Metal Gear Games That Changed The Franchise The Most

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Summary

  • Metal Gear games adapt and innovate with new gameplay mechanics, influencing future stealth games.
  • Metal Gear Solid 2 on PS2 introduces new mechanics, characters, and shocking narrative twists.
  • Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker on PS Vita introduces Mother Base customization, shaping the franchise’s future.

The “Metal Gear” series, a renowned franchise in Japan, first emerged on the MSX platform when Hideo Kojima assumed control over a faltering project within Konami. He ingeniously utilized the system’s limited hardware to challenge the prevailing trend of run-and-gun shooters, instead opting for stealth-action gameplay. Innovation and venturing into unconventional paths became characteristic of both Kojima and his creation, with “Metal Gear” eventually establishing itself as one of the most groundbreaking stealth-action series in gaming history.

Across various console generations, starting from home consoles to handheld ones, the Metal Gear series has consistently demonstrated an eagerness to evolve and innovate. For instance, seamlessly transitioning into the 3D era without a stumble, or introducing groundbreaking stealth mechanics that eventually became commonplace in the industry, the Metal Gear franchise has released multiple titles over its long-lasting tenure, each striving to bring something fresh. Some of these games have significantly influenced the franchise’s trajectory by introducing new systems or narrative elements, highlighting the exceptional creativity of Kojima and his team at Konami.

1. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake

Massively Improved Sequel Introduces Long-Standing Stealth Systems

After wrapping up the original Metal Gear game, Kojima initially didn’t plan to create a sequel. However, Konami recognized the series’ potential and developed one solely for North America as Snake’s Revenge without his involvement. On a journey to Tokyo by train, Kojima encountered someone from the Snake’s Revenge development team who persuaded him to make another installment. This encounter led to the creation of Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, which Kojima conceptualized during the train ride, marking the birth of an influential 2D stealth game that would significantly shape the future of the franchise.

In the initial “Metal Gear” game, it was fairly simple to eliminate enemies once they spotted you, but the guards in the subsequent installment proved to be more intelligent. They responded to noise and had enhanced vision, which players could navigate using a new mechanic like crouching or crawling. “Metal Gear 2” brought in a radar system, a feature that would become synonymous with the series and inspire other stealth franchises. This upgrade marked a significant leap forward, introducing various systems and storytelling elements that would significantly shape the direction of the series for over a decade-and-a-half.

2. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty

PS2 Sequel Showcases The Future Of Metal Gear

Following the outstanding debut of 3D in the franchise with Metal Gear Solid in 1998, Kojima and his team embarked on the development of the sequel the very next year. It was Sony’s PlayStation 2, the successor to the original PS1, that ultimately enabled them to materialize their concept for a groundbreaking stealth-action game, leading to the creation of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. Leveraging the significant enhancements in hardware provided by the PS2, Metal Gear Solid 2 dared greatly, not only in its innovative game design but also by introducing two playable characters.

The Sons of Liberty introduced a remarkable arsenal of fresh maneuvers and tactics for the player to utilize, such as clinging to ledges, concealing oneself within lockers, and popping out from cover to attack. These novel abilities were crucial for the player’s safety since the guards boasted significantly advanced AI, and they would coordinate their efforts to block escape routes once detected. In Metal Gear Solid 2, a new character named Raiden took center stage as the playable character following Snake’s apparent demise at the conclusion of the Tanker Chapter. The ensuing Metal Gear installments were heavily influenced by what transpired in Metal Gear Solid 2, as its mechanics, aesthetic, and new characters became enduring elements.

3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

PS Vita Spin-Off Influences Metal Gear For Years To Come

In the realm of handheld gaming, Metal Gear was well-versed, evident in games like Ghost Babel on the Game Boy Color and Acid on the PSP. However, among these portable titles, none were as pivotal as Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, an exclusive for the PS Vita that spotlighted Big Boss’s ongoing transformation into the antagonist he was fated to become. The PS Vita, a formidable console of its era, provided Konami’s team with ample resources, and their dedication would shape Kojima and the team’s perspective on Metal Gear going forward.

Peace Walker showcased the classic stealth-action gameplay that the series was recognized for, but it significantly enhanced the base customization feature seen in the portable version of Metal Gear, Portable Ops, for PSP. In this game, players could gather soldiers, weapons, and vehicles on missions, then send them back to Mother Base, opening up a new dimension for the franchise. This innovative mechanic played a significant role in the future of Metal Gear, as it continued to explore Big Boss’ journey towards villainy with unexpected twists, while also influencing Kojima’s final game in the series five years later, which had substantial repercussions on Mother Base.

4. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Hideo Kojima’s Final Metal Gear Game Changes The Fate Of The Series

Towards the end of production for the game “Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain“, whispers started spreading that its creator Hideo Kojima and Konami were planning to split up once the game was finished. However, it’s worth noting that “The Phantom Pain” is widely recognized as one of the greatest, masterfully crafted stealth-action games, not just for its era, but among all time contenders. After its release, with allegations of a toxic work environment at Konami and budget constraints, it continues to influence the “Metal Gear” series. Following this, Kojima left to establish his own studio, collaborating with Sony to bring us “Death Stranding” in 2019.

In a surprising twist, the ultimate antagonist from Metal Gear, Big Boss, concluded his story with a touching and noble ending instead of what was initially expected. Though Big Boss’ slide into villainy had been mentioned in earlier games, The Phantom Pain significantly changed the direction of Metal Gear history. Instead of being the ruthless villain portrayed in previous installments, Big Boss disappeared as a complex character, allowing Venom Snake, his loyal companion, to take over. This revelation gave a fresh perspective on the events of the original Metal Gear, causing ripples that continue to influence the franchise’s lore even today.

5. Metal Gear Solid

Konami Ushers Metal Gear Into 3D With Iconic Stealth-Action Game

Similar to Snake’s creator, Kojima found himself drawn away from the series post-“Metal Gear 2”, but the advent of 3D technology and advanced platforms like the PlayStation sparked his curiosity. Many franchises in the 90s were migrating to 3D, with peers such as “Mario” and “Zelda” also diving headfirst into the future of gaming. Seizing the opportunity offered by this new technology, Kojima and his team released “Metal Gear Solid” in 1998.

The smooth transition from 2D, top-down stealth to a fully immersive 3D world was achieved by Metal Gear Solid, preserving all elements that made the earlier games enjoyable while introducing additional features. The game offered intricately designed 3D settings and soundscapes that the preceding games could scarcely imagine. This PlayStation 1 classic significantly influenced the franchise, as it set a precedent for voice acting, captivating music, and dramatic scenes, which became hallmarks of the series. The casting of David Hayter as Snake marked the beginning of an impressive 17-year run for an actor with a single character, making him one of the longest-serving actors in video game history. Metal Gear Solid 1 remains pivotal to the franchise, as subsequent games aimed to surpass or mimic its groundbreaking accomplishments.

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2025-01-12 05:36