Metal Gear Solid Delta Proves That Even Without Kojima, the Franchise’s Future is Bright

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Initially, when Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was unveiled, it received some criticism from devoted fans of the Metal Gear Solid series who were concerned that it might not live up to the game’s tradition or Hideo Kojima’s initial concept. However, after its release and receiving widespread acclaim from longtime fans, it appears those concerns were unfounded. In fact, Virtuos and Konami have done a remarkable job in paying homage to the original Metal Gear Solid 3 by only making necessary updates for Metal Gear Solid Delta. This has paved the way for the series to continue without Hideo Kojima’s involvement.

In an ideal scenario, fans would love for Kojima to revisit the Metal Gear series, crafting a fitting conclusion instead of the incomplete Metal Gear Solid 5. Ideally, he might also contribute as a producer or consultant on remakes or updates of classic titles. However, the acrimonious separation between Kojima and Konami makes such an outcome unlikely. Fortunately, Virtuos has emerged as a potential successor, demonstrating they have the skills to advance the Metal Gear Solid series by following a single principle: let’s not attempt to improve upon what doesn’t need fixing.

Virtuos’ Work on Metal Gear Solid Delta Tees Up an Entire Remake Trilogy

While it’s undeniably exciting to imagine a fresh addition to the Metal Gear Solid series, the truth is there isn’t much unexplored territory left after the comprehensive conclusions drawn in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. Given that these games have neatly wrapped up the storylines of Solid Snake and Big Boss respectively, it would be more fitting for Konami to entrust the continuation of the franchise to Virtuos, focusing on remakes of classic titles such as Metal Gear Solid and Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, rather than launching new games not directly overseen by series creator Hideo Kojima.

One major strength of “Metal Gear Solid Delta” lies in its preservation of the audio and cutscene direction that made “Metal Gear Solid 3” a standout game during the 6th generation and a series highlight, allowing Virtuos to create an aesthetically pleasing visual environment that brings the game up-to-date. The original “Metal Gear Solid” and its sequel “Metal Gear Solid 2” remain relevant in today’s gaming landscape, just like the original “Metal Gear Solid 3” does, which positions “Metal Gear Solid Delta” as an ideal blueprint for remaking those first two games within the series. If Konami’s internal team and Virtuos were to collaborate again on these potential remakes, the quality could be truly remarkable.

Remakes of Metal Gear Solid and Metal Gear Solid 2 Should Take the Same Approach as Delta

In terms of remaking the first two Metal Gear Solid games, Metal Gear Solid Delta offers an ideal approach by being extremely true to the original. Besides a new control system and minor, yet impactful, user-friendly enhancements, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is nearly identical to the original Metal Gear Solid 3, offering a near-perfect replica, but with significantly better graphics. Instead of starting from scratch, Virtuos and Konami could leverage the design blueprint used for Metal Gear Solid Delta and apply it to both Metal Gear Solid and Metal Gear Solid 2.

While it might take more resources due to its age, transforming the original “Metal Gear Solid” game into something like “Metal Gear Solid Delta” while staying true to Kojima’s original vision and preserving the game’s legacy would be well-received by fans. The timeless narratives and innovative presentation of the “Metal Gear Solid” series make it just as relevant today, making visual updates a suitable way to reach new audiences and solidify the series’ enduring significance for another 30 years.

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2025-08-31 19:04