8Bit/Digi

Metal Gear Solid has always been a pioneer in redefining the stealth-action genre while re-branding itself with each new entry in the series. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes is Hideo Kojima’s attempt to introduces gamers to what he hopes would be a new direction for the series.

Its going to be a long time before The Phantom Pain is going to be release while Kojima really wants to show the gaming world the new chapter in Big Boss’s story. Hence he has done everyone a favor by giving a sample of what to expect.

Following the events of Peace Walker; Paz Ortega Andrade and Chico have been captured by XOF and are being held at Camp Omega in Cuba. Snake (a.k.a. Big Boss) needs to infiltrate the camp and rescue them before sensitive information regarding Militaires Sans Frontières (Soldiers Without Borders) is leaked to The Patriots.

First lets get the obvious out of the way, this is not a two hour game or an over glorified demo. This is an introduction to a direction for the series. Gamers could expect to finish it quick (a time period greater then two hours) if they play it on easy and don’t bother using stealth or tactics (this is not Call of Duty).

As with previous games; Ground Zeroes features a thought provoking story with an ending that will leave players speechless and really wanting The Phantom Pain. Kojima vision of creating games could only be described of having the artistic style of James Cameron while borrowing the auteurism of Quentin Tarantino.

Ground Zeroes gameplay mechanism will use features from both Guns of the Patriots and Peace Walker while having improved the overall setup. Players will explore a limited open-world from a third person perspective while avoiding detection.

The game will use the same kind of combat system featured in Guns of the Patriots but using stealth and avoiding combat is more encouraged. CQC has also been modestly tweaked to give players an easier time engaging enemy sentries.

One issue old-school gamers will struggle to overcome is getting acquainted to Kiefer Sutherland having replaced David Hayter as the voice of Snake. The problem is that despite Sutherland efforts in trying to give Snake a voice, it almost feels like you’re playing as Jack Bauer.

In the end Hideo Kojima has not outdone himself, he has only demonstrated with Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes that Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain will be his crowning achievement.

Final Score: 9/10

Disclaimer: The game used for this review was purchased at GameStop. 

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