PREVIEW: Metal Gear Solid V Ground Zeroes - New Gameplay Footage

A lengthy video has been released, showing off what players can expect in the prologue game; MGS V Ground Zeroes.

Footage taken directly from the PS4 version of the game has been shown off recently, demonstrating various features in the game. As well as the main narrative, players can choose from various side missions via the 'Side Ops' option on the menu screen - one of those missions can be seen in the video.

It's pointed out that side missions can take place at the same locations used during the main game, allowing for different styles of gameplay and different objectives. The particular mission shown is set at the Naval Prison Facility in Cuba,  the same base we saw in the TGS 2013 demonstration.

Big Boss must meet with an undercover agent who holds a cassette tape containing classified information, first he needs to actually locate this agent - the player decides to stay in the truck whilst periodically looking over the top to mark enemies he may see, decreasing possible future encounters.

By marking these particular enemies on the map, this lets players tactically decide which route would be best - whether it be to avoid detection or other reasons they may have. The gun's reticle can sometimes turn white, meaning the player is out of that weapon's target range, which means you'll have to align your reticle in accordance to the bullet's travel distance i.e. aiming just above an enemy's head so the bullet 'drops' during the shot, making for a clean take-out.

Eventually, the player makes his way to the informant mentioned earlier, but doesn't get all of the information needed as the tape is stashed somewhere in the camp - after getting the location of this stash, a waypoint is placed on the map, enabling players to easily get to desired destinations.

You'll probably notice the weather is actually good - very sunny and calming, however this will prove a nuisance as it will highly increase the visibility of yourself, allowing enemies for easier detection. The game will use certain weather conditions to alter how players navigate certain missions.

And like Peace Walker, players can utilize 'Consecutive Close Quarter Combat', enabling you to take down more than one enemy at time using CQC tactics. Casual players do have the option to turn on 'Reflex Mode', which slows down the time after being spotted by the enemy, allowing for easier gameplay, although it's advised seasoned players turn this option off.

For the sake of the demonstration, the player purposely sets the escape helicopter landing point in a danger zone, showcasing the various challenges you might come across. The nearby Sniper rifle is used to take out a bunch of enemies, but considering how many there are - the player decides to make a run for it using his trusty MRS-4 assault rifle and the numerous obstacles around him to use as cover.

The chopper get's blown down, so escaping the camp that way just went out of the window - however, there are many ways to finish a mission. In this case, the player decides to outrun one of the enemy vehicles and lead it to a cliff-edge, planting C4 on the ground, which ultimately causes the oncoming vehicle to explode and end up in the ocean below.

A vacant vehicle is then taken and used to escape the base to complete the mission, all whilst mowing down groups of enemies. Also note, there will be a health regeneation system in this game, allowing for much more casual gameplay than before.

MGS V Ground Zeroes will be released spring 2014 on the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One - it was recently announced the PS3/PS4 versions of the game will have access to exclusive content including an extra mission titled 'Déjà Vu', which will take players down memory lane and let you play as 'Classic Snake' from Metal Gear Solid on the PSOne. Check out the gameplay video below.