I’m hooked again. I’ve got my trike and am happily stuck in a loop delivering massive packages of material to and from the wind farm and all of the other early distribution centres. I’ve even got Geoff Keighley up to 5 stars.
I’ve come across some new stuff already. One major new order that teaches you how to use a new non lethal weapon. The firing range stuff is pretty good. I’ve had a go at a couple of ranked challenges in that mode. I also think some geography has been tweaked subtly. The route to the incinerator seemed very slightly different.
Most of all though it’s a world I’m really happy to inhabit again. Watching the collective efforts of other players sort of grow and melt into your own world is something I only ever remember seeing in The Tomorrow Children (of which I am likely the only fan). And seeing your own efforts be used and appreciated by other players even surpasses that feeling.
Playing it properly again it’s easier to see how all the systems work so well together to create a largely positive and hopeful vibe in a setting that’s definitely the opposite.
I’ve said before I have a Love/Hate relationship with Kojima. This, to me, is in the subset of games he’s made that actually justify the arrogance and self indulgence.
Yes, people don’t get it. Yes, a lot think it’s nonsense. But I think those people were never going to like it anyway. I admire the fact that he’s focused solely on the group of people that would welcome it with open arms and damn the rest.