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[banefirelord]

MGSV's gameplay is absolutely sublime. Witcher's feels like a total mess far too often.
Witcher's story and worldbuilding is all but unparalleled. MGSV's story is all but nonexistent.
(On console) MGSV is technically superb. Witcher is a sub-30fps glitchy pile of nonsense.
Witcher's open world is best in class. MGSV's is far too empty and dull outside of enemy outposts.

If you like story and world, Witcher's your bag, if you like gameplay and smooth technical performance, MGSV's the right option. I love both and would advise flipping a coin.

 

[Gunslinger]

Lot of people are forgetting TC is asking for ps4 versions. I would take mgsv over w3 on ps4 Any day. Although the performance on witcher 3 is not as bad as people making it out to be mgs V stomps on it. But TC if you don't mind sub 30 fps (25-15) and like rpg more than action/stealth go for w3. But either way you can't go wrong.

 

[ZAMtendo]

If you love MGS, get MGS V.

If you've never played MGS, get MGS V.

If you hate MGS, get MGS V.

This.

I never liked MGS as a franchise. I had MGS2 and thought it was a snoozefest. And haven't played others. But I just got MGS5 and I'm absolutely loving it, even though I'm oblivious to the old story.

 

[SpacePirate Ridley]

The witcher 3.
If you are not fan of super deep rpgs, mgsv

Of course iplayed both on pc, so i neer had any framerate problems with the witcher 3, and in pc it looks best of class.

 

[Magic Mushroom]

I love Platinum's games too. Rising is probably my favorite Metal Gear. I'm a gameplay > story guy, and I'm comparing the two from a gameplay perspective. There's simply too much dead air and repetition in MGS5 for me in spite of how good the core mechanics are.

Well, the core mechanics offer so much gameplay possibilities that it prevents repetition for me. On the other hand, if the mechanics are clunky I can't get into a game.
I'm nog big on action RPGs that tell their story mostly through cut-scenes either. Perhaps From has ruined other action RPGs for me.

 

[Barrylad]

Witcher 3 has the richer world but it also plays significantly worse. Doesn't tutorialize very well for its abundance of systems. Bad faux-Assassin's Creed combat. Janky horse racing and general terrain traversing. I found that game a chore to get into, but once I hit my stride (10 hour mark) I was able to make my peace its foibles and enjoy the vastness of its fantasy world. Once I put it down though, I haven't picked it back up. Every time I think about it, it feels like I'm gearing up to do homework. Like, it's not a drop in, drop out game. Most side quests are long-winded.

It also doesn't run especially well on consoles.

Metal Gear is one of the most satisfyingly smooth, intuitive and straight up fun to control on a minute-to-minute basis games I've played in years. It has lots of different systems at play but it does a great job of slowly rolling them out and tutorialising you over the course of the first four hours. The open world is less fleshed out than Witcher, but the universe and story are obviously more engaging by a factor of ten.

Phantom Pain has a '... just one more mission before bed' factor. Witcher really didn't for me.

 

[lutewaffle]

If you like games with good stories then go with The Witcher 3. The gameplay on both games are great though.

 

[phant0m]

You don't need to do anything you listed either. In the side ops, I got bored of sneaking as it provided no advantages and the objectives were extremely rote. Equip Grenade launcher, rinse repeat. For the main missions I only did the fulton and tranq method (outside of the clear gunning sections).

Right, but sneaking vs using a grenade launcher results in a very different gameplay experience, especially in main missions. Regardless of what oils/potions/concoctions you use, you still end up mashing square/triangle til the enemy is dead. All they do is make them get dead a little faster. For the most part, you can't avoid combat situations or "approach from another way".

 

[carlsojo]

My two cents: Witcher 3 over MGSV. The world, story, and characters do a good job keeping me engaged in an insanely long game. Just when I got burned out, I went to Skellige and everything was Skyrim/Northrend and it was amazing.

I'm struggling terribly to keep playing MGSV and I've only just finished the

Spoiler

Beekeeper mission.

The followup missions just sound more like a chore and I don't see any actual plot to them other than

Spoiler

"We're taking on more jobs, Boss."

The characters I've met at this point are just so flat and uninteresting.

