Hideo Kojima Recalls the Original Metal Gear’s ‘Biggest Invention’

by

Hideo Kojima Recalls the Original Metal Gear's 'Biggest Invention'

Highlights

  • The original Metal Gear game introduced the innovative concept of a radio transceiver in storytelling.
  • Metal Gear allowed players to send and receive communications, enhancing the gaming experience.
  • Hideo Kojima highlighted how the transceiver in Metal Gear depicted the player’s situation, adding depth to the narrative.

As a gamer with a deep appreciation for the history of the industry, I can’t help but be in awe of the groundbreaking innovations that defined games like Metal Gear. The original Metal Gear, released way back in 1987, was a game ahead of its time in many ways, and one of its most notable features was the inclusion of an in-game radio transceiver.

Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the “Metal Gear” series, has expressed his pride over a significant element featured in the original 1987 release of “Metal Gear” on MSX2. He considers this innovation to be the most groundbreaking aspect of his directorial debut, which eventually led to the creation of a beloved franchise under Konami.

The groundbreaking first installment of the esteemed “Metal Gear” series, released by Konami, is frequently hailed as a trailblazer in the stealth genre. Its impact on the gaming industry is significant, as it brought stealth tactics to prominence when most games emphasized straightforward combat. Additionally, the “Metal Gear” franchise is renowned for its captivating storylines and thought-provoking themes, like information warfare, which resonate with real-world issues. This iconic game celebrated its 37th anniversary on July 13, marking the date of its initial Japanese launch.

On the anniversary of the release of the original “Metal Gear” game, legendary game director Hideo Kojima highlighted the in-game radio transceiver as a groundbreaking storytelling mechanism. In his own words, he described it as the most pioneering feature in a title brimming with elements that surpassed its era. The head of Kojima Productions underscored the interactive element of this device, enabling players not only to listen to incoming transmissions but also initiate their own calls.

Kojima Talks About the First Metal Gear

Kojima pointed out how a game can synchronize with a player’s experience and expressed concern over the player’s emotions becoming disconnected when background events unfold. He emphasized that Metal Gear’s transceiver feature addressed this issue by not only conveying other characters’ situations but also depicting the player’s current status (Leonard 2018). This dual representation allowed significant game moments, such as revelations about the BOSS, betrayals of characters, or team members’ deaths, to be presented simultaneously. Kojima acknowledged that the Transciever Mode was essential for routine tasks in Death Stranding and contributed to players grasping the rules of the game and acclimating to its gameplay (Leonard 2018). Furthermore, he underscored the widespread use of transceivers in contemporary shooter games.

As Metal Gear celebrates its 37th anniversary, fans are thrilled about the upcoming addition to the beloved series. The anticipated title is reportedly a remake of “Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater,” originally released in 2004 as “Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.” According to rumors, this revamped game is slated for launch in 2025. Based on the trailer and screenshots unveiled so far, Metal Gear seems poised for a strong return to form.

Read More

2024-07-13 20:33