Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition

Metal gear solid is mostly know for the story. The complex story that will take so much detail to fully explain. So when I found out mgs v will be going open world I was worried. Sure there are open world games that have a good story but no where near mgs standards. I only watched a few trailers as I wanted to be completely surprised and trust me you will. For the review I won't be spoiling anything but simply giving you an insight on what to expect. Graphics- not the most important thing in a game but I sure does help, the mgs series has been known for pushing graphic to the limitations on the console it's on and it is ever so present with mgs v. Everything is top notch from the blood spatters to the facials. One thing that is pretty mediocre are the explosions. A lot of games just don't make it look amazing ( just cause 3 looks amazing so far ) but it's still great. The stand out by far is the lighting. This game probably has the best lighting effects I've seen in any game I've played. Gameplay- it's sucks. If you hear someone say the gameplay sucks just disregard what they say cause it's spectacular. Probably the most important reason to buy a game and it doesn't fail. Everything feels right. D horse is the best horseback gameplay in any game. But where the gameplay stands out is the variety of ways to complete the mission or whatever your doing. From killing no one to killing everyone it's just a blast. The cardboard box is back and it's better than ever with some new tweaks to it that mgs players will find super satisfying. Story- here's what I was afraid of I was afraid the story would become less as they focus on the gameplay and I'm kinda right but it's still there. Kojima is known for the long cutscenes which are still present but there are less now. The expansion on the story more revolves around how much you want to know as you'll collect cassette tapes explaining more. But the story is still there and from what I've played it's sort of different form past games. This time around it's more dark. There are still silly moments and weird Kojima moments but it's the darkest mgs game. It helps to know the backstory of mgs befor playing but the games story does a good job welcoming new comers, overall the story is still here and amazing so far. Overall- I'm going to get hate from some people that don't understand a review is an opinion but metal gear would phantom pain is the game of the year so far. It will take a lot to knock this game down and I don't think anything can. It's dark, mature, fun, and simply satisfying. It meets expectation then surpasses them. After receiving this game early I've played 20 so hours and every second I played this was worth it. The intro is the best I've witnessed in any game...ever! Kojima ends the mgs saga on a high note. If you love mgs you won't be disappointed if you are new and debating on playing for the first time...get it. Chances are if you're reading this review you're wondering wether to get it or not and I honestly think it's worth the 60. And with that 60 you're getting an amazing story, extremely fun gameplay, and a top notch quality game. Metal gear solid is back and better than ever. By the way ignore the 1 star reviews...yes there's a microtransaction method for the FOB but ok don't need it. Repeat YOU DONT NEED TO BUY IT TO ENJOY THE GAME ITS FOR PEOPLE WHO DONT HAVE THE TIME. If you notice all the 1 stars aren't even an Amazon verified purchase so who knows if they've even played the game. Don't trust the one stars.

Long story short (if you don't have time to read through all my review): Buy it! If the reason you are here is to wonder if you should buy it, then BUY it. You won't regret it. It will probably make the game of the decade. (Game of the year is just so out of fashion) Also, ignore those 1-star review. They are short, pointless, and not even verified purchase. So here goes my review. I’ve been waiting for this game since 2011. Put it this way - the reason I bought PS4 console is because this game is coming out. After the initial play through, I’m not going to talk about graphics. I mean, all PS4 games graphics are awesome, and this one is only better. I still remember the days when there was only PS2 around, and then PS3 came out. That was almost 8 years ago. I played Metal Gear Solid 4 on the 1st generation of PS3. Everything looked so real. God that graphics was astonishing! Yea, that is the same feeling here. I’m not going to talk about music. Just look at the rolling list of people who made this game shown after you finish the game. See those names under music section. With those big names, I mean, you can literally take those solo music from the game, and play in your mp3 all day long. If you are a fan of this series since PS1, you know the single most important component of this game is its storyline. God, it really takes forever to figure out all the history. Especially when the time each version released is not in the chronicle order with its storyline. It can be very confusing, but it is super intellectually rewarding when you finally figure that out. If you are a first time game player, and want to jump right into Metal Gear Solid 5, I strongly recommend you do some research on google or youtube to learn the storyline. Trust me, it is worth it. It will be like reading a very well written novel or movie. It is even more fun than playing the game itself. Otherwise, you will be simply playing this game as a standalone, and have no idea who is who in the game. You may also miss out some with the in-game conversation. They all got some history! The AI of the game is significantly improved. I mean, you are no longer playing with some predictable stupid AI enemies. That is just dumb and is an insult to our intelligence. Well, there comes the challenge, if you want to live up to your intelligence. The AI can adapt to your strategy and change their strategy, I mean, to some extent. Of course, if at the extreme, the game would be too difficult and nobody wants to play it. I think the most fun addition to this game is its capability to turn in-mission items into your own base building project. Then you can compete with other players online to see who has the best stronghold or who has the most sharpened penetration skill. Amazing, right? Stealth skill is still the key to this game, as it has always been in its series. But what has been added to it is the capability to cooperate with your AI allies. If you’ve seen the trailer, you know there is this sexy muted girl. She is really HOT… I mean, other than watching her, the more fun part would be to work with her to accomplish missions. For example, you can take down choppers by throwing a grenade at the chopper and at the same time, asking the sexy girl to shoot it in the middle air. BOOM, chopper exploded. Oh, did I forget to mention that the sexy girl is a sniper? She is good… Anyway, there are a tons of other ways you can work together with your team, including the backup team. They can send you reinforcement items, missiles, and many more!

