Ah, Metal Gear Survive. The game that bravely takes the beloved Metal Gear franchise into the realm of zombies, because why not? After all, who wouldn't want to get up close and personal with a few half-eaten ghouls while trying to remember how to command an army of pet rock soldiers? Let's dive right into this survival game mess and see if it's closer to brilliance or a well-worn sock.
So, what's the deal with Metal Gear Survive? It's unlike anything you'd expect from a franchise known for stealthy espionage and political commentary. Picture this: you, a soldier in a parallel dimension-because obviously, normal dimensions are too mainstream-facing off against zombie-like creatures known as Wanderers. You gather resources, manage your thirst and hunger, and try to not lose your sanity in a world filled with 'The Dust.' No, it's not the latest rave; it's a toxic cloud that makes your map useless and turns exploration into an exercise in annoyance. Think of it as a survival and tower defense mashup that requires you to scavenge for food and create clever traps to avoid becoming the meat on the table for some crystal-laden zombie. You can join three of your buddies-if you can still find any after they've heard you're playing this game. Multiplayer becomes a chaotic mix of "who stole my last water bottle?" and "why are there so many zombies?" Live or die, it's all about crafting weapons and gadgets from what you find, but let's be honest, no amount of crafting can save you from the mind-bending plot twists.
Graphically, it's like the previous games had a one-night stand with a fluorescent light bulb. The character models are decent, the environments are worth a passing glance, but at the end of the day, you'll either find yourself impressed or wondering if this is really the loaned graphics engine from a game that came out five years prior. The Dust, while it sounds like a nice name for a band, looks downright dull when you're knee-deep in it, and let's not talk about how the zombies look more like bad Halloween costumes with a budget of ten bucks. Could Konami possibly stoop any lower? You bet! They're really good at that.
In conclusion, Metal Gear Survive can give you an experience if you're thirsty for survival games that tread new ground-or if you're just curious about how far the Metal Gear franchise can stretch its already thin narrative. If you're looking for a true successor to the series that started with sneaky tactics and deep storytelling, it's better to keep this game on the shelf for the curious to explore rather than as an essential piece of your gaming collection. Could use more Kojima, though; just sayin'. Drifting somewhere between mediocre and mildly entertaining, here's hoping the next Metal Gear game remembers what it's like to be a Metal Gear game. Remember, when life gives you zombies, grab a spear and start crafting, because in this world, that's the only way to survive-well, sort of.