Eric Hall’s Top 10 Video Games Of 2015

9) Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

After years of anticipation (and one decently received prologue), Hideo Kojima finally delivered Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

A culmination of not only franchise lore, but also Kojima’s skills, The Phantom Pain is a staggering piece of work. With two massive maps to explore, there is more than enough for Big Boss and company to do, before even being fully immersed in the storyline.

Whereas past entries in the series have been limited by their linear structure, the gameplay of The Phantom Pain works by giving you the resources to further Boss’ goals, but not the plans. So even with a mission structure that can begin to feel repetitive after awhile, the sheer amount of ways you can approach a mission, as well as the many ways said mission could go to shit, makes everything feel fresh.

There’s a ton of content here to like, whether it’s the base building or hot stealth action, that it’s kind of a shame the storyline is so unmemorable. Typically a hallmark of Kojima, The Phantom Pain’s storyline feels unfinished. Maybe it stems from the acrimonious split between the famed developer and parent company Konami, or maybe his ideas overextend his reach, I don’t know.

What I do know is that I remember more arguments being made about the design of Quiet, than her actions in the final product, though, which is troubling. So, while the Metal Gear fan in me ultimately walks away from The Phantom Pain disappointed by the lackluster story, the gamer in me was awed by the scope and execution of the excellent gameplay.