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{{Short description|Video game franchise}}
]. It has been used since '']''. The typeface is ].]]
{{About|the media franchise|the first game in the series|Metal Gear (video game){{!}}''Metal Gear'' (video game)|the Metal Gear robots|Metal Gear (mecha)|other uses}}
]
{{Redirect|Metal Gear Solid|the 1998 PlayStation game|Metal Gear Solid (1998 video game){{!}}''Metal Gear Solid'' (1998 video game)|the 2000 Game Boy game|Metal Gear Solid (2000 video game){{!}}''Metal Gear Solid'' (2000 video game)}}
'''''Metal Gear''''' is a series of ] created by ] and ] and ] by ]. The player takes control of an elite military operative (usually ]) repeatedly facing off against the latest incarnation of the ] superweapon, "]", a bipedal ] with ] launching capabilities.
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Infobox video game series
| title = Metal Gear
| image = ]
| caption = Logo of the Metal Gear franchise
| genre = {{plainlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| developer = ] (1987–2005)<br>] (2005–2015){{Efn|Although Kojima had been working on games at Konami, Kojima Productions was not officially formed until 2005.|lead=yes}}<br>Digital Dialect (2000)<br>] (2004)<br>] (2008)<br>] (2010)<br>] (2011)<br>GREE (2012)<br>] (2013)<br>] (2016)<br>] (2018–present)<br>Rocket Studio (2023)<br>] (2023)<br>]
| publisher = {{ubl|]|] (2000)}}
| creator = ]
| platforms = {{collapsible list|title=Various|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:12px;background:transparent;text-align:left|{{plainlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
}}
| first release version = '']''
| first release date = July 13, 1987
| latest release version = '']''
| latest release date = October 24, 2023
}}


{{Nihongo|'''''Metal Gear'''''|メタルギア|Metaru Gia|lead=yes}} is a ] of ]s created by ]. Developed and published by ], the first game, '']'', was released in 1987 for ]. The player often takes control of a ] operative (usually ] or ]), who is assigned the task of finding the titular superweapon, "]", a bipedal ] with the ability to launch nuclear weapons.
==The games==
The original '']'' debuted on the ] ] in ] in ] and ]. The game was one of the first games, if not the first, in which using stealth was emphasized over direct confrontation with the enemy. This was due to the MSX hardware's limitations when it came to handling more conventional action games. Many of the series' trademark aspects were already present, including the wireless communicator used by the player's character. This game was later released in ], Europe and Japan on the ]/].


Several sequels have been released for multiple consoles, which have expanded the original game's plot, adding characters opposing and supporting Snake, while several prequels have explored the origins of Metal Gear and recurring characters. The third game in the series, '']'' for the ], marked a transition to ] and gained the series international fame.
A ], '']'', was released in ] for the MSX2 in Japan only. ''Metal Gear 2'' made numerous enhancements and additions to the game, including a deeper and more developed storyline.


The series is credited for pioneering and popularizing stealth video games<ref name="Hocking" /><ref name="venturebeat" /><ref name="eurogamer" /><ref name="1up" /> and "cinematic video games".<ref name="eurogamer" /><ref name="Wolf" /> Notable traits of the series include cinematic ]s, intricate storylines, offbeat and ] humor, and exploration of ], ]n, ] and ] themes,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Darkest Cyberpunk Worlds In Japanese Video Games |url=https://kotaku.com/the-darkest-cyberpunk-worlds-in-japanese-video-games-472015243 |website=] |date=April 10, 2013 |access-date=December 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205103314/https://kotaku.com/the-darkest-cyberpunk-worlds-in-japanese-video-games-472015243 |archive-date=December 5, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Burke |first=Addie |title=How well did Metal Gear Solid predict the future of warfare? |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/how-well-did-metal-gear-solid-predict-future-warfare/ |website=] |date=January 28, 2014 |language=EN-US |access-date=December 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205003435/https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/how-well-did-metal-gear-solid-predict-future-warfare/ |archive-date=December 5, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as references to ]. Individual installments have been critically acclaimed, as well as receiving several awards. The series has sold 61 million units as of December 2023.<ref name="50M" /> The franchise has also been adapted into other media, such as ], ]s, and ]. Solid Snake has also gone on to appear in other games, such as the '']'' series, '']'', '']'', and '']''.
The ''Metal Gear'' series made a comeback in the form of '']'' for the ], adapting the basic premise and gameplay of the first two games in ]. Whereas the first two ''Metal Gear'' titles were only moderately successful, ''Metal Gear Solid'' was a huge hit, selling nearly 15 million copies. This paved the way for similar stealth-based games and at the same time, established ''Metal Gear'' as one of Konami's hallmark series.


