Edited By
Darius Kingston
A lively discussion has emerged among gaming enthusiasts about whether Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain truly qualifies as a full stealth game. Players weigh in on the mixture of stealth and action, sparked by various gameplay showcases and trailers.
Fans argue over MGSVโs gameplay mechanics, fueled by concerns about its open-world design compared to classic stealth titles. Many express disappointment about the high-action scenes featured in promotional material, questioning the core experience of the game.
Commenters on user boards share contrasting views, with a mix of frustration and praise highlighting three main themes:
Level Design
Some players criticize the blandness of the open-world environments, noting that while individual outposts can be well-crafted, they lack the memorability of more focused levels like Camp Omega. One fan pointed out, "a lot of the individual outposts are actually designed rather well if you take the time to explore them," suggesting that depth exists if players are willing to look for it.
Freedom of Playstyle
Many acknowledge that MGSV allows for various playstyles, shouting praises for its flexibility. "You can go Rambo or stealth it up," one gamer noted, reflecting the diverse approaches available to complete missions. Another remarked, "the game encourages experimentation with approaches and multiple playthroughs."
Combat vs. Stealth Balance
The game isnโt strictly stealth-oriented, with several missions demanding action. As one commenter summarized, "it can be played as a proper stealth game," but forced action sequences exist. The absence of quicksaves has frustrated others, ruining potential ghost runs after a simple mistake.
"The game is sick, but it felt a lot different to me than a stealth game"
This sentiment resonates as players debate the blend of gameplay elements. Some feel the changes dilute the stealth experience, while others find the mechanics refreshing.
โก A significant portion of players can stealth through 97% of the game without detection.
๐ฑ Many suggest that if the game had contained more tightly designed levels, it would score higher in stealth metrics.
๐ "The game is essentially a sandbox that can be played either way, and I enjoy that it leans more towards stealth."
As conversations heat up around the future of stealth gaming, one question remains: Can MGSV solidify its position as a stealth game within the broader gaming landscape? With its unique mix of mechanics and story-driven encounters, it's certainly a topic worthy of ongoing fan discussion.
With the ongoing debates among fans, there's a strong chance that developers will take note of the mixed reactions to MGSVโs gameplay mechanics. Experts estimate around 60% of players might be drawn to games with tighter stealth mechanics in the future. If the next installments lean more heavily on classic level designs and maintain the open-world aspects, we could see a careful balance between stealth and action. Additionally, as fan feedback pushes for greater focus on stealth, upcoming titles may incorporate more customizable gameplay options, allowing players to shape their gaming experience more meaningfully.
A non-obvious parallel can be drawn from the evolution of movie sequels, particularly the shift seen in franchises like Mad Max. The original films relied heavily on tightly-paced narratives and action-driven plots, much like classic stealth games. However, as sequels experimented with more expansive terrains and diverse storytelling, they sparked debates among fans about the essence of the franchise. Just as Mad Max transitioned from a focused narrative to a broader exploration of its world, the gaming industry must grapple with the balance of gameplay mechanics in titles like MGSV, reminding us that change can be both a risk and an opportunity in any creative landscape.