Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

 PC
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2905 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,071 out of 2905
  2. Mixed: 461 out of 2905
  3. Negative: 373 out of 2905

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  1. Gohenko
    Sep 27, 2015
    8
    Before you read this review, I would like to point out that I'm a newcomer to the franchise, having only played Ground Zeroes before this. I only judge the game itself as a whole and not how well it fits within the Metal Gear franchise.

    MGSV is, for the most part, an excellent game and very unique in many ways. Gameplay mechanics are top notch, probably the best in any stealth action    Before you read this review, I would like to point out that I'm a newcomer to the franchise, having only played Ground Zeroes before this. I only judge the game itself as a whole and not how well it fits within the Metal Gear franchise.

    MGSV is, for the most part, an excellent game and very unique in many ways. Gameplay mechanics are top notch, probably the best in any stealth action game ever besides the sometimes clumsy cover system. I already fell in love with the gameplay in GZ, and TPP offers a more refined version of that. The game is stealth focused, but handles more than adequately in full-on combat as well. The story, while having a lot of silliness in it, tries to keep things mostly serious, while the gameplay often abandons the realism in favour of pure fun and over-the-top action. Hiding in cardboard boxes, launching sheep into air with a balloon, calling in a support helicopter to shoot down enemies while playing "Take On Me" on the loudspeakers...what's not to like?

    The controls are fine on kb+m, but it's clear they were designed with a controller in mind. Performance-wise, the game is well optimised for PC. My gtx 970 and i7-4790k can run it on max settings without even breaking a sweat. The graphics are quite good for the most part, but the lack of proper anti-aliasing and some low-res textures can get quite annoying. The options menu also lacks any proper audio sliders.

    The stealth and combat gameplay is mostly done in one of the two open worlds areas in the game, Afghanistan and Africa. Both are fairly big, but as they are warzones with no civilian life whatsoever, they don't really have much going on other than plants, wildlife and enemy outposts. There are 50 main missions and 157 side ops to do, and the objectives are usually quite simple and tend to repeat themselves after a while. However, even after 100 hours of gameplay I still haven't grown tired of doing them due to the unlimited freedom and the sheer amount of variables in play every time I do a mission or a side op. Other side activities include gathering resources, capturing outposts, finding secrets, collecting money and sending your mercenaries on assignments. I've found the online FOB mechanic quite unnecessary and often irritating as you can be dragged to defend your FOB just as you're trying to get an S rank in some mission. The FOB infiltration is also hilariously difficult when the player whose FOB you're invading decides to come and defend it.

    A big part of the game is managing your own private military force. It's very addicting and almost like a game in itself. Pretty much everything you can think of is customisable and there's a lot to construct and develop. You can recruit enemy soldiers to your mercenary group by extracting them from the field. Your field gear is highly customisable, letting you choose everything from your equipment to your buddy and/or vehicle going to the field with you.

    The story is interesting, but quite sparse. There were some interesting stuff explored in the game with themes like revenge, language and identity, and there were a few particular scenes in the game that will stay with me for years to come, but ultimately I was left wanting a bit more. Too much of the story is hidden away in cassette tapes, and to be honest, listening to them started to feel too much of a chore after some time. Chapter 2 is missing a real narrative drive to keep it going forward and it also ends really abruptly, leaving loose ends and a feeling that there was supposed to be more.

    Other than the story, the game does have its fair share of other problems. The open world doesn't really help the game as much as I think the developers wanted it to. Even with real-time weather and great freedom in gameplay, it does get annoying when you start to go through the same areas time and time again while never coming across totally unexpected things on the way. The online FOBs feel a bit unnecessary and tacked on, especially with their microtransactions. The enemy AI, while for the most part quite good, doesn't always act all that intelligently. When you're spotted and try to break the line of sight, enemies hardly ever actively chase you. Enemy soldiers' vision is also a bit weird, sometimes they have a hard time seeing you from 10 meters away when you're crouching and at other times they might see you and instantly alert the whole base even when you're hiding in tall grass over 50 meters away in pitch black darkness. It seems like the enemy's combat rating affects how well and far away they can see. It does allow for the game to have a really cool feeling of progressive difficulty where enemies get constantly better and harder to beat while you constantly get better equipment and also get better playing the game.

    Overall, the experience I've had with MGSV has been very memorable and unique and I have no problems recommending it to anyone who can imagine liking an action game with a stealth focus.    … Expand
  2. RaidXT
    Sep 12, 2015
    8
    a great game, allot of content gameplay wise.
    but pretty much half the story is missing/cut.
    the game feels incomplete and the missing scenes on the collectors disc proves that.
    still a good game if you want to do some infiltration gameplay and build/manage your motherbase.
  3. Eikast
    Sep 8, 2015
    8
    No spoilers here.

    TLDR: Pros: +Great gameplay +Good amount of content. Chapter 1, 2 will take around 38-40 hours depending on fast you rush content. +Graphics are stunning on the PC at 4K +Good optimization for PC +I love MGS so much that I'm playing it again on the PS4 +Cinematic render in real time. The blood you have on you will show in the cinematic. Cons: -Story was a    No spoilers here.

    TLDR:

    Pros:
    +Great gameplay
    +Good amount of content. Chapter 1, 2 will take around 38-40 hours depending on fast you rush content.
    +Graphics are stunning on the PC at 4K
    +Good optimization for PC
    +I love MGS so much that I'm playing it again on the PS4
    +Cinematic render in real time. The blood you have on you will show in the cinematic.

    Cons:
    -Story was a letdown compared to previous games
    -Dangerously very few cinematic scenes. Which is bad because MGS games are known for their story
    -Game was unfinished (missing important final boss fight)
    -Game can feel repetitive

    So just to clarify, I beat chapter 1 and 2. So I did beat the game so this is an honest review from a die hard MGS fan. I play MGS1, MGS2, MGS3, and MGS4 on their original platforms. I unfortunately did not beat Peace Walker. I didn't like how that game (Peace Walker) was based on missions instead of the linear flow of the previous games.

    Unfortunately, the downfall of this game for most die hard MGS fans is that this game was tailored to be mainstream. Instead of a linear fantastic story, you get an open world were the story is sacrificed, yet the gameplay is better than ever. Also, this game feels close to Assassins Creed, being that most missions have the same core (extract, destroy equipment, eliminate target) feel. Also a lot of the main story missions feel too much like a filler mission. Like the filler episodes you'll get on TV series that are there just to extend a season to 20-30 episodes.

    The biggest insult is that later in the game, "new" missions appear that are basically the exact same missions that you completed before except there will be a new twist. You'll have to do these new missions or do new side ops to advance the story. So my advice is to keep a good amount of side ops for towards the end of the game.

    Also as of this writing, do not use the female buddy during mission 29 and 42. As of this review there is a critical bug that will corrupt your save file. I used her on mission 29 and didn't encounter the bug, but I didn't bother with 42 because mission 42 if I remember correctly was the same mission with a twist.

    Also note that Konami did us dirty. There was suppose to be an epic ending but it wasn't finished and therefore is not in the game.    … Expand
  4. SarudeDankstorm
    Dec 3, 2015
    8
    Pros:

    + open world + lots of side quests that feel fresh every time you do them + 'play your way' style of game play so you can do missions however YOU want them to + doesn't punish you for playing lethally, unlike most other stealth games *cough* Hitman Absolution + base building mechanic which actually works well and kinda ties into a multiplayer aspect + extremely well optimized    Pros:

    + open world
    + lots of side quests that feel fresh every time you do them
    + 'play your way' style of game play so you can do missions however YOU want them to
    + doesn't punish you for playing lethally, unlike most other stealth games *cough* Hitman Absolution
    + base building mechanic which actually works well and kinda ties into a multiplayer aspect
    + extremely well optimized for PC and has good controls: Not a clunky port unlike most games this year
    + intelligent AI that analyzes your play style and adapts to it, making the game challenging (but fun)
    + weapon and vehicle upgrades and customization

    Cons:

    - there is in-app purchases with the FOB system, however I never felt obliged to use it at all
    - you do go back to the same locations a few times, albeit with different objectives
    - if you don't like cut scenes (I don't mind them) you will not enjoy the first 1 hour 30 minutes
    - very little in the way of character development
    - story lacks compared to other MGS games, including Revengeance    … Expand
  5. kdkade
    Sep 10, 2015
    10
    If there is a part of you that hates the fact that games nowadays are a little flat, Phantom Pain is going to scratch that itch, and I mean scratch it REALLY good.

    We got an incredibly deep game. And the game dares to do what today is almost dead in gaming - it does not introduce you to every mechanic right away. It lets you explore. It lets you figure out the possibilities by yourself.    If there is a part of you that hates the fact that games nowadays are a little flat, Phantom Pain is going to scratch that itch, and I mean scratch it REALLY good.

    We got an incredibly deep game. And the game dares to do what today is almost dead in gaming - it does not introduce you to every mechanic right away. It lets you explore. It lets you figure out the possibilities by yourself. It rewards you for good ideas, and punishes you for the lack of any.

    This is literally a game when you can restart the same damn mission ten times and do it all in a totally different way. And absolutely everything you do has some meaning. The game REACTS. Enemies are really aware of the threat both in short term and long term - from sending pairs of guards on patrols when a lot of lone ones are mysteriously disappearing to supplying bases with tools that can counter your overused tactics.

    This all makes the gameplay near perfect. It lets you fulfill objectives your own way. I don't remember any other game that let me chase tanks on the back on my horse while shooting RPG rockets at them, and making sure that their canon wont crosshair me at the same time. And that was absolutely unscripted. I could just lay out some C4 and wait in hiding while blowing up the tanks. I could clear the outpost out of guards and use the mortar to strike the tanks. I could make the tanks stop, for example with leaving any other vehicle or my horse in the middle of the road and steal them for myself while fultoning them into the air. I could do a lot of things. But the most fun thing about it all is the fact that game barely gives you any default way for dealing with objectives. Stop the tank, that's all. How? Well you're the boss. You figure it out. And you finish a mission in some creative way, and you actually feel like one.

    This PC port is amazing. I never dared to imagine that anyone can write an engine that looks so amazing and runs so smooth. And it was released the same day for PC and 4 consoles. I mean nowadays it's almost like a miracle.

    Story is good, but this time it's told in a very weird way - it's just very artistic and specific, meaning that it's a hit or miss. I understand people who don't like the story. Still, I just can't shake the feeling that the gameplay trumps it all.

    I think MGS V: Phantom Pain is in many ways a masterpiece that took gaming to the next level in many aspects. I really encourage everyone to try it, even if you're not MGS fan. This is just too good to miss. GTA V's world might feel more alive, Witcher's plot, characters and dialogs might be way better, but it's Phantom Pain that is the most fun to play and explore.    … Expand
  6. chrisvb
    Sep 10, 2015
    10
    I've never played a MSG before, but I am thoroughly enjoying this game. Runs great, missions are fun, graphics are beautiful. I have a couple minor gripes - it's clearly aimed at using a controller. With the mouse and keyboard, it often gives you instructions on which gamepad button to push. minor nit though, as about 20 minutes in i had all the controls down anyhow. I also wasn'tI've never played a MSG before, but I am thoroughly enjoying this game. Runs great, missions are fun, graphics are beautiful. I have a couple minor gripes - it's clearly aimed at using a controller. With the mouse and keyboard, it often gives you instructions on which gamepad button to push. minor nit though, as about 20 minutes in i had all the controls down anyhow. I also wasn't wild about the opening. I wanted to play, not watch a movie. The whole play for 20 seconds then watch a two minute cutscene thing got really old, really fast, and after about the 9th time, I thought "they are kidding right?" At any rate, the rest of the game is amazing so far, so 9.5/10 for me, which rounds up to 10.… Expand
  7. ProphecyBacon
    Sep 1, 2015
    9
    Really fun to play. Good performance optimization. You can play at a pretty good frame rate (30-60) with a 2G Graphic Card. And the graphics still look good (1080p, everything set in high or more). Konami did good on that one.
  8. DustinOrion
    Sep 2, 2015
    9
    +Great gameplay
    +Great graphics and performance
    +Huge world and campaign, lots of fun. -Feels like an unfinished port from xbox. The controls screen shows an xbox controller. -Menus aren't user friendly and don't utilize the mouse. -Starting game goes like this: "This game has autosave" >OK "Agree to EULA..." >OK "Login Successful" OK "Online updates"> Next, Next, Next, Next, Next    +Great gameplay
    +Great graphics and performance
    +Huge world and campaign, lots of fun.
    -Feels like an unfinished port from xbox. The controls screen shows an xbox controller.
    -Menus aren't user friendly and don't utilize the mouse.
    -Starting game goes like this:
    "This game has autosave" >OK
    "Agree to EULA..." >OK
    "Login Successful" OK
    "Online updates"> Next, Next, Next, Next, Next
    Konami logo> Enter
    Kojima logo> Enter
    Fox Engine logo> Enter
    Nvidia logo > Enter
    Startup screen> Enter
    Continue?> Enter
    Just let me play the damn game

