News

Eagerly anticipated sandbox sequel Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is set to introduce an intriguing new feature into the long-running stealth saga.

Creator Hideo Kojima showcased new gameplay footage at the Tokyo Games Show, and revealed that for once Solid Snake won't be going into battle alone. Much like an RPG, you'll be able to meet and befriend other characters, who will join you on missions once you've earned their trust.

Sultry sniper Quiet is one such character. Once she's recruited, you can send her on ahead to scout for you, and she will also shoot at targets you choose. These can include explosives and even grenades – she's a very good sniper – so she can trigger remote explosions on your behalf.

Perhaps even more exciting is the news that these "buddies" don't have to be human. Kojima introduced Diamond Dog, a wolf that can also join you in the game. Found as a cub, Snake can rear DD to adulthood, and leave him with Ocelot for training. Rather adorably, at some point he even gets an eye patch just like his owner. There will also be a horse companion, and more will be revealed in due course.

The bad news? Your buddies are not immortal. If you take them into the field, then they can be wounded or killed, at which point they're gone forever. You cruel heartbreaker, Kojima-san.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is due in 2015 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. You can buy the budget-priced prequel game, Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, right now.