Before I get started let me just say that I came straight from playing COD4 to the MGO beta having never played any game from the Metal Gear franchise before. I know that they are two completely different genres but I think it's fair to be able to compare them from an 'online game' perspective.

That being said let me start my first 'rant'...

Matchmaking and the lobby system in MGO is confusing, after selecting either of those you are given the choice of searching using character names from MG such as snake, raiden etc shits me what any of this actually does (something about skill level?) but it's not as easy as just selecting 'find game' in COD4.

Controls... whoa.

It took me about 5 minutes to work out how to change weapons, although that may be due in part to the fact that I skipped the training section. It's not exactly pick up and play and after the half hour or so that I've been able to play I've gotten used to it. My only remaining problem is switching to first person, I would love to be able to just hit a shoulder button and instantly be in first person button instead of having to press two buttons - too used to playing FPS

It would be stupid to compare the pacing of MGO to any FPS but having never played a game in the franchise before I didn't know exactly what to expect. I think it's fair to say that the gameplay is fairly slow. But tactical.

I know this is a beta, so you can maybe disregard the comments on the lobby and matchmaking system as these could possibly change before the final release. I also couldn't figure out if it's possible to send game invites to friends, although if someone has, feel free to correct me.