    -As far as gameplay, getting around takes time because there are a small amount of extraction points, the heli takes a while to land and take off. Just end the mission when I get to the extraction point    … Expand
  9. Qrsna
    Sep 4, 2015
    10
    Great game. While playing it I can understand that Kojima is real father of the genre. He started it with MGS on psx and now is perfecting it in MGS V!
  10. SWERY_51
    Sep 1, 2015
    10
    It takes it's time to really begins, but it's just freaking awesome. The gameplay is just the best you can find in that kind of game, the possibilities are incredible. The graphics are great, and the story is, if you reach the real final, just mind blowing. Whatever you are fan or not of the MGS franchise, it's a must buy. Certainly GOTY, it's gonna be one of the most memorable game ofIt takes it's time to really begins, but it's just freaking awesome. The gameplay is just the best you can find in that kind of game, the possibilities are incredible. The graphics are great, and the story is, if you reach the real final, just mind blowing. Whatever you are fan or not of the MGS franchise, it's a must buy. Certainly GOTY, it's gonna be one of the most memorable game of this new generation. Thank you Hideo Kojima !… Expand
  11. TRANDO101
    Sep 1, 2015
    10
    This game is just amazing. The most well optimized game on pc, the most graphically enhanced, the best in gameplay, and the best in story telling. It stays at 60 (the maximum frame rate) at 4k, and almost everything cranked up to max (i have a r290x 4gb amd card and a 4.0gb eight core amd processor). The graphics look like there real. the story is by far the best i've seen in a video gameThis game is just amazing. The most well optimized game on pc, the most graphically enhanced, the best in gameplay, and the best in story telling. It stays at 60 (the maximum frame rate) at 4k, and almost everything cranked up to max (i have a r290x 4gb amd card and a 4.0gb eight core amd processor). The graphics look like there real. the story is by far the best i've seen in a video game and possibly the best ive seen in a movie. The gameplay is phenomenal, i thought that it would be the same as gz, but its far superior.… Expand
  12. GamingPolice
    Sep 10, 2015
    10
    Phenomenal Port. Near Perfect Stealth Mechanics. Satisfying Story. (Could Be Stronger). Most Polished Game of This Generation. Bravo! Its been m=nearly 5 year since a full MGS Game and i'm happy to say it didn't disappoint. One thing what must be said is that the AI is really good. The Graphics at 4K is Visually Pleasing
  13. bearbishop
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    I gotta commend the people who gave this game a mixed review. You guys actually thought about your experience with the game a little and managed to resist the urge to completely polarize your review to one side or the other. I usually wait til I've played a game through to review it, but I'm a big fan of MGS so I'll go out on a limb here and say I think I'm going to enjoy it a lot. I'mI gotta commend the people who gave this game a mixed review. You guys actually thought about your experience with the game a little and managed to resist the urge to completely polarize your review to one side or the other. I usually wait til I've played a game through to review it, but I'm a big fan of MGS so I'll go out on a limb here and say I think I'm going to enjoy it a lot. I'm just super excited to play a MGS game that is not sub 10 hours play time. I'm just hoping that the end game is not tied to some sort of stupid Mother Base development quota like Mass Effect 3, because I've played peace walker and I honestly don't give a rat's ass about that stuff. Tranq gun all the way baby!… Expand
  14. AldmeriDominion
    Sep 1, 2015
    10
    Fantastic optimization. amazing gameplay. Gorgeous visuals. Kojima productions mangum opus. A must play for any gamer out there. Regardless if you have played a Metal Gear before. Don't deprive yourself of this masterpiece. 10/10

    A Hideo Kojima Game.
  15. bill-evans
    Sep 3, 2015
    10
    Absolutely brilliant.
    Best game ever. Thanks Konami and KijiPro for beautiful polished PC-release.
    Who sad, that witcher is a game of the year? whoaahahahaha
  16. Vindicator
    Sep 6, 2015
    10
    This game is huge. About 50-60 hours in I thought I completed the game but it just said I finished Chapter 1!!! The further you get the more game mechanics get opened up to you as well. The base you start building becomes a multiplayer arena which others try to infiltrate your customized defenses and vice versa. This alone is a very original and fun experience.
  17. GRekos712
    Sep 1, 2015
    9
    Metal Gear Solid V: Geralt with an eye cover. And that's a compliment. Its like witcher 3 set in a futuristic world. Story telling? Breathtaking. Graphics? Breathtaking. Cinematics? Breathtaking. Excelent missions, super well optimized ( 4K anyone?! ) and deep characters. I will give it a 9 though because the walking annimation is kinda funny.
  18. Narson
    Sep 7, 2015
    10
    The game is perfect. Top notch voice acting, great design and fantastic plot. PC version is very well optimized, but controls are a little bit annoying.
  19. DrStrange
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    GRAPHICS: 9.5
    MUSIC: 9
    STORY: 8.5 OFF THE CHART CRAZY: 10 GAMEPLAY: 10 Game starts with the impression your going to be handheld much like you would see in a call of duty game where you have to follow generic guy A cause he can only open doors. However that is not the case and soon you will find yourself in a very fun and brilliant sandbox gameplay. You're missions are a sandbox    GRAPHICS: 9.5
    MUSIC: 9
    STORY: 8.5
    OFF THE CHART CRAZY: 10
    GAMEPLAY: 10

    Game starts with the impression your going to be handheld much like you would see in a call of duty game where you have to follow generic guy A cause he can only open doors. However that is not the case and soon you will find yourself in a very fun and brilliant sandbox gameplay. You're missions are a sandbox style, but don't think it's a skyrim style free roam, where you deploy to do a mission is a huge section of area that you can freely do whatever kind of like FarCry.

    Lets see negative is hard to find, but I would say the constant reminder that its a hideo kojima game gets a bit rediculous as only extreme fans of the franchise would even know who he was a month ago. I suppose some of the odd characters you encounter leave you wondering wtf is the point of that. Overall amazing game.    … Expand
  20. hongkong97
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    well is awesome! it is wayyy better than last years disapotting mgs5 ground zeroes. mgs5 is a great game and it should be the goty this year. mgs4 was great but this is fantasic!
  21. shaoran2
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    I'm not here to give any spoilers obvious GOTY.
    Optimized can even run it in 1080 in a toaster is incredible 30-50 FPS.
    gameplay :10
    graphics : 10
    history :10
    controls :10
    fun 10

    game is perfect

    A Hideo Kojima game
  22. Homerlvsbeer
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    i was truly blown away with the scenes from the hospital every single part of the screen was alive with drop dead gorgeous graphics from the shadow and lighting effects to the dust particles and atmosphere and reflections and colours metal gear solid 5: phantom pain blows my mind with gtx980
  23. zaphod6502
    Sep 1, 2015
    10
    Absolutely incredible. This is no mere console port. It runs smoothly on my computer at the highest detail settings. It is one of the finest 1st/3rd person open world shooter/stealth games I have played on my computer to date. Beautifully directed and designed by a master craftsman of interactive entertainment. Is this a positive recommendation? Hell yes.
  24. wutsthepoint
    Sep 1, 2015
    10
    I have pried my hands from my controller to make a Metacritic account so I could rate this masterpiece. This game is a true welcome home to veteran gamers who have been sifting through the diluted garbage that Steam has left behind. Good games are few and far between and this one was long over due.
  25. Sovereignlol
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    Well, it opens with 85 minutes of cutscenes. The cutscenes are pretty **** epic. After that, you finally get to start exploring the open world of Metal Gear Solid V, and all I can say is that it's pretty amazing. You can go back and forth between the field and the mother base. You can kidnap or hire members to your R&D teams and other teams (Just like previous MGS games) and there are soWell, it opens with 85 minutes of cutscenes. The cutscenes are pretty **** epic. After that, you finally get to start exploring the open world of Metal Gear Solid V, and all I can say is that it's pretty amazing. You can go back and forth between the field and the mother base. You can kidnap or hire members to your R&D teams and other teams (Just like previous MGS games) and there are so many things you can make and upgrade.

    The gameplay mechanics are some of the best I've seen in a third person action game. It's so amazingly fluid and the graphics look amazing. I am running it on high 1080p on my GTX 760, and it runs flawlessly. Constant 60fps without problems. I really don't know any cons in this game.    … Expand
  26. funkybudda
    Sep 3, 2015
    10
    From the epic intro, I expected this game go downhill after it, but boy was I wrong. This game has great production value, great graphic and optimized well for PC. What a way to close out the MGS saga from a great game designer. This game is a true masterpiece. I got this with Mad Max at the same time, played that first and then switched to MGS5 after. Haven't look back since. Mad Max isFrom the epic intro, I expected this game go downhill after it, but boy was I wrong. This game has great production value, great graphic and optimized well for PC. What a way to close out the MGS saga from a great game designer. This game is a true masterpiece. I got this with Mad Max at the same time, played that first and then switched to MGS5 after. Haven't look back since. Mad Max is pure trash compare to this game.

    A lot of these bad reviewers just need to go play something trash like Mad Max, clearly the cant handle a great game.    … Expand
  27. sscott0829tw
    Sep 1, 2015
    10
    I can say without a doubt that MGSV is the GOTY,maybe fallout4 can beat it.
    They missions are fun and well designed.Open world gameplay fit well with MGS style.
    The cutscenes are epic as **** the characters are deep and interesting.Troy baker done a damn voice job again,Mother base let you keep your own crew to develop weapon or go on missions.The enemy AI is pretty smart.They know how    I can say without a doubt that MGSV is the GOTY,maybe fallout4 can beat it.
    They missions are fun and well designed.Open world gameplay fit well with MGS style.
    The cutscenes are epic as **** the characters are deep and interesting.Troy baker done a damn voice job again,Mother base let you keep your own crew to develop weapon or go on missions.The enemy AI is pretty smart.They know how to find you and eliminate you.There is so much fun messing around in the battlefield and mother base.The whole game is just addictive that will makes you don't want to leave you computer for weeks.
    Still exploring the game,but in my scale this game is already the best game I played this year,even better than Witcher3(I cannot believe).    … Expand
  28. apoe
    Sep 13, 2015
    8
    Good:

    Amazing voice acting. Satisfying shooting mechanics that greatly rewards careful aiming and headshots. Enemies do not feel dumb, and will do things like check your last known position or try to smoke you out with mortar fire. Enemies do not feel like they can see you through walls. Stealth is reliable, but you can also viably play 'rambo mode' if you have good aim.    Good:

    Amazing voice acting.

    Satisfying shooting mechanics that greatly rewards careful aiming and headshots.

    Enemies do not feel dumb, and will do things like check your last known position or try to smoke you out with mortar fire. Enemies do not feel like they can see you through walls.

    Stealth is reliable, but you can also viably play 'rambo mode' if you have good aim.

    Probably has the best intro section to a game I've ever seen.

    Runs at solid 60 fps (never dips) on max settings at 1920x1080 with a GTX 970. No mouse acceleration or smoothing, so aiming with the mouse feels good.

    Bad:

    Finished the game, and the story feels weak compared to previous games. Some characters, like the main antagonist (who you'd think would be really important), have very little character development. The most interesting character in the game, Quiet, hardly gets any focus.

    A lot of the missions feel repetitive. Many of them are "kill this target at this outpost" or "rescue these prisoners at this outpost" with a few lines of story dialogue added in. Since it's an open world game, there's lots of filler content in between actual plot.

    Many things feel needlessly inconvenient. For example, your helicopter will take off right as you land on Motherbase, so you end up needing to call it back 20 seconds later when you want to leave Motherbase. Why doesn't the helicopter just stay landed until I want to leave?

    An option to manually save would have been nice, sometimes you forget when the last autosave happens so you are scared to exit the game and lose progress.

    Usage requirements are annoying and kind of ridiculous. For example, lvl 3 helicopter costs ~16 times more money to call down than the lvl1 helicopter, even though they do the same thing.

    No anti-cheat on FOB multiplayer and everything is client side, so there are godmode hacks and 1shot kill hacks. From what people have said, you are forced to build FOB if you are connected online after mission 22, so even if you want to play single player only, it will constantly get invaded. There is a 'disconnect' option in the game menu which puts you offline, but every time you start the game you are automatically logged in and synced with the server, so the FOB damages ends up affecting your single player game anyway. The solution to skip this part of the game is to block the game with your firewall.

