4/5 ★ – BrianDavid94's review of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

"Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain," developed by Kojima Productions and published by Konami in 2015, represents a monumental achievement in the stealth-action genre, offering an unparalleled level of freedom and creativity in how players can approach missions. Directed by Hideo Kojima, this installment serves as a sequel to "Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes" and a continuation of the story of Big Boss, now taking on the codename "Venom Snake" as he ventures into Afghanistan and Africa during the Soviet-Afghan War and the Angolan Civil War. Here's an in-depth review of this critically acclaimed title: Gameplay and Mechanics "The Phantom Pain" sets a new standard for open-world gameplay, blending stealth, action, and tactical elements seamlessly. Players have the freedom to choose their approach to missions, whether it's sneaking through enemy compounds undetected or going in guns blazing. The game's day-night cycle and weather systems affect gameplay, requiring players to adapt their strategies. The Fulton recovery system adds a strategic layer, allowing players to send soldiers, weapons, and resources back to their base, which can then be used to develop new equipment and upgrade their private military company, Diamond Dogs. Graphics and Sound Design Graphically, "The Phantom Pain" is stunning, with vast, detailed environments and character models that bring its world to life. The game's performance is consistently smooth, showcasing the power of the Fox Engine. Sound design is equally impressive, with a dynamic soundtrack that adapts to the player's actions and a rich array of sound effects that enhance the realism and immersion. The voice acting is top-notch, with notable performances that add depth to the characters. Story and Characters While "The Phantom Pain" is celebrated for its gameplay, its narrative has divided opinions. The story is complex, weaving themes of revenge, loss, and the horrors of war into the broader Metal Gear saga. However, some fans were disappointed by the game's pacing and the way certain plot points were resolved, feeling that the narrative did not reach its full potential. Despite this, the characters are well-developed, with each main and supporting member of the cast contributing to the game's emotional depth. Open World and Missions The game's open-world environments are among its strongest features, offering a sandbox of opportunities for players to explore and interact with. From the rugged terrain of Afghanistan to the dense jungles of Africa, each location is filled with missions, side-ops, and secrets that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. The AI is intelligent, providing a challenging but fair obstacle for players to overcome using stealth, gadgets, and strategy. Replayability and Content "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain" offers a vast amount of content, with dozens of main missions and hundreds of side missions. The development of Mother Base, the management of Diamond Dogs, and the customization of weapons and equipment provide a deep and rewarding meta-game that complements the main storyline. The inclusion of online multiplayer modes, such as Metal Gear Online and the FOB (Forward Operating Base) missions, further extends the game's longevity. Conclusion "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain" is a masterpiece of game design, offering an unprecedented level of freedom in how players can approach its challenges. Despite some narrative shortcomings, it stands as a landmark title in the stealth-action genre, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in open-world gameplay. Its richly detailed world, deep mechanics, and compelling story make it not only a must-play for fans of the series but also for anyone who appreciates innovative and immersive video games. -Bought physical copy at full price at launch (PS4 edition) REVIEW SCALE IS A GRADE 1 Stars = F (Game doesn't work/Don't see a potential) 2 Stars = D (Game is broken/Needs a lot of work but I see potential) 2.5 Stars = C- (Game Works but nothing interesting to offer) 3 Stars = C+ (Game Works and has an interesting idea but may need further thought put into it to make it something more) 3.5 Stars = B- (Despite it's flaws you can enjoy this game without complaint) 4 Stars = B+ (You enjoy this game and can selectively recommend this game) 4.5 Stars = A- (You can easily recommend this game to anyone) 5 Stars = A+ (A must play game and you go out of your way to let people know)