Watching the Skill Up and Laymen reviews (spoiler free), seems far more positive than game journalist reviews, though they are Kojima fans.
- Confirms what you saw in TGS is what you get, there is no magical new gameplay, but there is a lot you haven't seen. Most of it is traversal (post apocalypse UPS simulator) - 80% traversal, 20% combat/stealth, yet it is enjoyable. Not a walking simulator, but has a lot of depth behind it. Sounds /looks boring when described but apparently is not when played.
- 30 - 45 hours - 80% gameplay, 20% Cutscenes, not like MGS games with so many cutscenes. Depends on how much you do side missions. Probably 50-60 if you go for completion.
- 60 story missions
- 70 Items to be made, all of them have a use, relies on right load-out for the right mission.
- Traversing map requires concentration due to slopes and weight/balance. Gameplay loop of going from A-B and asynchronously helping others by dropping help.
- If online, when you place items down, others will see you place the item down and be able to use it. Can only see them if connect area to Chiral Network. Building things like bridges can be done collectively (see incomplete bridge, go put resources in to finish it off), but is not required (though it helps).
- Stealth sections with BTs feel similar to a horror-stealth game rather than MGS tactical stealth. Very tense.
- BT Minibosses (The lion creature) are based upon where you are on the map, there are a few different types, and then there are actual bosses, but low. Says that some players may find the lack of variety grating. These only happen if you get caught by the BTs, so how grating also depends on how shit you are at stealth.
- Combat with BTs is on the easy side. BT Minibosses have obviously telegraphed moves. Says it's more about forcing you to use up resources and struggle later. Bosses themselves are considered mindblowing/fantastic.
- Its peak Kojima (for better or worse). Story and Cast is fantastic except main antagonist who is 1 dimensional.
Not flawless, but fantastic according to them, but not a game for everyone. Seems like it depends on whether you fall on the games as art conversation and your personal taste of game.