Spoiler

From what I've played in MGS3, Ocelot was a pretty cool Russian guy. And now he's a generic monotone cowboy who tells me about plants and shit? What the fuck happened?

I listened to about half of the tapes available too, which are as interesting to me as listening to paint dry. Sorry, I'm basically venting at this point, but MGSV has been very disappointing to me.

 

[Fancy Clown]

Definitely agree with you there, but those nice little stories kept me coming back for more side quests. In MGS V, I don't see much variety in side ops. Sure, you can tackle each one of them differently, but they're not too varied. It boils down to preference really, but calling TW3 side content repetitive/recycled is a tad unfair IMO.

Yeah I wouldn't call the sidequests in Witcher 3 recycled or anything (apart from like side-side quests like destroying monster hives). And the narrative aspect of the side quests made each one feel meaningful and interesting. I'm just less enamored by the actual gameplay systems of the Witcher 3, which, like most open world games, don't feel like they take advantage of actually having an open world. MGSV lacks the narrative impetus but for me it just feels so fun to play and there are so many things to mess around with with the actual core gameplay that I don't really get tired of it. It's certainly a preference thing though and both games are going to place highly on my GOTY list.

I don't think this is quite true. Witcher 3 has sidequests that can be accomplished entirely by talking to people, or investigation and exploration, or by diving somewhere. Even in combat, I'd argue that e.g. fighting in a dungeon is quite different from fighting in the wilderness, or fighting a flying enemy is different from a standard one, or fighting a larger group is different from a single enemy. And that's before getting into quest-specific gameplay elements (e.g. moving magical shields, items with a special function etc.).

While there are deviations and variables (although I disagree with combat feeling different in a dungeon as opposed to anywhere else...but again I'm not very invested in the combat of the game), within each quest there aren't really any dynamic solutions to things. They sometimes have 1 or 2 alternate branches done through dialgoue, but there's not that dynamic nature that leads to experimentation and outside the box solutions that MGSV has, something that until now can't really think of any open worlds actually taking advantage of except maybe Deus Ex?

 

[tuxfool]

Right, but sneaking vs using a grenade launcher results in a very different gameplay experience, especially in main missions. Regardless of what oils/potions/concoctions you use, you still end up mashing square/triangle til the enemy is dead. All they do is make them get dead a little faster. For the most part, you can't avoid combat situations or "approach from another way".

While this is true, you certainly have to be more careful if you go against higher levelled enemies (red skulls). I get your point, but there is also more to the Witcher than simply its combat encounters. There is very little to be gained in exploring the world in MGSV, there are few conversations and interactions between NPCs that isn't combat. The base building mechanic is fine and all, but it isn't particularly deep.

 

[partyboy]

I think a lot of people have (through no real fault of their own) approached the "open world" design of MGS V incorrectly. It's really not an open world game, and if you jump into free roam and start taking bases expecting that to provide a satisfying experience you're probably going to be disappointed. The open world is really only there to provide depth of access to the various locations. Stick to the missions and it's all good.

I agree that the mission retreads later on are a bit of an odd thing to throw in, but after putting 50 hours into MGS V I'm still being surprised by how fresh missions involving bases I've already been through a couple times can feel. Often things are shifted around - enemies, emplacements, routes, etc, as well as your direction of approach that they almost do feel like new areas. At least for me. Not to mention how varied and dynamic the AI can be when mixed with all the options available to Big Boss.

 

[Spaghetti]

both are great.

 

[kamineko]

Choosing between MGSV and W3

What a time to be alive

 

[pigmemonkey]

That's a really hard choice. I would have to say the witcher if you only had to pick one. I have had way more meaningful moments with the witcher 3 than mgs v. Their is nothing really like it. Mgsv is great but nothing close to the amazing moments in the witcher. And I didn't even play the other witcher games. I am a huge mgs fan too.

 

[Marvel]

Witcher 3.

Still my GOTY.

 

[TetraGenesis]

Witcher 3 by miles.

 

[CitizenCope]

I see you made your decision.
I did not like much about The Witcher 3 but I hope you enjoy it.

 

[KingBroly]

I guess I'll say MGS5 because the hours melt away while I'm playing, despite making almost no progress.

