Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the sequel to Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and a prequel to the original Metal Gear. The game has a complex story with long cut-scene sequences, but there are fewer and they are shorter compared to earlier Metal Gear Solid titles. Most of the gameplay mechanics introduced in Ground Zeroes are carried over: it is still an action game and stealth oriented but replaces the linear corridor design from most earlier titles with large open world environments that offer the player unrestricted freedom for the approach. The world has now a real-time day and night cycle and various weather effects that influence enemy behaviour, visibility and sound. Sabotaging or destroying certain structures can also influence other parts of the map.
What it feels like
A harsh, unflinching aesthetic of military conflict and moral ambiguity pervades the narrative and tone.
What it's about
Armed forces, military operations, and warfare provide the setting and narrative context. Vengeance against those who wronged Big Boss anchors the narrative arc, though explored through complex lens.
How it plays
Stealth-oriented gameplay is a foundational pillar; the game incentivizes avoiding detection and offers multiple stealth approaches to every objective. Dynamic systems like day/night cycles, weather effects, and structural destruction create emergent, unscripted gameplay opportunities and environmental reactivity. Tactical shooting with ranged weapons is a core option, fully supported alongside stealth for varied tactical approaches.
How it looks and sounds
Third-person perspective is the primary camera mode for tactical awareness and character-focused gameplay.
How it's structured
Large open-world environments with unrestricted freedom of approach are the definitive structural core of MGSV, replacing the linear design of earlier titles. Single-player open-world campaign is the primary experience, with multiplayer as a secondary feature. Gameplay is delivered as discrete selectable missions within the open world, rather than a purely linear campaign.
Kindred games
Shares Stealth, Open World, Gunplay, Detection & Awareness.
Both lean into Stealth, Open World, Gunplay, Single-Player.
Shares Stealth, Gunplay, Mission-Based, Third-Person.
Both lean into Stealth, Gunplay, Third-Person, Detection & Awareness.
Shares Stealth, Mission-Based, Third-Person, Emergent Systems.
Both lean into Single-Player, Stealth, Mission-Based, Third-Person.
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A lesser-known kindred — Stealth, Emergent Systems, Gunplay, Detection & Awareness. 85% positive across 4,320 Steam reviews.
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A lesser-known kindred — Stealth, Open World, Detection & Awareness, Third-Person. 90% positive across 4,775 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Stealth, Open World, Single-Player, Detection & Awareness.