After putting in more than a week with this game, I can comfortably state that not only is the ultimate Metal Gear Solid experience (and the best MGS to date), this is without one shred of doubt, the best game of the year. For those who are considering buying this game, I'd like to note a few things that are of vital importance. First, and perhaps most crucial, if you're a long time fan of MGS, but failed to play Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, I strongly urge you to do so. The MGSV system is such an incredible leap forward from past games in the series, Ground Zeroes serves not only as a prologue to The Phantom Pain in terms of plot and set up, it's a critical primer in familiarizing yourself with the new game mechanics of the entire MGSV experience. Getting familiar with the play style and ramped up mechanics in Ground Zeroes will help newcomers to jump into the Phantom Pain ready to sink their teeth into the game. Oh, and what a game! The Phantom Pain is really, two games in one. The main game, puts you in the middle of a fully realized world that is as beautiful and awe inspiring as it is dangerous. Set in 1984, the story opens in Soviet occupied Afghanistan. The stark landscape, combined with the time shifts and weather changes make for a digital world that feels so real, it's ridiculous. Get Snake on his horse, and go for a run, and the animal's movements are so lifelike and enigmatic, there truly are no words to describe it. Couple the visuals with the audio (especially if you have a great pair of headphones), elevates the game to a true interactive film. Wander the Afghani desert, and you'll animals in the background relative to your position, enemies engaging in banal conversation, even an enemy vehicle rumbling somewhere in the distance. The execution is flawless. The second important note revolves around the game within the game: the construction and micromanagement of your HQ, Motherbase. Building, customizing and just exploring the vastness of Motherbase itself is an important, and incredibly fun experience that will take hours and hours and even more hours of devotion, but it's worth every minute, as well as vital to advancing the main game's story. Through Motherbase, you will establish an R&D branch, which will give you the ability to develop and customize weapons, camo, items and more. Once you start to build and expand Motherbase, you'll find yourself spending an unbelievable amount of time just wandering around and exploring. Be diligent in your exploration! You will uncover valuable items and crucial secrets! I've stumbled on four so far, and I just know that there are more waiting to be found! All in all, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, is an absolute must play. For seasoned MGS veterans, or newcomers to the franchise, there is something here for everyone. This game is a one of a kind experience that is absolutely not to be missed. There is so much to do and discover, to create and play around with, to list it all here would be take forever. From the playstyle and the game mechanics, to Motherbase and free roaming the vast landscape while on side ops, to the plot and your buddies! (Quiet's story is gutwrenching), you won't regret one single second playing, hell, EXPERIENCING this absolute masterpiece!

