The name Metal Gear Survive is a bomb in the gaming world. Seriously, whenever you hear this name someone might start screaming, invoking heresy. But is this game really that bad? Well, any Metal Gear Solid fan would answer this question in one way: absolutely yes.
I consider myself a fan of the saga created by Hideo Kojima and I also appreciated the last chapter, MGS V, as you can see from my review. Regardless, for once, I’d like to talk objectively about Metal Gear Survive. So, let’s all take a breath and take our time analyzing this videogame.
Metal Gear Survive: a spin-off not to be underestimated
Right from the start, let’s be clear: Metal Gear Survive has nothing to do with Snake, Raiden, Ocelot, and the main plot of the saga. However, this does not mean that the game has an insignificant or ugly plot.
Konami has always defined Metal Gear Survive as a spin-off of Ground Zeroes, a sort of alternate story in the vast universe of the saga created by Kojima. Even if it does stun your nose, I must admit you can consider this game as another variation on the theme. In recent times, we gamers and nerds have been accustomed to spin-offs, just think of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Also, in a videogame with japanese roots, you can always expect strange implications. Yeah, I’m talking about you, Mesal Gear Solid: Snake Escape. I mean, you may not like Metal Gear Survive, but I don’t think you should drop it right away.
After making this little premise, let’s find out more about the plot of the game.
The plot, unexpectedly pleasant
I don’t want to lie, I liked the plot of Metal Gear Survive. Some situations seemed worthy of Kojima. Immediately after the events of Ground Zeroes, the MSF members with the help of some UN soldiers are trying to give a burial to the fallen comrades. Suddenly, a wormhole opens above them and creates an incredible disaster, sucking some soldiers.
The “Captain” your character that you can customize in-game, manages to escape this event, but his arm is severed in the run by the wormhole. At that point, the Captain is transported to the Wardenclyffe Section where a UN member named Goodluck will bury him in experiments. That way, his arm will grow back, infected with a parasite.
In this way, the protagonist will be able to travel in a parallel world called Dite. Here he faces a reality dominated by the Wanderers, creatures similar to zombies, empty and without sense, that destroy everything they see. Yeah, we’re still talking about Metal Gear Survive, not Dark Souls, don’t worry.
The purpose is to explore Dite, discover the secrets of alternative reality, and recover memory cards. Besides all this, you will also have to look for a way to close the wormhole. Simple, isn’t it?
In any case, I can assure you that the story is really very interesting and will involve you fully. I also enjoyed some twists and turns and I must admit that some moments were touching and thoughtful. In short: unexpectedly pleasant.
Gameplay and action: what’s wrong?
In my opinion, from the gameplay, there is very little to save. I appreciate how in the game you will have to pay attention to your level of hunger, thirst, and oxygen. These needs take you to explore the map and add longevity to the gameplay. In some situations I liked the atmosphere of tension and alertness.
In short, you’ll have to do anything to survive. The game abandons the stealth component, relegating it to a few situations, and focuses on the action-survival genre. Exactly, just like the game Die Young.
Regardless, it’s really hard for a fan of Metal Gear Saga to approach such a game, I understand. The fighting/action system is very similar to the Resident Evil series. In many situations, you’ll ask yourself, “What the hell is going on?!”. Besides, there is an indicator that highlights your level and that of enemies, just like an RPG game.
According to my thoughts, Konami caused a lot of confusion with the gameplay, which does not match the historical features of Metal Gear Solid. I appreciate the courage of the developers, but why not create a new IP? Honestly, this marketing move didn’t seem appropriate to me. I think it’s totally out of the question.
At the same time, you can choose to play this game if you are curious to explore new horizons and get carried away by the story. At least, that was my approach to Metal Gear Survive. Alternatively, if you can’t adapt to the new style of play, it will be a real challenge to complete Metal Gear Survive.
Metal Gear Survive: top technical aspects
What to say from a technical point of view? Well, here Konami did a really good job. The graphics are very good and the entire universe of Dite is to be admired both with light and with darkness. Sure, some assets seem to be copied from Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, but you can overlook that.
I also enjoyed the animations and design of the Wanderers, in some scary places. Besides, cutscenes also have a cinematic touch, similar but not equal to what Kojima did with Death Stranding.
Metal Gear Survive has several flaws, but technically it is a good job.
Metal Gear Survive: is it worth a try?
Answering this question is not easy. In some respects, it is worth giving Metal Gear Survive a chance. From the economic point of view, you can trying the game is not insurmountable because you can find it on a special offer in our store.
What do you think of the game? I would like to find out your opinion about it, maybe about aspects such as Multiplayer and map of the game. Feel free to express your opinion on this and share it with our community.
Can you survive a game in the Metal Gear Solid series without stealth espionage? Well, find out by playing it!
