Ever since Metal Gear Survive was first announced, the game has been heavily criticized by fans of the franchise, both for being a major departure from series norms as well as the lack of involvement by Hideo Kojima. While many have already written Metal Gear Survive off, those willing to give it a chance will have an opportunity next week, more than a month before its official launch.
As announced by Konami, the open beta for Metal Gear Survive will take place from January 18 to 21 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. No PC beta has been announced yet, but PS4 and Xbox One gamers will have a chance to try out the game's online co-op functionality next week. The beta will give players the opportunity to test the game's building mechanics as well as its wave-based survival gameplay.
Anyone participating in the Metal Gear Survive open beta will be happy to learn that playing it will yield some rewards for the main game. Specifically, participating in the Metal Gear Survive beta will net some cosmetic items, including a Metal Gear Rex accessory and a Fox Hound nameplate.
Along with beta dates and other details, Konami also released a new trailer for the game, which can be seen in the video above. Whereas the beta will be focused on Metal Gear Survive's co-op gameplay, the new trailer focuses on the single player mode. Even so, a lot of the trailer is still applicable to the beta, as it shows off crafting, base building, and fighting off zombies, which are all things players will do in co-op.
In the meantime, it will be interesting to see if this open beta sways public opinion of Metal Gear Survive. Gameplay videos of the game have been flooded with dislikes, including the new single player trailer, and fans have been very vocal about their disapproval of the project in light of Hideo Kojima's departure from Konami. The open beta has the potential to either earn the trust of disgruntled Metal Gear fans or confirm their fears about the game.
Metal Gear Survive will be available on February 20 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.