Overall I enjoyed this game but I have a lot of issues with it. Whilst I think the gameplay early on was amazing and the things you can do in the game are brilliant but by the end of the game I felt bored due to a lack of mission variety. More indoor sequences would’ve been great too as opposed to always being open world. Most maps feel unfinished, and boss battles become glorified damage sponges. While I love the stealth gameplay the actual combat leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion. All those issues aside, listening to the tapes makes the game a lot better narratively for me and gives Venom Snake a lot more personality I wish you saw more in game.

"Remember that money, jobs, even best pals will come and go. But family? Family is forever..."

I really enjoyed my time playing this, it was exactly the kind of game I needed at the time. I loved the semi-open world design but where the game really shines is it's story. The pacing is fantastic, with no filler. The second half of the story is some of my favourite storytelling in recent years, it wouldn't feel out of place in cinema. My only issue with the game is the gameplay, whilst the driving is great the combat felt lacklustre and dated. If not for that, this game would've easily got another star.