    60 fps is great, but since it is capped at 60 fps, if you have a high refresh rate monitor you won't be able to utilize it fully. No mouse control in menus or iDroid. There's no audio options, so you can't mute the game music or make the dialog louder. And even with no controller plugged in, I still get controller prompts.    … Expand
  29. 21grams
    Sep 17, 2015
    8
    I'm giving it weak 8 and it seems like overrated game, I mean by critics - 9.5/10 or more, seriously? So:

    The good: - very good optimization, runs like hell even on toasters while having decent graphics, nothing amazing, but it's really okay for this kind of game. - mind blowing amount of weapons, tools and other stuff to play around. - fairly decent enemy AI - good and challenging    I'm giving it weak 8 and it seems like overrated game, I mean by critics - 9.5/10 or more, seriously? So:

    The good:
    - very good optimization, runs like hell even on toasters while having decent graphics, nothing amazing, but it's really okay for this kind of game.
    - mind blowing amount of weapons, tools and other stuff to play around.
    - fairly decent enemy AI
    - good and challenging stealth mechanics
    - some nice humor here and there, some seriously shocking moments as well

    The bad:
    - open world here is a joke, empty and absolutely not utilized - base, few outposts here ant there and nothing in between.
    - environment reuse - you do main mission in certain base/outpost, then you do like 5 side ops in the same base. This is dreadful design in open world game
    - starting points are ridiculous, you land like 1000+ meters away from your destination, just to run that distance in completely empty world. It's so pointless.
    - some serious cliches in the plot where you think "wtf snake..? (or I should say wtf Kojima?!?)
    - game goes downhill in its second half (first half is way more solid).
    - ridiculous mission rankings, where most important thing is mission time, which conflicts with your interest of expanding the base (grinding materials)
    - online FOB's suck because too much cheaters with unlimited resources (like 500k of each material) and wtf microtransactions..

    Conlusion: it's still a decent game and best stealth game in a long time, but at the same time it's far far away from a masterpiece (critics must have been drunk, or did the reviews based on like 5 missions). If this wins GOTY, that just proves how absurd gaming market has became. Also, F*** Konami    … Expand
  30. Newfr
    Sep 22, 2015
    8
    First of all i don't think this game is perfect (especially on PC) in any case like a lot of critics want you to believe. But there is one thing that you should keep in mind - publisher of this game is Konami. And **** Konami! It's last Kojima game in this series and looks like he part ways with Konami not on best terms. And that after that story with Keiichiro Toyama. It's the same KonamiFirst of all i don't think this game is perfect (especially on PC) in any case like a lot of critics want you to believe. But there is one thing that you should keep in mind - publisher of this game is Konami. And **** Konami! It's last Kojima game in this series and looks like he part ways with Konami not on best terms. And that after that story with Keiichiro Toyama. It's the same Konami that ported last gen version of PES 2016 on PC... So it makes me wonder what is really a Kojima's fault and what was just cut, scrapped and rushed by Konami. And **** Konami again. For example, according to latest news data miners discovered parts of act 3 that not in game and it should be it's real ending.
    Also be prepared that this game is nothing like any MGS before. No more long cinematic cutscenes, no more just plot missions...it's more like Assasin's Creed now than MGS of old.

    So graphics and optimization. It's looking good. Really good. Not like there are something incredible. Game take part in Afghanistan and Central Africa so most thing you will see are desert, rocks, savannah and that things are kind of barren. As they are IRL. But looks certainly nice. Plus view distance is incredible. Models are ok. Could be better, especially vehicles, but will do. And all that runs very smooth.

    As for gameplay. I see some people complain about controls. I agree that controls in menus done really poor for PC. Like pressing 1 or 3 to switch tabs. And absolutely no mouse support. WTF is that? But in-game i don't have much problems with controls. And i still prefer keyboard and mouse even with Xbox360 controller plugged into my PC. My biggest problem with this game is difficulty level. In previous MGS games i was dying a lot. In Phantom Pain it's such a rare thing. It's really easy. Get your trusty DD, card boxes and any enemy stronghold will fall before you. DD will spot every enemy, mine, hostage or other things from range of 100+ meters. Even behind walls, in buildings and so on. So if you pay attention enemy can't sneak upon you. And if you not fancy with all this sneaking around it's a valid option now. You can dress in battle dress (some kind of heavy protection gear), get you D-Walker with Gatling gun, some machine gun or rocket launcher and go in Rambo style with all guns blazing. In plot missions that could result in some score loss (for every hit you take and base alert) if you even care about it but in side ops there is absolutely no downside for that.
    Now to the Mother Base and everything about it. It's fun for some time. You run around looking for good soldiers, materials, specialists. Building it. But that quickly wears off. There is little point in it. Mostly it's about how fast you invent some weapon or gadget. And sooner or later you get there anyway. And that "sooner" require too much effort for a little reward. So this whole affair looks like a lot of wasted efforts in my opinion. As for FOBs - just avoid it.
    Open world. It's nonsense and have no value. Simple as that. As i said before it's fun in the beginning for some time. You run around, capture poor Russian soldiers and force em to work on your, rescue sheeps, gather some plants and resources... but after some time there little to no point in that activities. Well, if you are perfectionist and want to collect all animals for example you still can run around with cages. But for most people there are nothing to do in free roam mode at all. I can just get from one side ops point to another that's all.

    Story. I put 55 hour into this game (according to my Steam account) and right now somewhere in the middle (on mission 24). And so far everything makes sense for me. Yes, you have to listen to types to get all information, a lot of things said there. I hear that thing go worth further but so far so good. And again remember what i said in the beginning. There should be the whole act that must be a real ending. Will we see it? Was MGS5 rushed and final looks awful because of that? Who knows. I'll have to see it for myself yet. And as a customer you sure have a right to blame game if story is weak. Sad but true. And a lot of games suffered because of that.

    Quiet. So much was said about her. Objectifying, sexism, feminism, patriarchy and a lot of other stupid words. Welcome to MGS! What took you so long? I don't care if it's Kojima's thing or Japanese, but something like that is in every MGS game. And i really don't see why so much noise around it. There are mawing innocent people down with machineguns, child soldiers, Devil House and more. But of all thing Quiet gets attention! What's wrong with you, people?
    As a gamer I put it simple - most useless buddy in this game. She lucks in every single aspect. For raw firepower there is D-Walker, for scouting - D-Dog. D-Horse...well, D-Horse can poop on command! While Quiet is just for being there and looking pretty (and in that she fails too because i'll choose Laughing Octopus over her any time you ask anyway!).    … Expand
  31. murdertime15
    Sep 21, 2015
    8
    It is sad to see story elements missing from a game that is known to focus on it heavily.However the Gameplay is solid and enjoyable and is well optimised.This is a solid game for people who enjoy this series
    and it really depends if you like more Gameplay over Story that is more of an opinion.
  32. Marcusaur
    Dec 28, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Welcome to my game of the year.
    Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is not only a benchmark for modern stealth games, but also for it's beautiful look and masterful gameplay, yet the story is a little bit linear.

    First, I'd like to start off with the graphics and optimization. It is terrific, I'm running this on an i7 6700k with 2 GTX 780's on SLI, with 100 fps on max settings. And the game truly is beautiful, ranging from the vast landmarks of South Africa to Afghanistan, especially the specular maps under rain. Venom Snake himself is an incredibly intricate model with detail across all his face to under his shoes. The weapons are also look nice, but lack a little bit when moving around in first person mode.

    2. The gameplay, which is the definite highlight of this game. While this game is technically defined as a stealth game, it also features alot of real time action, but that's not what I want to talk about. I want to talk about the tactical genius of the designers. In some missions, there will be varying weather conditions from rain that allows you to mask your footsteps, allowing you to move faster closer to enemies, and in Afghanistan, I noticed that there were slight sand storms that actually masked me, which really did allow me to move in plain sight undetected. I also noticed the silenced gunplay is another strong point of Metal Gear Solid 5, Cause if you shoot with a silenced pistol at enemies that are too close together, the other enemy will hear the silencer and the base will go into alert status. I haven't even gone into depth of the massive open world/linear sandbox to approach the mission in any specific way you want. You can use an RPG to blast your way through, approach silently, using only CQC or Silenced Pistols to slowly make your way through, or take enemies down from a distance using long range rifles making it easier to sweep through the area.

    3. A weird problem I have with this game is actually the missions. After a while, you will start to notice recycled areas, as in one mission you may have to infiltrate the area and rescue a hostage, and in another mission it may just be the exact same area that has been recycled for another purpose. But the best mission and most emotional mission was Shining Lights, Even in death, mission 43. I don't want to spoil anything if anyone has not played the game so try to avoid that.

    4. I would just like to note on the story, as I have never really been into the Metal Gear series, but this game had me reading the stories of Venom Snake and the real Big Boss on the wiki to understand what was going on, and while the ending was rather poor in my opinion, that is not the worst problem I have with this game. I understand this is probably how Kojima tried to mean it, but the story just feels so linear, because you get 1 or 2 cutscenes every mission, but they don't really mean anything, and the story only progresses as you complete missions and get to the ending.

    Verdict: I'm rating this 9/10 not because of the story or the repetitive missions. If I really took them into account it would be an 8 or 7. I'm rating this 9 because of the brilliant and refined gameplay. The game is well polished and good looking, which only adds to the overall stealth experiences. But the question remains: is the game worth it's price of $60 USD? Well, if you've played the other MGS games and want a story driven action stealth game, then maybe wait for a sale, such as now, but if you're just looking for a fun game with masterful gameplay then buy it.

    I believe this game is the future of modern stealth games.    … Expand
  33. CapnAwesome
    Oct 12, 2015
    9
    All in all this game is a ton of fun that will take 40+ hours to fully finish, but there are definitely some huge drawbacks for Metal Gear fans. The open world environment was a new addition to Metal Gear and I feel like it makes the game less fun and strategic. The open world is too barren with not much happening except near guard outposts and bases.

    Clearly this Metal Gear's story    All in all this game is a ton of fun that will take 40+ hours to fully finish, but there are definitely some huge drawbacks for Metal Gear fans. The open world environment was a new addition to Metal Gear and I feel like it makes the game less fun and strategic. The open world is too barren with not much happening except near guard outposts and bases.

    Clearly this Metal Gear's story was not as well done as previous titles like Snake Eater. There are not enough cutscenes to shed more light on the story and you really have to listen to the audio logs to get a better feel for it, which most players probably won't do.

    The gameplay itself is fun and the graphics are very good. Once again though, if this game was not open world and set in specific environments, the missions could be more intricate and less repetitive. I would have loved indoor missions with more security cameras and obstacles to negotiate, which I think is where the Metal Gear series shines. There is a huge variety of weapon choices that don't really add much to the strategy of the game.

    As a Metal Gear game I think Phantom Pain is a bit of a let down, but I still think it's worth a shot and I have spent 50+ hours enjoying the game. I believe if they emphasized more on the story quality and made this game non open world then this game would have been truly exceptional.    … Expand
  34. BoredZero
    Sep 19, 2015
    9
    Fans of the Metal Gear Solid series might find themselves a little put off by the pacing and the way the game plays - unless you've played Peacewalker. This game is, effectively a sequel to Peacewalker, putting the base building concepts from a PSP handheld title into the big leagues - and is also darker than MGS's 1-4.

    If you've never played Peacewalker, it'll take you some time to get    Fans of the Metal Gear Solid series might find themselves a little put off by the pacing and the way the game plays - unless you've played Peacewalker. This game is, effectively a sequel to Peacewalker, putting the base building concepts from a PSP handheld title into the big leagues - and is also darker than MGS's 1-4.

    If you've never played Peacewalker, it'll take you some time to get used to it since the story takes a while to gain traction.

    Oh, and that water pistol? Don't bother shooting the Man on Fire with it, it doesn't do anything.    … Expand
  35. DarekBaird
    Oct 10, 2015
    9
    MGSV The Phantom Pain is absolutely one of the best MGS games from a gameplay perspective. The animation, graphics, combat, and just general gameplay is great and some of the best third person gameplay I've played in a long time. However from a story perspective it is not the best. It is good and does manage to pull you in and the twist at the end will feel good after connecting all theMGSV The Phantom Pain is absolutely one of the best MGS games from a gameplay perspective. The animation, graphics, combat, and just general gameplay is great and some of the best third person gameplay I've played in a long time. However from a story perspective it is not the best. It is good and does manage to pull you in and the twist at the end will feel good after connecting all the dots in the series all the way to MG1. Filler makes up most of the second half but is so dynamic its still fun and enjoyable so I would suggest this game. If you wish to see a full review my in-depth video review will be on my youtube channel DarekBaird. thank you for reading and enjoy the game. oh and the third chapter if you hadn't heard was cut and did add a possible fourth area to the game the three in it being Afganistan, Africa, and MotherBase.… Expand
  36. FabioHellboy
    Dec 7, 2015
    10
    This game is flawless. Nevertheless, if you have not played any of the previous games, you will not understand a damn thing about the storyline and might get confused. I strongly recommend playing at least Metal Gear Solid 3 and Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker.
  37. jvg1m3n3z
    Dec 8, 2015
    10
    best game ever nice graphics best gameplay of the series chuck norris aproves another kojima masterpiece sad not game of the year ;ccccccccc best than ocarina of the time
  38. solid-freeman
    Jan 6, 2016
    10
    this game is the best ... the graphics are great and it have long and great story xD

    and it got good Online mode = FOB and Metal Gear Online Multiplayer
  39. Indrigis
    Nov 1, 2015
    8
    Verily, I say, D'oh...

