izigame.me

I finished the story mode after 386 hours and so the world feels empty when I return to FOB.
Unfortunately we all reach this point but its bittersweet.
After 3 restarts and 7 years since the start on my old laptop, I could never finish the game properly (may that be due to switching places or switching devices constantly). When I first got the game I did it due to excitement on discovering my second Metal Gear game (first one was MGR) and I can say confidently as a guy who absolutely LOVES STEALTH this is the best stealth shooter you will ever find. Period.
Constant discoveries and switching of hardware and fanaticism about stealth kept bringing me back to this game. A final Big Boss game and discovery of an ending that loops the Metal Gear back. I strongly incline to play this game even if you don't want to spoil the series, due to how fun and really forward it is in gameplay (compared to even modern games!).
The graphics are insane. The sound design is crisp. The dialogue is intriguing. The environment is impactful. The relationship with the world is....unforgettable. The character building of Snake and how you play him really shows your connection of how you see the Big Boss of this series.
Multiplayer FOB raids which was not included before in MGS series is an amazing idea, showing another "end-game" way of going way and beyond the simple stealth game. Building your own army, raiding others, growing stronger and FEELING the progression is truly shows that Hideo and his subordinates are masters at work.
If I go into how detailed this game is then this review would be unreadable to be honest, but you can trust me. The more you play this game the more you will realise how everything just works. Everything is catered so that you can utilise everything at your disposal. Everything has impact, depending on your usage of gadgets and it's not like RPG of course but you really can feel the environment adopting to you.
Switching Codecs to Audio Logs was a really smart idea I believe. Yes it removes some suspense but I think it still holds up. Being able to play them anywhere, whatever and whenever is a really good idea. The audio logs really give you an idea on the world and with how good the voice acting is (also the transcript) makes you want to continue to listen to them again and again.
Cut-scenes really make my day. It's rare compared to other MGS but damn do they feel good. I can't believe I discovered more of random ones when somebody for first time attacked my FOB (I tried FOB invasion only this year due to being a coward lol) and I can say I am always impressed by an insane "camera work" (which really ups the immersion and storytelling). Completing the game makes me realise I won't be able to discover some new ones and maybe that's why I am thinking of slowly giving up on doing 100% knowing that there's really nothing special about it (for me at least).
Would I recommend this game?
Absolutely, Metal Gear Solid is a must play series for anyone who plays games. The game introduces amazing characters with plenty of personality. An introduction of amazing story which is not always go-happy, but very thought provoking. And, of course, amazing gameplay (which might of course be confusing in other MGS, but in here it feels natural and even intriguing).
Please do not pass this game, even-through its owned by KONAMI. You would be really making it a disservice. Regardless of how "unfinished" it is I would say it's more then enough to feel like a completed story.
What else I can say. 386 hours and hopefully more. I can't wait for a day where I will play other Metal Gear Solid titles (playing Portable Ops on PSP now). I watched all of playthroughs but I am sure I will experience it fresh and I will enjoy my brain tingling from how dope this over-analysed (and in good sense) game plays.