An Image appeared online today and the word on the underground grape vine is that it is the box-art for the EU release of Konami’s upcoming blockbuster Metal Gear Solid 4. The image originated from German site play3.de. It has also appeared on online retailers GAME.co.uk and Play.com, lending some credence.

With this revelation it’s beginning to look less and less likely that the EU has any kind of special edition to look forward to, unlike the rest of the planet. Pre-orders of the US release will receive a bonus DVD and a code for the download of the MGO beta and the Japanese will receive a limited edition “Steel” PS3 bundled with the game.

As exciting as this is, it’s still a shame to see Europe get shafted once again. Though the game will see a simultaneous worldwide release it always seems to be the way that Europe draws the short straw in terms of those little extras.

[See also: Metal Gear Solid 4 gallery, Metal Gear Online gallery]