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Twelve hours – this was the amount of time we spent with the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain at Konami's Paris office recently. It was only after every one of those hours that we were able to truly put our opinion into words as we tackled the final installment in the Metal Gear franchise – at least with Hideo Kojima in charge. Since we aren't allowed to spoil anything in regards to the narrative, nor would we want to, you won't have to worry about any spoilers here – just pure gameplay coverage.

1984 "Big Boss is watching you"

The Phantom Pain kicks off with a lengthy playable introduction that left us glued to our seat. Simply put, we haven't experienced something quite like this since the beginning of The Last of Us. Even those already familiar with MGSV through Ground Zeroes will be in for a fair number of surprises and "WTF" moments – just what you'd expect from Mr. Kojima. Once this lengthy introduction is wrapped up we found ourselves on horseback in the desert of Afghanistan in 1984 with a simple mission designed to familiarize the player with the basics. This is also the first opportunity where we can draw comparisons to Ground Zeroes which helps make it clear just how many improvements have been made across the board since that initial outing.

Let's start with the day/night cycle dynamics. Far from being a simple aesthetic feature, this cycle changes the gameplay in a very dynamic way – the time of day in which you attack your objective will influence the gameplay directly. During the day, for instance, watch towers have a much clearer view of the battlefield making it much more difficult to sneak through. Under the cover of night, however, it's possible to sneak in while the patrols are thinned out. From here you could choose to destroy the base's lighting generator in order to remain under the cover of darkness. Of course, taking out the generator also puts guards on high alert making it more difficult to fight your way through. We found it a bit easier to just shoot out lights one by one rather than taking out the whole base at once. The time of day mechanic is also left up to the players rather than requiring a lengthy wait for sundown. Simply whip out your trusty cigarette, with rather interesting medicinal properties, and time begins to pass rapidly as Snake reflects on the good old days.

Beyond that, weather conditions are also taken into account. Indeed, violent sandstorms will sometimes appear dynamically during play concealing you from nearby enemy patrols enabling a more discrete entry into heavily guarded areas. These climate changes are also forecast by your little radio – very useful when it comes to planning your attack. Speaking of gadgets, the fulton system is back and is quite a joy to use. This powerful ground to air tool is capable of extracting all sorts of objects and people including stunned soldiers, prisoners, equipment, and even animals. It's easy to use too – as long as the space above your desired pickup it clear it's as simple as hitting a button and watching things unfold. The only downside is that the number of fulton lifts are limited (something that can be increased later) and it alerts nearby enemies.

Top Gear

While the core gameplay inherits much from the original Ground Zeroes release, TPP itself also brings with it many elements introduced in MGS: Peace Walker where players are tasked with managing Mother Base in between missions. Unlike the PSP game, however, the base is now fully modeled and can be explored freely. After some initial improvements, the base will be divided into separates modules (command, combat unit, support, R&D, medical, etc…) which can each be upgraded independently. Each of these also features its own combat mini games which can be a fun way to relax between missions. Snake also has a tendency to get filthy during combat operations so hitting the showers is also advised. Of course, if you choose to remain dirty eventually a swarm of flies set in - not unlike a certain Deadly Premonition - and your troop's morale dips. You are urged to deploy your troops back out into the battlefield to earn valuable resources which can then be poured back into Mother Base enabling upgrades for your weapons and equipment, new outfits, and accessories for your allies.

The sheer number and variety of weapons is also notable – silenced pistols, sniper rifles, assault rifles, rocket launchers, mines, illuminating grenades, smoke grenades – all of these and more are available and fully upgradable allowing for a wide range of strategies within each mission. Then there are the animals. One interesting example we encountered involved a stray cub that was injured during one of our missions – you can ignored this, of course, but bringing it back to base and caring for it could allow you to raise a vicious animal that could fight alongside you later in the game. The horse is very useful for faster travel in addition to hiding alongside to slip past enemy forces. It's efficient at long range but in close quarters enemies will easily see through it. Of course, the infamous Metal Gear Box returns as well allowing for cardboard infiltration action. Other vehicles available range from the classic jeep all the way up to a nimble little bipod. It becomes pretty clear early on that your horse is far from the only viable option here.

