The Japanese Special Edition of Metal Gear Solid 4, distinguished by its layered presentation, exclusive SteelBook and bonus Blu-ray documenting the game’s production.
Release Date
12 June 2008
Platform
PlayStation 3
Region
Japan
Publisher
Konami Digital Entertainment
Catalogue Number
BLJM-67002
Edition
Special Edition
Contents
PS3 game, 53-page manual, bonus Blu-ray SteelBook, layered presentation packaging
Significance
Japanese launch-day collector’s edition of the concluding chapter of Solid Snake’s story
Summary
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots was released worldwide in June 2008 as the fourth numbered Metal Gear Solid title. Directed, produced and designed by Hideo Kojima, it follows an ageing Solid Snake – now known as Old Snake – and was conceived as the culmination of many of the characters and storylines established throughout the series.
Konami released several configurations in Japan, including the standard game, this Special Edition and a Premium Pack containing the Special Edition alongside the gunmetal-coloured “Hagane” PlayStation 3 console.
The Special Edition retains the complete game while adding a separate Limited Edition Bonus Disc presented inside a dedicated metallic SteelBook. Its packaging is particularly distinctive: the two cases sit within an illustrated inner cardboard holder, which itself slides into a second outer sleeve dominated by a close-up portrait of Old Snake.
Release & Version Details
The Japanese Special Edition launched alongside the standard edition on 12 June 2008 under catalogue number BLJM-67002.
The game itself is housed in a conventional PS3 Blu-ray case with exclusive illustrated cover artwork. Alongside it is a separate SteelBook carrying monochrome Old Snake artwork and containing the Limited Edition Bonus Disc.
The bonus Blu-ray includes approximately 36 minutes of behind-the-scenes material documenting the closing stages of the game’s development and the work of Hideo Kojima and the production staff.
Also included is the substantial 53-page Japanese manual. Rather than functioning solely as an instruction booklet, it incorporates extensive illustrated comic-style material, making it an unusually elaborate example of the printed manuals supplied with major games of this period.
A high-resolution preservation scan of the complete 53-page manual/comic is available for download below.
Why It’s Significant
Metal Gear Solid 4 represented one of the defining early exclusives of the PlayStation 3 generation and an important milestone for the Metal Gear series. Its original release was also notable for being the first Metal Gear title launched simultaneously across Japan, North America, Europe and Asia.
The Japanese Special Edition preserves more of the physical presentation surrounding that launch than the standard release. Its dedicated bonus Blu-ray, SteelBook, elaborate printed manual and unusual sleeve-within-a-sleeve construction make the packaging itself an important part of the release.
Preservation Notes
Complete copies should retain both illustrated cardboard packaging layers, the standard PS3 game case and disc, 53-page manual, SteelBook and Limited Edition Bonus Blu-ray.
The large dark cardboard sleeves are particularly susceptible to edge wear, rubbing and surface marks. The removable inner holder is also easily separated from the outer sleeve, making incomplete examples possible.
The bonus disc can be identified by its white Limited Edition Bonus Disc label and Old Snake artwork. Its dedicated SteelBook uses a metallic finish with monochrome Old Snake artwork.
Trivia & Interesting Facts
The Special Edition was also included intact within Japan’s more elaborate Metal Gear Solid 4 Premium Pack, which paired it with the limited gunmetal “Hagane” 40GB PlayStation 3 and matching DualShock 3.
The bonus Blu-ray includes the documentary Hideo Kojima’s Gene, covering the final stages of production.
The Japanese release uses artwork by series illustrator Yoji Shinkawa prominently throughout its physical presentation.
The game’s worldwide release on 12 June 2008 marked the first simultaneous international launch in the history of the Metal Gear series.
About the Snows Mini Preservation Project
This item has been documented as part of the Snows Mini Preservation Project, an ongoing effort to preserve and catalogue physical media. Our aim is to record releases, variations and their historical significance for collectors and future enthusiasts. Most items featured in the project form part of our archive and may not be for sale.
Downloads & Photos
Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots Special Edition with Steelbook | PS3 | Pre-owned
A Special Edition release of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, presented in a collectible Blu-ray steelbook case. As the conclusion to Solid Snake’s story, this entry remains one of the most significant releases in the Metal Gear series and a popular addition to Kojima-era collections.
Platform:
PlayStation 3
Publisher:
Konami
Region:
Japan (NTSC-J). PS3 is region-free and plays on all PS3 consoles.
Language:
Japanese. Japanese. English gameplay is not guaranteed.
Contents:
Original game, Blu-ray steelbook case and inserts as issued. For exact contents please refer to the photos.
Collectibility notes:
Japanese Special Edition featuring exclusive steelbook packaging. A notable collector’s release due to its presentation and its role as the final mainline chapter in Solid Snake’s story.
Condition:
Good. Noticeable signs of age and use. The steelbook shows age-related wear. Consistent with its age and may show some shelving or storage wear.
Disclaimer:
This item has not been tested and is sold as a collectible. Please message us before ordering if you have any questions.
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