Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain vs Saints Row IV

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the sequel to Ground Zeroes and a prequel to the original Metal Gear, following the legendary mercenary Snake in 1984. Set against the backdrop of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Snake seeks rescue for his former partner Kazuhira Miller and vengeance against the mysterious Cipher network. Abandoning linear corridor design, the game introduces expansive open-world environments featuring a real-time day and night cycle and dynamic weather effects. Players enjoy unrestricted tactical freedom to infiltrate enemy bases, utilize stealth mechanics, sabotage structures, and build up their military capabilities.

Saints Row IV shifts the franchise's focus from rival street gangs to an interstellar war after the leader of the Third Street Saints is elected President of the United States. Following an invasion by the alien empire known as the Zin, the protagonist and their crew find themselves trapped inside a bizarre computer simulation of Steelport. Inside this virtual sandbox, the player is granted extraordinary superpowers and futuristic weaponry to bend the simulation to their will. Combining open-world sandbox gameplay with sci-fi comedy and chaotic co-op action, the game delivers an over-the-top adventure to free humanity from alien captivity.

• Unprecedented tactical freedom in open-world mission approaches
• Immersive dynamic weather and day-night cycle systems
• Extremely smooth, responsive action and stealth mechanics
• Exceptional critical acclaim and depth of gameplay

• Hilarious storyline and dialogue
• Incredibly fun superpowers that change traversal
• Extensive character customization options
• Entertaining co-op multiplayer mode

• Complex story can feel unfinished or disjointed in the latter half
• Fewer traditional cinematic cutscenes than series veterans might expect
• Open world can occasionally feel sparse between major outposts

• Simulation setting can feel visually repetitive
• Some missions rely heavily on side-activity recycling
• Vehicle driving becomes obsolete once superpowers are unlocked