Can i play MGS 5 if i haven't played any of the previous ones?

[Shirastro]

Well the title says it all.
Do you think it's a smart thing to buy MGS5 if the only thing i ever played was the original MGS like 20 years ago and don't remember anything?
I know MSg is very story based but can i enjoy the latest one without previous experience with the franchise?

 

[stroopwafel]

Absolutely. It's a fantastic game you shouldn't miss out on. MGS5 is a pretty big departure from the previous games both in gameplay/world-design and storytelling. It's also incredibly well made. Don't let unfamiliarity with the (convoluted) storyline keep you from playing it.

Story can still be enjoyed in it's own right as it isn't really the 10+ hours fanservice MGS4 was, but there are some pretty good video series on youtube to get you up to snuff on the Metal Gear lore, like this one: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqU3_cfWaeY2DT7imScZKA3_PZJHRfdzy

 

[Marik2]

I suggest not, because it is a really good feel when you play the games in release order and experience how the gameplay changes and adapts in each sequel.

It's a very natural progression going into each game referencing/foreshadowing things to come and there is going to be a lot of references and call backs that you won't understand if you are going to go into MGS5.

 

[Ironbat92]

I suggest picking up the MGS HD Collection to play MS3 and Peace Walker, then renting Ground Zeroes.

 

[Hazy992]

Absolutely. It's a fantastic game you shouldn't miss out on. MGS5 is a pretty big departure from the previous games both in gameplay/world-design and storytelling. It's also incredibly well made. Don't let unfamiliarity with the (convoluted) storyline keep you from playing it.

Story can still be enjoyed in it's own right as it isn't really the 10+ hours fanservice MGS4 was, but there are some pretty good video series on youtube to get you up to snuff on the Metal Gear lore, like this one: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqU3_cfWaeY2DT7imScZKA3_PZJHRfdzy

Hey man, just wanna say thanks for posting this. I really want to get Phantom Pain too and this was really useful as a crash course

 

[TelHybrid]

It's not a great jumping on point in the series. There's a lot of lore from previous instalments.

I'd recommend playing the first 4 main titles beforehand, not just for the lore but because they're fantastic timeless games.

Metal Gear Solid 3 still makes my top 10.

 

[thewatergamer]

I've never played any Metal Gear game and I haven't gotten MGSV but from what I've heard from a few trusted sources the answer is absolutely you can, but you might miss out a few things and or get a little bit lost sometimes, even though to be fair, the whole series has kind of a confusing plot

 

[Ambient_Malice]

Yes, you can certainly play Phantom Pain without playing any other entry. The game works as a standalone narrative. I would recommend playing Peace Walker, however, since Phantom Pain is a direct continuation.

 

[Elementary - Dear Watson]

No. It litterally destroys itself in the console as a precaution if you even try!

Seriously though... it is certainly playable.. It's a bit like the Riddick films. All are good standalone, but you have a more rounded experience when you have played them all.

I would play the old ones at some point though... They are rather fun! Especially 3... that's my favourite.

 

[TelHybrid]

It's not a great jumping on point in the series. There's a lot of lore from previous instalments.

I'd recommend playing the first 4 main titles beforehand, not just for the lore but because they're fantastic timeless games.

Metal Gear Solid 3 still makes my top 10.

Timeless? I love the series too. MGS1 is beyond dated at this point. It was a great game in it's time but it's probably one of the worst starting points now.

Even 3 with the HD collection with the freecam is still pretty dated.

Hmm I still wouldn't jump onto a lore heavy franchise like MGS at the fifth instalment.

 

[mad825]

And I still don't know why people jump into games 4,5 or 6 games in. Multiplayer? fair enough. But for single-player it seems like they are jumping on the bandwagon or playing it for "teh gameplay" in which case you're better off playing some random MMO - I suppose I cannot complain, MGS 5 is more or less an MMO.

At least AAA publiser are somewhat right to be cynical of conusmers.

 

[TelHybrid]

It's not a great jumping on point in the series. There's a lot of lore from previous instalments.

I'd recommend playing the first 4 main titles beforehand, not just for the lore but because they're fantastic timeless games.

Metal Gear Solid 3 still makes my top 10.

Timeless? I love the series too. MGS1 is beyond dated at this point. It was a great game in it's time but it's probably one of the worst starting points now.

Even 3 with the HD collection with the freecam is still pretty dated.

Hmm I still wouldn't jump onto a lore heavy franchise like MGS at the fifth instalment.

I'd definitely play 2 onwards, but it's still pretty jarring gameplay wise. If I didn't get into MGS2 back in like 2007 I'd probably of been screwed.

I still think 1 handles okay, but maybe it's nostalgia goggles. Who knows?

MGS The Twin Snakes is a decent remake of the original. Just a shame it's Gamecube exclusive and damn expensive.