 

[Brannon]

This is not a choice I can make; they are both solid fare.

 

[WGMBY]

I'm partway through both, and I'd say Witcher 3 is better for story/world-building, while MGSV has more variation in the gameplay and tactical leeway. They both approach open-world in different ways, but they're both ultimately great

 

[Yautja_Warrior]

Tough choice as they are both excellent games. I would say both but you will need a lot of time to get through them both. I would say the 1st choice should be which setting you prefer more "Fantasy" or "Modern Warfare" (not Call of Duty)

 

[DALBEN]

MGS is a great game, but witcher is the best game.

 

[Stahsky]

Honestly, they are some of the genre's finest in each regard. You would find little reason to complain with either one. But if you want an engaging story, MGSV is not the game for you. It's much less story driven than the series is generally known for.

 

[CHC]

I'm gonna say Witcher III. MGSV is incredibly good but Witcher III is one of those games when I just can't really say anything bad about it. It's not 100% perfect, some minor jankiness, but everything it does, it does so well - the game pulls you into a world which is just so vivid and so fantastic. It shouldn't be missed - the first open world game that feels like a meaningful evolution of the genre.

MGSV, like I said - great game, but more limited. It's an incredible stealth shooter with gigantic levels and Kojima whackiness.

 

[Krappadizzle]

Yeah, kinda surprised. I thought GAF was the last bastion of gameplay > story.

Games are more than just gameplay. It's okay to want a total package.

 

[plasmawave]

If you want gameplay get MGSV.
If you want story get Witcher 3.

 

[omonimo]

MGS5. From what I understand, Witcher 3 isn't that playable on PS4.

It's... definitely really subjective. There are specific areas where runs 20 fps locked, not excusable without doubt and still I'm waiting for a patch specifically for ps4, because it's incredible isn't it happened yet, but for the most time it's playable.

 

[BRocknRolla]

Yeah, kinda surprised. I thought GAF was the last bastion of gameplay > story.

I'm certainly not in that camp. I've put up with a lot of repetitive gameplay over the years to see a story through. Great games are much great than just "gameplay."

 

[VodevilX]

Both are extraordinary fun, though now having finished both, The Witcher 3 is still... from now on definitely my GOTY. Don't forget it's gonna get the first expansion later this year, which I'm sure will make joke of some AAA games easily... Then ofc MGSV is ever so strong in the 2nd place!

 

[Grady]

I am an rpg fanatic, but i prefer mgsv. Witcher 3 became too easy, even on deathmarch. The

Spoiler

mind control

is like a cheat mode in this game. I think at one point i went like 20 hours without dying using that one move. I cant enjoy rpgs like that. I need some challenge in games. Someday i will go back and finish. Mgsv gives me that challenge with all the side objectives and trying to get an s on all the missions. Mgsv is definitely A grind though. A very enjoyable one though. No clue what is going on, but the gameplay is so satisfying that i dont really care.

 

[Intheflorsh]

I really have to wonder what this thread would have looked like if it was made a week in the future.

 

[hawk2025]

MGSV is better across the board.

 

[tuxfool]

Yeah, kinda surprised. I thought GAF was the last bastion of gameplay > story.

Go read Edge. If those Edge review threads are anything to go by, clearly GAF isn't that place. Also MGS4 got GOTY (x2).

 

[BPoole]

MGSV if you want something innovative.

Is it innovative though?

I mean, take Far Cry 3&4, Hitman, and Assassin's Creed and mash them up, and you've got a very similar game to MGSV. I am absolutely loving the game, but I am struggling find how it is innovative.

 

[curiouscharles]

Play as big boss or some nerd with a ponytail? Choice is already made

Spoiler

I couldn't even finish witcher 3 but I can recommend mgsv

um, they both have ponytails?

on topic - this is a silly comparison, donchathink?

rpg vs. not at all rpg

ask yourself OP, which do you feel like playing?

[personally i've put 30 hours into witcher 3, and have only managed to put about an hour or two into mgsv - so much cutscene]

 

[tuxfool]

um, they both have ponytails?

And one doesn't even need to have a ponytail.

