Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6369 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4,905 out of 6369
  2. Mixed: 824 out of 6369
  3. Negative: 640 out of 6369
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  1. Playstation_fan
    Sep 3, 2015
    10
    Wow, this is just a great game to play, the story isn't up to par with other Metal Gears but i thought it was still enjoyable. The open world aspect of the game opened many ways to play and experiment with different play styles. This game isn't for everyone.
  2. byateamwithlove
    Sep 3, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the best gamee ever just trust me ...and for those who give that 0/10 is just **** idiots if you want to buy this game buy it and if you dont sure go and watch some gameplay....and trust me you will love this..and haters they saying that storry is bad and and gameplay is **** as hell dont trust them they just cannot accept that the game is perfect classic fanboys who support other game.....… Expand
  3. sawyermade
    Sep 3, 2015
    10
    def going to be GOTY! the pc version is legit, runs so smooth. the new standard for next gen games. this has to be one of the best games that i have played in a while. buy it.
  4. HeavyGamer
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    I nver believed in a word perfect, but this game is nearly there.

    This game deserve solid 9.5 to 9.8.. nothing less! I see few trolls here (as always) giving 0 for stupidest reasons such as Those 10percent trolls are always there in every game so you can just ignore them. Most importantly tho. You gotta know your favorite genre. If I compare it to movie person who hates horror    I nver believed in a word perfect, but this game is nearly there.

    This game deserve solid 9.5 to 9.8.. nothing less!
    I see few trolls here (as always) giving 0 for stupidest reasons such as
    Those 10percent trolls are always there in every game so you can just ignore them.

    Most importantly tho. You gotta know your favorite genre.
    If I compare it to movie person who hates horror movie wont like best selling horror movie you know what I mean?

    THis is infintration sneaking game where you have to plan things befor you jump in and take your steps nice and slow, sometimes you just have to hide and wait till situation getts better (day or night, weather effects, patrol time etc) and this type of genre it self can be boring and frustrating to some gamers( especialy those who like fast pace button puncher , those who like to be a hero fighting 10vs 1 in straiggt gun fireing.
    No! This game isnt like that. You can fight them face to face but your mission score will come out poor, the point of the game is to sneak in quietl.

    This game Is consider heavy and seriouse game, deep and complicated, most realistic in action game.
    If you like the games that are opposite of what I mentioned just skip this game.
    BUtif you like stealth game, or something seriouse, by far this game is the best.I    … Expand
  5. shm0
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    This game is a masterpiece. The opening hour of the game is kind of weird - it's very illogical and feels like you're part of a movie. Once you get past this, you enter the open world which is what this game is all about. It is the best open world game I've ever played. Once you start horseback riding, you'll have memories of the Legend of Zelda, RDR, Skyrim. Every single element ofThis game is a masterpiece. The opening hour of the game is kind of weird - it's very illogical and feels like you're part of a movie. Once you get past this, you enter the open world which is what this game is all about. It is the best open world game I've ever played. Once you start horseback riding, you'll have memories of the Legend of Zelda, RDR, Skyrim. Every single element of this game works towards it's overall design. A masterpiece.… Expand
  6. camptownrangers
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    Thief 2 is no longer the world's best stealth game.

    It held the title for so many years, but it simply cannot possibly compare to this masterpiece of design.
  7. Kraliestgamer
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    pretty phenomenal game, great sendoff to the metal gear series that while staying true to the rest of the games manages to feel completely different, a lot more serious than the previous games and that works out well in the end. easily my game of the year
  8. JMont
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    This is a master piece. A new way to enjoy Kojima's creations, it's really sad that this is probably the last MGS created by the Legend. And KONAMI, even though i'm helping you by getting this title, this is the last game i buy from you.. expect that many people won't buy a MGS that is not created by Kojima.
  9. Holyhesk
    Sep 2, 2015
    9
    Some of the reviews I have read on here are quite baffling. One guy says the game is "a total stinker" yet rates it 9/10? am I missing something?

    Excellent game. Is this a game of the year contender ? absolutely. Have played the MGS franchise since the first game on the PS1. Memorable charactors , rich storyline and superb gameplay have always been the strong points, and this one is no    Some of the reviews I have read on here are quite baffling. One guy says the game is "a total stinker" yet rates it 9/10? am I missing something?

    Excellent game. Is this a game of the year contender ? absolutely. Have played the MGS franchise since the first game on the PS1. Memorable charactors , rich storyline and superb gameplay have always been the strong points, and this one is no different.

