METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN

Metal Gear Solid V practically redefines the notion of what open-world gameplay can be.

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Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is an action-adventure stealth game set in an open world. As protagonist Punished Venom Snake, players infiltrate enemy bases, extract personnel for interrogation, and develop a personalized arsenal. The game features a complex narrative involving geopolitical conspiracies, advanced technology, and supernatural elements.

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Reviews

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 37,170 reviews

story4,008 positive mentions

grinding499 negative mentions

story
20,501 mentions
20 % positive mentions
71 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
The story of "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain" is widely regarded as its weakest aspect, with many players noting that it feels incomplete and disjointed, particularly in the second chapter where numerous missions are mere repeats with added difficulty. While the narrative explores themes of revenge and the consequences of war, it often relies on cassette tapes for exposition, which can detract from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the gameplay remains highly praised, with players enjoying the freedom to approach missions in various ways, making the game a compelling experience overall, even if the story doesn't fully satisfy.
- “I'd say that, in terms of the main story, what starts as a plain and simple revenge tale, ends up as a manifest of grief, the pointlessness of war, and the dark shades of loneliness of those who see the world through the scope of the rifle.”
- “However, the plot is great and it has awoken a newfound love for Metal Gear in general.”
- “The story unfolds in a captivating manner, exploring themes of revenge, loss, and the consequences of war.”
- “The story is painfully unfinished, no matter how much die-hard supporters want you to think otherwise.”
- “The first chapter's plot is pretty much predictable and does not offer anything surprising.”
- “The story feels like someone told a class of 3rd graders to write the plot and jumbled them altogether.”
gameplay
7,969 mentions
49 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain" is widely praised for its depth, fluidity, and variety, offering players numerous ways to approach missions, whether through stealth or direct confrontation. Many reviewers highlight the game's intricate mechanics, such as the fulton extraction system and base-building elements, which enhance the overall experience, despite some criticism regarding repetitive missions and an unfinished story. Overall, the gameplay is considered a standout feature, making it a must-play for fans of the stealth-action genre.
- “The gameplay is undeniably fun.”
- “The gameplay mechanics are incredibly refined, building on the series' legacy while introducing innovative features that enhance the overall experience.”
- “The gameplay is the best the series has ever seen, there's an incredible level of complexity and attention to detail.”
- “The gameplay is extremely repetitive and the landscape is very bland.”
- “The gameplay is very solid- allowing you to approach missions in many different ways.”
- “The gameplay, while probably the closest the mgs series has come to 'true stealth', isn't without its' faults.”
graphics
2,066 mentions
62 % positive mentions
36 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain" are widely praised for their stunning quality and attention to detail, showcasing the capabilities of the Fox Engine. Players note that the visuals remain impressive even years after release, with many stating that the game holds up against modern titles. While some users mention minor graphical issues, the overall consensus is that the game delivers a visually immersive experience that enhances gameplay.
- “The attention to detail in the environments is astonishing, with stunning graphics that create a truly immersive experience.”
- “The graphics are stunning, near photo-realistic, and my sub-par PC can run it at almost maximum settings without a single frame drop, which I have never seen in any other game.”
- “Visually, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is a tour de force, with stunning graphics, lifelike character models, and breathtaking environments that bring the world of Metal Gear to life like never before.”
- “The graphics feel outdated; the cut scenes look good, but they're the only part of the game that really stand out.”
- “The graphics are really nothing fancy; textures are tiny and graphical options are not very good since you can't choose what anti-aliasing you want or the sound settings you can't choose to turn down music but turn up audio.”
- “The graphics are acceptable but I didn't expect to max the game out on my GTX 1060 and still get a smooth 60 fps at 1080p.”
music
1,120 mentions
41 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain" has received widespread acclaim for its eclectic mix of licensed 80s hits and original compositions, enhancing the game's immersive experience. Players appreciate the ability to collect cassette tapes featuring iconic tracks, as well as the option to import their own music for helicopter pickups, adding a personal touch to gameplay. However, some users have noted issues with audio balance, particularly the inability to adjust music volume separately from sound effects, which can detract from the overall experience.
- “The Phantom Pain features a stunning soundtrack that perfectly complements the gameplay, heightening the emotional stakes and immersion.”
- “Hearing Duran Duran's song 'Invisible' at the start of the game automatically made it a 10/10 game.”
- “The soundtrack is an eclectic mix of 80's hits and sweeping orchestral scores that perfectly encapsulate the essence of the game.”
- “The audio levels are extremely quiet for everything...except explosions and the music, both of which are near ear drum damage levels... and there are no audio sliders in the game at all.”
- “In-game music is disproportionately loud and there is no way to turn just the music down via settings.”
- “It's your helicopter, blasting the final countdown on its speakers (yes, you can ask the heli to play music for pick up).”
optimization
835 mentions
67 % positive mentions
