Metal Gear Solid V has been out a while now, but here are some impressions from the latest in the series of tactical espionage operations.
Creator Hideo Kojima, who has now parted ways with Konami, has left clear imprints on his final Metal Gear Solid, which resembles that of Peace Walker, as the aim of the game is to play through missions and gradually assemble a ‘Mother Base’. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain follows the events of Ground Zeros, continuing to explain and expand upon last year’s release.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Developer: Kojima Productions
Publisher: Konami
Price: $59.00 USD (Amazon),
MGSV A Little Different
The game is presented as a large open world, featuring environments from Afghanistan and Africa, with plenty of side quests, base-building and story content to keep fans happy. MGSV differs from that of 4, however, as there is more emphasis on gameplay, with significantly reduced cut-scenes and multiple ways to tackle each situation.
Metal Gear Online has returned, pitting players against each other to test who can perform the most boss-like within three given modes, and another online element, involving invading other player’s bases in order to steal staff members and resources is available, with the unlock of ‘Forward Operating Bases’.
Metal Gear Solid V is clearly a product of Kojima, and not just because every mission starts with his name on the opening/ending credits, as the game is simply gripping, and has the classic Metal Gear Solid contrast between realism and the absolutely crazy, typically explained via ‘nanomachines’ and ‘metal gear’.
Returning characters include Snake, Miller, Revolver Ocelot and Huey, and new friends and enemies such as Quiet, D-Dog and Skull Face also appear.
Overview
Overall Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain has been a blast to play, with plenty of combat options and new modes to add to the games’ lifespan, however, the story feels stretched, and the fact that David Hayter no longer plays Snake/Big Boss is a downside to the game as he brought an iconic voice to the franchise.