This time Adol loses all his cool equipment before the start of the next game.

This is a game I put off playing for 4 years because I didn't "get it" at launch. The game-play loop presented to you in the first couple of hours was not something I felt I wanted to put time into to see if it got more enjoyable. After hearing nothing but good things about this game as it has aged, I finally sat myself down in '23 and and forced myself though the first 5 hours.

Maybe it was the pandemic? Or something relating to a rather hectic work/life balance I had finally escaped after 7 years, but being able to *build* connections in a desolate world finally resonated with me. There is a real sense of accomplishment watching the world take shape around you as you make connections between extremely isolated cities and individuals. You are also continually rewarded with better skills and items that enable greater efficiency in making these connections. You truly feel like you are making a difference in the world and in turn, it is making a difference to you.

Yes, it has all the Kojima trappings, and yes he is way too far up his own ass - Hell, there is a 1 hour cut-scene about why a guy has a heart shaped heart - But you will eat it all up. Much like literature and cinema epics, a significant number of story beats happen well after the major conflict is resolved (hilariously, most of them after the end credits roll), but by then you will be so involved in the world's story and your band of Kojima freaks, that you probably wont mind the chaotic editing of this game.

After 4 years of avoidance, I can now say that this is one of my favourite games, and might even be considered an all-time classic. Hell, it might even be something that is important.

Gertbeef gave 10 likes!

Wow.

Where are the people? The game lobby apparently has a region issue leading to low player counts in some areas. If you haven't got friends with the game, or are in a less populated region, id avoid this game until its fixed. See the forums for more info.

Rewarding.