Home Gaming Metal Gear Solid V: Review Round Up

Metal Gear Solid V: Review Round Up

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Metal Gear Solid V (which happens to be a Hideo Kojima game, in case you didn’t know) is coming next week, bringing the series – at least the series under Kojima’s stewardship – to a close. Thanks to its decades-long legacy, It’s a game that people are incredibly excited for. Well, reviews have been trickling out – more than a week before release, which speaks of a certain confidence on the developer and publisher’s part. We’ll have our own review out today, though it seems we’ve been given a different embargo time to the rest of the world. Here’s what critics have to say thus far.

Gamespot 10/10

MGSV_2

Every fan of Metal Gear has their favorite game in the series. For some, it’s the unique gameplay quirks, memorable set pieces, or specific plot points that dictate their adoration for one game over another. When defining the best Metal Gear game, things get trickier, but with The Phantom Pain, that problem is finally resolved. There has never been a game in the series with such depth to its gameplay, or so much volume in content. The best elements from the past games are here, and the new open-world gameplay adds more to love on top. When it comes to storytelling, there has never been a Metal Gear game that’s so consistent in tone, daring in subject matter, and so captivating in presentation. The Phantom Pain may be a contender for one of the best action games ever made, but is undoubtedly the best Metal Gear game there is.

IGN 10/10

MGSV_1

The Phantom Pain is the kind of game I thought would never exist – one where every minute gameplay detail has true purpose. Its lack of story focus is sure to be divisive for the Metal Gear faithful, but the resulting emphasis on my story, my tales of Espionage Action, easily make it my favorite in the series. There have certainly been sandbox action games that have given me a bigger world to roam, or more little icons to chase on my minimap, but none have pushed me to plan, adapt, and improvise the way this one does. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain doesn’t just respect my intelligence as a player, it expects it of me, putting it in league that few others occupy.

Respawn Ninja 10/10

MGSV_3

Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pain is quite possibly (more than likely) the last hurrah from Kojima in this franchise and from the level of detail, the brilliant cinematography style missions to the massive expansion of gameplay with Mother Base management – he’s going out with a bang. The introduction of the game was really powerful and basically took that level of momentum throughout the entire campaign. It’s incredible to see the amount of work gone into this title and you can see Kojima and the team really poured their soul into this game to give it character. This is simply one of the best games I’ve played this year.

Metal Gear Informer 10/10

MGSV_4

For a series that has been around since 1987 to constantly reinvent itself and stay relevant is an accomplishment in itself. But to totally break what you expect a game can do for you emotionally & mentally – and at the end of the day have fun with it and give you legitimate joy – is something special.

Examiner 5/5

MGSV_6

It’s difficult to effectively describe everything this game has to offer. It’s difficult to think about the next time we see a new Metal Gear Solid and when that will be. It is, however, not difficult to say that Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the best game of the year so far.

The Daily Dot 5/5

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Aside from being a mildly engrossing troop management feature, Mother Base acts as a narrative precursor to Big Boss’ Outer Heaven fortress. It’s just one of a number of key elements in The Phantom Pain that adds gravitas to the events that preceded this chapter in Big Boss’ stor—and the known Metal Gear-related incidents that have yet to come. It takes talent to make the player think that a game director is “phoning in” a story only to realize later that every narrative beat had some degree of meaning. It’s only when I completed the story that I realized that every scene that made me rub my chin in puzzlement is a proverbial breadcrumb that offers a new perspective upon second viewing. A couple revelations are even significant enough to make one rethink the series as a whole. This is one of those rare instances where marathoning a game series is more meaningful after the latest sequel is released, not before.

EGM 9.5/10

MGSV_8

Even Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’s missteps show a certain boldness that is absent from the big budget games space. It is unafraid to experiment, not just on the franchise’s structure, but on mechanics readily established as standards in the industry. Delivering the most realized open-world stealth game to date in addition to the customizability for players to approach every challenge however they see fit, The Phantom Pain not only changes the rules of the Metal Gear Solid series, ultimately altering the trajectory of the franchise, if it does continue, while simultaneously changing the idea of what can be accomplished with an open world game, both narratively and mechanically.

