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Metal Gear has long been a legendary name in stealth action gaming. For nearly 30 years, the series has remained at the forefront of gaming, pushing boundaries in visuals, sound, storytelling, and gameplay. With the advent of next-gen consoles, creator Hideo Kojima promised a new era for the franchise: an open-world, non-linear stealth action experience. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, a prologue to The Phantom Pain, aims to deliver on this promise. But does it succeed? This review explores the strengths and weaknesses of this controversial entry.

Open-World Stealth Action Redefined

Kojima’s vision for Ground Zeroes extends beyond simply placing Snake in an open world. He sought to create a truly interactive environment where player actions have meaningful consequences. While not offering the destructible environments of Red Faction or the vast scale of Grand Theft Auto V, Ground Zeroes focuses on dynamic AI reactions.

alt text: Snake using binoculars to survey the environment in Ground Zeroes.

Destroying a guard tower, for example, triggers different responses depending on the circumstances. If witnessed directly, alarms blare and the base goes on high alert. If discovered later, guards call for reinforcements and investigate. The AI also reacts to changes in light sources, vehicle positions, smoke, and even sound. This responsiveness makes player interaction with the environment truly impactful.

Kojima further enhances the non-linear gameplay by removing the traditional alert meter. Players must rely on their own observation skills to gauge enemy awareness. This increases the challenge and adds to the game’s realism. Missions offer limited intel, and objectives can even change dynamically. Players are forced to infiltrate enemy territory, interrogate soldiers, and observe patrol patterns to gather crucial information.

alt text: Snake crouching behind cover in Ground Zeroes.

To combat potential repetitiveness in open-world stealth gameplay, Kojima integrates dynamic weather and time of day. Enemy behavior shifts noticeably depending on the conditions. At night, guards are more cautious, taking longer to investigate and calling for backup more readily. During the day, they are more confident and less vigilant. This variability adds depth and replayability.

Balancing Old and New

Recognizing the influx of new players to the franchise, Kojima sought to balance accessibility with the series’ traditional challenge. He introduces the “Reflex” mechanic, which slows down time when Snake is spotted, allowing players to react and neutralize the threat before triggering an alarm. This mechanic acts as a safety net for newcomers while offering an optional challenge for veterans who can disable it.

alt text: Close-up of Snake's face in Ground Zeroes.

A Visual and Auditory Masterpiece

Ground Zeroes boasts stunning visuals, utilizing advanced lighting and shadow techniques to create a cinematic experience. Detail is paramount, from raindrops on uniforms to the intricate textures of foliage and buildings. Cutscenes are seamlessly integrated, further blurring the lines between gameplay and cinematic storytelling.

alt text: Snake aiming a pistol in Ground Zeroes.

The soundtrack maintains the series’ high standards, while Kiefer Sutherland takes over the voice of Big Boss, adding a new dimension to the character. This change aims to enhance the performance and differentiate Big Boss from Solid Snake.

alt text: Snake infiltrating a base at night in Ground Zeroes.

Shortcomings and Glitches

Despite its innovations, Ground Zeroes suffers from some significant flaws. The most glaring issue is its short length. Clocking in at under two hours for the main mission, the game feels more like a glorified demo than a full-fledged experience, especially considering its price point. Ending on a cliffhanger further exacerbates this issue.

alt text: A wide shot of the base in Ground Zeroes.

Technical glitches also mar the experience. Reloading from checkpoints can sometimes respawn previously neutralized enemies or even place the player near the objective, undermining the challenge. The lack of the companion app on PC, available on other platforms, is another disappointment.

Conclusion

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of stealth action gaming. Its innovative open-world gameplay, dynamic AI, and stunning presentation are impressive. However, its short length, abrupt ending, and technical issues hold it back from reaching its full potential. While it serves as a solid foundation for The Phantom Pain, it ultimately leaves players wanting more.