Is just the "last chapter of the saga of the Solid Snake story".

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots screenshot

Kojima Productions associate producer Ryan Payton has explained that although Metal Gear Solid 4 is the last game in the Solid Snake story, it won't be the last Metal Gear title.

"I think there's been some misconceptions that this is the last Metal Gear," said Payton. "This is really just the last chapter of the saga of the Solid Snake story."

And fans thinking there's still a chance Snake will return, think again.

"I think he is kind of nervous about it," added Payton. "You can't continue from this step. You can't start next chapter. We really do close up the story."

Metal Gear Solid 4 is scheduled for release exclusively for PlayStation 3 on June 12.