I'm Afraid it's been...... 9 years

"You've been in a coma for... quite some time. Yes, yes, I know. You would like to know how long... it's been nine years."

Nine years have passed since Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain emerged and it still remains an unparalleled experience in open-world stealth-action. Kojima’s swan song is a masterclass in gameplay design, offering unparalleled freedom in how you approach missions, build your base, and assemble your army. The sandbox is alive with possibilities—every mission feels like a puzzle with multiple solutions, every encounter a test of creativity and cunning. The mechanics are still some of the most fluid and satisfying to this day, with tight controls and endless options for chaos or silent precision.

However, the nine-year coma hasn’t erased the pain. Much like Snake’s missing arm, there’s a phantom limb where the story should have been completed. The narrative threads are rich, with themes of revenge, identity, and the cost of war, but they remain frustratingly unresolved. The game still ends on an open wound—a reminder of what could have been if Konami had allowed Kojima’s vision to come full circle. But even with its flaws, MGSV is still a masterpiece of design and atmosphere. The Mother Base grows, the staff bonds strengthen, and the Fulton balloons are still as funny as ever. And let’s not forget the true Metal Gear experience: being a legendary soldier, riding a horse in the Afghan desert, listening to '80s pop on your Walkman, and wearing a chicken hat if you mess up too much.

After nine years, Metal Gear Solid V is still worth waking up for. Even if the phantom pain lingers, the memories are worth the price.

9/10

dumbass horse-riding game