While no big game in recent history has made the first couple of release dates that are announced by the developers, it doesn't make the news of a delay hurt any less. It is for this reason that I share with you the following e-mail from Gamestop and EB to customers who pre-ordered the title with a heavy heart:

Dear Customer,

You have signed up to receive release date changes for:

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product_id=T000316

Old Release Date - 9/1/2007
New Release Date - 3/1/2008

Thank you for visiting EBgames.com!

NOTE: The product release date is the best estimate as to when the product will become available. These dates are subject to change at anytime. EBGames.com is in constant communication with product vendors to provide you with the most accurate release dates possible.

Since most people I know say the only game that makes them even consider purchasing a PS3 is MGS4, and because MGS4 was supposed to compete with several X360 holiday releases, this serves as more bad news for Sony. However, no one wants a game like MGS4 to be released before it's ready, as that would be even worse news for Sony.

Personally, the sting hurts me because I see this 3/1/2008 date and I see Holiday 2008. I guess we'll see.