10 Most Underrated Video Game Levels Of The Decade
9. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain - Blood Runs Deep
The fifth and final instalment of Kojima's fantastic Metal Gear franchise polarised fans. Criticised for it's 'Peace Walker' approach to missions and lack of cutscenes, what it sacrificed in that area it sorely made up for in gameplay, becoming easily one of the best stealth video games ever made.
When thinking about the best levels in this game your mind may be drawn to the boss battle with Metal Gear Sahelanthropus or the mission 'Voices', when you come across The Devil's House and fight the Man on Fire. Despite this, A truly underrated experience comes in Blood Runs Deep, which is an unsung rollercoaster of emotions that occurs in the second half of the game.
The level eases you in with a simple command. You must take out 6 rebels stationed at an outpost. This seemingly innocuous setup is complicated when you come across a small group of child soldiers locked up in a cage within the compound. Big Boss chooses to help them escape, even carrying one of them to mitigate their injuries.
The level is so clever in how it flips the entire game on its head. You're the ultimate stealth soldier, but you can't take this one slow. Players who stealth missions will be forced to go guns blazing to save the lives of these children, and it culminates in a powerful run for the chopper and ultimately, a landing zone defence, taking out all that stands in your way to protect the boys.