32 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The optimization of "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain" is widely praised, with many users highlighting its exceptional performance across a range of hardware, including low-end systems. The Fox Engine is noted for delivering high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay, often maintaining 60 FPS even on older machines. While some users mention minor issues with keyboard and mouse controls, the overall consensus is that the game is one of the best-optimized titles in recent years, making it accessible to a broad audience.
- “The engine is very well optimized, assuring any computer can witness the high fidelity animations and set pieces this game has to offer.”
- “The game optimization is god level, one of the marvels achieved in the gaming industry; the only game that is so well optimized, I haven't experienced anything like this.”
- “It's insane how well-optimized this game is.”
- “This game is so horribly optimized and so boring to play.”
- “It doesn't help that it is stuck at 60fps and feels very much like a console port, and while you can edit the config to unlock fps, the performance is still terrible (under 100fps on a 4090 in a 7 year old game!) and it feels clunky as hell.”
- “I downvoted this game simply because of the fact that a PC version of a triple-A title is so poorly optimized for keyboard and mouse users.”
grinding
541 mentions
1 % positive mentions
7 % neutral mentions
92 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive. While some enjoy the extensive resource gathering and base management, others feel that the constant need to grind for upgrades and materials detracts from the overall experience, leading to a sense of frustration and burnout. Overall, the game is characterized by a significant amount of grinding, which can be both a source of enjoyment and a chore, depending on individual player preferences.
- “Going after top-ranked soldiers so you can level up your staff, which allows you to develop better guns and equipment, alongside searching for resources to improve management so it allows more staff to work feels great, not grindy at all.”
- “Already 100 hours in and have completed all missions and side ops but still have around 20% of completion left. Replaying missions for that S rank or to complete all the mission objectives feels great and isn't tedious in the slightest, and with all the weapons, items, and clothing to develop means almost endless hours of gameplay.”
- “It's challenging, but not grindy (save for the online items, like holy shit, level 125 R&D for a damn pistol?).”
- “The whole mother base and the forward operating base stuff management gets pretty tedious and annoying.”
- “Even upgrading mother base, as fun and beneficial as it might be, gets tedious as getting the resources you need to upgrade everything correctly would take countless hours of grinding.”
- “The game is certainly fun inasmuch as you sneak around and stick balloons on things, but the game is horridly grindy, full of arbitrary time gates and unpolished edges, and notoriously unfinished.”
replayability
439 mentions
45 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The game is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, offering players numerous ways to approach missions through various tactics, customization options, and a vast open world filled with side missions. Many reviewers highlight the freedom to experiment with different playstyles, which significantly enhances the game's longevity and enjoyment. While some mention that certain aspects may lead to repetitiveness, the overall consensus is that the game provides an almost infinite replay value, making it a favorite among players.
- “The freedom to approach missions in multiple ways—whether through stealth, brute force, or creative tactics—adds layers of depth and replayability.”
- “This game has literally zero replay value but the first 10-20 hours are gold.”
- “The depth of customization of various equipment and support options contribute to the game's replayability and tactical depth.”
- “The only cons I can think of this game is the very long opening sequence that detracts from the replay value (it's an over an hour opening of not doing much and really just teaches you the controls). Having the ability to skip it when replaying the game would be really nice.”
- “Game isn't replayable enough to do side ops and research the right item to kill zombie ghost men.”
- “The missions themselves are replayable and rather simple but with many objectives and an arcade-style scoring system, adding a whole extra layer of depth.”
humor
393 mentions
99 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, blending absurdity with dark themes, and is characterized by quirky mechanics like the fulton extraction system, which allows players to hilariously lift enemies and animals into the sky with balloons. Players appreciate the mix of intentional and unintentional comedy, from funny character interactions to absurd scenarios, all while maintaining the series' signature tongue-in-cheek style. Overall, the game is described as a delightful experience filled with laugh-out-loud moments, clever references, and a unique charm that keeps players engaged.
- “The game has great music, funny references to movies, and surprising easter eggs.”
- “It's like Hideo Kojima decided to inject the game with a dose of pure comedic genius, and I couldn't stop laughing my way through this wacky espionage adventure.”
- “From kidnapping enemies by lifting them to the sky with a balloon to distracting people with your anime poster, you feel like a badass while making the most hilarious plays.”
- “The scenes are too long to be patient, especially the introduction. There is a 2-hour movie right there, and playing as a crippled man is not funny at all, nor is playing as a delivery man.”
- “You can so thoroughly cheese it, it's almost making the game not funny anymore.”
emotional
303 mentions
90 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain" is widely praised for its profound narrative depth, compelling character arcs, and impactful voice performances, particularly by Kiefer Sutherland as Venom Snake. Players report experiencing a range of emotions, from heartbreak to joy, often citing specific missions and the haunting soundtrack as key elements that enhance the emotional stakes. Despite some criticisms regarding unresolved plot points and a perceived lack of emotional investment in certain characters, many reviewers agree that the game delivers a powerful and memorable emotional experience that resonates long after playing.
- “The performances of voice actors, particularly Kiefer Sutherland as Venom Snake, bring a profound emotional weight to the characters, drawing players into the narrative and making them care about the outcomes of their choices.”
- “The themes of betrayal, loss, and identity resonate deeply throughout, and even though some plot points were left unresolved, the game's narrative still packs an emotional punch.”