    Metal Gear Solid franchise has always been about ridiculously over the top plots with obligatory plot twists, betrayals and unmaskings and having that very tactical espionage action, keyword being espionage. TPP throws most of it away in favor of being a private military company management sim. The graphics are great, the musical score is awesome, including a    Verily, I say, D'oh...

    Metal Gear Solid franchise has always been about ridiculously over the top plots with obligatory plot twists, betrayals and unmaskings and having that very tactical espionage action, keyword being espionage. TPP throws most of it away in favor of being a private military company management sim.

    The graphics are great, the musical score is awesome, including a lot of 80s hits collectible on cassettes, there are lots of ways to approach combat from direct fire contact to non-lethal options to lures and traps to calling in artillery strikes. The stealth aspect, however, is damaged by rather bad mobility, inability to scale walls or hang from railings and most bases having rather flat layouts.

    Both overland maps are quite big, with multiple outposts and bases scattered around but unless on a mission you can't do anything meaningful like find some extra information, capture an important NPC or anything else. And when you are on a mission you are suddenly limited to a small fraction of the overland map which you can't leave and which, most of the time, gets reset to a default state no matter what you did in free roam (there are a few exception, though). Even if you did something really important on a mission, it' likely to affect the global map in no discernible way.

    The plot itself is there but it's disjointed and is moved along by the player completing irrelevant "Daily PMC business" missions. There is no player agency either. Whenever you get to do something plot-related it's always because Ocelot and/or Miller allowed you to by making the mission available. Venom Snake can not make his own decisions in this game. And even when your second and third in command ask you to do something incredibly stupid your only option is to grin and bear it, since the only choice in the entire game is about not recruiting two NPCs. Everything else is set in stone. The game gives you an illusion of having some choice and then shows you that you're a puppet on a string.

    The multiplayer aspect was initially limited to losing your hard-earned resources to other players. I think it was expanded later but I was done with the game before it was any good.

    Rumor has it, the ferryman at the dead river loves garlic... wait, no... that's a different rumor. Word on the Net is that Kojima was forced to finish production way earlier than he intended and it shows. I believe the game could be much better with, at least, some closure, but the final game in the MGS series is not a swan song.    … Expand
  40. woNd3R
    Nov 3, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Game could have been easily 10/10. I am neither a fan nor a hater. Besides what's written around i found the narrative experience solid and intense. Though i found a profound lack of epicness.

    Thing is the game's not finished. Searching on the internet you can find that there is mission 51 , the mission which would have ended the game. Unfortunately they didn't complete due to their internal disputes it seems and you really don't understand when the game trully ends.

    Let's start with the things i didn't like

    First of all i didn't like the fact that i had to wait every time 1 minute in order to land from the heli. That's time thrown away in a garbage bin.

    Another thing i don't like when playing games is replay. I play the game once and i try to complete everything. I didn't like the fact that the other mission objectives were unveiled only after completing the main mission quest. I think that the game could have been much more enjoyable if you had to complete all mission quests in order to go forward.

    The fulton extracting building base thing changed the way of infiltration or direct combat. Usually you could go full stealth or combat mode. With the extraction of personel you are forced to go semi stealth. Since we are talking about the staff i find it absurd that you are forced to play online in order to cap the levels of the departments. I finished all missions and most of the side ops and i was around 47 level. So basically i never managed to use the serval arm , or brenan with silencer.

    Basically the problem is that i finished the game and i didn't even need the top tier weapons.

    And that's due to game difficulty. The structures you infiltrate are not properly designed nor is the AI . Getting inside is way too easy, and chosing a strategy most of the times is not needed. I don't remember having to use once underground tunnels or such things in order to accomplish the missions. The only hard part was when you had to deal with soldiers with the full body armor. But unfortunately i didn't find a single mission where every soldier had that kind of equipment (only mission was a side op but side ops are much easier).

    I would have liked many more missions on extreme difficulty or total stealth but different ones, not replays of old missions. I think chapter 2 should have been that. Getting the game onto a different level. Chapter 1 was about easy/medium Chapter 2 hard / extra hard.

    One more thing is that mother base feels so dead. You can't access anything , you can't go check the labs, the dormitories. It's just a base without a true purpose. There is not even a command room with Miller and Ocelot.

    Then Huey gets to build the new bipedal prototype but you never get the chance of using it. Fact is your units are using it on deployment missions.

    Last thing is that excluding Sahelanthropus the other boss fights are not that epic. And Sahelanthropus is only epic on Extreme. Also i don't really understand the need for a security team if there is no other attack on the mother base (at least on single mod). I expected many missions with Cipher teams attacking mother base etc etc. That's the reason why i was extracting all of these anti air canons.

    Last thing is that heli support was never needed and i would have liked a mission where you get the rail gun and just nail everyone down.

    The things i like are

    Story : Even if people say that story sucks , i think that the story is not bad. It could have been better but as far as i am concerned i liked it. I liked the Quiet story and i liked the twist with the hospital. Problem is not storytelling but missions who are just plain missions without following any storyline. Some do and those are the best.

    Gameplay. I think that the gameplay is awsome. Really enjoyed it even though i would have liked something harder.

    Experience : Even though i described a great number of flaws that point out that the game is unfinished i still enjoyed it and that's very strange. Infiltrating , stealthing etc are top level. Most missions are well done while others are true masterpieces.

    Overall i give an 8 out of 10. Could have been much much better but is good anyways as it is.    … Expand
  41. llMasterBetall
    Oct 29, 2015
    8
    There's a reason why Hideo Kojima calls it the Phantom Pain. It feels like something is there but it's missing at the same time. Like the fellow reviewers who rate the game well, I feel that the game has great game-play but it feels like half of the story was removed. Chapter 1: Revenge is cool right up until the end but then after that the game is basically one big epilogue that doesn'tThere's a reason why Hideo Kojima calls it the Phantom Pain. It feels like something is there but it's missing at the same time. Like the fellow reviewers who rate the game well, I feel that the game has great game-play but it feels like half of the story was removed. Chapter 1: Revenge is cool right up until the end but then after that the game is basically one big epilogue that doesn't really matter. There are a few things you get to do after the first chapter but it felt like something should've been there. A lot of people were mad at the SURPRISE PLOT TWIST but I didn't mind it because I love surprises. This game is very well optimized, gameplay is good, but again; it feels like something is missing from the Metal Gear Franchise.… Expand
  42. ChoBroooo
    Jan 26, 2016
    10
    Honestly, this game may be one of the best games I have ever played. Anybody who gives this game below a 6 is out of their **** mind. This game is genius and extremely fun.
  43. Ashura84
    Sep 17, 2015
    10
    I can say without a doubt that MGSV is the GOTY,maybe fallout4 can beat it.
    They missions are fun and well designed.Open world gameplay fit well with MGS style.
    The cutscenes are epic as **** the characters are deep and interesting.Troy baker done a damn voice job again,Mother base let you keep your own crew to develop weapon or go on missions.The enemy AI is pretty smart.They know how    I can say without a doubt that MGSV is the GOTY,maybe fallout4 can beat it.
    They missions are fun and well designed.Open world gameplay fit well with MGS style.
    The cutscenes are epic as **** the characters are deep and interesting.Troy baker done a damn voice job again,Mother base let you keep your own crew to develop weapon or go on missions.The enemy AI is pretty smart.They know how to find you and eliminate you.There is so much fun messing around in the battlefield and mother base.The whole game is just addictive that will makes you don't want to leave you computer for weeks.
    Still exploring the game,but in my scale this game is already the best game I played this year,even better than Witcher3(I cannot believe).    … Expand
  44. PacoHolliday
    Dec 9, 2015
    10
    Epic. Game of the Century. Everything in this game is 100% and polished. Graphics, sound, but most importantly, controls. I literally cannot stop playing.
  45. zitrux
    Dec 27, 2015
    9
    Nice game i like Open world that game has to offer all thou plot is not as deep as previous metal gears but good old kojima action with good optimisation for pc but for me it was still better to play with x box controller.
  46. plotlesviolence
    Sep 26, 2015
    9
    The best stealth game ever. It's Far Cry 4, inverted: open-world stealth with action elements. Find (by interrogating grabbed/held-up enemies) and kill/extract the target as you see fit. In the field, you steal resources, which feeds into mother base development, which in turn feeds into your upgrades. It's a perfect loop that kept me invested, whereas in most games I loathe upgrade treesThe best stealth game ever. It's Far Cry 4, inverted: open-world stealth with action elements. Find (by interrogating grabbed/held-up enemies) and kill/extract the target as you see fit. In the field, you steal resources, which feeds into mother base development, which in turn feeds into your upgrades. It's a perfect loop that kept me invested, whereas in most games I loathe upgrade trees and prefer a curated experience. Extracting soldiers encourages nonlethal approaches at greater risk of discovery. After each mission you can afford new toys (helper buddies, aerial bombardments, new loadouts, etc.), keeping the game fresh. The shifting night/day cycle and weather (dust storms/rain) yield additional sneaking options. The game is gorgeous, reminding me of GTA V, and ran like a 50 FPS dream on my approximately PS4-level PC to the point where I never messed with the default settings (a first for me). Cleverly, much of the story is on tapes which you can be listened to while playing. So why not rate it a 10? Previous Metal Gears had awkward gameplay but excellent (if bloated and overlong) storylines, but this is the opposite.
    1) The story is unfinished. The "words that kill" theme is interesting and handled beautifully (see Quiet’s ending), but the child soldiers arc is never concluded (see the deleted Ep51 on Youtube). A shame, given the scene where children beg for their lives holding out diamonds, the impact of child soldiers on the series, and the paralleled central question "are we making things better by participating in war/nuclear armament/child rearing?"
    2) Mission organization is bizarre. Some "side ops" are marked "critical" (to access later main missions). After the first ending (Ep 31), "Chapter 2" makes you replay half the missions on hard mode (more enemies, harder enemies, no-items or no-alerts). Fun, but FORCING them on me left a sour taste. If EVER a game didn't need padding...I think Kojima was too stubborn to reorganize his original design after Konami cut off funding.
    3) “Alert” mode lasts forever, so it’s sadly easier to take out the whole base or restart the checkpoint. The way it SHOULD have been handled was, you get inside a cardboard box or dumpster hiding space and smoke the phantom cigar (speeds up gametime) until enemies give up if you hid well. I kept trying to get to a fast-travel point, alerting someone, and rendering that approach useless (can’t smoke or fast-travel when on alert).
    4) Kojima thinks hiding things is fun thanks to some Pokemon game he once played, so A LOT of the coolest stuff is hidden. Do the Legendary Gunsmith side-ops (which require other side ops), or you can’t customize weapons: a silencer on a lethal weapon lets you shoot out lights and cameras (tranq guns can’t), changing my nighttime approaches. I totally missed getting the D-Dog buddy. Half the cutscenes are triggered by unknown criteria, like returning to base at a certain hour/weather/buddy. It’s hard to feel like you get the full experience.
    5) Mother base has 8 platforms but only enough interactivity/content for one. The one mission where it might matter, the invasion, is only played on ONE of the 8 platforms, so why build a huge empty world?
    6) Quiet is explicitly a sex object by design in name/dress/movements. It's juvenile, detracting from the character. Imagine watching "Age of Ultron" and halfway through fighting robots, the film paused for some hardcore pornography, would you take it seriously afterwards? Compare MGS3’s Eva: sure, she was sexy, but it was intentional as part of a honey trap for Snake; when the camera zoomed in on Eva, it was actually Snake's PoV, thematically showing her tactics were working. When Quiet moves like a stripper in front of the entire mother base, it’s a 3rd-person camera that zooms in on her boobs. There's no justification: Quiet isn't trying to seduce anyone, and spare me "breathes through her skin.”
    7) There's less story here, but it STILL suffers trademark Kojima bloat. The first (of 2) tutorial missions was "push forward to slow-walk," worse than a (skippable) cutscene, and you had to play it TWICE to beat the game.
    8) There are only 4 boss battles: sniper duel, the Man on Fire, the skulls, and metal gear. Disappointing, compared to MGS1 and MGS3.
    9) You lose one of the buddies at the end. This is modable on PC only.
    10) You can't replay side ops, just the main missions.
    11) As Kojima's swan song, I expected the plot to be more of a finale that tied the series in a neat bow and left nothing else to show. We’ve already seen Big Boss turn against the CIA, raise the Outer Heaven army, and create Foxhound in MGS:Portable Ops. This should have been him running Foxhound. Instead, it's largely an unnecessary side-story. The interesting stuff happens offscreen. And the twist at the end detracts from rather than adds to the impact on the larger story.
    Is it worth the $60? Definitely. But it is simultaneously overstuffed and unfinished, impressive and disappointing.    … Expand
  47. Styke
    Nov 29, 2015
    9
    Somehow Kojima managed to do open world and secret base building better than every single ubisoft game in the last fifteen years. He can't write his way out of a paper bag, that much is impossibly clear, but it is amazing how well he conveyed the sense of just badass power in everything the player does in the game. From sneaking behind snipers in the rain, to punching your way through anSomehow Kojima managed to do open world and secret base building better than every single ubisoft game in the last fifteen years. He can't write his way out of a paper bag, that much is impossibly clear, but it is amazing how well he conveyed the sense of just badass power in everything the player does in the game. From sneaking behind snipers in the rain, to punching your way through an army of child soldiers, this is the one game that actually tried to make the player feel cool and did it.

