Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes

I finally gave in and bought Ground Zeroes and Phantom Pain. I got them both in the winter Steam Sale and paid about 40 quid overall, which I think is the fair price. A lot was made out of Ground Zeroes price and length ratio when the game first came out and I personally feel like the game was too dear but it has enough content to keep you going for 10+ hours if you really want. Ground Zeroes is basically a tiny sandbox.

The story of Ground Zeroes had previously been spoiled for me but even knowing what was coming the scenes were powerful and enjoyable, the late game surgery in particular. In terms of presentation the game is utterly breathtaking and certain cinematics look eerily real. We're again treated to a rainy intro which looks even better in the night time desert military camp where the game takes place. The intro cinematic plays like a Hollywood A-lister, especially with headphones or a good sound system. The desert sounds alive and the soldiers make various noises including sneezing. The one gripe I do have with the presentation is that I hadn't realised Big Boss was speaking until I saw his lips move. David Hayter got replaced by Kiefer Sutherland, who is a really actor but lacks the iconic quality to his voice that Hayter had. Big Boss just doesn't sound right in this game and though I managed to get used to it eventually, I still wish Hayter had remained in the role.

The map is relatively small but is designed well enough to offer several routes through each scenario offered within it. The main story mission has you hunting for the two kids from MGS: Peace Walker, Chico and Paz. You can rescue them by sneaking around the place and quietly taking guards out, hiding bodies etc or you can shoot your way out, hide for two minutes where the story requires you to and then shoot your way out again like I did. Once you've rescued the terrible kids (heh, get it?) The story sets up for Phantom Pain and you get a trailer and a digital poster for the game. I think this serves as a fantastic sum up of Konami to be honest. About an hour into Ground Zeroes I knew I was gonna buy Phantom Pain, I had been convinced and even excited. The game looks great, it feels great, it sounds great, it plays great and it's MGS, a crazy rollercoaster auteur ride I've so grown to enjoy. I really didn't need to plastered with advertisement for the title and if anything it has served to dampen my spirits.

Once you're done with the measly story campaign, you get to play 'missions' on the one level made for this game. I've only done one of these special ops at this point and really can't say how much value there is to them but the one special mission I played was set at a different time of day, in different weather with very different enemy density and I even mustered the bravery to drive around in a truck this time. I managed to nick some C4 from a guard tower and blow up a tank before calling my helicopter in. I think there is plenty still on offer here and what the game lacks in variety of scenery it makes up for in variety of tools at your disposal.

Finally, I have to say that MGS V is really mechanically sound. The keyboard controls were awkward for the first ten minutes or so but they're fully rebindable. The shooting feels great although the enemies take a lot of bullets to drop. There is no healthbar and I'm guessing the health is regenerating since there are no items other than guns and grenades but I guess that's all the more reason to look forward to Phantom Pain.

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes is sniffing the cork of a fine wine/10