My objective was to find and rescue a captured soldier than had intel the Diamond Dogs need. Map marker placed, it's not to far at 800 odd meters. Instead of calling in my support chopper to pick me up I opted to stick with my trusty horse. I had recently cleared out the guard posts along the main route there so combat was not a worry either. Decided to listen to some tunes and found my recently acquired track of "Kids in America" and set off. I noticed I was low on tranquilizer rounds and the suppressor was almost worn out. Calling in a supply drop was a few buttons away and I set it to be right outside the enemies base with the prisoner. A few minutes later I was there, loaded up, and darkness was upon the Afghan desert. As I approached the base I noticed i had to cross 1 of 2 bridges and opted for the one on my left. Suddenly the HUD showed a enemy was starting to notice me, but who? there's nothing out here. Miller comes on the radio and informs me of why I can't see them. The base had posted snipers up on the ridge across the river overlooking my original route I had planned. Worried I was already spotted I dove down into prone behind some shrubs and a boulder, the sniper was still suspicion but as I slowly crawled down along the embankment I was safe once again. I got out my binoculars and spotted not one but two snipers up on the ridge. I quickly looked around for another route around them and saw a crack up the side of the ridge on their side. I slowly made my way down to the water and crossed it, made my way to the cracks and climbed up. This put me in optimal position to take these two marksmen out and I moved around the cliff-side towards their nest. To my surprise there was yet another sniper facing out overlooking the base. He was slightly further away from the other two so I wanted to take him out first. I threw an empty mag off to the left and he instantly went on the alert. 1 dart to the head and he was out. Next up was more difficult and would require faster reaction. Popped a shot in the closest snipers back he shrugged it off but soon after went to sleep which the other guy noticed right away, but it was too late. I was already behind him and my knife at his throat. The rest of the mission went smoothly and I also gained some new recruits at Mother Base, but this is just an example of many situations that happen in the game, and that whole objective was only a side-op. Combine amazing sound, smooth controls, beautiful graphics and mix it with the BEST gameplay of the series yet and MGS5 is instantly on road to one of the best games in years.

I dont think theres much more to add that hasnt already been said about this game, but something not many reviewers have talked about is the laughs youll get from the game. Some of the silliest moments come when playing with your cardboard box. Gotta love a game of this magnitude not taking itself TOO seriously. I, like others who've reviewed the game, am a big stealth fan and this one doesnt disappoint. I hear people say you can attack bases guns-a-blazin, but im not sure how thatd work for building your staff. Im sure it can be done through other means, but i try and get as many enemy soldiers to join my team as possible, so i dont know how that works if youre killing everyone. There have certainly been missions where i got discovered and i had to turn to my assault rifle, but i didnt get much from those missions (you get bonuses for all kinds of stuff, but killing and setting off alarms arent on the list). One really amazing feature that i think sets this apart for me is how enemies start to counter your tactics. I cant think of too many games that ive played that does this as well as MGS:PP. getting lots of head shots? Enemies start wearing helmets. Taking lots of backdoor approaches? Better bring D-Dog (one possible "buddy") along to start marking land mines theyve laid out. Its just a great feature that not many games have. Havent seen them counter my "sexy" cardboard box yet though lol. In short, if you like games like Far Cry, Splinter Cell, Red Dead Redemption or Deus Ex, im pretty sure youll love this game. Im 40+ hours in and i still havent even gotten out of Afghanistan yet. So yeah, well worth 60 bucks! Edit to add a few more comments (sorry for longish review): as stated above, enemies develop counter tactics to yours, and playing today, im in a crawl space under a base, waiting for a clearing when i overhear enemies talking about all these soldiers being carried away by balloons recently, to which his buddy replies "those arent just balloons dummy, its the American fulton recovery system" or something to that effect. Made me chuckle, but he also made a comment that HQ was going to have to work on something to counter that....damn :(. And a response to the criticisms. I think the one fair criticism is the repetitive nature of missions. They do get a bit repetitive, but its not a big deal for me because i look at it as a way to have more opportunities for A or better rankings. Theyre still tense, but it does get easier as you take down anti air radars and guns, satellite and comm systems etc, but as stated before, with enemies countering your tactics better, the challenge remains. The criticism on the supernatural stuff in the game isnt really fair because this is NOT Splinter Cell, nor do they try to be. Metal Gear has always had this kind of stuff in games, so people criticizing this part of the game maybe havent played much of the series before. But yeah, just wanted to add that