- “The story is gripping, filled with twists and emotional moments that keep you invested from start to finish.”
- “The big twist at the end has no build-up to earn it, and it really has nothing to do with the main story, which was a very boring story with awkward characters that feel weird and too much even for Metal Gear Solid.”
- “Initially the game was fun and interesting to play, but over the course of 30 hours, I grew tired of redoing large parts of missions due to awful checkpointing, having to deal with annoying resource management for my base, traveling long stretches of pointless open world between missions and outposts, and the dry and boring story.”
- “This coupled with the boring story and an open world not worth exploring makes it my personal worst mainline Metal Gear Solid game.”
monetization
237 mentions
6 % positive mentions
73 % neutral mentions
22 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been widely criticized for its invasive microtransactions, which many players feel detract from the overall experience and create a "pay-to-win" environment. While some users noted that the game can be enjoyed without spending money, the presence of microtransactions for speeding up upgrades and accessing certain features has been described as a blatant cash grab by Konami. Overall, the monetization strategy has left a sour taste for many, overshadowing the game's positive elements.
- “The game does feature microtransactions for a special resource to engage with the base management aspects of the game.”
- “There are microtransactions, but you can enjoy the game without paying for them (and can get some for daily logins too).”
- “Despite the existence of microtransactions (multiplayer only) and the abuse of the fulton system.”
- “It's an obnoxious experience and a transparent cash grab since you can pay for coins to speed up upgrades for a lot of things.”
- “The microtransactions and wait times for development are self-explanatory; it's just not fun to put in crafting that I have to work towards and gather the items for, and then make me wait a few hours for it, all the while offering to 'let' me pay real money to speed it up.”
- “Microtransactions are also scummy, shitty, and disgusting when you put them in a full price $60 game.”
stability
172 mentions
28 % positive mentions
3 % neutral mentions
69 % negative mentions
Overall, the stability of the game is mixed, with many players reporting smooth performance and minimal bugs, particularly on high-end systems. However, several users have experienced significant issues, including game freezes, crashes, and a problematic save system, particularly in the multiplayer mode. While some players enjoy a nearly bug-free experience, others highlight persistent glitches that can disrupt gameplay, especially during specific missions or when using certain features.
- “Great game and runs great on the Steam Deck.”
- “This game has amazing graphics and it runs great on low-end and high-end PCs and looks fantastic at both settings.”
- “Fantastic gameplay, the game runs great on a wide variety of hardware.”
- “The fact that this game is 9 years old and they still have not fixed the buggy save system is absolutely unacceptable.”
- “Let's not forget the game freezes at times when trying to sign back in causing lost progress.”
- “Game will not load or freezes when trying to load; when I finally got that fixed, now it freezes randomly during gameplay; the game screen blanks out but keeps running and I have to kill it in the task manager.”
atmosphere
145 mentions
43 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive qualities, combining stunning visuals, a haunting soundtrack, and realistic sound design to create a unique and engaging experience. Players appreciate the intense psychological journey and the distinct environments that enhance the gameplay, although some feel that the open-world design can dilute the atmosphere compared to previous installments. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered one of its standout features, contributing significantly to its emotional impact and player engagement.
- “It retains the core of what made the original so memorable: an intense psychological journey through one of gaming’s most atmospheric worlds.”
- “The sound design is equally remarkable, with an atmospheric soundtrack and realistic sound effects that enhance the overall experience.”
- “The visuals and audio combine to make the kind of atmosphere where you're transported to Big Boss' shoes and can just enjoy inhabiting this world.”
- “The atmosphere in this game is so boring; literally a big desert that takes 10 minutes to travel to each objective, and every enemy base looks exactly the same.”
- “The only thing to expect from this game is atmosphere, which will be provided by the typical (in a good way) Kojima storyline, small details, and other trifles, music, environment.”
- “While there are some things in it that seem a bit ridiculous, such as the balloon transportation system, it really doesn't kill the atmosphere for me.”
character development
93 mentions
28 % positive mentions
59 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
Character development in "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain" receives mixed reviews, with some praising the depth and complexity of certain characters, while others criticize the overall lack of meaningful development, particularly for key figures like Snake and Skullface. Many players note that significant character insights are often relegated to cassette tapes rather than traditional cutscenes, leading to a feeling of incompleteness in the narrative. Overall, while the game excels in gameplay and design, it falls short in delivering the rich character arcs that fans have come to expect from the series.
- “The character development is exceptional, with a cast of memorable and multifaceted individuals who add depth to the already engrossing storyline.”
- “Its story brings out the juicy action-packed features, the character developments with NPCs and Snake, it makes the game very emotional; I mean, you straight up become friends with a puppy and watch him grow up with you—what more can a dog lover ask for?”
- “Tpp immerses the player with beautiful environment design, attaching the player emotionally by its amazing character development.”
- “Sparse character development: while the gameplay shines, character development in The Phantom Pain can feel lacking.”
- “The characters aren't even characters unless you're already familiar with the series, there being little to no character development.”
- “One major flaw is simply the character development of certain fan favorites, as well as new characters.”