So where does Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain fit into the Metal Gear timeline for Solid Snake?

When you create the egg, then create the chicken, what happens in between? That's a tough scenario that Hideo Kojima is having to face with his latest brainchild Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain. Having taken place a few years after Peace Walker, but before Guns of the Patriots, just after the Vietnam war ended one can understand how it can be hard to fill in the blanks for a game that takes place "in between Metal Gear stories". Kojima made a few statements in recent interviews about explaining how evolving the Ground Zeroes and Phantom Pain has been for him and his team.

"When you try to write something that was supposed to be in the middle there will be some inconsistencies when you go into very small details. "The most important part is writing something that is fun, something that is impressive, something that is better than it was before. So sometimes in the interest of doing this, of having a better experience, we sacrifice some consistencies in the story."

Also, in case you've been out of the loop for a while, both PS4 and Xbox One versions will be getting exclusive content for Ground Zeroes. Classic Solid Snake from the first Metal Gear Solid for PS1 will be a playable character, a low polygon style with a low polygon playing area. Kind of takes you back to a golden year doesn't it?

The Xbox One version exclusive content will be there, but it's not known right now as to what that will be. More classic content?, who is to say. As far as a release date for Phantom Pain, Kojima wants to wait until the PS4 has taken a much better foothold in the gaming community before releasing it. Not to mention the time needed to finish developing a game that is 200 times the size of Ground Zeroes. That should explain why GZ is being released so much earlier, since the prologue is necessary to get fans into the act of learning the mechanics and storyline for TPP. Fans also want a taste right now of the new Metal Gear game, so it only makes sense.

Ground Zeroes will be releasing in Spring time next year on the Xbox One, PS4, PS3, and Xbox 360 respectively. Next generation consoles will see a higher resolution than current ones, according to Kojima. Can't wait to get a taste of that Solid Snake action in a few months myself.

Cling to your PS3 as long as you can, there is still some classics like Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions heading for the Playstation Store

Old habits die hard, and so do older game systems. The Playstation 3 might be losing some face now that the PS4 is landing in more and more living rooms, but that doesn't mean the old dog doesn't have a few tricks. This week the classic PS1 hit Metal Gear Soid: VR Missions will be launched on the Playstation Store. Featuring 300 missions for you to chew on, a title that tests your stealth and gunning capabilities that you hopefully learned from the first Solid Snake game.

As Solid Snake, you venture through level after level, of what seems to be some of a cross between a holodeck generated puzzle setting, where you test your skills to see how well and long you can survive. Each level giving you a new type of challenge different from the last. Some shorter than others, some longer, and some involving the beloved sense of humor of Hideo Kojima about a stolen popsicle? Indeed. Photo op shoots with females in the game, while also having the ability to play as the famous Ninja Grey Fox. Oh yea, he's there too. The PS1 still survives, on the PS3 via the Playstation Store, which is slowly being replaced by the PS4, and this is getting confusing.

Now that the PS4 and Xbox One are out in stores, what games are you looking forward to getting?

So many choices, and a lot less time. That's what kind of world you live in if you're a die hard gamer. Sure you have your MMORPG fans, Steam fans, and those who only stick to console gaming. Now that the two most anticipated gaming systems have graced our living rooms, it's all about the games right? With Ground Zeroes looming in the horizon, there are so many other titles people are looking to seeing land on their new consoles. A new Suikoden 6 game would be nice for those folks, while Silent Hill fans are waiting on a new one of theirs to hit the scene, hopefully backed by the Fox Engine.

Me personally, my needs are pretty straightforward, Lords of Shadow 2, Ground Zeroes, followed by The Phantom Pain. I certainly hope Konami sees fit to start production on new Suikoden game in 2014. Will that happen?, one can only hope as it's been far too long since the series has basically died without a serious second notice from the powers that be upstairs. Now that the PS3 and Xbox One are officially out, (at least in North America) what new titles are you looking forward to seeing land on your local store shelf? I'd like to hear some of your feedback below in the comment section.

