According to a new report spotted on Reddit, an early MGS5 alpha build has apparently been discovered for the PS3. This build reportedly has an extra mission included in Chapter 1 and so much more cut content from the game. However, the original poster had deleted his account, although some of the thread has been archived via a new thread which you can check out below.
Here’s a rundown from the second Reddit thread archiving the original one:
Original thread:
The OP deleted his account, but before deleting, he posted some screenshots and information that has been reported on by @HikikomoriMedia on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HikikomoriMedia/status/1526051998289756160
According to the OP’s thread (which was deleted), he had access to a PS3 test kit that had the MGS V alpha, but the PS3 was dying. So, he cloned the HDD and sold the PS3. This was years ago. Now, he’s looking for a way to retrieve the data from the encrypted hard drive.
The data may be irretrievable without access to the original PS3 test kit. However, there may be some incredible discoveries on this early build of the game, such as Chapter 3, Mission 51, Return to Camp Omega etc.
EDIT: According to a user in the original thread, there was an additional screenshot posted of a mission list for the game. One notable difference is that there was an extra mission in Chapter 1, listed before Skull Face and Sahelanthropus. Chapter 2 also did not contain any of the “repeat” missions in the final game, which may imply that these missions were added to the game very late in development.
The original thread was also the source of despair for many, as the original poster has mentioned that he sold off the valuable PS3 test kit without backing it up. What this means is that the HDD containing the alpha build for MGS5 which he tried to save cannot be accessed any more, as (according to the commenters in the thread) the drive is encrypted and requires a root key from the console itself.
It’s a shame, indeed, as MGS5 still holds a ton of mysteries. As it is essentially creator Hideo Kojima’s last Metal Gear game before leaving Konami, the game reportedly had a ton of cut content, and this content remains one of the most sought-after secrets in gaming.
As is the case with everything unconfirmed, take this one with a huge grain of salt. In case you missed it, actor Oscar Isaac is still reportedly looking for a story for the Metal Gear Solid movie, and you can read more about it here.
Source: Reddit