Metal Gear Survive: A Zombie Apocalypse Nobody Asked For
Imagine a world where a beloved video game franchise takes a nosedive into the realm of the absurd. That's exactly what happened when Konami released "Metal Gear Survive" on February 20, 2018. Set in an alternate universe, this game took the iconic Metal Gear series and threw it into a zombie-infested wasteland. The game was developed by Konami Digital Entertainment and released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows. But why did this happen? The answer lies in a combination of corporate greed, a desperate attempt to cash in on a popular franchise, and a complete disregard for what fans actually wanted.
First off, let's talk about the elephant in the room: Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the Metal Gear series, had already left Konami by the time this game was developed. Without Kojima's creative genius, the game was doomed from the start. Konami, in its infinite wisdom, decided to take the series in a direction that no one asked for. Instead of the stealth-action gameplay that fans loved, they got a survival game with zombies. Yes, zombies. Because apparently, that's what every game needs these days.
The plot of Metal Gear Survive is as convoluted as it is unnecessary. Players are thrown into a parallel dimension filled with crystalline zombies, tasked with surviving and finding a way back home. The story is a far cry from the intricate narratives that the Metal Gear series is known for. It's as if Konami took a page out of a bad fan fiction and decided to run with it. The game lacks the depth and complexity that made the series a household name, leaving players with a hollow experience.
Gameplay-wise, Metal Gear Survive is a mishmash of survival mechanics and base-building elements. Players must scavenge for resources, craft weapons, and defend their base from waves of zombie-like creatures. While this might sound exciting on paper, the execution is lackluster at best. The game is riddled with repetitive tasks and uninspired missions that quickly become a chore. It's a far cry from the tactical espionage action that fans have come to expect from the series.
One of the most controversial aspects of Metal Gear Survive is its use of microtransactions. In a blatant cash grab, Konami decided to lock certain features behind a paywall. Want to create multiple save slots? That'll cost you. Need more resources to survive? Better open your wallet. This nickel-and-diming approach is a slap in the face to players who have already paid for the game. It's a clear indication that Konami is more interested in squeezing every last penny out of its customers than delivering a quality gaming experience.
The reception to Metal Gear Survive was predictably negative. Critics and players alike panned the game for its uninspired gameplay, lackluster story, and shameless monetization tactics. It's a testament to how far the mighty have fallen. Once a titan in the gaming industry, Konami has become a shadow of its former self, churning out subpar games that tarnish the legacy of beloved franchises.
In the end, Metal Gear Survive serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when a company loses sight of what made its games great in the first place. It's a reminder that not every franchise needs a zombie apocalypse, and that sometimes, it's better to let sleeping dogs lie. The game is a stark departure from the series' roots, and a disappointing chapter in the Metal Gear saga.