Xbox One and 360 users can relax, as you too will be getting some exclusive content for your version of Ground Zeroes

A few days ago people found out that there will be exclusive content for the PS3 and PS4 versions of Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes. Knowing that gave a bit of an upset to the Xbox One and 360 fan base, perhaps even some jealousy to boot. But those folks can relax now, as there is a pot at the end of your rainbow too. It has been confirmed that the Xbox version of GZ will in fact be getting exclusive content for it as well as Playstation, according to Spike TV's Geoff Keighley.

Since it's already known that the PS3 / PS4 version of GZ will be getting a classic Solid Snake skin based on the original Metal Gear Solid game from the PS1 years ago, what could this exclusive Xbox content be? Of that no one knows as of right now, but feel free to take a big guess if you think you might know the answer. Perhaps a skin of its own, perhaps something else related like a cameo appearance of another character or the ability to use someone else besides Snake. As soon as it gets out there, I will post about it here as always.

Japan has its pick of multiple bundle packs of Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes to choose from

So lucky to live in Japan, and who knows if these gems will even make it to other parts of the world. But nevertheless, they are awesome just to even look at. All of the different bundle packs of Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes below each come with either the game only, or Solid Snake action figure and booklet. You have different versions for both PS3, PS4, and Xbox 360. I guess the Xbox One didn't make the grade in Japan this time. Perhaps due to a lack of demand, since even 360 titles don't see nearly as good as their PS3 versions have done in the past.

Besides seeing these great looking photos below, you can also take a closer look at the Solid Snake action figures at the official Konami of Japan site, where there are story lines, videos, and other items of interest there. So far there is no word if any or all of these bundle sets will even make it outside of Japan. There is also a limited edition watch being sold separately, which should be a nice addition to any one's existing Metal Gear arsenal. Just looking at it makes me want one badly, how about you?

Check out more information here.

It seems the exclusive content for PS3 and PS4 is called "Deja Vu" mission where you can play as classic Solid Snake from PS1

It looks like classic Solid Snake from the first Metal Gear Solid game will be the exclusive content for PS4 and PS3 version of Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes. It will be called the Deja Vu mission. On the Spike TV ALL ACCESS show just now, Hideo Kojima showed a short presentation for GZ, as we count down to midnight when the Playstation 4 launches, and people trip over each other buying theirs to run home and play what they could get their hands on.

That's about it for right, now, but it it looks like that is the specific content for now. Being able to play as classic Solid Snake as well as the one designed for Ground Zeroes originally. If there is more revealed, I will post about it here as usual. Hopefully a new trailer, likely the one for that video you and I just saw will pop up on YouTube shortly and we can watch it in HD.

UPDATE - THE NEW DEJA VU TRAILER IS NOW OUT AND READY TO WATCH BELOW!

No Xbox allowed, as there just might be exclusive content for only the PS3 and PS4 versions of Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes

It's probably clear by now that Japan isn't exactly a huge fan of Microsoft. I can't say that I blame them, as the Xbox to them has done nothing but drive a needless wedge in the gaming market. Remember when it was just Sega, Nintendo, and NEC? Or how Sega, Sony, and Nintendo? Anyway, to demonstrate the love for the Playstation format, Hideo Kojima has tweeted a picture of what appears to be a Ground Zeroes demo station from a press event that took place in New York last week.

From what I'm seeing floating around the internet, this *might* mean that the PS3 and PS4 systems will have exclusive side missions or related content. Looks like I'll landing myself a Playstation 4 soon. In the meantime, you can check out the image below, and follow Hideo Kojima on Twitter if you aren't already.