    The story could use an ounce more which would be my only gripe so far, however am only about 20% through the main story so my opinion of this could change in a few days.

    Sutherland does a good job with Snake,, obviously we are all missing Haytar's legendary voice acting but I'm ok with Snake's new vocals.

    2nd best game of the year so far behind Witcher 3. Sorry it's going to take a miracle to beat Witcher for Game of the Year.    … Expand
  10. zubiecup99
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    I can't stop playing. Why, Kojima? Why did you have to release this during the fall semester? Couldn't you have released it during the summer when I actually had 8 hours a day to put into this game?
  11. r0wdy75
    Sep 2, 2015
    8
    I wasn't 100% sold on the game after the first hour or so during the prologue, however, being chased by a Flaming Unicorn whilst on the back of a speeding bike through a forest, all the while trying to slow it down with a shotgun changed all that.....amazing game 8/10!
  12. Jack_Felix
    Sep 2, 2015
    6
    Previous Metal Gear games was most cinematic and story driven productions of their times so imagine my disappointment when it turned out that MGV is one of the least cinematic games in this year...

    After great beginning - which is probably the most story driven part of the game - you landed in Afghanistan and there story is just... gone. Your getting one short cutscene and some    Previous Metal Gear games was most cinematic and story driven productions of their times so imagine my disappointment when it turned out that MGV is one of the least cinematic games in this year...

    After great beginning - which is probably the most story driven part of the game - you landed in Afghanistan and there story is just... gone. Your getting one short cutscene and some cinematic action sequence per 3 to 4 hours of gameplay! How is that even possible in Kojima game?! To hell with that... How is that even possible in 2015, after we get such narration-based games like Witcher 3, where almost every single quest has cinematic story to it?!

    I mean **** the story... **** the narration... It is just incredibly bad for the pacing. The moment you get into "open world" game becomes "choose the mission => go from point A to point B => do the stealth => repeat". It's almost like Destiny all over again. True, game has some great story-driven moments but they happen between hours upon hours of doing stealth missions all over again. And missions themselves aren't so much varied!

    The gameplay is great, no doubt about that, and game looks and runs gorgeous but the amount of story per hour and overall pacing make it repetitive after first 4 hours. It's like Kojima made amazing 10 hour game and then someone stretched it out to 50 hours by putting in completely story-lacked missions with only Ocelot speaking something of little importance to your ear. I can not understand those 10/10 from everyone. It is just impossible how everyone love this game with its repetitive "do the steath mission over and over again" while there are such games like Witcher or the Last of Us out there. It is just crazy.    … Expand
  13. Howl
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    "What a disappointment, I hope I can get a refund."

    Your mother commenting on you SuperMe.

    The game is a master piece, easily the best saga that there is to date.
  14. TheLastColossus
    Sep 2, 2015
    9
    With over 40 hours played and still not finishing the game, this is Kojima's best MGS since MGS3, too bad its really his last MGS game, and playing it knowing that is worse, but in the same time its the best way to go out for the greatest stealth action franchise in video game history.

    without Kojima, MGS will become a worthless piece of garbage that will be played on smartphones.    With over 40 hours played and still not finishing the game, this is Kojima's best MGS since MGS3, too bad its really his last MGS game, and playing it knowing that is worse, but in the same time its the best way to go out for the greatest stealth action franchise in video game history.

    without Kojima, MGS will become a worthless piece of garbage that will be played on smartphones.

    "You can erase the markings, but the memories will never disappear."    … Expand
  15. KJosey
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    Figured this game was going to be a little polarizing with the open world aspect and the reduction of cut scenes...me included in that. However, I've spent over 50 hours with this game so far. I'm tired. My eyes hurt. My hands are near deformity. Yet, I still want to play more. The game play is unbelievable, the amount of REAL content is fantastic (not running around opening randomFigured this game was going to be a little polarizing with the open world aspect and the reduction of cut scenes...me included in that. However, I've spent over 50 hours with this game so far. I'm tired. My eyes hurt. My hands are near deformity. Yet, I still want to play more. The game play is unbelievable, the amount of REAL content is fantastic (not running around opening random treasure chests or "animus" fragments), the visuals are impressive...I could go on and on.

    The low scores are from idiots. It's that simple. If you're not a Metal Gear fan, you might not get the inside jokes and the peculiar oddities that crop up during the game, but I highly recommend this game to anyone with the cash to afford it. You can adjust practically any setting to make your play-through as easy or as difficult as you want and you can replay your missions over and over at any point (The Witcher 3 could learn from this) to improve your score, find all the goodies, and get that S-rank.

