As perhaps the most anticipated game ever in this remarkable series, Metal Gear Solid 5 had a fair weight of pressure stacked on its shoulders even months before its release. In the controversy and fallout at Konami a little further down the line, that pressure was dialled up even higher; by this time nothing short of virtual perfection would see the game deemed the success it was due to be. But, as practically anyone who has played the game will tell you, Metal Gear Solid 5 completely delivered under this immense weight of expectation. Taking the niche turns and now-iconographic elements of its predecessors in the series, Metal Gear Solid built itself a stable core from which to build. And build upwards it certainly does. From the immense, vibrant recreation of Afghanistan in which it makes its home to the rich array of intriguing characters, The Phantom Pain delivers on every front. It's gathered remarkable reviews since its release, but only further time will see it classed as the absolute triumph it truly is. Anyone who's yet to play through Big Boss' latest and greatest is missing out on one of the best games of this century.
Gareth is 28 years old and lives in Cardiff. Interests include film, TV and an unhealthy amount of Spider-Man comics and Killers songs. Expect constant references to the latter two at all times.
Follow on twitter @GJCartwright.