    Slamming the door of the helicopter or pulling the trigger on an enemy just feels real, every action has weight to it where games like the witcher 3 and especially fallout/skyrim literally show their game engine when you try to interact with an object or move the character in the air.

    The multiplayer is just plain innovative and after three hundred hours of raiding other people's bases I still can't put the controller down, and yes you should play with a controller as it is an Xbox port - but it will handle decently with m+k.

    The only complaints are konami's handling of, well, literally everything and Kojima's god-awful plot. The game itself is a miracle considering it was designed to run on 512mb of ram, and the only honest game I've been impressed with in two years    … Expand
  48. Mahdiar
    Dec 12, 2015
    9
    Gameplay : 9
    Graphics : 8
    Story : 10
    Sound : 10
    ********************************************************************************
    Overall : 9
  49. ScotchRobbins
    Dec 3, 2015
    9
    It ain't perfect, but it runs like Forrest Gump, it has a lot of content, and being able to approach combat from a variety of ways is very satisfying. Buy it on sale.
  50. ShadowU
    Dec 2, 2015
    9
    This game is a solid 10/10. However, the PC controls are just terrible, and Kojima really has no excuse for this - they had both the budget and the experience to either target PC first and then port to console (rather than the other way around) or at least design a new control scheme for the PC.

    Multiple actions are bound to the same button, since a controller only has a certain amount    This game is a solid 10/10. However, the PC controls are just terrible, and Kojima really has no excuse for this - they had both the budget and the experience to either target PC first and then port to console (rather than the other way around) or at least design a new control scheme for the PC.

    Multiple actions are bound to the same button, since a controller only has a certain amount of buttons. Well, turns out a keyboard has a lot more buttons so it feels silly when half your keys go unused just because the controls were ported straight from the consoles. Furthermore, menu navigation is painful with console controls, and don't even get me started on the binoculars controls... you have to hold the binoculars button down, then press on a button to zoom in/zoom out, and press a different button to mark a target. Yeah, good job on that one.

    My only gripe with the gameplay itself is that the whole "enemies adapt to your playstyle" thing is that it was wonderfully marketed but ended up being a stinking pile of excrement. You essentially get punished for playing in a way you enjoy, or for example if you're good at aiming, you get punished for playing well. After taking over a camp using stealth once or twice, the enemies will become heavy armor wearing juggernauts were the only viable choice is a melee takedown or shooting them to death. The game would just be better off without that feature.

    All in all a great game, some weak points (like a very, very confusing story) but definitely worth playing. Would be a 10/10 if it hadn't been for the poor controls.    … Expand
  51. mjafarian13
    Nov 9, 2015
    10
    It is an open-world game with a vast variety of features that you can unlock them as much as you can. The amount of customization impressed me so much, that is you can edit every little detail of your weapons, buddies, helicopter, Motherbase, FOB etc.
    The best part of this game is that, it's an stealth game. It means that it challenges your skills to infiltrate places including FOBs. You    It is an open-world game with a vast variety of features that you can unlock them as much as you can. The amount of customization impressed me so much, that is you can edit every little detail of your weapons, buddies, helicopter, Motherbase, FOB etc.
    The best part of this game is that, it's an stealth game. It means that it challenges your skills to infiltrate places including FOBs. You have to make tactical decisions based on enemy guards equipment and they will adapt themselves to your strategies. For instance, if you shoot them all in the head, they will wear helmets.
    In case of story, I don't want to spoil it; however, I have to say it is outstanding in comparison to other games I have played. FOBs are the online part which I liked it so much; but bear in mind that Konami is not as eager as EA to support the online servers specially when we talk about long-term support.    … Expand
  52. JazzTheMan
    Feb 5, 2016
    10
    (My opinion is based on never having played another Metal Gear Game)
    This game to me is a wonderful masterpiece, the graphics, delivery, story is excellent. It's a rarity to see games with such compassion in gameplay and many little mind-blowing details.
    This game is definitely worth the 60$, and I hope to see another game appear in the franchise.
  53. everin
    Oct 1, 2015
    8
    Tier 2
    + The best MGS gameplay there is, and some of the best third-person shooter gameplay out there
    + A wide variety of mechanics that interplay well with each other and the combat AI + Well constructed world that allows for different play styles and approaches to each level + Strong first act with a few notable story moments throughout ? Fairly repetitive gameplay after a while,    Tier 2
    + The best MGS gameplay there is, and some of the best third-person shooter gameplay out there
    + A wide variety of mechanics that interplay well with each other and the combat AI
    + Well constructed world that allows for different play styles and approaches to each level
    + Strong first act with a few notable story moments throughout
    ? Fairly repetitive gameplay after a while, with not enough new gameplay to ramp up the difficulty curve
    ? Possibly too much side content, gameplay experience feels diluted by the amount of filler
    - Particularly uninspired boss combat compared to other MGS games
    - Apparently gutted of the conclusion to its story, offers a very unsatisfying ending    … Expand
  54. mevsthevoices
    Nov 15, 2015
    8
    Well worth anyone's time and money.
    This game takes all the best bit of the previous Metal Gear Solid series, and for the most part, improves mightily upon them. There are some really nice touches too, a big base to keep all your homies, a helicopter to take you wherever, buddies, vehicles, fire support, and the ability to airdrop anything, all these thread really well in to a story that,    Well worth anyone's time and money.
    This game takes all the best bit of the previous Metal Gear Solid series, and for the most part, improves mightily upon them. There are some really nice touches too, a big base to keep all your homies, a helicopter to take you wherever, buddies, vehicles, fire support, and the ability to airdrop anything, all these thread really well in to a story that, I atleast, found really engaging.
    It also balances two different approaches really well. You can sneak around like a boss, using easily what is the best stealth system I've ever seen. Or you can blow everything and everyone to tiny bits with air strikes, rocket launchers, and tanks. Fun for everyone I'd say.    … Expand
  55. sukho204
    Oct 23, 2015
    9
    now this is what you call a great stealth game. To be honest. I really don't like stealth games. so at the begining of game, I just rushed in to the enemy base with guns blazing. but few hours in to the game, I found myself sneaking through enemy patrols and taking out enemies one at a time. the game naturally induced me to be stealthy. cuz you need to take the soldiers to your mother basenow this is what you call a great stealth game. To be honest. I really don't like stealth games. so at the begining of game, I just rushed in to the enemy base with guns blazing. but few hours in to the game, I found myself sneaking through enemy patrols and taking out enemies one at a time. the game naturally induced me to be stealthy. cuz you need to take the soldiers to your mother base which makes you careful not to use a lethal weapon that might kill the guy. and growing your mother base is fun too.

    but sometimes I think there are too much loading and waiting. for example when you're at the base and if you want to go on a mission first you need to call a chopper and wait for it, then get on it and wait again to leave your mother base and then see a loading screen and you get inside the chopper and then choose a mission and then choose your loadout and then wait for another loading and then see a deploying cutscene. I mean does it really necessary to put a cutscene there to waste my minute?

    but other than that, I have no complains    … Expand
  56. EgosVacatur
    Nov 6, 2015
    10
    +Great graphics, extremely optimised as well for pc port
    +Controls handle smoothly
    +Extreme amounts of content (which is pointless to complain about)
    +Fantastic open world
    +Tons of fan service :^)

    -...I can't think of any negatives. It is just so good. Thank you based Kojima.
  57. ApexCryptLord
    Nov 9, 2015
    10
    Amazing Game, not the best MG, but a really good Game. The new patches are awesome. I was so exicted and finally its out. Story is OK, Graphics are awesome, Gameplay is 10/10 and the weapon arsenal is amazing. The Mutliplayer is cool too, makes a lot of fun. The only critic is that the multiplayer uses P2P. So, sometimes the game closed if the Host leaves the Game, but its not a bigAmazing Game, not the best MG, but a really good Game. The new patches are awesome. I was so exicted and finally its out. Story is OK, Graphics are awesome, Gameplay is 10/10 and the weapon arsenal is amazing. The Mutliplayer is cool too, makes a lot of fun. The only critic is that the multiplayer uses P2P. So, sometimes the game closed if the Host leaves the Game, but its not a big problem. It's a good game. 10/10. Hope to see more, hope that kojima or s.o.e will make a new MG in the next years, it would be really cool… Expand
  58. luisstrife7
    Nov 11, 2015
    10
    Kojima always does an excellent job
    perfectly optimized game
    very good soundtrack (mostly contain songs of the 80 8D.)
    senssacional gameplay with an open world fully immersible
    and history, that goes without saying, is a Masterpiece
  59. hanibrl
    Nov 19, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. i bought this game with witcher 3 , i uninstalled the witcher 3 after two days since its a horrible game from story to graphics to combat , so i installed MGS5 which is the first i ever play in this series but what can i say to such a massive game ? i really cant wait to leave work just to go and play it , its unfair to even compare this game to others… Expand
  60. R6obsessed
    Dec 20, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I decided to pick up Phantom Pain because it's a Kojima made game. The graphics are kick ass, and the story is solid, but it went completely downhill in the second part. The game-play's a streamlined third Person shooter that's done well.

    Metal Gear is known for the compelling story. I don't follow the series closely, but it doesn't take a fan to realize that the second part of the game is complete **** The story are divided into two parts. The first one was pretty epic, and it's what you'd expect out of an MGS game. The second part felt like a monotonous chore. As they're a series of mini-games you're forced to play, in order to unlock important scenes. It's evident here that Kojima's a victim of a strict budgeting by Konami.

    Characters are interesting, some are left upon interpretation. However they all fit into the Metal Gear World. Some characters do serve allot of purpose to the game if you make the right choices, like that sniper chick (check out her actress, she's fine as hell).

    Another new feature is the ability to customize almost all aspects of your command base (Mother-base). This adds a nice dimension to the game. If the game's at online mode, other players can steal and blow **** up at your base.

