Uploaded August 2015 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Every pre-launch Metal Gear Solid V review was conducted under a strict time limit and heavy supervision, with reviewers rushing past major gameplay features and using cheats in order to beat the game.

Sources:
GamesRadar's disclosure:
gamesradar.com/metal-gear-solid-5-phantom-pain-review-progress
Post on NeoGAF:
neogaf.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1101291
Razorfist's fantastic video:
youtube.com/watch?v=nVPqMpZmn48
Forbes' great pieces on issue:
forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2015/08/24/something-you-need-to-know-about-those-metal-gear-solid-5-the-phantom-pain-reviews
forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2015/08/24/metal-gear-solid-v-the-phantom-pain-style-review-events-are-part-of-the-problem
MGS 4 review compromises:
multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/05/30/possible-mgs4-review-limits

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