    I can't tell you if the story is good or not. This is a story that has been continuing for almost 30 years. You can accept the great parts with the cheesy parts or not. I will say that I enjoyed the story in this game better than any other MGS game, except maybe MGS1 (and I think that's due to nostalgia more than anything). The voice acting is absolutely terrific all around.

    PRO TIP: Turn off the camera shake under options. I was seriously getting a headache from it and it's my only true complaint.

    Seriously, play this game. Then send me hate mail because you spent money buying other Metal Gear games because I got hooked on the series. Happy gaming.    … Expand
  16. imnotbot
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    it's a really perfect video game.
    this is Masterpiece of the video games history.
    i just say 'Thank you KOJIMA' & KOJIMA PRODUCTION STAFF.
    good luck to you KOJIMA SAN
  17. Deezlar
    Sep 2, 2015
    6
    Doesn't even come close to the hype.

    If you are a MGS ultra fan, then of course this game will be "perfect" to you because it can do no wrong. For the more open minded, a few points.. The open world isn't open. There is nothing to explore. The locations all look identical / low quality textures. The missions offer very little variety. Credits at the beginning/end of every    Doesn't even come close to the hype.

    If you are a MGS ultra fan, then of course this game will be "perfect" to you because it can do no wrong.
    For the more open minded, a few points..

    The open world isn't open.
    There is nothing to explore.
    The locations all look identical / low quality textures.
    The missions offer very little variety.
    Credits at the beginning/end of every "episode" is really obnoxious.
    Stealth is badly implemented, but if you get seen you just destroyed most of your rewards.
    The entire base/army aside is just lubrication for the cash shop ramming.

    The simplest and most fundamental flaw is that Guns have no place in this game... You get majorly penalised for doing anything with a weapon other than a stealth knockdown pistol, so it begs the question, why do they even exist?

    As for the whole "Everyone will have stories" nonsense, no they wont. There will be a couple of variations on the theme but for the most part, everyone will approach things in the same way.

    The story is pretty crap so far, other than an awesome intro sequence that jarrs so heavily with you being dropped into the "open" (not open) world, that it feels like you just watched a trailer for another game instead of a build up to your own story.

    The game overall is average. Painfully average.
    But of course that doesn't matter because all that people care about is the hype train these days.    … Expand
  18. Patrickc9330
    Sep 2, 2015
    9
    Ponderously slow to get going to the point it makes you switch off. What's the point of endless crawling around a hospital floor effortlessly avoiding seemingly deaf and blind soldiers. Total stinker.
  19. amotucalva
    Sep 2, 2015
    9
    The game is exactly what and how I expected it to be, even when my hype was huge. One of the greatest games of 2015. Great story, great gameplay, and an amazing evolution in every aspect since the last game.
  20. Ossy_King_99
    Sep 2, 2015
    8
    Absolutely amazing, A true Hideo Kojima game.
    Please take my advice and ignore the user reviews, haters are spamming negative reviews and are probably making extra accounts to give this game a lower rating.
    Phantom Pain is easily 10/10 material.
    A MUST OWN.
    If you don't have this in your collection then you should be ashamed of yourself!
  21. SuperMe
    Sep 2, 2015
    0
    I bought this game due to high review scores and started playing with optimism. I have played for approximately one hour and dislike it so much I've deleted it. I wouldn't really call it a game it's more like a bad film. It's a series of tedious cut scenes I crawl between. Some bad guys are searching for me however they must be blind because one of them was inspecting a corpse barely 20cmI bought this game due to high review scores and started playing with optimism. I have played for approximately one hour and dislike it so much I've deleted it. I wouldn't really call it a game it's more like a bad film. It's a series of tedious cut scenes I crawl between. Some bad guys are searching for me however they must be blind because one of them was inspecting a corpse barely 20cm away and failed to notice me. I have a companion who walks in what sounds like high heels even though he's wearing rubber hospital shoes. The control system is clumsy and I find myself unable to avoid walking into fire. My hospital outfit must be military issue as my character believes there is a side holster. I'm clearly a medical genius as I can heal a broken arm in about 5 seconds just by pulling on it. I don't expect brutal realism but this is so preposterous it's shattered my immersion and enjoyment. What a disappointment, I hope I can get a refund.… Expand
  22. shooter412
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    i do miss the cut scenes from MGS 4 but the game play and the way it looks is just really good i played it for 14 hours straight opening night was only 5% complete its just a awesome game
  23. Knorf
    Sep 2, 2015
    2
    Kojima decided to go the RE6-Route with this game and threw everything people liked about the series away in order to attract more casuals. The result is pretty much the same here: the absolute down point of the series, congratulations, it can't get worse than this.
    After the very hectic intro (which is already the "best" part of the game) you're dropped into a dessert and you soon    Kojima decided to go the RE6-Route with this game and threw everything people liked about the series away in order to attract more casuals. The result is pretty much the same here: the absolute down point of the series, congratulations, it can't get worse than this.
    After the very hectic intro (which is already the "best" part of the game) you're dropped into a dessert and you soon realize something: MGS 5 doesn't feel one single second like a Metal Gear game. Snakes voice was replaced by some random Hollywood-dude, there are no codec conversations, items need to be selected with an awkward combination of d-pad and the right stick, Snake apparently turned into a vampire, because his injuries magically disappear after a few seconds instead of needing medical treatment etc. All those little details. Boss battles, story and even Snakes personality are practically non-existent. The worst thing, however, is the terrible game design: select a mission, land in the mission area, go from A to B, leave the mission area, rinse and repeat, get bored to death. Yeah, that's the whole game, open world obviously doesn't work for MGS...
    If you actually liked MGS 1-3 or even 2008s Metal Gear Soap Opera (which now seems great in comparison) then MGS5 isn't your game of the year, it's the disappointment of the decade.    … Expand
  24. JDSan24
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    This is definitely not just the best game in the MGS saga, but one of the best action games ever created, period. It's a sublime masterpiece that should be taken as a reference of how games can evolve without hurting its core feeling. Props to Hideo Kojima and his awesome team!
  25. ghostliving
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    Kojima-san made another masterpiece. Even the prologue of this game worth it for playing and cant explain the rest. Everyone must play this epic game.
  26. Jimmytwotimes
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    First of all I have been a Metal Gear Fan since 1987 . The series first appeared on the Nintendo entertainment system in the U.S. And on the Famicom entertainment system in Japan . The first metal gear game was a technical marvel back then . The game allowed you to do many things that were not possible before .