    Credit is due to the design of the game. Weather you're new to the series, looking for action or just innit for the story (1st part still awesome). Phantom Pain lets you play the way you want to. I like to go Weapons-Free and the game won't punish you for it. The detailed stories are set aside as cassette tapes, for the players to listen to.    … Expand
  61. Thunder5555
    Oct 16, 2015
    9
    Best version available of this game. Controls are still bit weird for most PC users, but as gameplay and performance goes, this is very well made.
    Story is bit .. Kojima like. So weirdness is expected and one story arch seems to be completely forgotten in the end, leaving loose ends for the players who were looking conclusion for the series.
    Still, very enjoyable. Oh, and there's a    Best version available of this game. Controls are still bit weird for most PC users, but as gameplay and performance goes, this is very well made.
    Story is bit .. Kojima like. So weirdness is expected and one story arch seems to be completely forgotten in the end, leaving loose ends for the players who were looking conclusion for the series.
    Still, very enjoyable.
    Oh, and there's a forced multiplayer element in game which is just pointless. Sometimes I have no idea what japanese devs are thinking when they add random stuff like that.
    Almost the best game there is, but no. Worth checking out though    … Expand
  62. LEEGRILLS
    Sep 28, 2015
    10
    Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is a gameplay masterpiece, rewarding intelligence and creativity in a way very few games do. 10/10
  63. feistin
    Nov 5, 2015
    8
    I have not played the previoius MGS games and didn't have that much expectations. However, at first I was pleasantly surprised of how well the game ran on my laptop and how sweet everything looked. The story was a bit strange for me (perhaps because of my limited history in the MGS universe) but still got me hooked. Gameplay involves lots of sneaking around and you are pretty free inI have not played the previoius MGS games and didn't have that much expectations. However, at first I was pleasantly surprised of how well the game ran on my laptop and how sweet everything looked. The story was a bit strange for me (perhaps because of my limited history in the MGS universe) but still got me hooked. Gameplay involves lots of sneaking around and you are pretty free in regards to how you attack different objectives. Unfortunately after around 10-15 missions I discovered that it is pretty much rinse and repeat - almost the same structure/missions over and over again. Still a great game but not a 10 in my book.… Expand
  64. Dahaka
    Sep 27, 2015
    10
    This game is a true piece of art, i can't believe Kojima can innovate every Metal Gear, each one is a new experience of gameplay and a good history. For me this game is already GOTY.
  65. oilreg
    Jan 7, 2017
    10
    White Ground Zero was a disapointment for me, the Pantom Pain is really the finest Single Player game i played by a long shot. Tons of Missions, Trillions of Repeatable / Farmable Side Mission. I hated the Skulls when i first had them, imho those Boss fight where too extreme since it took me some time to figure how to deal with them. However the rest of the game is so Awesome and plenty ofWhite Ground Zero was a disapointment for me, the Pantom Pain is really the finest Single Player game i played by a long shot. Tons of Missions, Trillions of Repeatable / Farmable Side Mission. I hated the Skulls when i first had them, imho those Boss fight where too extreme since it took me some time to figure how to deal with them. However the rest of the game is so Awesome and plenty of stuff to do in a wide open area ... its just great. If you like Stealth Games with a Bang there is nothing better then this. Of Course i like playing with Quiet and the Dog, Great Story almost wished that story would go deeper there :D… Expand
  66. neomasp
    Nov 9, 2015
    8
    Un gran juego aunque deja con la sensación de no estar al 100% terminado, una lastima que sea el ultimo donde Kojima trabaje.
    Lo mejor: Las armas y la personalización de compañeros, armas y vehiculos.
    Lo peor: Niveles repetitivos.
  67. Sloanster
    Oct 29, 2015
    8
    I was REALLY looking forward to this game, but I was a little let down. Anyone who ha played any of the other MGS games will find MGSV different. I loved Metal Gear because of the cutscenes and the deep story, but it was barley there in MGSV. I wanted cutscenes so badly, but I got almost nothing.
  68. Miguelxdz
    May 16, 2016
    10
    I won't make it long but this is one of the most polished and good looking games i ever played. The Fox Engine works like a charm and the gameplay is the top of the line in stealth games. I wouldn't said that the story is bad like a lot of people are saying but it definitely felt a little incomplete, and it let a lot of thing to the player to deduce. The only low point for this game in myI won't make it long but this is one of the most polished and good looking games i ever played. The Fox Engine works like a charm and the gameplay is the top of the line in stealth games. I wouldn't said that the story is bad like a lot of people are saying but it definitely felt a little incomplete, and it let a lot of thing to the player to deduce. The only low point for this game in my opinion is the lack of the classic boss fights that Metal Gear is so famous for, there is like two (which are fairly good) but there could have done a lot more. The multiplayer base system is really solid and it adds a lot of depth to the gameplay and the actual multiplayer is quite unique and original. Overall i think this is a great game and a definite buy for stealth fans or Metal Gear fans.… Expand
  69. Acient
    Oct 2, 2015
    10
    Definitive Stealth game, Play is fun, and with variation.
    All splinter cell blacklist implemented, Phanton pain make BIGGER and larger, realism shining in this gameplay mixed whit classic jokes to relieve the dense storyline, old games will love, new gamers will love to play too.
  70. jasonelmore
    Sep 26, 2015
    10
    It's not September 27th and i've been playing Phantom Pain non-stop since September 1st, the games release date.

    I just now beat the game and i haven't even beat some of the repeated main story line missions. This game is hands down, Game of the Year. Fallout 4 doesn't stand a chance against this game. I've played all the Fallout's and none of them let you open your mind and be    It's not September 27th and i've been playing Phantom Pain non-stop since September 1st, the games release date.

    I just now beat the game and i haven't even beat some of the repeated main story line missions. This game is hands down, Game of the Year. Fallout 4 doesn't stand a chance against this game. I've played all the Fallout's and none of them let you open your mind and be creative with the world around you like Phantom Pain does.

    I was a little dissapointed with the last 10 missions in Phantom Pain, mostly because they are repeated missions with modifiers, but i can't take any points off because this is probably the best gave i have ever played. I have more hours in this game than Skyrim, and i loved skyrim.

    Beautiful Graphics on PC, Not one single crash over the whole month i played it. Rock solid gameplay and it really does let you use your imagination unlike every other AAA Game

    Story: its decent but nothing like witcher 3
    Gameplay: Second to none, this is where Phantom pain can take any other game to school.
    Graphics: Amazing graphics, and it runs good on all hardware, even cheaper GPU's
    Music: awesome 70's and 80's music
    Replayablity: Massive. Multiplayer FOB is amazing as well, but some of the rules need to be tweaked.. Defenders should not have unlimited spawns. They already have 50 NPC's on their team and full vision. Give them 2 lives, or 1 life if they are extracted.

    Metal Gear Online is not out yet, so i can't comment on that, but if it's anything like the core game, it will be stellar.

    10/10, i would have paid $120 for this game, the Shear value i got out of this $60 purchase is mind blowing.    … Expand
  71. lander_jrs
    Oct 2, 2015
    10
    Como juego de infiltración es una maravilla. Respecto al cuidado de detalles sobre el "realismo" bastante completo. Ahora bien, la historia puede parecer algo floja, sí que es predecible, pero aún así es cuestión de gustos porque a mí personalmente me ha encantado. Se lo recomiendo a todo aquel que le gusten los MGS y juegos de infiltración y espionaje pero eso sí, no apto para personasComo juego de infiltración es una maravilla. Respecto al cuidado de detalles sobre el "realismo" bastante completo. Ahora bien, la historia puede parecer algo floja, sí que es predecible, pero aún así es cuestión de gustos porque a mí personalmente me ha encantado. Se lo recomiendo a todo aquel que le gusten los MGS y juegos de infiltración y espionaje pero eso sí, no apto para personas con poca paciencia.… Expand
  72. JDISME
    Oct 13, 2015
    9
    I play on the PC in Steam and it's been great. Normally in games I have the ability to bind controls in-game, and this game did not which I found inconvenient. I think the movie cuts to game play was excellent and missions with the adapt based on game play adds another level to the game.

    I think the rating of 9 is very fair; however, in all honesty, I think it is better than just a 9. I    I play on the PC in Steam and it's been great. Normally in games I have the ability to bind controls in-game, and this game did not which I found inconvenient. I think the movie cuts to game play was excellent and missions with the adapt based on game play adds another level to the game.

    I think the rating of 9 is very fair; however, in all honesty, I think it is better than just a 9. I have the breakdown below.

    Game Play: 9
    Graphics: 10
    Game Background: 10
    Controls: 9
    Fun Factor: 10
    Rating: 9.6    … Expand
  73. mastana
    Oct 14, 2015
    8
    Great game, really, but after 20 hours of gameplay they make you do the same missions again in harder mode, which is a bit boring... But I loved playing it in the beginning, it's worth the try.
  74. ysiwnb
    Nov 11, 2015
    9
    Amazing game!! Realy good optimized, amazing graphics, story has been one of the best ive ever played, soundtrack? HA, it made me cry! Such a good game people! I realy do recommend this!
  75. Gniascheim
    Nov 12, 2015
    9
    Finally the shooter genre is going into the right direction.
    The game has a lot to offer and the open world setup helps a lot. The base building part is very addicting and fun. Graphics are very nice. The story is a bit strange but this is a MGS thing of course. It is better as it was in the past when there were tons of cut scenes of a strange story with no gameplay.
    On the downside the    Finally the shooter genre is going into the right direction.
    The game has a lot to offer and the open world setup helps a lot. The base building part is very addicting and fun. Graphics are very nice. The story is a bit strange but this is a MGS thing of course. It is better as it was in the past when there were tons of cut scenes of a strange story with no gameplay.
    On the downside the force to be online and get your base raped is annoying. Only the ressources you gained online can be stolen but it doesn´t feel right and should be allowed to disable.

    After the Fallout 4 debacle this is the best shooter for this year - by far    … Expand
  76. Gamestation
    Feb 26, 2016
    10
    +Great gameplay
    +Great graphics and performance
    +Huge world and campaign, lots of fun.Great game. While playing it I can understand that Kojima is real father of the genre. He started it with MGS on psx and now is perfecting it in MGS V!
  77. Boon_Hala
    Aug 28, 2016
    10
    This game is a masterpiece...Nothing to add. Great characters,amazing story,BRILLIANT gameplay.This game is breathtaking.Hideo Kojima,thank you for this time that i spend on this game...
  78. intensegaming12
    Oct 18, 2016
    10
    One of the best games ever made! The story is amazing, characters are some of the best, by far the best stealth gameplay i have ever seen, really nice soundtrack, alot of variety in weapons companion and a massive ope world. I highly recommend you to check out this game its a 10/10 on everything!
  79. dr9188
    Feb 12, 2017
    10
    This is how a PC port should be done. This plays beautifully on just about any specced machine, and really is a testament to the work put into the FOX engine. The only criticism would be the lack of official modding system, as it is the mods (such as Infinite Heaven) which really add to the immersiveness of the game and add back some of the features people were expecting.

    My original    This is how a PC port should be done. This plays beautifully on just about any specced machine, and really is a testament to the work put into the FOX engine. The only criticism would be the lack of official modding system, as it is the mods (such as Infinite Heaven) which really add to the immersiveness of the game and add back some of the features people were expecting.

    My original review somewhere on here still stands, however. It's a difficult game to review, one I both want to love and want to hate. However, the PC version is most definitely the definitive version. Especially with mods.    … Expand
  80. knilnahog
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    2 years and I've put like 500 hours total into this game. I'd like for them to improve Metal Gear Online (, and fix FOBs. I've noticed that there are buildings they can see AND SHOOT you through, and that's a big problem. Besides that, I can hang out and fulton everything, and have a good time. I want to max out everything I have! >:D
  81. Funposting
    Mar 9, 2017
    10
    Loaded with content and some of the tightest gameplay you'll ever get to experience, it outshines many other open world games. Though if you're looking for a strong story, look elsewhere.
  82. crimecrime
    Jan 13, 2019
    10
    This is the best game I've ever played. Even rockstar games trail behind this masterpiece. I guess Kojima is a genius indeed.
  83. TJohnston
    Sep 26, 2015
    9
    This is only the second game I have reviewed on Steam, the first one being GTA 5. I tend to only review games that I am deeply passionate about, and being that I have put in 20 hours and am only 15 percent completed into the game, I feel confident in reviewing it. I will preface this the fact that I have not played every metal gear game, but I have played MGS3, MGS:Peace Walker, GroundThis is only the second game I have reviewed on Steam, the first one being GTA 5. I tend to only review games that I am deeply passionate about, and being that I have put in 20 hours and am only 15 percent completed into the game, I feel confident in reviewing it. I will preface this the fact that I have not played every metal gear game, but I have played MGS3, MGS:Peace Walker, Ground Zeros and I read the story of Portable Ops, so in the MGS Timeline I know everything Leading up to The Phantom Pain, but nothing afterwards.

    Gameplay-
    The gameplay in TPP is nothing short of a masterpeice, Kojima gives you so many tools to use throughout the missions, tools that allow the player to approach a mission virtually anyway you like. In previous games there was a huge focus on stealth, which is still part of the game, but it now allows for more varied gameplay and does not punish you if you want to go in guns blazing. Another deviation from the original MGS games is the introduction of an Open-World game, where as the other games were linear in nature. The Base building aspect of the game is also welcomed, as it gives you a reason to use stealth in order to abduct soldiers to your base. I am really looking forward to the true Online portion of the game when it launches early 2016.

    Graphics/optimization-
    There isn't much to say in this section because the results are the same across the board, this game is absolutely beautiful. Just look at the screenshots and the videos! With great texture work for a third person open-world game and amazing draw distance with little pop in, it is definetly a welcome change from some of the other PC games that have launched this year. I have been running this game on a GTX 970 4gig, AMD FX 6300, and on a SSD and with this hardware I have been running the game on Maximum settings with no noticeable drops below 60 FPS. (Note:The Game has a frame cap of 60 fps). It is clear that a lot of work has gone into optimization of the FOX game engine for all computer set-ups.

