Uncovering the Traditions of Metal Gear Solid: From Codecs to Cardboard Boxes

Summary

The codec is a key tool in the Metal Gear Solid series, allowing players to receive tips and immerse themselves in the game world.
The cardboard box is more than just a hiding spot – it’s a gag that’s a reliable and fun feature in every Metal Gear Solid game.
Metal Gears, the series’ nuclear-equipped mechs, are a core element in each game, presenting a formidable challenge for players to overcome.

Hideo Kojima and his crew have crafted something genuinely exceptional and distinctive with the Metal Gear Solid series. This stealth-espionage collection has persistently proven itself as one of the most imaginative and daring in the entire gaming industry, yet there have been some fundamental elements that players can consistently count on finding in each game. The presence of these traditions not only allows longtime enthusiasts to anticipate the core mechanics and peculiarities that are likely to resurface in a new Metal Gear Solid title, but they also contribute to making it the eccentric, humorous, yet intellectually stimulating franchise that it’s renowned for.

In creating the initial Metal Gear Solid game, Kojima and his team allowed their creativity to flourish, resulting in a rich tapestry of captivating concepts and features. However, these elements were later replaced in subsequent installments. As fans eagerly await a potential new Metal Gear Solid, we can speculate on which traditional aspects might reappear should the game eventually be released.

7. Codec

A Handy Tool That Players Will Use To Communicate With Their Allies

As a devoted fan of the Metal Gear Solid series, I must say that the codec feature is an ingenious element that significantly enhances my gaming experience. Although the games are rich in cutscenes, the codec offers a seamless way for me to stay engrossed when one of my comrades needs to offer valuable advice. This nifty mechanism automatically pops up during gameplay, providing a visual representation of the two individuals conversing, along with a spacious text box for easy reading.

Initially, this tool appeared straightforward, but during the second game, it was utilized in quite inventive and even eerie manners towards the story’s conclusion. Although it was slightly modified in Metal Gear Solid 5, the iDroid essentially functions the same way as the codec, a feature players have been able to use consistently across all entries.

6. Cardboard Box

A Goofy, Albeit Fairly Effective Hiding Spot For Players To Make Use Of

A snake is a well-trained operative who can elude detection during critical operations, sometimes by hiding in a cardboard box. Players should avoid moving about with the box on their head as it will make them conspicuous to nearby adversaries. The most effective strategy would be to lie low whenever an enemy patrol passes by to prevent arousing suspicion.

If you place the box out in the open, it may not provide much stealth since enemies won’t hesitate to knock it over and discover who’s hiding beneath. As a result, it might not be the most trustworthy item for concealment, but it seems to be a recurring joke that appears in many games, often at the start.

5. Metal Gears

These Terrifying Nuclear-Equipped Mechs Appear in Every Single Game

The title of this series could have been just a random blend of tough-sounding words, but it actually signifies the colossal robots that are central to every game in the series. These Metal Gears, being mobile giants with the ability to carry and launch nuclear weapons, are indeed formidable foes, which explains why Snake and Otacon are consistently determined to neutralize them.

In the initial game, Snake encountered only Metal Gear Rex as a mech, but the second game introduced RAY. Later, in Metal Gear Solid 3, a tank resembling a prototype Metal Gear, called Shagohod, surfaced to cause more trouble for players. Interestingly, the fourth game featured a one-on-one battle between REX and RAY, an event players had not anticipated. To sum it up, these machines can appear in unexpected ways, but players will eventually face them no matter what.

4. Lengthy Cutscenes

Kojima Always Enjoys Going Above And Beyond With The Metal Gear Solid Cutscenes

Frequently, supporters of the series remark that “Metal Gear Solid” feels more like a movie than a game due to its extensive and prominent cutscenes. This observation is understandable given the multitude of intricate ideas and themes woven into the storyline, but this stylistic choice has sparked a divide among fans, with some adoring it while others find it less appealing.

To provide a sense of the duration of these scenes, “Metal Gear Solid 4” currently holds the Guinness World Record for the longest cutscene in any video game, with a total running time of 71 minutes. This is quite an extended scene, but it underscores the fact that Hideo Kojima, the creator, has a deep passion for cinema and incorporates lengthy cutscenes into his games to provide a rich, detailed narrative and character development.

3. Fourth Wall Breaks

The Metal Gear Solid Games Will Always Include Goofy Fourth-Wall Breaks And References To Break Up The Tension

Despite the fact that the Metal Gear Solid games are known for their deeply intense narratives where the destiny of nations is at stake, they never fail to include some comedic elements and breaks of the fourth wall to keep gamers engaged. A well-liked example of this is Psycho Mantis; a boss character from the original Metal Gear Solid who has the ability to read the player’s memory card, making for one of the most unsettling moments in the series’ history.

In Metal Gear Solid 2, the colonel speaks directly to the player once his true identity is disclosed, continuing a trend from the series. A notable change in Metal Gear Solid 4 occurs midway through when Otacon calls Snake to swap discs, but due to Blu-ray technology, this step is no longer necessary. This makes it enjoyable to hunt for all the hidden easter eggs and real-life references scattered throughout each Metal Gear Solid game.

2. Philosophical Themes

A Metal Gear Solid Game Will Always Have A Philosophical Or Geopolitical Message At Its Core

While Kojima is recognized for incorporating a playful element into his games, it’s also evident that he possesses a deep understanding of philosophy and global politics. Consequently, every installment of Metal Gear Solid delves into complex and thought-provoking themes, offering players food for thought not only during gameplay but also long after the final credits have rolled.

In Metal Gear Solid 2, Kojima, its creator, labeled the theme as “Meme”, symbolizing non-genetic ideas that get passed down generations. This ties into the game’s plot, which emphasizes the risks associated with digital data and how it may not always be reliable. Conversely, Metal Gear Solid 3 is referred to as “Scene” due to its exploration of the fluidity of political and military alliances throughout history, suggesting that they are not fixed in stone but can evolve with time. These profound yet captivating themes are woven into every Metal Gear Solid game, inviting players to uncover them as they progress through the story.

1. Stealth Espionage Gameplay

Metal Gear Solid Birthed The Modern Stealth Genre, And Has Kept That Same Gameplay Formula Ever Since

The original “Metal Gear Solid” is frequently recognized as the pioneering title that brought the contemporary stealth espionage gaming style into prominence, which has since been emulated by numerous other games. Consequently, it gained a reputation for its covert gameplay dynamics, where players are required to conceal themselves behind boxes, move under various surfaces, and silently neutralize guards from the rear in order to remain unnoticed and prevent alarm triggers.

From its initial debut, the stealth element in the Metal Gear series has advanced and transformed into something more contemporary. For instance, Metal Gear Solid 4 introduced the OctoCamo suit, enabling Snake to blend seamlessly with any environment, mimicking a chameleon. Similarly, Metal Gear Solid 5 offers an abundance of exciting tools and items for players to use in stealthily eliminating large groups of enemies without their suspicion. As we move forward, it remains intriguing to imagine how this aspect will continue to grow and evolve, with many considering the fifth mainline game as the pinnacle of stealth sandbox gaming.

2025-02-04 09:36