    This series is truly special and holds a place in my heart . Before I begin    First of all I have been a Metal Gear Fan since 1987 . The series first appeared on the Nintendo entertainment system in the U.S. And on the Famicom entertainment system in Japan . The first metal gear game was a technical marvel back then . The game allowed you to do many things that were not possible before .

    This series is truly special and holds a place in my heart . Before I begin my review of the phantom pain I'll tell you why . My father hated video games . He deemed them to be mindless and wastes of time . My father was a career military man . He was very strict and did not screw around . One night after attending a church group with neighbors I came home late . He didn't hear me come in the house ( I guess that metal gear stealth training paid off ) I walked out into the family room , and there was my dad . Perched in front of the TV NES controller in hand playing metal gear . I stood there and watched him for a couple minutes . He was having a lot of fun . I then said what are you doing ?. He hurriedly rushed and turned off the system . Unfortunately a few years later he passed .

    So now you know why this series is so special to me . It was a few years before I played metal gear solid on the playstation . I also played MGS2 MGS3 and 4 as well as VR missions . So basically I'm a metal gear veteran . I will not be revealing story or any kind of spoilers as you will want to experience it all yourself . Let me say this , just the prologue to this game is mind boggling and jaw dropping . Some of the most tense moments in gaming history are there . As I said I do not want to spoil it but it is nothing short of amazing .

    Presentation . The presentation on display here is simply astounding . The detail and love put into this game really shine through . The voice acting is top notch the animation is just ridiculously good . Sound and music are absolutely phenomenal. Graphically nothing else touches this game and as stated earlie the sound is great play with a good set of cans on .

    Gameplay . The gameplay is deep , varried and polished . It's simply a joy to play through this title . Whether traveling on foot , by steed, chopper or bipedal mech there is always a ton to see and do . The depth on display here is staggering and your options on how you approach combat or the lack thereof is simply staggering . While I would say that MGS4 had more fan service moments Phantom Pain still shines brighter . As for cutscenes Kojima is famous for them . So instead of doing away with them completely he's made you the star of them . The transition from cutscenes to gameplay is indiscernible and is absolutely seamless . The control scheme is excellent though if you're a hardcore metal gear fan it may throw you off just a little nothing terrible though . Combat is smooth and satisfying to say the least . You can upgrade your soldier and Mother Base (your staging area ) to your hearts content . Netting you some pretty sweet rewards .