It's also clear that TPP is shaping up as the new benchmark in stealth game design – going well beyond expectations for the genre in many cases. The possibilities are numerous and the way it adapts to the player's behavior is nothing short of stunning. You can take the classic stealth approach, scouting ahead before entering and taking out enemies one by one or you can take a more adrenaline filled approach and try dealing with challenges on the fly. If you're feeling especially crazy you can also go all out with heavy artillery, air strikes, and whatever else you might have on hand. There are many ways to approach each mission and those approaches all have different consequences. Of course, nothing is more satisfying than sneaking through unseen and accomplishing your goal quickly and efficiently while scoring an "S rank" at the end.

Snake Charmer

In terms of open world game design, there's open world and then there is open world. Leaving behind the small base area of Ground Zeroes, TPP presents much larger areas with our time being focused the rocky deserts of Afghanistan. A much more lush area set in Africa is also planned along with who knows what else. We were told that the playing area we experienced was 200 times larger than that of the prologue – something we weren't able to accurately judge just yet. From what we've played, the level design works well with a huge variety of locales on hand including caves, bases, ruins, and more with many hiding places throughout. While some missions are confined to specific locales there is also a free mode enabling players to explore freely picking up resources along the way or finding cassette tapes which you can enjoy on your 80s era tape player. Speaking of technology, Ground Zeroes' iDroid also see a complete overhaul with a much friendly take on navigation. The prosthetic arm also allows players to create a sound, similar to knocking on a wall in previous games, to attract attention.

We were also reassured by the game's technical performance at this point – the game isn't finished yet but it feels complete with no crashing or bugs hindering our progress. We spent time with the PS4 version which presents a cleaner image than Ground Zeroes with remarkable rendering of light and shadow alongside an impressive depth of field effect. The frame-rate was also very solid holding a stable 60fps with just one or two exceptions. Coupled with the short loading times it's hard to find critique with the game even as a cross-gen release. The only downside comes from the rather low resolution shadow work with lots of visible stair stepping and chunky edges. One potential issue fans may take with the game is the balance of gameplay and cutscenes. In general, you select a mission, drop in, complete, and pull out rinse and repeat. This isn't an issue in itself, per se, as the game is a blast to play, but we found that the time being major plot points being presented was often pretty significant. The cinematic impact is still there in the scene we did experience but the amount of time between these sequences may leave fans of the series feeling a bit disappointed.

While engaged in that gameplay, however, it was the AI that left perhaps the strongest impression. Reactions were credible, variable, and incredibly fun to play with. Take out a guard from a great distance and watch in glee as the base scrambles to figure out what just happened even using flares to light the way should the attack happen at night. The classic cardboard box also returns and allows for some good times – we ran across soldiers announcing the fact that they saw the box move just before springing a surprise on them. The cardboard technology, the finest on offer in the game of course, also allows players to isolate guards to specific areas by propping up girlie pictures instead drawing nearby guards to take a look while you sneak past them. Overall, the number of situations the enemies offer, allow for some very interesting scenarios that really showcase their intelligence. Also, there is a smooth ramp up in difficult with the early enemies in the game giving way to greater challenges as you progress without feeling unfair.

First Impressions


MGSV: The Phantom Pain, at this point, looks to be a wonderful farewell letter addressed to series fans as well as fans of good games in general. It's a perfect blend of flexible gameplay with many available approaches, addictive base management, and some remarkable game design choices. Not to spoil anything, the environments and scenarios should prove rich and varied working very well alongside the excellent AI. Kojima seems to have gone all out with this one and we look forward to experiencing it in full when it drops on September 1st.

