While many Metal Gear enthusiasts are currently immersed in the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater remake, collectors and dedicated fans might be interested to learn that the official strategy guide for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain remains surprisingly available. Despite being released almost a decade ago, this unique piece of gaming history can still be procured, often at a reduced price.
This guide serves as a valuable memento for what was considered the final installment in the core Metal Gear saga. For newcomers or those yet to experience the game itself, Metal Gear Solid V: The Definitive Experience, which includes The Phantom Pain and its prequel Ground Zeroes, is also accessible on various platforms, offering the full narrative and gameplay package.
Inside the Guide: An In-Depth Look
The comprehensive 368-page paperback guide offers an exhaustive exploration of The Phantom Pain. It features detailed mission walkthroughs, intricate diagrams, and thorough analysis of the game`s complex mechanics, leaving no aspect uncovered. Additionally, a story recap is included, making it easier for players to grasp the often convoluted Metal Gear universe and dive into MGS V without prior knowledge gaps. An accompanying poster provides a detailed overview of the expansive world map.
Published by Piggback, a renowned name in strategy guides for major titles like Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Cyberpunk 2077, this particular guide benefits from the expertise of the same team responsible for previous Metal Gear Solid guides. This background ensures a highly accurate and in-depth companion for MGS V, reflecting a deep understanding of the series` intricacies.
Although a Collector`s Edition of the guide, featuring exclusive items such as a lithograph by Yoji Shinkawa and an art gallery, was previously released, it is now out of print and considerably harder to find. However, copies occasionally surface through third-party sellers for those dedicated to completing their collection.
Exploring the Metal Gear Universe
Currently, much attention is on Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Praised for its excellent remastering of a classic PS2 title for contemporary platforms, various editions are available, including a Tactical Edition with bonus DLC and a Collector`s Edition featuring numerous physical collectibles, such as a diorama display of Snake and embroidered patches.
For those interested in exploring the series` origins after playing The Phantom Pain or Delta, the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 is an excellent option. This collection bundles Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty HD, and the original Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater HD, plus the MSX versions of Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, alongside animated graphic novels. It is available across various platforms.
It`s important to note that while the Master Collection offers a significant portion of the series, it does not include every mainline entry, such as Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, or Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain and Ground Zeroes, nor various spin-offs like Metal Gear: Survive or Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Future volumes of the Master Collection or additional remakes might address these omissions, though Konami has not yet announced specific plans.
Regrettably, some of these titles, like the PS3-exclusive Metal Gear Solid 4 and PSP-exclusive Peace Walker, are not readily available on modern consoles or PC. However, Metal Gear Solid V: The Definitive Experience, encompassing The Phantom Pain, Ground Zeroes, and additional DLC, can still be acquired for PlayStation or PC. While jumping into MGSV without playing prior installments means missing some story context, its acclaimed gameplay makes it a worthwhile experience for fans seeking tactical espionage action after completing Delta or the Master Collection.
Beyond the main narrative, which intricately weaves the tales of Big Boss, Solid Snake, and the enigmatic Patriots, the Metal Gear franchise has also spawned several spin-off titles. Some are non-canon (like Metal Gear: Survive), others semi-canon (like Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops), while a few are officially integrated into the timeline, such as Platinum Games` 2013 title, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Set at the series` chronological end, Revengeance puts players back in control of Metal Gear Solid 2`s protagonist, Raiden, in his cyborg ninja form from Metal Gear Solid 4. Unlike the stealth-focused main games, Rising is a character action title, highly regarded by fans and easily accessible on PC.
Other Metal Gear and Hideo Kojima Works
For those seeking an alternative perspective on the Metal Gear Solid saga, official novelizations for Metal Gear Solid and Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty are available. Penned by Raymond Benson, known for his James Bond novels, these books retell the events of the initial two games, offering a fresh narrative experience.
Hideo Kojima, the creator of Metal Gear, also saw his recent project, Death Stranding, adapted into a two-part official novelization. While Death Stranding shares certain visual design cues, meticulous world-building, and even some gameplay parallels with Metal Gear, it leans more heavily into sci-fi themes. It`s a recommended read for those interested in more works by Kojima, with both volumes available in paperback and Kindle formats.
Additionally, Kojima authored a non-fiction book in 2021 titled The Creative Gene. This compilation of memoirs and essays delves into his thoughts on creativity, game design, art, and personal experiences. While it doesn`t clarify Metal Gear lore, it provides valuable insight into his creative process and life journey, making it a compelling read for fans and aspiring creators alike.