© Konami
Ground Zeroes sees Snake attempt to infiltrate a prison camp
Release Date: March 21 (Europe), March 18 (North America)
Platforms available on: Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4
Developer: Kojima Productions
Publisher: Konami
Genre: Stealth
The Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroescampaign is short. Very short. Even our first calamitous playthrough only lasted an hour and 20 minutes, and we were spotted a dozen times and wound up on the wrong side of the compound.
Ground Zeroes isn't padded out with especially lengthy narrative sections and confusing, albeit entertaining asides; it's a gameplay demo with context.
That said, Ground Zeroes may well be the best gameplay demo you'll ever experience.
In the Metal Gear timeframe, Ground Zeroesis a sequel to Peace Walker and a prequel to upcoming release Phantom Pain.
© Konami
Snake must rescue Chico and Paz as part of his mission
Set within the confines of a US prison camp in Cuba, Big Boss (Naked Snake) must rescue returning characters Paz and Chico from the hands of the shady XOF organisation and its boss Skull Face.
Though we can't say we missed some of the longer, more self-indulgent cutscenes, theGround Zeroes narrative doesn't feel expansive or conclusive enough.
The only noteworthy twist comes at the game's conclusion, but it's a moment that feels like it's been included for shock value only. Still, at least you'll remember how it ends when you pick up Phantom Pain in the next couple of years.
The new open-ended, open-world approach shows enormous promise, and really sets Ground Zeroes apart from its forebears.
A lack of supporting characters also means a lack of boss battles, which were highlights in previous Metal Gear releases.
This focus on gameplay over narrative also makes it difficult to judge Kiefer Sutherland's performance as Snake.
Unsurprisingly, Sutherland's delivery is superb and Snake still sounds as gruff and grizzled as ever, but it remains to be seen how the 24 star will handle some of the more bizarre scripted sequences the series is known for.
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The prison compound is packed with secrets and hidden areas
While the story isn't expansive, the environment most certainly is. The new open-ended, open-world approach shows enormous promise, and really sets Ground Zeroes apart from its forebears.
The prison camp is a small sandbox in itself. While players have a rough idea where the first target is being held, discovering the whereabouts of the second captive requires players to listen for clues on tape cassettes, interrogate guards, or simply search the compound from top to bottom.
Fortunately, exploring the compound is a joy thanks to improved stealth mechanics and superior artificial intelligence.
Similar to Far Cry, Snake can use binoculars to mark enemy positions, while a 3D map can be quickly accessed to highlight points of interest.
A directional microphone allows him to eavesdrop and listen out for clues, while interrogation techniques provide the whereabouts of weapon stashes and guard positions.
Enemies will spend more time investigating disturbances, using spotlights to search for Snake, and increasing patrols to snuff him out.
It's also one of the most visually impressive games we've played. If Ground Zeroes was designed to showcase the Fox Engine, it does a fine job.
As the rain lashes down, military-issue ponchos flap and blow in the wind, while dogs bark and claw at fences as spotlights illuminate rusted warning signs.
© Konami
Sunshine transforms the prison setting
As cutscenes seamlessly transition into gameplay, this is an environment that truly feels alive.
This added sense of realism is reflected in a minimalist hud that does away with radars and stamina bars, creating a greater sense of immersion.
Furthermore, unlockable missions, which take place at different times of the day, feature transformative weather effects. Each new mission feels like it takes place in a brand new area, complete with its own set of dangers.
If Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroeswas designed to showcase the Fox Engine, it does a fine job.
Searching for two war criminals in bright sunshine, for example, makes the compound appear more vast, and gives Snake fewer places to hide.
On the other hand, players can use the sunshine to better scout ahead. It's a good thing too, because even if one guard spots you, your targets will flee and it's game over.
Showing that the new and improved Metal Gear can handle more than just stealth, other unlockable missions require a more direct approach, including one stage aboard a helicopter that wouldn't feel out of place inCall of Duty.
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Bonus missions introduce new enemies and objectives
For the most part, all of the missions inGround Zeroes can be tackled in different ways, which gives an otherwise bite-size game bags of replayability.
There are also a ton of secrets to discover, as well as leaderboards, increased difficulty levels and end of level grades. We may have finished the story mode in record time, but after seven or eight hours, we're still a long way off 100% completion.
Where previous Metal Gear games have focused on telling a story and showcasing Kojima's flair for the cinematic, Ground Zeroes reminds us that he is first and foremost a video game director.
Ground Zeroes won't be remembered for its characters and cutscenes, but for its open-world environment, improved stealth gameplay, and stunning visuals. When it's all said and done, it's hard to put a price on that.
