Konami has announced a release window and price for the upcoming Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes, a standalone game that leads into Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Taken together, the two titles form what creator Hideo Kojima considers to be the full Metal Gear Solid sequel experience.
According to Konami, Ground Zeroes "charts a rescue mission as users infiltrate a Cuban prison camp, and sets in motion a series of events that culminate in the stunning plotlines of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain."
Kojima explains that the game has been split in this way to introduce players to the new openworld gameplay made possible by his new FOX Engine technology. "The advanced capabilities of the FOX Engine have allowed me to tell the new story in a new way," says the mercurial design legend. "There will be a significant difference in what Metal Gear Solid : The Phantom Pain brings to the series, so we want to ease players into the new open world environment and its potential. As such, Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes has been designed to introduce key elements, allowing them to fully benefit from all that the new game will offer."
Ground Zeroes will release next Spring at a budget price for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Xbox One and PlayStation 4. As well as being available as a downloadable title, you'll be able to pick the game up on disc for Xbox 360 and PS3 for just £29.99 RRP. Eye patches at the ready.