METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES Review Summary

Last updated: 2026-10-08
Review summary
  • Best-in-series gameplay experience
  • High replayability and content value
  • Exceptional stealth gameplay mechanics
  • Extremely short game length
  • Essentially a demo or prologue
  • Not worth full price
METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES header

Categories

Tactical Espionage ActionStealth GameplayOpen-World ExplorationThird-Person ShooterSingle-player StoryAction SandboxThird-Person Stealth Adventure

Emotions

Archetypes

Hardware

Windows <8GB VRAM / <16GB RAMmixedWindows 12-15GB VRAMnegative
Sample precision
Helpful reviews
77%
Unhelpful reviews
22%
Protest reviews
0%
Positive points
1025
Negative points
549
Gameplay points
749
Perf. points
69
Rec. points
302
Misc points
572
Point
Best-in-series gameplay experience
Description
Reviewers frequently call it the best gameplay in the Metal Gear series, with excellent mechanics and an overall amazing play experience. It is often described as one of the best games in the franchise.
Importance
33%
High replayability and content value
Description
The game offers extensive replayability through multiple approaches, side missions, challenges, collectibles, and mission rankings. Reviewers note it is endlessly replayable and holds strong long-term value.
Importance
31%
Exceptional stealth gameplay mechanics
Description
Players describe the stealth gameplay as some of the best ever made, with smooth, refined, and satisfying mechanics. The stealth systems are repeatedly called peak and incredibly polished.
Importance
29%
Essential story prologue to Phantom Pain
Description
The narrative serves as a crucial bridge between Peace Walker and The Phantom Pain, fleshing out the story and preparing players for the main entry. Many consider it an excellent and important prologue.
Importance
26%
Outstanding visual presentation praised
Description
Reviewers consistently highlight the graphics as excellent, beautiful, and technically impressive for its time. Visual quality is one of the most frequently praised aspects of the game.
Importance
23%
Kojima's signature directorial excellence
Description
The game is praised as a Kojima masterpiece, filled with his unique creative vision. The cutscene direction, character animations, and overall prologue quality reflect his expertise.
Importance
15%
Excellent optimization and performance
Description
Players note the game runs great and is meticulously optimized, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable experience. Performance is consistently described as very good.
Importance
8%