It's difficult to know if this is due to the very public fallout between Kojima and publisher Konami, or if it's simply the result of botched storytelling. Unfortunately, some plot points go unresolved, missions repeat themselves, and there's a huge swerve that attempts to fit into the larger themes without enough build up. That said, Kojima handles the idea with far more care and creativity than Lucas did. Like Revenge of the Sith, The Phantom Pain details a hero's fall from grace, but it may be in a way that series fans won't appreciate. The game's plot, which promised to complete the narrative circle by tying the Metal Gear Solid series back into its 8-bit Metal Gear NES roots, is a bit disappointing, too. It's also a far less passive experience than watching lengthy cutscenes. It enables you to stay abreast of things while in the field. Still, there's an advantage to delivering story details via audio. The moment when Kaz fully embraces his lust for revenge on camera is absolutely frightening.

It would've been a joy to have seen Kaz-Big Boss's number one, and a man who suffers from phantom pains on multiple levels-visibly emote some of the venom he spits on tape. The Phantom Pain's story is a serious examination of modern culture's obsession with war and the emptiness of revenge, but many of the vital plot points are relegated to audio tapes you receive after a successful mission. Perhaps taking the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots criticisms to heart, Kojima doesn't let The Phantom Pain's characters dive into over-the-top monologues, exhibit wacky super powers, or simply embrace weirdness, elements that have all become series trademarks. That said, the remaining game doesn't sustain the same level of mystery and WTF moments.

Metal gear solid v the phantom pain mac