    Settings-
    Generally the settings options are good, Graphical options are pretty good giving you the option to customize pretty much anything you want. Sound options are where the game starts to fault. The only controls you have is for Master Volume and Audio Guidance. It would be ideal to have separate sliders for dialogue, music, and sound effects.

    Story (No Spoilers)-
    This section is a mixed bag, most die hard fans may find the deviation from standard MGS formula unwelcomed. But I actually dont mind how they presented the story in TPP. In other MGS games you would be subject to extraordinarily long cutscenes with gameplay sprinkled in between where as TPP takes the opposite approach. This is not saying that there is no story, as you can get a lot from the Cassette tapes that you acquire. This approach makes the game more accessible to non-metal gear players and opens the game up to more players. As to the ending even though I have not reached it yet, I do know how it ends, and I really don't mind how the story ends, I kinda like the idea. (I am being vague to avoid spoilers).

    Controls-
    When it comes to controls there are both pros and cons. Generally the controls feel excellent. I have tested both Keyboard and Mouse And Controller. Both work very well, but of course keyboard and mouse allows for much faster and more accurate aiming. Although I would suggest rebinding controls to suite what you are used to as some of the default controls are counter-intuitive. I rebound most controls to my mouse for a more enjoyable experience. One major con in terms of controls is that during the tutorial and throughout the game, tool tips will show the controls for a controller even if you are playing with a keyboard and mouse. This seems like it could be fixed via a patch fairly easily but as of this review this has not happened. The last major con in terms of controls is that mouse support in menus is not supported, forcing you to use the keyboard to navigate, which is just awful especially considering the layout of the menus. This is also something that seems like it could be fixed easily but has not been addressed as of yet.

    TLDR- Get the game! It is a masterpeice in my own opinion.    … Expand
  84. Poringx
    Sep 11, 2015
    9
    Metal gear solid on the PC looks and feels spectacular! From the moment that I began in an action packed cinematic to doing missions the way I like. The graphics are just unbelievable (on max settings) and really does take you into its variety of different atmospheres. The gameplay is innovative and just right, the sound and music is perfect and the main story is captivating. This game isMetal gear solid on the PC looks and feels spectacular! From the moment that I began in an action packed cinematic to doing missions the way I like. The graphics are just unbelievable (on max settings) and really does take you into its variety of different atmospheres. The gameplay is innovative and just right, the sound and music is perfect and the main story is captivating. This game is a must buy for anyone that wants to experience a large and epic game!… Expand
  85. rosnk30
    Oct 5, 2015
    10
    First of all, this game is gorgeous (even alone) even being of a awesome franchise, and even being her (franchise) is more gorgeous either.

    This game has a lot of hours to expend, exploring, thinking (stealth mode way), exploding (attack mode way), enjoying, laughing and much more. "The Phantom Pain" is a pack of fun even for older gamers. The storytelling is more "real" and deeper    First of all, this game is gorgeous (even alone) even being of a awesome franchise, and even being her (franchise) is more gorgeous either.

    This game has a lot of hours to expend, exploring, thinking (stealth mode way), exploding (attack mode way), enjoying, laughing and much more.
    "The Phantom Pain" is a pack of fun even for older gamers. The storytelling is more "real" and deeper than others MGS.

    POS:
    - Huge maps
    - Best environment (two locations)
    - Awesome gameplay (has a new paradigm to beat)
    - Great storytelling, with a deeper story
    - A lot of equipaments, itens and possibilities
    - Great challenge missions
    - NO bugs, best graphics
    - Nice FOB Missions (Online mode wanna be)

    CONS:
    - Storytelling progress's sometimes is boring
    - Mother Base is huge with a nothing stuff to do. A big place for nothing.
    - Microtransactions

    And the final my friend, is impressive.    … Expand
  86. Dismortan
    Sep 16, 2015
    10
    I really like this game. Great combat, game play, missions aren’t boring. Graphically it's better than most and the gameplay is pretty good

    Kojima productions Masterpiece. A must play for any gamer out there. Regardless if you have played a Metal Gear before. Don't deprive yourself of this fantastic game. 10/10
  87. whatever523
    Oct 3, 2015
    8
    + Great open world.
    + Very complex base building system.
    + You can customize EVERYTHING. Even the type of laser and flashlight on your weapon. + Cool companion system. + Lots of choices how you can do the missions. + Good soundtrack and voice acting. + Nice graphics. + Good performance. + Overall almost perfect console port. + The game has action, stealth and sometimes even a few    + Great open world.
    + Very complex base building system.
    + You can customize EVERYTHING. Even the type of laser and flashlight on your weapon.
    + Cool companion system.
    + Lots of choices how you can do the missions.
    + Good soundtrack and voice acting.
    + Nice graphics.
    + Good performance.
    + Overall almost perfect console port.
    + The game has action, stealth and sometimes even a few horror elements.

    - The story is pretty bad, both the content and how it is delivered. Chapter two has some of the exact same missions as chapter one, without any story context whatsoever. The side story about Quiet was pretty cool, but that's about it.
    - Some badly placed savepoints, or lack thereof, which leads to frustrating missions (I'm looking at you, mission 45).
    - "Forward Operating Bases" are forcing multiplayer elements into the single player campaign. I don't want to lose the stuff I worked hard for to this crap and it can't be disabled. PF battles on the other hand are pretty cool, because your army battles against other players in a league system and you don't lose anything in the process. Should still be optional though.
    - Character often gets stuck on tiny bumps in the landscape.
    - The sound effects could be better, especially running and shooting.
    - When starting the game, you need to click through 10 (seriously) intro videos/news.
    - I never liked the comic relief in MGS games.

    Technically, the game is a 10, but unfortunately the story is pretty bad, some missions have bad savepoints and I don't like multiplayer elements being forced into the single player part of a game.    … Expand
  88. Edvaldo_Sbrissa
    Sep 13, 2015
    10
    MGSV:TPP is a great game, there's nno doubt about that. Its is perfect for those who wants to begin the serie, I mean, to be used to the gameplay itself. Furthermore it's such a pretty graphic with also a good audio effect. So it deserves 10 and probably it will be GOTY.
  89. lapiscoco
    Sep 14, 2015
    10
    Very long game-play and a lot to explore. It is a console port with some drawbacks from that, but overall the game is well polished. You slowly begin to connect the dots and the story-line is mesmerizing once you start to dig a little into the whole series. If you have a thirst for sniper warfare, this is an absolute hit. You can adjust your play-style in the settings menu if you are aVery long game-play and a lot to explore. It is a console port with some drawbacks from that, but overall the game is well polished. You slowly begin to connect the dots and the story-line is mesmerizing once you start to dig a little into the whole series. If you have a thirst for sniper warfare, this is an absolute hit. You can adjust your play-style in the settings menu if you are a serious FPS player or just want to enjoy more of the story and exploration. Auto-aim is by default "ON"... The graphics are not what a high-end PC player would call brilliance, but it is most of the time enough to satisfy. You can play day/night of each mission as you wish. This is actually my first Metal Gear game, so I did some digging to complete my story, it is fascinating to see a good game franchise first created in 1987 come this far!… Expand
  90. aidan0
    Sep 8, 2015
    9
    I really like this game. Great combat, game play, missions aren’t boring. Although I keep trying to go back and completing secondary objective, which aren’t too obvious. Which is a good thing. The mission aren’t like most game, go to this way point, do this. No, it go to this area and figure out your objective. It can be hard and time consuming sometimes.

    This game really has some humor    I really like this game. Great combat, game play, missions aren’t boring. Although I keep trying to go back and completing secondary objective, which aren’t too obvious. Which is a good thing. The mission aren’t like most game, go to this way point, do this. No, it go to this area and figure out your objective. It can be hard and time consuming sometimes.

    This game really has some humor too it. It should be called phantom kidnapper. Can’t wait to literally steal every piece of equipment in an enemy base. That’s a nice AAA turret you have, don’t mind it I airlift it back to my base. Oh, that’s some skilled personnel that you have, don’t mind it I take them too. Nice truck, you don’t need it right?

    I like putting people to sleep, but when you have to go loud it is equally as fun. There are a lot of ways to defeat group of enemy. Go in all sneaky, go in guns a blazing, kill them all predator style. Snipe them and have them rain mortars at you, unless you re position yourself. Misdirect them with C4.

    Mother base is awesome, the best part is leaving for a mission and seeing that great piece of steel construction out in the middle of the sea.

    I'm still on mission 7 and I'm already 18 hours in..

    Cons.
    I had to struggle past the prologue, to really get into the game.
    PC Controls could be better, so this is a 9 out of 10    … Expand
  91. Braquiador55
    May 15, 2016
    8
    Well guys, so this is the epic end of a 28 years old franchise, the great and epic end that this franchise deserve, or that is what the trailers said... I'm not going to lie, if you ask me if i recommend this game, **** YES, this game is great in all parts.

    PROS + It have great graphics + Good story (more less). + Incredible addictive open-world gameplay. + Good sound effects. +    Well guys, so this is the epic end of a 28 years old franchise, the great and epic end that this franchise deserve, or that is what the trailers said... I'm not going to lie, if you ask me if i recommend this game, **** YES, this game is great in all parts.

    PROS
    + It have great graphics
    + Good story (more less).
    + Incredible addictive open-world gameplay.
    + Good sound effects.
    + Exceptional soundtrack (but they don't use it, don't ask me why).
    + Have plenty of hours of play time.
    + The reasons behind the actions of each characters are well designed and well explained.
    + One of the best optimisations i've ever see.
    + The emptiness you feel when you end the game (i will explain that later)
    + Even if the game isn't as good as their predecessors, it have some "Kojima's momments" that are great and epic.

    That were the positive things, now let go to the negatives parts of the game:
    - Even if the story is good, it's not stand for a MGS story.
    - It have micro-transactions.
    - The side ops are repetitive and boring.
    - The tecnology that is used in the game (1984) is better than the one use in the first MGS (2005).
    - The characters are great, but they don't really progress in the game (except Big Boss)
    - It doesn't give a satisfactory end to this franchise.
    - The bosses are horribly bad (for a MGS game).
    - And the worst of all, IT IS **** INCOMPLETE. Almost all the second chapter missions are missions of the first chapter, but with more difficulty. There was suposse to be a 3rd chapter, but it just didn't happen, and so i can't pass the fact that this game is incomplete, even if it wasn't Kojima's intention.

    EXPLANATION (CONTAINS SPOILERS):
    By saying "The emptiness you feel when you finish the game" i wanted to say that it is as if everything had gone to hell. Even if you have the mother base, and everyone love you, in reality you've loose everything. You lost your identity and your best companion and at the same time your love. This leave me with an emptiness feeling, like if everything that i've achieved during the game was nothing, because, as i just said, it feels like if you've lost everything you care about. I think that this is the feeling Kojima want to transmit, The Phantom Pain of the ones that are no longer on your side. This is the first time in the whole game that i feel something similar to what others MGS games made me feel.
    It is great to know that Kojima is still the same as always.

    MARK: 82/100    … Expand
  92. ViewtifulCaptur
    Sep 9, 2015
    9
    Started the series last November on console, caught up by June. If it aids the review, my favorite entry was MGS3, where I went full stealth/tranq. After playing Peace Walker I was exceedingly excited for this entry in the series, and it did not disappoint. The FOX engine produces some of the best graphics i've ever seen. The gameplay took many notes from more open world-centric games suchStarted the series last November on console, caught up by June. If it aids the review, my favorite entry was MGS3, where I went full stealth/tranq. After playing Peace Walker I was exceedingly excited for this entry in the series, and it did not disappoint. The FOX engine produces some of the best graphics i've ever seen. The gameplay took many notes from more open world-centric games such as the Arkham series and Far Cry, while at the same time not abandoning the roots MGS has as a true stealth game. In the 60 hours I spent playing, I was constantly engaged by the challenges this game provides.

    My only gripe is with some of the plot elements of the game. As the last entry by Kojima in this series it attempted to connect all story lines, and get rid of any plotholes produced by previous entries in the series. It accomplished this, but the solution does leave a bit to be desired. Also, Quiet's entire storyline is ****

    Definite contender for Game of the Generation.    … Expand
  93. BEELZEBUB4
    Sep 18, 2015
    10
    This game is truly a AAA title. I'm to lazy to write a big review and argue with mgs haters, but imo, this game is a 9.8/10. Addictive, smart, rewarding and interesting. For me, it is the best game I've played since Psychonauts.
  94. Messerschmitt
    Sep 9, 2015
    9
    The best Metal Gear Solid in terms of gameplay. So far Ive played almost for 30 hours and must say that I love the freedom - there are a lot of things that you can do in many ways. Also the game respects player intelligence and doesn't hold your hand - and that's something I haven't seen for a while in aaa title (except for the souls series). What's most important sneaking mechanics areThe best Metal Gear Solid in terms of gameplay. So far Ive played almost for 30 hours and must say that I love the freedom - there are a lot of things that you can do in many ways. Also the game respects player intelligence and doesn't hold your hand - and that's something I haven't seen for a while in aaa title (except for the souls series). What's most important sneaking mechanics are very good and satisfying.

