Webster's defines the word Insane as "not sane; not of sound mind; mentally deranged." This definition seems appropriately applied when describing the long line of fans waiting at the Virgin Megastore in New York City for the midnight launch of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. But these fans weren't only in line for the game, they'd have a rare opportunity to get the game's director, Hideo Kojima, to autograph his latest creation.

After experiencing all the Grand Theft Auto IV launch excitement about a month ago, I was skeptical that another game launch night could match the commotion. But there I was, standing in front of Virgin Megastore staring at a massive line that stretched all the way to 6 Avenue and about halfway around the other side. The first people in line had been there since lunchtime. That's about 12 hours of standing!

Most fans had Kojima and Co. autograph their copy of MGS4, but others brought some interesting items. Check out the gallery from the night below to see what I mean.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Midnight Launch Pictures

    First handful of fans standing in line looking to get an autograph. Some of them had school tomorrow, but that didn't stop them from coming out.

    Jim Reilly

    Yes, somebody did bring a real snake to the signing. And yes, he teased children with it.

    Jim Reilly

    Not a whole lot of cosplay last night, but this was clearly the best of the night. He tried to CQC me, but I just walked away in the other direction.

    Jim Reilly

    These were the first people waiting in line and the first people to purchase MGS4 last night.

    Jim Reilly

    Kojima makes his arrival. Fans go insane. It was like Jesus descending from heaven as he came down the escalator.

    Jim Reilly

    Not a very compelling picture, but I just wanted to point out how close my head was to Kojima's as he walked by me. Our lungs must have had a battle for the air in that space. Since neither one of us passed out, I'm assuming it's a draw. But next time Kojima!

    Jim Reilly

    Kojima reacts to fans shouting his name. "KO-JI-MA" and "M-G-S" were the chants of choice.

    Jim Reilly

    Wired's Chris Kohler can't wait for an autograph. At first he wasn't interested in getting the game signed, but he gave in eventually.

    Jim Reilly

    Joystiq's very own Andrew Yoon can't contain himself. He was looking sharp, as usual.

    Jim Reilly

    Easily the best item brought to the signing was a cardboard box. Very creative if I must say so myself. There was a debate as to whether or not it was his home or somebody else's.

    Jim Reilly


It took Kojima about eight seconds per autograph. He was there for nearly two hours (900 autograghs?!). That adds up to a lot of time spent writing your name. Kojima, however, never showed any sign of fatigue. He stayed with it. I left around 1:30-ish and there were almost 200 people still waiting outside!

Yumi Kikuchi (who modeled the Raging Raven character) was also there. Christopher Randolph (the voice of Otacon) were also on hand. Randolph spent some time signing autographs for people that had been waiting patiently in line. It was pretty strange talking to him. It sounded like Otacon was contacting me through a codec in my ear.

Overall, the launch was a sweaty, dehydrating success. It was great to see the die-hards come away satisfied after waiting so long to meet the creator of Metal Gear. Now, the wait for the next Metal Gear game begins!

Let us know if you have any awesome Metal Gear launch stories from last night!