Screenshots

  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Screenshots
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Screenshots
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Screenshots
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Screenshots
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Screenshots
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Screenshots
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Screenshots
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Screenshots
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Screenshots
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Screenshots

Promo screens

  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
  • GSY Preview : The Phantom Pain - Promo screens
Sdarts
Sdarts
Commented on 2015-06-10 17:34:48
Thanks so much for the preview and images!

The preview is very informative. Also, I really appreciate you guys didn't focus too much on the graphics - the game looks very good. Too much people focusing on that and forgetting what truly makes a game special, the whole experience!

I love how the gameplay style variations and how quickly you execute them reminds me of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist, where tackling missions in a myriad of different ways was the best part about it. And which made replaying the same missions over and over for dozens of times so fun.

It's also great how almost everything you do to get an advantage, has a disadvantage for you. A very balanced way of doing things which I hope more developers do in the future with AI and game design.

Mother Base, weapons and items upgrades seem really deep. Everything I read so far, makes The Phantom Pain seem like one of the best stealth action games of all time. I really hope it delivers on everything. This is truly a Hideo Kojima game!

Congratulations to Hideo Kojima and the Kojima Productions for making what looks to be a masterpiece!
In reply to
Sath - Missed the<br>hay
Sath
Commented on 2015-06-10 17:38:58
After playing Ground Zeroes on Ps4, i am VERY interested to the point i will probably buy it.
But i heard its going to be afghanistan and africa as the only settings and motherbase (doesnt count as a level).

Lack of settings is what puts me off, the rest, its all good!
In reply to
KORNdog
KORNdog
Commented on 2015-06-10 17:41:24
i'm legitimately struggling to be excited. do i go asgainst my gut feeling and buy it anyway and believe those claiming it's a masterpeice? or do i just play MGS1 again knowing without doubt it's the best of the series?

PS. how much does snake talk in the time you played? is he as mute as he appears to be?
In reply to
bleachedsmiles
bleachedsmiles
Commented on 2015-06-10 17:46:40
"excellent AI" huh...well I hope it is noticeably improved over Groundzero's - they're so dumb in that.

I do quite like Ground zero though (didn't pay for it, out of principle). What was instantly nice about it though was just how fluid the controls are now. MGS4 was a real struggle...felt distinctly still japanese, and backwards.
The fox engine is also really nice, and the framerate rock solid.
So hopefully all these things will translate well when Phantom hits. And mp looks interesting this time round too.

That thing sticking out of his head still looks daft though. Thankfully there's chicken hats.
In reply to
guts_o - Chauffeur de salle
guts_o
Commented on 2015-06-10 18:09:04
@KORNdog : Yes, Snake doesn't talk very often indeed.

@bleachedsmiles : As i explained, almost everything has been improved over GZ's. ;)
In reply to
Sdarts
Sdarts
Commented on 2015-06-10 18:17:48 In reply to guts_o
Thanks a lot for the excellent preview and images!
And can we expect any videos from your time with the game?
Either way, thanks!
In reply to
KORNdog
KORNdog
Commented on 2015-06-10 19:14:01 In reply to guts_o
Posted by guts_o
@KORNdog : Yes, Snake doesn't talk very often indeed
Well that's both upsetting and awesome news at the same time. Upsetting because it means it's less like past games story and dialogue heavy games. Although at the same time it's awsome news since i have to hear less of crappy keifer. Swings and roundabouts i guess.
In reply to
Megido
Megido
Commented on 2015-06-10 19:18:34
....the dog has an eyepatch?

Who designs this shit!? :P
In reply to
KORNdog
KORNdog
Commented on 2015-06-10 19:20:52 In reply to Megido
Posted by Megido
....the dog has an eyepatch?

Who designs this shit!? :P
The same moron who designed "quiet" i'd assume. Lol.
In reply to
jeenyus
jeenyus
Commented on 2015-06-10 20:00:35 In reply to Megido
Posted by Megido
....the dog has an eyepatch?

