"I won't scatter your sorrow to the heartless sea. I will always be with you." -Venom Snake

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the last entry in the legendary stealth-action series created by Hideo Kojima. Released in 2015, the game is set in the 1980s and tells the story of Venom Snake, a legendary soldier who is left comatose after a devastating attack on his PMC (private military organization). The game features impressive graphics, a memorable soundtrack, and gameplay mechanics that allow players to approach missions in a variety of ways.


Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain tells the story of Venom Snake, a legendary soldier who is left comatose after a devastating attack on his PMC. The game takes place in the 1980s, and the story is told through a series of missions that take the player across a variety of locations. While the story is not always easy to follow, it is filled with many plot twists that will keep players engaged throughout the game. The Phantom Pain explores themes of revenge, loyalty, and sacrifice, and forces players to question their own morality as they progress through the game.

For players who have knowledge of the other games in the series, the story will make more sense and have a deeper emotional impact. Although, new players to the series can still enjoy the game's engaging story without knowing everything that has come before. The game's cutscenes and dialogue provide enough context for players to understand what is happening in the story, and the game's focus on gameplay ensures that the story never feels overwhelming.

One element of TPP that is missed by fans of the series is the classic codec conversations that were a staple of the older games. In previous Metal Gear Solid games, players could contact their support team via a codec and have unique conversations with each character, revealing new information and insights into the game's story and characters. But in TPP this feature is largely absent, and players only have access to a limited number of pre-recorded conversations.

The game's ending is particularly notable for its emotional impact, leaving players questioning their own decisions and the choices they have made throughout the game. The game's final mission was sadly left out of the game but we still get an ending that is truly tragic, especially for those who comprehend the game's backstory and realize that it serves as a prelude to Metal Gear 1 (1987). 10/10


Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain's gameplay is focused heavily on stealth, but the game also allows players to go in guns blazing if they choose. Players can choose to use lethal or non-lethal weapons, and can develop a multitude of weapons and gear to suit their playstyle. The game's open-world design allows players to approach missions in a variety of ways, with multiple paths to the same objective.

The game of course brings back the cardboard box so famous from the other games in the series. Players can use the box to hide from enemies, move around the environment undetected, and even launch surprise attacks. There are some very interesting and creative ways you can utilize the box so make sure you try lots of different strategies!

What makes the gameplay so special is that it's not just about using the right tools and tactics to complete the mission. The game encourages experimentation, and players will learn something new every time they play. Whether it's discovering a new way to approach a mission, finding a hidden path, or learning a new technique to take down an enemy, there's always something new to discover.

The game's helicopter rides, which transport the player between missions, can be tedious at times, but they also add to the game's immersion. Players can use the helicopter to listen to music, plan their next move, or simply enjoy the game's impressive landscapes. You got to love dropping into the field out of the helicopter. 10/10


Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain was developed using the Fox Engine, a proprietary game engine developed by Kojima Productions specifically for the game. The Fox Engine is a powerful engine that allows for highly detailed character models, impressive environmental effects, and a smooth frame rate. It was designed to be a versatile engine that could be used to create games across multiple platforms, from console to PC. The engine also allows for dynamic weather effects and day/night cycles, which add to the game's realism and immersion.

Despite its impressive graphical capabilities, the Fox Engine is also highly optimized, which means that the game can run smoothly on a wide range of hardware configurations. This means that even players with lower-end PCs can still enjoy the game at a high level of graphical fidelity.

The game also has another notable aspect of its graphics. The developers made a conscious choice to use a muted, desaturated color palette, which gives the game a gritty and realistic feel. The choice of color also serves to highlight certain objects and areas of the game world, making it easier for players to navigate and plan their movements. This attention to detail is just one example of the game's excellent design, which is present in every aspect of its presentation. 10/10


The game's sound design is well done, with a variety of sound effects/music and voice acting that add to the game's immersion. Many fans were disappointed when David Hayter, the voice actor who had played the role of Solid Snake/BigBoss since Metal Gear Solid (1998), was replaced by Kiefer Sutherland in this game. Hayter's distinct voice had become a staple of the franchise, and some players felt that the change was unjustified. That being said, Sutherland still does a commendable job with the role, and the rest of the voice cast is excellent. David Hayter will always be Snake for me though. The game's soundtrack is pleasing, with a mix of original music and licensed tracks that fit the game's 1980s setting. The game's use of licensed 80s music is especially noteworthy, with songs like "Take On Me" by A-ha and "The Final Countdown" by Europe adding to the game's already excellent atmosphere. 10/10


Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is a very challenging game, particularly for players new to the stealth genre. The game's mechanics are intuitive and easy to learn though, with the game assisting you if you are having trouble with a mission/objective. Additionally, the game's open-world design and multiple paths to the same objective make it highly replayable. Players can approach missions in different ways and try out different strategies, which can lead to vastly different outcomes. One of the most notable features of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the FOB (Forward Operating Base) missions. These optional missions allow players to build and defend their own bases, while also infiltrating and stealing resources from other players' bases. The FOB missions add a whole new layer of challenge and replayability to the game. 10/10


Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain has a glorious game design that showcases the power of the Fox Engine. The game's stealth mechanics, open-world design, gameplay, and base-building elements come together to create a truly immersive experience. But what sets the game apart is its masterful storytelling and narrative, which explore complex themes of loyalty, betrayal, revenge, sacrifice, loss, and redemption. By the end of the game, players will be left feeling a range of emotions, from sadness to joy to triumph and its impact will stay with you long after the credits roll. It's a testament to the power of video games as a medium for storytelling, and a must-play for anyone looking for a truly unforgettable gaming experience.

From the Man Who Sold the World

Ranking : 5.0/5.0 = S+ Grade Game