METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN
Action
Adventure
Single-player
Multi-player
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Steam Trading Cards
Captions available
In-App Purchases
Steam Cloud
Steam Leaderboards
Remote Play on Phone
Remote Play on Tablet
Remote Play on TV
Family Sharing

Ushering in a new era for the METAL GEAR franchise with cutting-edge technology powered by the Fox Engine, METAL GEAR SOLID V: The Phantom Pain, will provide players a first-rate gaming experience as they are offered tactical freedom to carry out open-world missions.

Developers: KONAMI
Publishers: KONAMI
Release Date: Sep 1, 2015
Price (USD): $19.99
Current Players: 3k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(92%)
flexible gameplay
graphics
base management
technical performance
cassette tapes
Quiet's portrayal
unfinished story
repetitive missions
lifeless world
The gameplay in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is widely praised for its freedom and flexibility, offering a superb stealth-action experience. The open world is appreciated for its vastness, but some players note it as lifeless without much engagement. The game's technical performance and visuals remain remarkable even nearly a decade post-release. However, the story is frequently criticized for feeling unfinished and lacking depth, leaving a sense of what could have been, had Kojima's vision been fully realized. The use of cassette tapes for major plot points is both a unique feature and a focus of critique. Overall, the game is a masterclass in gameplay mechanics, though its narrative shortcomings suggest a missed opportunity to cement its legendary status.

Positive Points

  • The gameplay is frequently praised for its flexibility and freedom, allowing players to tackle missions in various ways, from stealth to all-out action.
  • The graphics and technical performance are lauded for remaining impressive even years after the game's release.
  • Open world design and mechanics that encourage exploration and experimentation across its vast maps are highly valued by players.
  • Base management and the recruitment system are considered engaging additions that add depth to the gameplay.
  • Negative Points

  • The story is often criticized as being unfinished or lacking depth, with a narrative that feels incomplete due to production issues.
  • There is significant criticism of repetitive missions, particularly in the latter part of the game, with some players finding the second chapter to be tedious.
  • Some players find the open-world to be empty and lifeless, missing meaningful interactions and content.
  • Mixed Points

  • The narrative delivery via cassette tapes is seen as a unique feature but also criticized for detracting from traditional storytelling.
  • The character Quiet is discussed both for her gameplay utility and controversy over her design and portrayal.
  • Common Themes

  • Kojima's influence on the game is frequently discussed, both in terms of being a creative genius and the negative impact of his exit on the game's completion.
  • The game's technical achievements and mechanical polish are consistently noted as high points.
  • Fans of the franchise express a sense of loss or nostalgia for what the game could have been if fully realized as intended.
  • Updated 6/13/2025, 12:02:00 AM UTC