Who designs this shit!? :P
Not less silly than the Jeep sliding on your well placed horse's poop. It's a Kojima thing, you should be in awe, I think.
In reply to
Sath - Missed the<br>hay
Sath
Commented on 2015-06-10 20:02:35
And its a japanese thing, why is this such a surprise? it shouldnt be.
In reply to
SangHee
SangHee
Commented on 2015-06-10 20:05:18
Consistently awesome character design has me hooked. Though as Korn said, I also struggle to get excited. I'll wait till the last moment to see how it ended up.
In reply to
Zat
Zat
Commented on 2015-06-10 20:06:54
Can´t wait. Thanks guys.
In reply to
MikeManiac61
MikeManiac61
Commented on 2015-06-10 20:25:28
Yeah the wolf has an eyepatch, if you played the past Metal Gear games they don't always take itself serious all the time.
In reply to
2040
2040
Commented on 2015-06-10 20:29:32
Why hair and fur texture looks like crap? Is it PS4 version ?
In reply to
andrewsqual
andrewsqual
Commented on 2015-06-10 20:52:29 In reply to 2040
Hair looks good in the screenshots. Promo shots are from around Gamescom last year.
In reply to
2040
2040
Commented on 2015-06-10 21:27:41 In reply to andrewsqual
Posted by andrewsqual
Hair looks good in the screenshots. Promo shots are from around Gamescom last year.
I looked at them again when you said promo is for last year but ... looks the same to me ... hair and fur looks so pixely
In reply to
KORNdog
KORNdog
Commented on 2015-06-10 21:32:31 In reply to 2040
Posted by 2040
I looked at them again when you said promo is for last year but ... looks the same to me ... hair and fur looks so pixely
The engine just handles transparencies badly. Lots of dithering. Ground zeroes was the same.
In reply to
2040
2040
Commented on 2015-06-10 21:40:49 In reply to KORNdog
Posted by KORNdog
The engine just handles transparencies badly. Lots of dithering. Ground zeroes was the same.
Now I get it ... guess they should do something about it cause that problem comes to eye in the first look.
In reply to
KORNdog
KORNdog
Commented on 2015-06-10 21:45:03 In reply to 2040
Posted by 2040
Now I get it ... guess they should do something about it cause that problem comes to eye in the first look.
Apparently they've made a lot of sacrifices to maintain their 60fps vision. Its not going to win awards for visuals that's for sure.
In reply to
deafwing
deafwing
Commented on 2015-06-10 21:45:16
Damn September first is not just far away for me, it's just a shitty time for a game to come out that I actually want to play ... : /
In reply to
deafwing
deafwing
Commented on 2015-06-10 21:45:56 In reply to KORNdog
Posted by KORNdog
Apparently they've made a lot of sacrifices to maintain their 60fps vision. Its not going to win awards for visuals that's for sure.
I will take a girl with a smooth ass over a girl with a simply over the top large ass any day ... :D
In reply to
omniscient
omniscient
Commented on 2015-06-10 22:05:32
Having played ground zeroes combined with what's being said and seen this isn't rivalling for GOTY but Game of the generation.
In reply to
KORNdog
KORNdog
Commented on 2015-06-11 01:05:44 In reply to deafwing
Posted by deafwing
I will take a girl with a smooth ass over a girl with a simply over the top large ass any day ... :D
I'm not sure which is which in this example. Is the smooth ass the one with better visuals, or better performance? PP is basically some nasty, lumpy fat ass but she knows how to use it, of you knows what i mean.

A game like the order however is some perfect, awsome, super model ass, but her rhythm is off.

Lol.
In reply to
omniscient
omniscient
Commented on 2015-06-11 09:36:16
I wonder the state of the xbone version.
In reply to
About the game
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Published by
Konami
Developed by
Kojima Productions
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