Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is already set to be a massive event, but when other companies want to muscle in on the action, what better way than to immortalise their products in the game itself?

Yes, this is advertising, Snake style. In fact, you’ve already had a glimpse at the possibilities of outside influences making their way into the world of Metal Gear with Kojima Production’s April Fools video. You’ll be pleased to know that you will be able to sport the costume in the game yourself after completing a certain special task… Even dressed as Altair, Snake’s character will shine through, mainly via his glowing cigarette.

As for real world objects, Apple’s Ipod makes an appearance. Using the Ipod, Snake can select tracks that were found scattered through the game, in addition to downloading new music from the web. Nice touch, aye?

The popular Japanese energy drink Regain will also be featured in MGS4, as evidenced by the title image. Selectable from the itinerary, the drink will increase Snake’s stamina. Moreover, if you’re lucky enough to live in Japan, you’ll get either an MGS4-themed mobile phone cleaner or dog tags when you purchase the real life beverage. Here’s an amusing skit with Snake taking full advantage of the energy drink:

Other collaborations come from the likes of Sony Ericsson’s W62S phone being used by Vamp and Naomi, as well as Triumph continuing their Metal Gear appearances with two of their Motorcycle models taking their place in the cutscenes. What’s more, the in-game Ga-Ko Alarm Clock will make the transition from video game to reality on June 31st at a price of 2,800 yen.

Yes, MGS4 is turning into quite the movie-like spectacle, even screening big-budget ads based in the Metal Gear Universe (such as Praying Mantis unmanned security systems) before showing off live gameplay footage in Tokyo. You can view these fake commercials over at the new official MGS website, where you’ll also find a host of new footage and interactive features. Whoops, who’s advertising now?!

So what’s missing from all of this? An advertisement of MGS4 itself that’s what! Without further a-do, here’s the US Theatrical trailer complete with corny American voice-over. From now on I suggest you go on an MGS4 black out until the sneak out on June 12th:

Sources: Gamespot, IGN

Tags: alarm_clock, dog_tags, fake_commercials, gameplay_footage, metal_gear_solid_4_guns_of_the_patriots, selectable, sony_ericsson

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