    Again the prolougue is one of the best moments I've ever experienced in gaming and I'm an old man . It rivals that of GTA5 and the Last Of Us that is really saying something . A legendary gaming series got the retirement it deserved it truly sucks that Konami and Kojima will be going their separate ways . One more thing I'd like to mention . There was a young man during development of the title who received a cancer diagnosis . The young man was a California resident and by my understanding an outstanding young man . Unfortunately he was very very ill . This young man wrote letters to Hideo offering his messages of excitement love and support for one of his favorite series in gaming . Hideo sent him all kinds of autographed collectables and even made him an honorary member of the design team . Saying Sean's messages of support helped motivate the team to produce this masterpiece . Unfortunately Sean passed away before release . Video games don't often have the kind of power to transcend barriers in that capacity . This is something truly special . It's not a game it's a work of art , a work of love , and a thank you to all us fans from not only a great gaming mind but a true gentleman and honorable man . So Hideo and Konami the divorce is final but thanks for all the truly special memories I salute you both rest easy snake you've earned it your 28!year TDY is over honorable discharge :)    … Expand
  27. spidi8666
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    Probably game of the year. Don't listen to the idiots giving it 3 and below. The gameplay and varaties in which you can do all tasks with is just amazing. Had the game for 4 days now have at least 20h into it and I'm only at like 10% completion which suggests the game is definetly very long. CQC is as good as it never was before. Lots of guns to pick from, diffrent tactics, interestingProbably game of the year. Don't listen to the idiots giving it 3 and below. The gameplay and varaties in which you can do all tasks with is just amazing. Had the game for 4 days now have at least 20h into it and I'm only at like 10% completion which suggests the game is definetly very long. CQC is as good as it never was before. Lots of guns to pick from, diffrent tactics, interesting characters and the story line so far has been amazing and very suprising. Lots of moments which will sink you into the game almost instantly. Most importantly it runs 1080p and 60fps and looks absolutly amazing. Some of the best graphics I have seen this year and probably the best graphics you will find on consoles. This game is a must have.… Expand
  28. averagegatsby
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    My time in country has lead me to these conclusions.
    1. If you have not played Ground Zeroes, at least watch it. It will give you some contextual background starting off.
    2. Be sober. 3. If you have watched YouTube videos, remember that you are not a MLG gamer. The missions that have been released to view, have either been run by a person who is exceptional at games, andor really good    My time in country has lead me to these conclusions.
    1. If you have not played Ground Zeroes, at least watch it. It will give you some contextual background starting off.
    2. Be sober.
    3. If you have watched YouTube videos, remember that you are not a MLG gamer. The missions that have been released to view, have either been run by a person who is exceptional at games, andor really good at editing.
    4. Patience is a virtue unto itself. You will fail. Horribly. Bloodily. Readily.
    What makes the green grass grow? Answer: your blood after you miss the one guy who was in the head, and the next thing you know that entire Russian 40th Army is after you.
    RUN BOSS RUN.

    ... what took you so long?    … Expand
  29. Calado
    Sep 2, 2015
    9
    In a few words? The Last of Us meets open world.

    The freedom of approach, de mind blowing cutscenes and the addition of First Person Aim are amazing upgrades comparing to Ground Zeros. Even if you never played a Metal Gear game, even if third person stealth isn't you're style, you will still enjoy this game. It's a masterpiece worth your time.
  30. Oimori
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    Constructing my own strategy, practice it, succeeding it perfectly, and feeling ecstasy.
    One reviewer wrote " MGSV not only respect but also expect player's intelligence". It is absolutely true, and if you don't have it, you'll make the red bar longer.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PS4 Game of 2015
4
#4 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2015
3
#3 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 86 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 86
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 86
  3. Negative: 0 out of 86
  1. Polygon
    Dec 3, 2015
    90
    If this is where Kojima does finally leave the series he created, it will be a bittersweet send-off, both for Big Boss and one of gaming's most intriguing auteurs.
    Read full review
  2. Time
    Nov 10, 2015
    100
    The holy grail of world-building games, it’s argued, is a black box that lets players do as they like with minimal handholding. Pliability with just the right measure of accountability. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, a tactical stealth simulation wrapped in a colossal resource management puzzle inside a love letter to theatrical inscrutability, comes the closest of any game I’ve yet played to realizing that ideal.
    Read full review
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Nov 5, 2015
    91
    There’s no denying the Game of the Year potential of The Phantom Pain. The campaign is absolutely massive, it’s almost too much to cope. That being said, Chapter II is a huge let-down and feels like artificial padding. Still, this is about as good as tactical espionage operations can get in a video game. [Oct 2015]
See all critic reviews »