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Games : Highly Recommended
Ranking:
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Release Date: September 1st, 2015 Movie Release Year: 2015

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Overview -

The first 'Metal Gear' was released in 1987 for the MSX2. It was developed by Hideo Kojima and was converted from an action shooter to a stealth title after Kojima became involved. The third entry in the series, 'Metal Gear Solid' for the PlayStation, was a watershed stealth title, and the series has been immensely popular ever since. A brief demo of 'Metal Gear Solid V', titled 'Ground Zeroes', was released last year to serve as a prequel of sorts for 'The Phantom Pain'.

From the days of the original PlayStation through the PS3 and even the PSP, the 'MGS' series has been a mix of stealth action and over-the-top story in the signature style of Kojima. 'The Phantom Pain' is different, as it promises an openworld design never before attempted in a 'Metal Gear' title. 'TPP' also is promised as the missing link in the timeline, and more so than any previous entry, appears to be the last time that Kojima will direct a 'Metal Gear' game.

OVERALL:
Highly Recommended
Rating Breakdown
VIDEO
AUDIO
Tech Specs & Release Details
Release Date:
September 1st, 2015

Video Review

Ranking:

This is an excellent-looking game. Character models are highly expressive and detailed, especially faces. Motion capture is superb, and even the smallest movements of the guards are human and don’t have that video game look. The landscapes are expansive with a long draw distance. Lighting is used to great effect, especially in regards to the stealth. The game runs smoothly, although the load times can be cumbersome.

Audio Review

Ranking:

The score is composed by prolific Hollywood conductor Harry Gregson-Williams, who has provided many 'Metal Gears' with top-notch music. The sound effects are very retro, many of them being upgraded versions of 'Metal Gear Solid' assets. The voice acting is overall good, but there is some hamminess that goes along with the script. Between the shrapnel sticking out of Snake’s head and Kiefer Sutherland replacing longtime voice actor David Hayter, the familiar Snake is MIA , but I got over it pretty quickly.

Final Thoughts

'Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain' isn't just great a stealth experience by 'Metal Gear' standards, it’s a great stealth tour for this generation of gaming. The devs have built on the great prequel series and made an extremely sympathetic character of Big Boss. If this is Kojima’s swan song, he has done it grandly.