Is Ground Zeroes a Short Game?
The gaming community has been abuzz with discussions about Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, a highly-acclaimed game developed by Konami. One of the most debated topics is its length, with many asking: is Ground Zeroes a short game?
In this article, we will delve into the answers from various sources, shedding light on the game’s intended length, playtime, and overall experience. But before we dive into the details, let’s tackle the main question.
Main Reasons Behind the Concerns
There are a few reasons why some players might think Ground Zeroes is a short game. Firstly, the main storyline can be completed within just 2 hours. This has led to skepticism about the game’s length and value. However, as we’ll discuss further on, Ground Zeroes has much more to offer.
Unlocking Extra Ops and 100% Completion
One of the crucial aspects to consider is unlocking Extra Ops, exclusive missions that can only be accessed after completing specific challenges. These missions are substantial and can take anywhere from 1-5 hours to complete. Adding these to the mix extends the overall playtime. Moreover, achieving 100% completion, including every collectible and objective, can take up to 20 hours or more.
What Lies Within the Game’s Prologue
Ground Zeroes sets the stage for a massive narrative that unfolds across its sequel, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. The game is primarily a prologue to introduce players to the gameplay, mechanics, and setting for the next installment. From this perspective, its intended length is part of a larger narrative arc, building anticipation for the more significant story to come.
Marketing and Bundles Considerations
It’s crucial to note that Ground Zeroes was initially marketed as a standalone game with the promise of a separate product. Later, the developers released the Definitive Experience bundle, which combines Ground Zeroes and its sequel, The Phantom Pain. This shift might have contributed to some players perceiving Ground Zeroes as a shorter experience than its original marketing suggested.
Comparison to Other Metal Gear Games
For reference, here’s a rough estimation of playtime for Metal Gear Solid games:
• Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (~20-30 hours for 100% completion)
• Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (~20-40 hours for 100% completion)
• Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (~15-30 hours for 100% completion)
Given the trend in length for previous Metal Gear titles, Ground Zeroes still falls within the scope of a standard-sized game for the series.
Ultimate Verdict
So, is Ground Zeroes a short game? Yes, the main storyline might be brief, but this is merely a gateway to a larger narrative experience. The inclusion of Extra Ops, 100% completion objectives, and marketing confusion aside, Ground Zeroes can be enjoyed for up to 20 hours or more. Considered against the Metal Gear Solid game series’ playtime ranges, Ground Zeroes occupies a reasonable spot.
Ultimately, the game’s quality is not defined by its brevity, and this article has highlighted various elements that make Ground Zeroes a worthwhile experience for those invested in the series and its lore.
Resources:
• Reddit discussion: Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes is just a demo, they said!
• GameFAQs: Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes
• Vimeo FAQs: Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes
This conclusion is based on my careful analysis of the available content and sources provided by other gamers, gaming platforms, and official developers’ insights.