Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes launching spring 2014

Konami announced today that Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, a prologue to the events of The Phantom Pain, will be released in spring 2014 on Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4.

The game will be available to download on Xbox One or PlayStation 4, or in stores for current-generation consoles, for $30. Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 owners will also be able to download the game for $20.

Ground Zeroes runs on the Fox Engine and features a day/night cycle, as well as dynamic weather conditions that affect gameplay. Missions are designed to help players understand the game's new control and gameplay mechanics, Konami said.

Concerning story, Ground Zeroes will follow Big Boss and he infiltrates a Cuban prison camp on a rescue mission. Players will encounter "explosive plot lines," as Big Boss finds himself on enemy soil in a heap of trouble.

The Phantom Pain, also coming to current- and next-generation consoles, will pick up where Ground Zeroes left off, introducing players to a "new breed of open-world stealth action," though no further details were released.

Konami did not announce a release date for The Phantom Pain or provide pricing information for the game.