Developers of 4: Guns of the Patriots are apparently entering "the final push," the long-awaited exclusive title finally looking near to release.

Konami have been vague about their release date plans for the game, which was originally due for release in 2007, before this key title was pushed back to Q2 2008, prompting chatter that further delays might be possible.

It looks like the game might nearly be ready for release, however, Report podcast revealing that the game is fully playable and is being bug tested.

"Mr. Kojima of all people is really committed to [the date] because he really hates to disappoint people, and I know he is embarrassed by what happened with the 2007 slip into 2008," assistant producer Ryan Payton revealed.

Payton also let slip that the game should be out in most regions near-similtaneously, though no specific dating has been offered as yet.

By Luke Guttridge