
It was praised for its open-ended approach to missions and the freedom it gives players. The fifth game in the series, The Phantom Pain, featured some of the most robust gameplay in the entire series. Building on the foundations of its predecessors, many saw Metal Gear Solid 3 as the finest iteration of the series, with improved mechanics and an engaging plot serving as proof that Kojima was at the very top of his game. Serving as a prequel over 30 years before Metal Gear Solid, the game starred Naked Snake in a rural, jungle setting that emphasized new camouflage mechanics. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater followed in 2004.

Raiden's mission to eliminate a terrorist threat from an offshore cleanup facility known as Big Shell is gripping, and fans who initially had reservations about playing as the new protagonist quickly became caught up in the game's ambiance.

The game's attempts at tackling complex issues have been viewed as a fine example of artistic expression in the industry, and in many ways Metal Gear Solid 2 is timeless.

Despite these issues, the game was once again a success commercially, and received glowing reviews for its realism, attention to detail, and iconic musical score.
