Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Review

=====================================

The highly anticipated conclusion to Kojimas epic tale of stealth and strategy finally arrives with the release of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, an electrifying sendoff to one of gaming's most beloved franchises.

Continuing directly from its predecessor, Ground Zeroes, this latest entry in the critically-acclaimed series delves deeper into the enigmatic world of Big Boss (aka Naked Snake) as he navigates a complex web of intrigue and deception set against the backdrop of Cold War-era Africa. With an unwavering focus on player choice and agency, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans old and new alike.

Gameplay

-----

At its core, MGSVTPP remains firmly rooted in Konami's tried-and-tested formula - sneak around, shoot bad guys when necessary. However, beneath this deceptively simple facade lies a rich tapestry of depth and nuance that rewards patience, skillful execution, and above all else; strategy.

As you guide your silent protagonist through the vast open environments (which themselves are bursting with detail), every move counts - one misplaced footstep or errant bullet can spell certain doom. The introduction of new mechanics such as stealth upgrades, traps, and vehicles adds welcome variety to proceedings while also providing additional layers of strategic depth for those who seek it out.

Graphically speaking, MGSVTPP is a stunningly beautiful game that pushes the limits of current-generation hardware in breathtaking fashion - from the sun-drenched savannahs to the lush jungles teeming with life. Even on lower-end systems however, the visuals remain remarkably stable and faithful to their high-res counterparts.

Story

But its not just about action alone; MGSVTPP also boasts a gripping narrative that expertly weaves together threads from previous installments in a masterful display of storytelling craftmanship. With multiple endings depending on player choice throughout (and I mean really, really multiple), there's never any sense of predictability or inevitability - every decision you make feels like it truly matters.

The voice acting across the cast is equally impressive too; with all major characters receiving top-notch performances that bring their respective personas to life in convincing fashion. If there are any complaints to be made however, its perhaps during quieter moments where dialogue can sometimes feel slightly stilted or forced - but these minor quibbles aside overall The Phantom Pain more than delivers on this front.

-------

In conclusion then; Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is an absolute must-play for fans of the series and stealth genre as a whole. With its addictive gameplay, stunning visuals, engaging narrative full of player choice and multiple endings galore - there's simply no excuse not to dive headfirst into this epic conclusion to one of gaming's greatest franchises.

Rating: 95%

Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox360, Xbox One, PC

Genre(s): Action-Adventure/Stealth/Survival/Hack-and-Slash/FPS/Tactical Shooter/Open World/Sandbox

Developer(s): Kojima Productions/Guerrilla Games/Konami/Dog Tag Team

Publisher(s): Konami/Bandai Namco Entertainment

Release Date: September 2015 (North America, Europe and Australia)

Metal gear solid v the phantom pain