GameInformer 9.25/10

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Hideo Kojima’s original Metal Gear was a top-down, screen-by-screen stealth title. Compared to the massive and ambitious world of The Phantom Pain, it’s hard to believe both games are products of the same creative mind. A series can’t survive this long without evolving, and The Phantom Pain is a testament to the importance of taking risks. An open world, a customizable base, a variable mission structure – these are not traditional aspects of Metal Gear, but they are what makes The Phantom Pain such an exceptional game. The gameplay, storytelling, and protagonists in Metal Gear may shift with each new installment, but Kojima’s ability to surprise and enthrall gamers remains unchanged.

Destructoid 9/10

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Despite the fact that I hit a few snags along the way, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain feels like a simultaneous celebration of the series, and a decidedly new chapter. It’s equal parts tough and flashy, and it’s fitting that if this is Kojima’s last Metal Gear, he goes on a high note.

Kotaku Impressions Only

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After more than 30 hours with the newest Metal Gear Solid, I’m convinced that Phantom Pain is the best Metal Gear yet, a game with extraordinary scope, inimitable style, and some of the most satisfying sneaking and creeping I’ve ever performed either in a video game or IRL. Particularly diehard fans might be miffed at how far The Phantom Pain has strayed from the formula established by Hideo Kojima’s first few Metal Gear Solid games, but in my eyes, just about every change is welcome. Older Metal Gear Solids had baffling controls, odd camera angles, and an incomprehensible story. Metal Gear Solid V has easy controls, a great camera, and… an incomprehensible story.

Polygon Impressions Only

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The Phantom Pain’s story is, like other Metal Gear Solid games, complex — and frustrating in that complexity. It can be clumsy, silly and puerile, but we’re still hooked. There are dozens of audio tape conversations we’ve listened to to flesh out the backstory, with dozens more still to soak in. Without a doubt, this game has series creator Hideo Kojima’s touch throughout, a fact we’re reminded of the dozens of times the game says The Phantom Pain was directed and produced by Kojima.

USGamer – Review-In-Progress

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I will say that Kojima has crafted an incredibly memorable game, and when all is said and done, possibly his best. Jeremy and I will have plenty more to say about The Phantom Pain in the next week or so; but in lieu of a final score, I’ll just say that, yes, it’s definitely worth playing. Regardless of how you end up feeling about The Phantom Pain, there’s truly no game like it.

Last Updated: August 24, 2015

41 Comments

  1. Spathi

    August 24, 2015 at 08:19

    Whoooooot! Was afraid this would tank for some or the other reason. I’m sorry I doubted you Mr Kojima.

    Reply

    • Umar

      August 24, 2015 at 08:36

      We’ve been burnt too much before that’s why.

      Reply

  2. Umar

    August 24, 2015 at 08:36

    ALL OVER MY FACE!

    Reply

  3. PoisonedBelial

    August 24, 2015 at 08:43

    Kojima’s face when Konami realise they fucked up by letting him go:

    Reply

  4. Thami Afurika-Jin HD

    August 24, 2015 at 08:44

    #AHideoKojimaGame #HappyBirthdayKojima #VHasComeTo

    Reply

  5. Kromas,powered by windows 10.

    August 24, 2015 at 08:51

    Have no played anything Metal Gear since the original. Might just add this to the ever increasing but never used list I call my steam library.

    Reply

  6. CypherGate

    August 24, 2015 at 08:57

    WOW that is some crazy scores. Its rare to see a game hit scores like that.

    Reply

  7. HairyEwok

    August 24, 2015 at 08:57

    Holy crap did MGS V just outscore the all mighty Witcher 3 O.o

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      August 24, 2015 at 10:21

      I’m trading Witcher 3 for this. Yes I know I just admitted that I’m mentally deranged

      Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

      • JasenRazMan

        August 25, 2015 at 09:15

        there is no shame, you are forgiven.

        Reply

  8. b1nd3r

    August 24, 2015 at 09:00

    Cannot wait!!!! The last mgs game i will buy 😛

    Reply

  9. HairyEwok

    August 24, 2015 at 09:08

    I will buy this game not to support Konami, I will buy it to say my thanks to Kojima for one helluva game that he poured his heart into with a limited budget from Konami.
    (I wish the money Konami is making out of this game could go to Kojima instead)

    Reply

    • CaptainNemo42

      August 24, 2015 at 09:19

      You do realise that by buying this game, you will, without you wanting to, support Konami? Unfortunately.

      Reply

  10. Ranting Raptor

    August 24, 2015 at 09:36

    Guys I honestly can’t take a review that gives 10/10 seriously. It means the game is perfect and it cannot possibly be. I mean come on. The IGN review says “Its lack of story focus is sure to be divisive for the Metal Gear faithful” then gives it 10/10? It makes no sense.