 

[LordDash]

I love The Witcher 3 and everything about it is superb, especially the story and sidequests. However I'd have to give it to MGS5. It's been long since I've been hooked up to a game this addicting. The amount of ways to complete and execute missions are staggering. It's a masterpiece in my eyes, what way to finish the MGS series. Props to Kojima, phenomenal work.

 

[Magic Mushroom]

Go read Edge. If those Edge review threads are anything to go by, clearly GAF isn't that place. Also MGS4 got GOTY (x2).

I'm an avid Edge reader and wholeheartedly agree with them giving their only ten this year to Bloodborne, so perhaps that's my last bastion then.

 

[Etnos]

Is it innovative though?

I mean, take Far Cry 3&4, Hitman, and Assassin's Creed and mash them up, and you've got a very similar game to MGSV. I am absolutely loving the game, but I am struggling find how it is innovative.

Its more like the true Far Cry 2 sequel that never was

 

[Superman0]

Witcher 3 is a snorefest for me. MGS V gameplay is the best I have played this gen. I also enjoy MGS lore more so than the Witcher.

 

[Thewonandonly]

Hey if I haven't played any mgs but loved witcher 3 would I like mgs5. It looks fun but I think everything will go over my head and I won't understand the story.

 

[RealityCheque]

They're both excellent but on a purely technical level, MGSV currently runs very well on PS4, Witcher 3 still has its problems with framerate etc.

If there's another patch incoming for it, it might make sense to go with Big Boss and wait another couple of months to see if Geralt can be better optimized.

 

[SneakyStephan]

MGS by miles.

The gameplay is a thousand times better.
It actually runs well

Unless you're a witcher superfan odds are you'll be dissapointed in witcher 3 as well.
edit: not that witcher 3 doesn't have strong points
-nice animations
-great dialog
-nice atmosphere
-excellent art
-interesting story archs

Just as a game mgs is so much more fun to play.

also mgs is a sandbox and witcher 3 isn't.
Aside from the atmosphere I find it really hard to justify why witcher 3 has an open world at all.

 

[Neoweee]

MGSV's gameplay is absolutely sublime. Witcher's feels like a total mess far too often.
Witcher's story and worldbuilding is all but unparalleled. MGSV's story is all but nonexistent.
(On console) MGSV is technically superb. Witcher is a sub-30fps glitchy pile of nonsense.
Witcher's open world is best in class. MGSV's is far too empty and dull outside of enemy outposts.

If you like story and world, Witcher's your bag, if you like gameplay and smooth technical performance, MGSV's the right option. I love both and would advise flipping a coin.

That is mostly where my mindset falls. They both have their strengths, but separate strengths. Witcher 3 is an extraordinarily poorly balanced game, and even on its highest difficulty is over a mindless joke, but is so awesome at other times.

 

[Nameless]

I was going to right some stuff but dlauv said it better. Excellent gameplay gets old fast without things to hold it together.

Player agency ties it together in MGSV. It's about building an army and making it your own. Deciding which segments to prioritize, when to take risks, how to amass and utilize resources and personnel, and seeing the direct gameplay implications of these choices. It's about being able to approach objectives(and sub objectives) with complete freedom. Whether you meticulously plan your approach around a preferred playstyle/loadout, or try some dumb shit you saw in a movie(the car bomb as a distraction has worked, btw] the game responds in organic, often unpredictable ways, forcing you to adapt while also opening up entire sets of possibilities in real time. Creativity and imagination are not just encouraged but necessary to getting the most out of the experience, which incredibly fucking satisfying.

 

[Markitron]

I have only played a handful of MGSV's story missions, but I'd give the nod to the Witcher. It's combat and levelling system are terrible but the open world is second to none.

 

[iNvid02]

get both, they are pretty damn good vidya games. still balls deep in batman on pc since the patch finally came out but got MGSV installed and waiting. man i fucking love video games

 

[Daft_Cat]

Unless you're a witcher superfan odds are you'll be dissapointed in witcher 3 as well.

I'd love to see the math behind those odds.

 

[brickarts295]

Story: W3
Gameplay: MGSV
Open World: W3
Art Direction: W3
Music: MGSV
Character Models: W3
Side Content: W3
Performance: MGSV

Witcher 3 has the bigger edge, but MGSV has gameplay on it's side as well as an Online component (although we still don't have it yet)