小島秀夫Verified account ‏@Kojima_Hideo

取材、続行中。 pic.twitter.com/f31SArAyP9

Here is what will determine how soon Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pain is released

With all of the available footage of Ground Zeroes hovering over our heads, one can't help but wonder when Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pain will be released. Well, that depends on a couple of issues. The first one is based on Ground Zeroes itself and how well it will be accepted and sell upon its release. Metal Gear has taken a big change in not only the way it looks, but how it plays.

Yes the same stealth based action is still there, but there have been a few new elements added in the process. Bullet time, enemy tagging, (which can be turned off, but not advisable) and a few other odds and ends. Since no one can guarantee the actions of the fans of past MG games, Konami is waiting to see how things play out for GZ.

Number two on the list, is based on the PS4 and Xbox One. In just five days time, The Playstation 4 launches, while the Xbox One will follow on November 22nd. Even though expected sales are supposed to reach about 5 million by the end of this coming March, Konami is waiting to see the results of said sales as it will also impact the release time for The Phantom Pain. So what is the final verdict? 2014 or 2015. Vague?, yes. and the anticipation is a bit hard to handle. Ground Zeroes and next generation console sales are the key right now. Good luck to Kojima's latest handywork.

Original report Explosion

Digital downloads for Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes will be ten bucks cheaper on current generation consoles

As we start to see the beginning of the Xbox 360 and PS3 fade ever so slowly away, there is still a breath of life left in them yet. Next spring Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes will make its way to both next generation, and current generation systems. There is one slight difference between the two however. Besides the Xbox One and PS4 having higher resolutions than their other counterparts, the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions will be ten bucks cheaper. $30 for the next gen digital downloads, and $20 for current gen downloads. Recently Hideo Kojima also made a few comments about Ground Zeroes I'd like to share with you.

“The advanced capabilities of the FOX Engine are allowing me to express the story of Metal Gear Solid in a new way. There will be a significant difference in what Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pain brings to the series, so we want to ease players into the new open world environment and its potential, allowing them to fully benefit from all that the new game offers. As such, Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes has been designed to introduce key elements, while setting up the events of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.”

Ground Zeroes has been looked upon as being something of a diagram for gamers, sort of preparing them for "The Phantom Pain". Even if it is, it certainly looks like an incredible one. Konami has yet to give a specific or even general time frame as to when The Phantom Pain will land in our living rooms. Kojima is expecting it to be 300 times the size of Ground Zeroes though. Who knows, with a game that size, maybe gaming has gotten to the point where some games do need a prologue game to prepare them for a much bigger one. Although the concept is a bit odd. If you missed the post I did with the new images released for GZ, check them out if you like here.

 

A non linear experience is in store for you, as Hideo Kojima describes the replay value of his new open world brainchild

Have you ever bought a game, took it home and played for a few hours, finished it and then didn't like the fact that you completed it so fast. Replay value is a must if you're going to fork out 50-60 bucks for a game. That's exactly what Hideo Kojima wants for Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, as he discusses in an interview with Inside Games about how the player will be getting a non linear experience with his new brainchild.

“In some missions there are ‘No Kill, No Alert’ challenges, and all those challenges are connected by social [rankings] and can be played any number of times. In addition to that, even in the same mission there will be different situations, like different ways to attack and different weather conditions."

“Everything you do will eventually be evaluated at the base. For example, if you bring back the wrong target in a hostage rescue and you should do it again to improve your result. That’s the (non-linear) replay value due to the freedom enhanced by an open world.”

If you can read Japanese or have a decent translation app in your browser or whatnot, you can read the rest of the story from the source page. The Phantom Pain is planned for release on the PS3, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox 360. Next generation systems will have a higher resolution than current gen.

“Everything you do will eventually be evaluated at the base. For example, if you bring back the wrong target in a hostage rescue and you should do it again to improve your result. That’s the (non-linear) replay value due to the freedom enhanced by an open world.”

Read more at http://gamingbolt.com/metal-gear-solid-5-hideo-kojima-details-challenges-and-missions#VGs9QE7lZPYtJyU0.99