Mark Buckingham: Open-world, somewhat unscripted, open-ended problem-solving? This is a ways off from ultra-linear MGSs of yore. Kojima likes to push boundaries, and I have no doubt this title will do a few things we've never seen in its own universe, and perhaps even in gaming in general. The production values are always top-notch. Pairing that with a healthy dose of innovation will keep the series strong and could help define this generation.

Dustin Chadwell: In Kojima we trust! Well, mostly. Barring the issues folks had with the length and price of MGS: Ground Zeroes, that game laid out some promising paths for the new full-fledged MGS sequel. Everything shown off for The Phantom Pain so far has looked great, and we know Kojima still has some secrets up his sleeve that. I'm certainly on board for more Big Boss action, and I suspect you will be, too.

Chris DeAngelus: It's been a long time getting here, but Big Boss won't keep us waiting much longer. Metal Gear Solid defined what it means to be a stealth game, and The Phantom Pain is the biggest game yet. The first truly open-world Metal Gear, it includes mechanics both new and old. Ranging from the return of the Fulton Recovery System to a new robotic hand, there's just too much to list. Hideo Kojima has shown that he can create some of the most unique, exciting and interesting games on the planet, and what we've seen of The Phantom Pain is no different. After all, who doesn't want to airlift a sheep to their hidden ocean base?

Tony "OUberLord" Mitera: I'm of two minds on Metal Gear Solid 5. The game will certainly feature some highly tuned stealth gameplay, as every game of the series has. However, I didn't exactly care for MGS4, given how heavily that game relied on long, plodding cut scenes. If nothing else, I hope that the team over at Kojima Productions is going to keep away from canned footage and let the gameplay be at the forefront this time around.