    Yes I know the game is good and I don’t want to be that guy but honestly give it a 9.5 or 9. Not full marks if it won’t meet up to serious MGS fan expectations like you say.

    Reply

    • Umar

      August 24, 2015 at 09:58

      Nope….10/10 doesn’t mean a game is perfect, but any complaints are not enough to detract from the overall score.

      Reply

      • Ranting Raptor

        August 24, 2015 at 10:13

        I tend to disagree. In my view 10/10 must mean perfect. That’s the way my mind works.

        I’m not saying the game isn’t good. Can’t say as I haven’t played. But don’t give a full score if it isn’t perfect. Just my opinion however

        Reply

        • Umar

          August 24, 2015 at 10:31

          Dunno, it’s a misconception that 10/10, while a perfect score, equates to the perfect game.There is no such thing as a perfect game which means no game would ever reach that score. To me, 10/10 just means, whatever negatives the game has has no impact on the overall enjoyment of the game, which to me, means nothing was significant enough to drag the score down.

          Reply

          • Ranting Raptor

            August 24, 2015 at 11:58

            I guess to each their own. I just can’t hey. Eish. It is one of my pet peeves

          • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

            August 25, 2015 at 13:28

            I am in full agreement….

          • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

            August 25, 2015 at 13:27

            You see, that is where I tend to disagree, a 10/10 is a perfect score, where the divisor is a form of analyses, a form of reference, but without basing that reference on solid information, the score could doesn’t mean anything, which defeats it’s purpose… Then they could just say, “Hey man, buy this game! It really is awesome/Buy it because to date I have not seen anything as good as this”. My opinion is that if you find an aspect that you complain about, then the game loses the full mark score, regardless of whether it was a minor issue or a bug somewhere, the fact remained that it bothered you, but that is honesty…

          • Umar

            August 25, 2015 at 13:51

            Well look, this is just how I view and understand it. The score itself is an extension of an opinion, we could go down the statistical route, but how far down do we go? What’s the point of a ceiling that no game may ever reach, because lets face it, going by what you said, there will never, EVER be a game to score 10/10. If a game is near perfect from start to finish, and it was the most fun you have ever had in your entire life, as in, this game is damn well 10/10 to you, but for there was a bug, a tiny little bug near the end, how would you detract it from the score? 9.99? 9.8? What exactly is your measurement for something like that when it hardly mattered at the end of the day and it didn’t detract from the overall experience ONE bit? It’s at the discretion of the reviewer. If they feel that whatever niggles the game has did nothing to lessen the experience, then they reserve the right to give it a ‘perfect’ score, but he he should substantiate at the very least WHY those little issues never hampered the experience.

            That’s just how I view it 🙂

          • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

            August 25, 2015 at 14:12

            That is a good point of view, basically what it boils down to is, if you’ve given a game a perfect score it means that it was the best game to date,whether it then be in that franchise/genre/peepot or whatever, the best possible experience that you could have playing said game… That makes sense, in a weird non statistical way… In the words of Michael Ironside though, “Face, meet wall, wall this is face” that’s how stupid I feel now…

        • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

          August 25, 2015 at 13:19

          I agree in full, I just read that review and my first question was, how does it get a full score? There is simply no way that a game with a listed (the guy actually wrote that he was disappointed with it) con can get a full score… The only thing they manage to do is skew the actual evaluation result. I am still of opinion that if you take a game and you break it down piece by piece, rate every part of it and then give an “average” scoring of your findings, you’ll have a successful review, but this “Oh, I fucking love the game 10/10” crap really annoys me….

          Reply

          • JasenRazMan

            August 26, 2015 at 13:29

            Agreed Umar. There is no such thing as the perfect game. Rating has never been done on a statistical basis because it is impossible to put a measurement on ART (games, movies, paintings all in the same boat). A Rating is subjective, its the opinion of the judge/writer. There is no right or wrong, there’s just the writer/judge and his experience in the industry comparing the subject (MGS) to the current. *Drops mic*

    • Hammersteyn

      August 24, 2015 at 10:20

      Will let you know if it meets my unrealistic cynical standards. Cant wait though

      Reply

  11. Hammersteyn

    August 24, 2015 at 10:19

    AAAAAAAWWWWW JJJJJIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

    Reply

  12. Chule Gcanga

    August 24, 2015 at 10:24

    😀

    Reply

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