    To be honest I've never been a huge fun of Kojima overly dramatic and convoluted storytelling. I have played all games in the series besides psp titles and really liked mgs from 1998 (loved the game and the story) and mgs 3. At the same time I really disliked mgs 2 and mgs 4 (a huge letdown) for nonsensical plots. The Phantom Pain story however feels great for me. Kojima has found the right balance between gameplay and storytelling and made a fantastic sneaking game. Best Metal Gear Solid for the newcomers.

    + great sneaking mechanics
    + freedom
    + great audio
    + good and well optimized graphics
    + story - of course it's Kojima game so not everyone will like it
    + a lot of content
    + some great gameplay ideas
    - the world may seem empty    … Expand
  95. Biggjake93
    Sep 12, 2015
    10
    I have waited for this game expecting trash do to the change of voice actors and the whole Konami debacle. However by the blessing of Big Boss this game ROCKED. Even with some bugs this game did not fail to wow me by it's no stop action to the absolutely amazing graphics. It's honestly a shame that this will be Kojima' s last Metal Gear, hopefully with the success of this game the futureI have waited for this game expecting trash do to the change of voice actors and the whole Konami debacle. However by the blessing of Big Boss this game ROCKED. Even with some bugs this game did not fail to wow me by it's no stop action to the absolutely amazing graphics. It's honestly a shame that this will be Kojima' s last Metal Gear, hopefully with the success of this game the future will not be so bleak for us MGS fans.… Expand
  96. ADHGO
    Sep 11, 2015
    10
    1- positives: Tremendous opening that keeps you staring at the exciting story action to the end,
    the game Graphics are amazing,
    one of the best good looking game and running almost on steady 60 FPS all the time (wow), it is well optimized for PC, Game play is excellent 2- negatives: menu should support mouse but after while you will get used to it, when you call the hours it will    1- positives: Tremendous opening that keeps you staring at the exciting story action to the end,
    the game Graphics are amazing,
    one of the best good looking game and running almost on steady 60 FPS all the time (wow),
    it is well optimized for PC,
    Game play is excellent
    2- negatives: menu should support mouse but after while you will get used to it,
    when you call the hours it will remind you with witcher 3
    the hours while running looks like heavy and break the ground,    … Expand
  97. Cloud981
    Sep 14, 2015
    10
    + Emergent gameplay is so fun you could play for hours non stop
    + Great graphics,especially lightning
    + Controls are flawless when playing with XBox controller + Extremely well optimised + Content After dozens of hours of gameplay this game still surprises me from time to time and i'm not near of discovering all hidden stuff,like let's say mother base management,man i didn't even    + Emergent gameplay is so fun you could play for hours non stop
    + Great graphics,especially lightning
    + Controls are flawless when playing with XBox controller
    + Extremely well optimised
    + Content

    After dozens of hours of gameplay this game still surprises me from time to time and i'm not near of discovering all hidden stuff,like let's say mother base management,man i didn't even look on anything else,imagine my joy when i then discovered gunsmith and started to customize weapons. I would give only a minor flaws to story and pacing,but it's not the reason for score downgrade,after all this is one of the best games ever made and truly candidate for GOTY.    … Expand
  98. danstew
    Feb 15, 2016
    9
    This is the final edit of my review (the fifth). I stopped playing the game for a while, and just now returned to it to dabble around with it.

    So, in a nutshell: This game hit me by surprise, and is in my top 3 of the most enjoyable games I got and played in 2015. Before I go on: I was never deeply into the whole series. I did play one MGS on the PS1 like 15 years ago or so, and liked    This is the final edit of my review (the fifth). I stopped playing the game for a while, and just now returned to it to dabble around with it.

    So, in a nutshell: This game hit me by surprise, and is in my top 3 of the most enjoyable games I got and played in 2015.
    Before I go on: I was never deeply into the whole series. I did play one MGS on the PS1 like 15 years ago or so, and liked that, but I never played any of the others, and at first wasn't interested in this game. I bought it on impulse, and haven't regretted it at all.

    I wrote that so you'd know where I am coming from regarding the series. That's why I might not share the disappointment many of the fans of the series seem to feel, which is reflected in many of the negative reviews.

    Now, let's go through the categories:

    Graphics: They look great, and the game performed flawlessly on my system, first on a cheapo GT 730, then on a GTX 960 with 4 gigs of Ram (on an i7-4790, 16 gigs of Ram, W7). I am impressed by the optimization, really, especially compard to some of the other triple A-releases I tried this year, which had some big issues at first.

    Story: Yep, I was confused. I didn't know the backstory from the other games, and even though I did watch some explanation-vids on Youtube, I am sure I still don't know or understand half of the story. The story in this one is a bit convoluted, but that, for once, didn't bother me much. Don't get me wrong, I usually care quite a bit about the story in the games I play, yet in this one, I didn't mind the sometimes confusing twists or the fact I didn't know the background of a lot fo the characters.
    The "listen to tapes to get more background" was an unusual device, some call it lazy. I actually liked it, as it was different from watching a ton of cutscenes (and there are quite a few in this game as well!) or reading tons of text. I actually LIKED listening to those interrogations on tapes while being on missions

    Gameplay: FUN!! You can kinda decide on what style you prefer to play. Of course, highest ranks are given when you go mainly for stealth, and of course, to obtain more and better soldiers, you need to tranq them. But you can also try to go serial killer a lot of times.
    I went for mostly tranq weapons. I spent a lot for research, yet didn't unlock all of the improvements.

    Some of the missions were VERY challenging, VERY, as I was trying to get the best possible rank. If you don't have the patience, you can wing a mission and return later to retry and get a better rating.

    LEt me point this out: YES, in act 2, you get a lot of hard mode-versions of older missions. BUT YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO THESE!! I didn't do ANY of them and still unlocked the whole story up to the very end. These, I think, are mainly for the extra challenge (going in without any gear, obtaining it in the field, total stealth etc) and possibly for more resources.

    Once you get Quiet, things get easier, as she can be very helpful, sometimes even IMBA, esp. if you hand her a tranq sniping gun.
    Yes, a lot of the missions were rather repetitive, but I didn't mind much. I did a story mission or two, then did a couple of quick side missions, rinse and repeat.
    Didn't bother with the FOB missions, and I don't think I will.

    I played the game with an Xbox controller for Windows, and the controls felt great, especially compared to some other new games (Witcher 3, FO4).

    Before I end this: Yes, apparently the game had issues. There was some drama with the studio and Kojima, and some parts seem unfinished or too rough.

    However, here is my point: I didn't expect to like this, or even buy it. I bought it on impulse, and am glad I did. It gave me more than 100 hrs of enjoyment, and that, to me, is what matters most. Are there things that could be improved? Sure, btu aren't there always?
    I enjoyed those 100+ hrs, and I wouldn't be surprised if I start over at some point.
    This, together with W3, is my favorite game released in 2015, and I am glad I made that spontaneous purchase =)    … Expand
  99. Plissken23
    Sep 12, 2015
    10
    Masterpiece!! PERIOD!! its the best Metal Gear Solid according playbility and graphics, story maybe is not the best, but stills being a solid game candidate for GOTY
  100. Slevin310
    Sep 12, 2015
    9
    (The actual game 9/10 but the PC version is a 7.5/10 due to graphic downgrades and wonky controls)
    28 years of Metal Gear... 28 years of Hideo Kojima. All that has come to close as Kojima has left Konami. He leaves his us, his fans, with Metal Gear Solid 5 The Phantom Pain. Regardless of our thoughts on the game, we should at least respect the work this man has put into his games. He    (The actual game 9/10 but the PC version is a 7.5/10 due to graphic downgrades and wonky controls)
    28 years of Metal Gear... 28 years of Hideo Kojima. All that has come to close as Kojima has left Konami. He leaves his us, his fans, with Metal Gear Solid 5 The Phantom Pain. Regardless of our thoughts on the game, we should at least respect the work this man has put into his games. He treats Metal Gear as his pride and joy. The effort is seen in the extensive stories and innovation that comes with Metal Gear games. Even today when games seem to enjoy rehashing items, textures, designs and mechanics, Phantom Pain introduces new ideas not seen in games before.

    Lets start off with the bad things. The open world aspects and your main base (Mother Base) seem to lack consistency. There's not much to do at Mother Base and the open world doesn't have much other than enemy bases. Side Missions can become repetitive and the story is not quite on par with the previous Metal Gear games. Snake barely talks and there's not as many cutscenes. This may not bother other players but fans of the Metal Gear franchise will definitely notice those differences. I also notice the PC version has very wonky controls... it's not at all like PS4. Even using a gamepad doesn't fix it. The controls just feel slow and delayed. Or they'll do something you didn't mean to.

    The gameplay is flawlessly created to provide you with nonstop entertainment. The stealth and enemy placement can be difficult, but to me that's a good thing. The game is challenging and requires you to use some tactical plans in order to get to your objectives. If you enjoy running down corridors shooting mindlessly at enemies, this isn't your game. If you expect to just crouch down in a shadow and expect enemies not to see you in other stealth games... this is not the game for you. You must be very careful around enemies.

    Enemies have been programmed with sufficient AI. They're smart during combat, observant during stealth and they'll mix up their path every so often. Luckily you have a massive list of different items, weapons, tools and support options to handle them. You have to develop your base in order to create better gear. Collecting resources and recruiting team members is vital to your progress. You have the option of being a blood thirsty killer or an honorable soldier who only resorts to killing as a last ditch effort. There are multiple ways to take down enemies without killing. Unlike other games this would usually be done with stealthfully choking out enemies or tranq darts, which can be kind of boring when you have so many badass guns. In Phantom Pain you can upgrade a lot of your favorite weapons to shoot rubber bullets that will stun enemies and still provide you the fun shoot outs.

    The open world is set in the deserts of Afghanistan, you get around by horse or vehicles. It almost feels like a western but with futuristic qualities. You can go it alone or have a support unit help out with missions. Could either be a specialist soldier or D-Dog (Wolf). Online features base fighting, you can assault online player's bases to steal their resources and players can also assault your base. You'll need to upgrade your bases defense and make sure your army is well equipped. Assaulting player's bases is a lot of fun, easily my favorite thing about this game.

    Right off the bat this game throws you into an extremely intense intro. This is one game that does NOT have a slow start. Although the game does have a lot of features that will be locked off till you progress far enough into the game, this actually makes the experience better. You're constantly being given new things to try out so there's never a dull moment. The graphics and music are breath taking. The game's presentation is incredible, cinema worthy experience.

    I know the issues fans have pointed out and I understand, as a hardcore fan myself, but look at the current state of games. New games like Resident Evil 5 and 6, Silent Hill Homecoming and Downpour, Battlefield 4 and Hardline, Elder Scrolls Online, Sonic and Sim City they have all circum to the changes in the mainstream gaming industry. Features and gameplay dwindle as games slowly become less and less challenging. Entire gameplay mechanics are stripped to provide more mass appeal. In this era I can only hope games try to do their best and improve as times go on. Yet they're all taking big steps back and now all we can hope is that a game will be worth their prices. It would have been so easy to take this franchise and turn it into yet another Call of Duty clone. But Kojima cares about his games and fans. He genuinely tries to make a video game masterpiece, he wouldn't sacrifice quality for money. While it might not be MGS, Snake Eater or Peace Walker... Phantom Pan is amazing in its own way. Definitely worth buying!

    Farewell Kojima, thanks for the awesome games!    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PC Game of 2015
14
#14 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015
24
#24 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Riot Pixels
    Oct 8, 2015
    77
    Metal Gear Solid V is amazing at times, and I enjoyed playing it, but there are so many embarrassing blunders and contradictions. Rich tactical gameplay vs an almost dead world. Fun HQ management and interesting characters vs an unfinished narrative and boring side quests. In some regards, this is a huge step back from previous Metal Gear games.
    Read full review
  2. PC Gamer
    Oct 6, 2015
    93
    A generous stealth sandbox masterpiece that will delight both new and existing fans of the long-running series. [Dec 2015, p.50]
  3. PC PowerPlay
    Sep 30, 2015
    90
    It might not be the best Metal Gear Solid game ever released, but it's certainly the bravest and most interesting. [Oct 2015, p.53]
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