3 years after its long-awaited release, it's strange to say that The Phantom Pain still haunts me without any doubts for obvious reasons that could be controversial for some people.
In fact, Metal Gear Solid V's gaming experience is the most memorable and unique one I experienced since my passion for video games began. This powerful arty blockbuster offered me way more than I expected from it by immersing me into a genre-bending weird interactive adventure that intelligently associates complex hard science-fiction, dark psychological drama, disturbing war depiction, mind-blowing philosophy, terrifying surreal horror, grotesque sense of humor and good historical transcription.
But aside from its artistic madness, The Phantom Pain is also inevitably a remarkable game design achievement that knows how to mix a rich sandbox emergent gameplay system with a captivating, intense storytelling. As the hours go by, the player freely writes its own story, building its base and choosing how to approach objectives thanks to a vast, well designed open world and a whole panel of gadgets and weapons. Hopefully, that's not all as acclaimed director Hideo Kojima, in addition to these modern elements, introduces into the game's structure everything we want from a Metal Gear Solid game: challenging bosses, beautifully executed cutscenes, jaw-dropping moments, fourth wall breakings and a dense, fluid narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final twist drops.
But of course, the famous game designer isn't the only one to provide great genius, indeed, what would be Metal Gear Solid V without Kojima Productions' talent, experience and mastery of the gaming medium? Because thanks to them and surprisingly high production values, The Phantom Pain also delivers outstanding visuals, phenomenal soundtrack/sound design, perfect technical presentation, excellent controls and some incredible performances from the cast.
Everything combined logically creates an unforgettable and visceral gaming masterpiece that transcends its own medium in original ways. Brilliant, innovative, violent, funny and emotionally powerful, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is a pure art work for the ages that will clearly be remembered by History.
