of "BRIEFING"
18) When one of the team disappeared from the Free Battle, the game becomes invalid match.

For MEME EXPANSION only
1) New Maps:
- Forest Firefight (F.F.)
- Silo Sunset(S.S.)
- Winter Warehouse (W.W.)
2) New unique characters:
- LIQUID OCELOT
- MEI LING
3) New game mode "Tournament"

Metal Gear patched [CVG]

The Meme expansion of course adds three new maps to Metal Gear Online, along with two new characters; Revolver Ocelot and the lovely Mei Ling, who has the means to transfix enemies by strutting her stuff. Hit the jump for new screens from the expansion.

Metal Gear Online gets MEME EXPANSION

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH reveals new MEME EXPANSION for Metal Gear Online

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced that the latest downloadable content for its Metal Gear Online title for PLAYSTATION®3 will be released on November 25th. Entitled MEME EXPANSION, the download adds new characters and gameplay elements to Hideo Kojima’s hugely popular online epic.

The MEME EXPANSION unveils two new special characters, which are playable for the first time. Liquid Ocelot enters the fray with the ability to manipulate the Sons of the Patriots’ lock system using his Guns of the Patriots skills, and can also deactivate the weaponry of a targeted for within Metal Gear Online’s multi-player modes. Similarly, Mei Ling comes into play with three unique attributes, including the Trench Mortar weapon, Soliton Sonar capabilities, and the means to transfix enemies.

Three new maps have also been created, with the rough, uneven industrial elements of Silo Sunset, the dense foliage of Forest Firefight and a snow-blown deserted factory called Winter Warehouse available for the first time. The download also implements a number of new rules, which are also now available without the MEME EXPANSION update. A new ‘No Headshot’ setting allows players to attribute the same level of damage when shot in the head to that of a regular body shot. ‘Stealth Death Match’ allows users to compete with the stealth elements switched on automatically; while the ‘Interval’ setting allows used to practice and chat with each other within the battlefield, without their ranking or records being adversely affected.

An official Tournament lobby has also been created to pit players in battle situations where points are up for grabs and can be spent on the customisation of a character or on new gear. Likewise, a series of familiar humorous elements can also be used within the customise field, including the Crocodile Cap made famous in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, the Ghillie Suite camo from the same game, and an afro hair style.

Metal Gear Online fans will be able to pre-purchase the MEME EXPANSION elements for 7,99 Euro from November 18th, with a bundle containing both the new elements and the previous GENE EXPANSION update also available at the same date for 12,99 Euro. Users can access the new additions of the MEME EXPANSION after the official start on November 25th.

Also. The Games Japan Festa answered a truly important question, what is the planet's greatest retro gaming pin-up model doing with Metal Gear? She's apparently wearing a beret and pointing a plastic gun at Famitsu photographers. That's Haruna Anno in the picture. Now that question is answered, let's movie on to the important stuff like what created the universe and how babies are made. Mysteries!

最新100タイトル以上が遊べた“第7回Games Japan Festa 2008”ではXbox 360の充実ぶりが際立つ [Famitsu]

This comes as MGO is gets its second expansion pack this year.

Metal Gear Online hits 1 million members [Games Industry]

KONAMI ANNOUNCES METAL GEAR™ ONLINE'S SECOND EXPANSION PACK

EL SEGUNDO, CA - October 6, 2008 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced the second Metal Gear Online expansion pack - MEME Expansion — will be available for download later this year. Soon to be available through the Metal Gear Online shop, MEME Expansion will contain a vast amount of new content including new maps, special characters, new skills, tournament lobby and more.

Please find below further details on the new content in the expansion pack:

3 New Maps
- Silo Sunset - One of the most popular stages in the handheld Metal Gear Solid® Portable Ops has been renewed for the world of Metal Gear Online.
- Forest Firefight - Taken from Metal Gear Solid 3, this dense jungle gives players a new tense atmosphere with plenty of camouflage options.
- Winter Warehouse - An original stage created for Metal Gear Online, players will have to search for suitable cover, in and around, this dilapidated factory blanketed in snow.

2 New Special Characters
- Liquid Ocelot and Mei Ling

· Additional Rules and Settings - These can be selected without purchasing the second expansion pack

· Avatar Parts - Players can adorn their avatar with new accessories.

Honestly, officially, I can't say anything on Konami ID and Game ID. It's a company policy. But frankly speaking, the idea wasn't a very good one. The fact is that Konami's direction was that we create a Game ID and Konami ID for the online components, and now we're seeing that it's not working so well, and we have to think about how to turn it around.

By "turn it around" do you mean "get rid of it"?

Hideo Kojima MGS4 Afterthoughts [1UP]

I am a Metal Gear solid diehard fan & was so happy to play MGO... I'd tried to purchase the gene expansion of Metal Gear Online but first...the server was 'down' (as usual)...then when they 'fixed' it...u can only purchase the expansion from only selected countries...I live in the Middle-east, & they don’t except any online credit purchase in their site from my country...

I tried to create an American Konami ID use so I can purchase the expansion...and...doesn't work... I tried to contact Konami for help.. But I couldn't find any. I mean... why can't they just put it on the PSN... it's much easier & we will not face any server issues like we usually see in on MGO servers

After Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Online disaster on the PS3... And these MGO problems... I began to believe that Konami sucks when it comes to online play.
So guys... if there any way to purchase the gene expansion... any trick any thing... please... tell me...I am so desperate

Apparently, there are thirty countries that Konami will not accept credit card purchases from. Hit the jump for those:

Andorra
Bahrain
Bosnia Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Egypt
Estonia
Gibraltar
Hungary
Iceland
India
Israel
Jordan
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Malta & Gozo
Monaco
Montenegro
Morocco
Oman
Poland
Qatar
Romania
Russia
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
Turkey
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
Vatican