Was MGSV disappointing for you or did you enjoy it?

[Dirty Duck]

I was so hyped for MGSV. There was massive potential for disappointment. But I actually think in most ways it lived up to the hype. I was always one of its fans and I remain as such to this day-and in many ways my appreciation for it has grown over the years! I have my complaints about it certainly but I think the gameplay was tight, the missions were varied, and the scenario was engaging.

I loved the regular Kojima-isms. Having to figure out what was making your soldiers sick tied the game's base building mechanics into the story and themes in a great way. Same as giving us a buddy that almost trivialises stealth before taking her away from us. The FOB and nuclear disarmament system was the perfect conclusion to MGS's anti-nuke message by actually putting it in players hands and I'm disappointed we never managed to trigger nuclear disarmament authentically. I actually think the reveal regarding Venom is brilliant and ties a lot of what the game is doing together in a really neat way. I started trying to type up some sort of in depth thoughts about why I think it's neat but I was being a bit rambley and not really managing to say what I mean and I'm procrastinating something rn so I shouldn't spend time like I'm writing an essay LOL but I really like Venom, his characterisation, the metanarrative around him, and the way that the franchise finally manages to show Big Boss as something of a villain after 3, not through playing as him, but through playing as Venom.

I think MGSV was a bold and daring game for Kojima to make and I think he managed to make a gaming experience that is truly unique. Do I wish there were a few more cutscenes? Yeah. But it once again feels like Kojima's tough love approach to game design. You thought MGS4 had too many? Then have too few. Miss them now?
My main gripe is still probably that I wish there was more environmental storytelling throughout the maps. Linear design naturally makes it easier but a lot of the areas in MGSV don't communicate loads about what's going on in the story at all. It would have been a small thing that went a long way imo

If they ever remake MG1 they better incorporate MGSV's plot. I'll have no respect for them if they don't.