Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain ‘transcends’ the limitations of the series’ core stealth roots, Konami’s Jon Edwards has said.
Speaking with MCV, Edwards feels that Hideo Kojima’s latest entry in the venerable sneak-’em-up franchise acts as more of a combat game featuring stealth elements.
“I’d argue that Metal Gear Solid is pretty much the only proper stealth title, and even then it is just a part of the whole,” he said. “Sneaking is a key part of the game, but The Phantom Pain transcends such limitations. I would argue it is a true combat title, with stealth elements.
“The open world is just part of additions to its core. The huge game area is vital as it shows the scale of war. You don’t just get enemy enclaves in one place, they have sentries and checkpoints, and they are often set up in perimeters. They check their outposts and patrol properly, making the scale essential as players pick the best route in.
“If anything, the larger setting benefits the gameplay and makes it more unique.”
Edwards also highlighted The Phantom Pain’s open world setting, which affords players more freedom than ever before.
“Grand Theft Auto thrived when it went open-world and part of the fun of Far Cry is the mad stuff you can do,” he said. “Metal Gear Solid 5 goes even further.”
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is due out on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PC, Xbox One and Xbox 360 on September 1. Read our full review here.