I knew I was in for a treat when Metal Gear Solid V introduced me to its R&D mechanic by asking me to research state-of-the-art cardboard box technology.
Boxes of course are nothing new in the world of Metal Gear. Many of us have used boxes to sneak around for years now, and more unusual usages, like wolf repellent boxes, have gone down in MGS history. Somehow, though, Metal Gear Solid V makes boxes even more awesome than before. In fact, in the 20+ hours I’ve with with the game, an unexpected moment with the box has transformed into my most memorable encounter with the enemy by far:
[Footage taken from a livestream, hence the comments on the sidebar]
Since then, I’ve become somewhat obsessed with the box. I use it everywhere, even when I probably shouldn’t. Even getting caught is a joy, because it gives me an excuse become a murderous Jack-In-The-Box.
I particularly love putting on posters and messing with the guards:
Just hangin out with bae #PS4share pic.twitter.com/Apn0QDhqs5
— Patricia Hernandez (@xpatriciah) September 8, 2015
Each poster has a unique usage. The bikini model one, for example, makes guards start salivating over you. The soldier one, meanwhile, makes enemies think that you’re an ally. Both are great ways of maintaining stealth while being aggressive, which I appreciate.
I’m wearing the cardboard box so much, I’ve started accessing the terrain for its sledding potential. I don’t think I’m alone in that, either. I’ve noticed that some Metal Gear Solid players are actively trying to find the best sledding routes within the game:
[Source: LemonFizz Kidd]
[Source: Matthew Ayres]
Even the reactions to the box are great.
Some people, like Iron Pineapple, are even finding rather evil uses for the box:
So not only is the box practical — you can use it to hide, or to do stuff like fast travelling — it’s also damned hilarious. All of this has come together to cement the box as my favourite item in Metal Gear Solid V. Nothing else comes close.
Comments
5 responses to “Metal Gear Solid V’s Cardboard Box Is The Best”
I spent a good 20 minutes screwing around with the box at the base as soon as you unlock it.
You’re not. As soon as I realized you could do this, I travel everywhere by box sliding.
The more I read, the more I realise I am playing in a criminally boring way. Pretty much every mission is me sneaking around tranquing everyone. I think I need to start assessing the weaponisation of boxes.
I just……I just…….
Christ I’m so immature….
I’ll show myself out and kick my own ass…
I’ve never been able to effectively use a box. I know I go inside but that’s about as far as I get before I just start mashing and fiddling until someone sees and I’m screwed.
Yeah my first time was like that too. Oh, you mean metal gear…