Konami just wrapped up a live broadcast of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’s behind-closed-doors PlayStation 4 gameplay demo from E3 2014. Originally shown to journalists in Los Angeles last week, the footage showed protagonist Big Boss storming a sandy base, recruiting some troops, and rescuing a hostage. It all looked particularly impressive, but if the sequel’s somehow slipped down your next-gen wishlist, we’ve compiled five reasons revealed during the livestream that should convince you to get back on board.
Cardboard boxes are more entertaining than ever
The humble cardboard box has been a mainstay in the Metal Gear Solid series since its inception, but the trusted espionage accessory is getting a much needed makeover in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. As with previous releases, you’ll still be able to infiltrate enemy strongholds under the flimsy cover – but you’ll now be able to pop out from the top and pick off enemies without needing to unequip it. Moreover, should you get spotted while traipsing around, you’ll be able to eject out of the handy hiding place and use it as a decoy. Who knew that factory litter could be so fun?
You can patrol and upgrade your own base as you please
The popular Mother Base mechanic from PlayStation Portable title Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is making a comeback in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain – but expect much more than the simple simulation from the handheld release. In addition to being able to call upon your recruits from the field, you’ll also be able to tour your stronghold in real-time and interact with your troops. It’ll be up to you how you construct your own fortress, so no two will ever look the same. This means that you’ll also be able to develop your own unique security strategies, as you’ll inevitably get attacked from time to time.
There’s a completely dynamic weather system
War never changes come rain or shine, and you’ll need to contend with a completely dynamic weather system in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. This will include the usual roster of rain and bright sunshine, but you’ll also need to deal with sandstorms when out in the field at different points in the day. Fortunately, if the time or weather doesn’t suit your particular objective, you’ll be able to move the clock forwards by pulling out a cigarette and having a smoke. We don’t recommend puffing for 10 hours straight, but we suppose that Big Boss has the physical fortitude to cope with such dizzying levels of nicotine.
It’s running at 1080p, 60 frames-per-second on Sony’s system
While much of the Japanese industry may have fallen behind the West when it comes to pure visual prowess, there’s no doubt that Kojima Productions’ vaunted FOX Engine is up there with the very best. And just like Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, the developer has reiterated that Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain will run at 60 frames-per-second in 1080p on the PS4. The numbers may not mean much to you, but ensure that you’ll receive a clean, fluid image on Sony’s next-gen super machine. And it doesn’t hurt that the title’s got a great art direction, with some amazing character models on display.
The series hasn’t lost its sense of humour
For a franchise that can be quite dark at times, Metal Gear Solid is always a series that’s been secretly quite silly – and that’s not going to change in the upcoming Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. For starters, the Fulton recovery system is ridiculous in itself, allowing you to send fallen foes, artillery, and, er, sheep back to your base using a rocket propelled parachute. There are even more ridiculous systems built into the game, though, such as the ability to knock out troops by summoning a supply drop on their head, or the abovementioned cardboard box madness.
Are you excited for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain? Did you watch this morning’s live broadcast, and what were your thoughts? Hide in a cardboard box in the comments section below.
Comments 24
There we go! But I wouldn't forget about the mystery multiplayer component.
@Punished_Boss Wanted to focus this post on today's gameplay live stream, but needless to say there will be more than five reasons why this game is going to be amazing!
I guess Metal Gear never fails to impress. Sounds fantastic.
Looks amazing, sounds better everytime I hear about it, so a must buy game. Perfect. Now I need a release date!
I want it NOW! (-_-)
I just noticed that Venom Snake never spoke at all, I wonder why? Granted the Venom/Solid Snakes are hardly conversationalists, but come on.
@KillTheG1mp 10,000 boowls of iced creeaam! (Willy Wonka, y'all)
I can't watch any videos without feeling guilty or spoiled, but there are no reasons not to own every Kojima game. This hype reminds me of 4's release. Time to put my mgs1 Foxhound and Stormtrooper face decals on my hdd cover and wait for another year...
@Punished_Boss MGO x PS4 = TEOTWAWKI
I noticed on a picture that you can see enemies through walls now. ugh Can developers please stop doing this crap. Farcry 3 and now 4 is going to have it, BF has close to some sort of it with doritos, I mean games are getting flooded with it. Hopefully this game doesn't disappoint and hopefully it isn't like MGS4 with to much video vs gameplay.
pffft. Do I even need 5 reasons other than it is Metal Gear? No! lol
@Demi_God You have to tag them first, though, it's not like you can just turn on detective vision.
as a HUGE Metal Gear fan this was always on my radar
@Demi_God Pretty sure Kojima said you can turn the tagging off if you prefer.
If not you can always just not use it!
@Punished_Boss was thinking that myself. I hope Keifer didnt cost so much that they had to cut back on Snakes lines :/
Having just played MGS2 for the first time after playing the heck out of MGS1 back on the ps1, I'm really excited to (eventually) play this. I have several more games in the series to play first, though.
I want it now!
Cannot wait for this it's going to be amazing.
This is 100% top of my most wanted list right now. Hell, I pretty much bought a PS4 when I did so that I could get GZ on release day (and no, I really don't see what everyone's problem with it was - in the days of paying £45-50 for a new release, paying £20 for a good 5+ hours of fun if you go for everything is fine by me).
There is nothing about this (except maybe Sutherland's not quite gravelly enough voice) that doesn't look incredible. Definite day 1 purchase.
I'm so excited for this game. GZ didn't do anything to sate my hunger for the full thing, can't come around soon enough.
I still need to play through MGS4. I've tried several times but just not managed to get further than halfway. Once I do that, i'll be very excited for MGSV.
I guess I'm just tired of the MGS series to be honest. I really wish Kojima would get off his emo high horse and make another game within this genre.
This game is looking better and better.
Played ground zero and was pleasantly surprised. Not because I thought it would be bad, but because it just exceeded my expectations in many ways. It sold me on the full game. (not having played the previous entries in the series)
@Demi_God LOL "tired of the mgs series " ...... it has been 7 YEARS since MGS4!!!!!! Its not like kojima pumps out a MGS game every year u know!! 7 years between games in a series hardly constitutes as game overkill!! assassins creed for eg, gets a game every year!!
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