The last installment of the saga as we know before the departure of its creator, Hideo Kojima, and barabaridades Konami is already planning to give the saga. It is a game that looks magnificent Graphically using the Fox Engine, which has the best gameplay of the series, that feels great world open and the management of the base, but it suffers from the eternal and permanent feeling of " they sold incomplete ", mainly in history. At one point (without detail in order not to give spoilers) ends up having missions pure filler which add nothing to the story, and the second chapter (of the two brings) note that was finished hastily, gathering what was done in the best way possible. Make no mistake, the story is magnificent, creates a new moment of importance to the saga, but it shows that much of the story was hastily discarded. Blame Konami pushing for launch in September ?, because of Hideo Kojima, tired of following in the saga ?. We can not say at this point. It's a game that I recommend if you are fans of Metal Gear, and want to know the end point of the saga created by Kojima. And if you do not care story mode, as will enjoy its incredible gameplay and spectacular graphics. =================== La ultima entrega de la saga tal como la conocemos antes de la salida de su creador, Hideo Kojima, y las barabaridades que Konami ya esta pensando hacerle a la saga. Es un juego que luce magnifico a nivel grafico con el uso del Fox Engine, que tiene la mejor jugabilidad de la saga, que le sienta genial el mundo abierto y la gestion de la base, pero que peca de la eterna y permanente sensacion de "lo vendieron incompleto", principalmente en la historia. En determinado punto (y sin detalle para no dar spoilers) termina teniendo misiones de puro relleno, que no aportan nada a la historia, y el segundo capitulo (de los dos que trae) se nota que fue acabado apresuradamente, juntando lo que se hizo de la mejor forma posible. No se equivoquen, la historia es magnifica, crea un nuevo momento de importancia para la saga, pero se nota que mucho de la historia fue descartado de forma apresurada. ¿Culpa de Konami presionando por lanzarlo en Septiembre?, ¿culpa de Hideo Kojima, cansando de seguir en la saga?. No lo podemos decir en este punto. Es un juego que recomiendo si eres fans de Metal Gear, y quieres conocer el punto final de la saga creada por Kojima. Y si te da igual el modo historia, igual disfrutaras de su increible jugabilidad y espectaculares graficos.

MGS V is the first in the series I played all the way through. A few years ago, I tried playing one of the older games on the PS3 and had to stop part way through since the story was so frustrating for a new player. It seemed like all of the characters in that game were named "Snake." MGS V is completely different and only has one "Snake." Players don't need to be familiar with the series to enjoy this game. There are some unique aspects of this game which make it stand out for me. The first is the extraction system. You can extract people, animals, vehicles, and more using a balloon system that carries them off to your base. You use the people and items you collect to build up your base and you collect the animals for an NGO. The second mechanic I loved was the various buddies from which to choose. My favorite is the dog. I loved running around, and exploring with my dog at my side. The dog points out enemies and you can research gear so that he can eventually attack enemies. The best part is that the dog can't die (the horse also can't die). It's very refreshing to play a game that rewards you for saving animals and forming a bond with them. I was hesitant to play this game when I read that it was based played using stealth. I'm not usually that great at being shealthy, but the mechanics in this game are excellent and actually make stealth fun. If the game gets too difficult, you are able to call in for helicopter support or choose to don a chicken hat to reduce enemy detection. MGS V has a very odd feel to it overall. Part of it might be the music and the reference to David Bowie and the other part is that the characters are all very strange. I am not going to give anything away, but this game was just incredibly bizarre and that was appealing to me. Overall, I loved this game and am glad I gave it a chance.

Coming from a huge Metal Gear Solid fan, I actually wasn't initially planning to check this out. To me, the series ended at 4 and that was that. It was such a great ending and a great game and I just had a happy place in my imagination for the Metal Gear Solid series and many of its characters that I had been following since I was younger. I knew about the game while it was in production and I was just like yeah whatever another Metal Gear spin-off. I wasn't interested and didn't pay much attention but caught some details here and there, such as playing as Big Boss again and the setting. Ground Zeroes was really disappointing to me as well after I reluctantly checked it out, and that contributed more to my doubt for this game. Nevertheless, it came out and started to get great reviews (10's on IGN and Gamespot) and I was like alright lets see what this is about. Picked up the game, and after two weeks with it, I not only had over 200 hours of gameplay, but I had platinumed it. It wasn't because I was in any kind of rush either, I just couldn't stop playing the game. It is a lot different as far as the other Metal Gear games go, but it still totally works. It feels like a Metal Gear game. Technically awesome, great boss fights, beautiful locations and graphics, mature, deep thematics. There is an attention to detail here present only in Metal Gear Solid games. It asks a lot of you as a player too. You have to be smart and know the game and its system to be able to conquer it. Some really great Metal Gear moments, although the story does take a backseat to the gameplay for the first time really with a major game in the series. What is so great about this however is just how well it works. It goes to show how innovative and original the Metal Gear Solid team is. Another fantastic game