I didn't get to read your opinion on MGS5 (more than 340 pages after all), and I remember you had lots of expectations toward its release, so, what do you think of it?
I can see why hardcore fans of the linear, scenario/narrative driven formula that composes MGS1/2/3/4 would be disappointed. I think this is faulted if you play it too much like other open world games, since it's quite barren, empty, and generally lifeless. I'd like to see the same idea explored with more emergent, dynamic events in the open world, kind of like what MGS4 was trying to do in Act 1 and 2.
That aside, I'm enjoying it more than MGS4 and PW by a long shot. Probably the best in play the series has ever been, even if that results in the narrative taking a little bit of a back seat. I'm glad the send off for Kojima's vision of the series shows that the games really can completely excel on gameplay and don't need narrative or cinematic elements to elevate them. It's a secret successor to Far Cry 2 (a game I love), and in some ways reminds me a bit of Delta Force (probably the settings and feeling of encounter approach). All the core gameplay systems are incredibly satisfying to play and the stealth and combat are beautifully rewarding.
I like it more the more I play. The highs are easily the series highs for me. Long stretches of intense, open stealth and emergent combat followed by interesting, show-dont-tell bookend cinematics. It's weirdly the most not-Metal Gear Solid as you knew it
Metal Gear Solid I've played, but the identity is still there, and I feel KojiPro is accomplishing what they were conceptualising as far back as MGS3.
So yeah. Great, wonderful game. Can totally empathise with people who are disappointed or find the change in direction unfavourable. But personally I love it.