Games

Fans of the long-running and convoluted Metal Gear franchise may be left feeling a little short-changed by this latest addition. Ground Zeroes is described as a prequel/prologue to next year's Metal Gear Solid: Phantom Pain (the two titles, says developer Kojima Productions, form a singular work), and that's certainly apparent in terms of the scope on offer. Completing it shouldn't pose any problems to competent gamers, with the side-missions and main storyline holding your attention for a few hours, maximum.

However, gameplay is exquisite, and you'll probably end up replaying in order to do things differently second time around and receive a better stealth rating. And with Ground Zeroes utilising an open-world setting (the Guantanamo-style Camp Omega) there's plenty to do. The AI of the camp's guards is excellent, and you'll need to think carefully about your tactics as you pick your way throughout the sandbox environment. All this can make a for a very tense, involved experience.

And what an environment to look at! Played on the PS4, Ground Zeroes wows with its hi-def graphics, oozing sharpness, texture and a superb appreciation of lighting. On a bigscreen, it's impressively atmospheric.

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, Konami, PS4/PS3/Xbox One/Xbox 360, £30 Approx
HCC VERDICT: 4/5