Metal Gear Solid 4: Coming to North America on June 12

Up until now, we’ve only had a promise of a “Q2 2008” release for Metal Gear Solid 4, which is easily one of the system’s most highly anticipated games. An FAQ posted on PlayStation.Blog has not only provided us with the game’s release date in North America – June 12 – but also information on what’s in the Metal Gear Online Starter Pack, when the MGO beta test begins, and more.

Here are a few select Q&As from the FAQ:

Q: What’s in the Metal Gear Online Starter Pack?
A: The Metal Gear Online Starter Pack, included with Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, is a squad-based, online multiplayer tactical shooter that supports up to 16 players and takes place in the Metal Gear Solid universe.

Q: When is the Metal Gear Online multiplayer beta test?
A: The Metal Gear Online multiplayer beta test is scheduled to begin on April 21, 2008.

Q: How long will the Metal Gear Online beta test run?
A: The Metal Gear Online multiplayer beta test will run for approximately 2 weeks

Q: Is there a time frame for the pre-order to gain access to the beta? When does the pre-order period begin?
A: The pre-order will begin April 2008. Check with your local retailer on availability.

Q: Is there any special process that consumers must go through to verify their participation in the beta?
A: When the pre-order program begins in April 2008, consumers who pre-order Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will receive the Metal Gear Saga 2.0 DVD, containing a Prologue that recaps the Metal Gear franchise, a 20th Anniversary retrospective, character bios for Big Boss, Liquid Snake, Solidus Snake, and Solid Snake, plus a collection of international trailers of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. This pre-order package also contains an insert with a download code and special instructions for accessing the Metal Gear Online beta test when it goes live in late April.

I’m particularly happy to see you’ll be able to get a recap of the Metal Gear franchise; that’ll save me the effort of playing through the first three games in time to make the MGS4 release, and having to deal with the first game’s archaic controls. (Or is that first three games?) As if beta access weren’t reason enough to pre-order, consider me sold.

Head over to PlayStation.Blog for the rest of the FAQ.