==Games==
''Metal Gear Solid'' was followed by a sequel for the ]. '']'' in ] and a ] '']'' in ], each providing further enhancements to the ''Metal Gear'' ].
{{Timeline of release years
| compressempty = yes
| range1 = 1987
| range1_color = #000 #ccc <!-- colors are based on the series' logos -->
| 1987 = ''''']'''''
| 1990a ='']''
| 1990b = ''''']'''''
| 1998 = ''''']'''''
| 1999 = '']''
| 2000 = '']''
| 2001 = ''''']'''''
| 2004a = '']''
| 2004b = ''''']'''''
| 2004c = '']''
| 2005 = '']''
| 2006 = '']''
| 2007 = '']''
| 2008a = '']''
| 2008b = ''''']'''''
| 2008c = '']''
| 2009 = '']''
| 2010 = ''''']'''''
| 2011 = '']''
| 2012a = '']''
| 2012b = '']''
| 2013 = '']''
| 2014 = ''''']'''''
| 2015 = ''''']'''''
| 2018 = '']''
| 2023 = '']''
| 2025 = '']''
}}


] designed the original ''Metal Gear'', which debuted in Japan and Europe in 1987 for the ] computer platform.<ref name=gs-mgmsx2>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/msx/action/metalgear/similar.html?mode=versions |title= Metal Gear (MSX2) | website=] |access-date=April 1, 2009}}</ref> A separate team created a heavily modified ] (NES) port of the game that was released in Japan on December 22, 1987, North America in June 1988, and Europe and Australia sometime in 1989.<ref name=gdc09-2>{{cite video |people=Kojima, Hideo (Presenter) |date=March 25, 2009 |title=GDC 2009: Hideo Kojima Keynote Address Part 1 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6206802.html |format=] |medium=Presentation |publisher= ] |access-date=April 13, 2009 |time=27:02 |quote='''Kojima''': You may know the NES version of ''Metal Gear'' but that's a crap game because I didn't participate on that game. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401040256/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6206802.html |archive-date=April 1, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> Konami produced an NES sequel, '']'', again without Kojima, released in North America and Europe in 1990. One of that game's designers became acquainted with Kojima and asked him to create a "real ''Metal Gear'' sequel". In reaction, Kojima began development of '']'', which was released in Japan in 1990 for the MSX2.<ref name=1up-history>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/minisite?cId=3146356 |title=Retro/Active: Metal Gear: Kojima's Productions |work=metalgear.1up.com |publisher=] |author=Chen, David |date=December 14, 2005 |access-date=May 18, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927194345/http://www.1up.com/do/minisite?cId=3146356 |archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref><ref name=sr>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/nes/action/snakesrevenge/index.html?tag=result;title;0 |title=Snake's Revenge |website=] |access-date=March 28, 2009}}</ref>
'']'' is currently in development, with the tagline "No Place to Hide". It is to be produced by Ken-ichiro Imaizumi and ] with Kojima also reprising his role as director along with co-director ]. The game will feature the return of several characters from ''Metal Gear Solid'' and ''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty''.


Following ''Metal Gear 2''{{'}}s completion, Kojima worked on other projects before directing his third ''Metal Gear'' game, '']'', for the ]. It began development in 1994 and debuted at the 1996 ],<ref name="unseen64"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125162417/https://www.unseen64.net/2008/04/11/metal-gear-solid-psx-tech-demo-proto/ |date=November 25, 2018}}, Unseen64, April 11, 2008</ref> before being released in 1998.<ref name="ignmgs">{{cite web |author=IGN staff |title=Game Details for Metal Gear Solid |url=http://psx.ign.com/objects/000/000569.html |website=IGN |access-date=March 28, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005034055/http://www.ign.com/games/metal-gear-solid/ps-569 |archive-date=October 5, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/064/064699p1.html |title=Metal Gear Solid Hits Japan |date=September 3, 1998 |website=IGN |access-date=May 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213113854/http://psx.ign.com/articles/064/064699p1.html |archive-date=February 13, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> The success of ''Metal Gear Solid'' resulted in a series of sequels, prequels, spin-offs, ports, and ] for ], the ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. ''Metal Gear Solid'' was followed up by the sequel '']'' released in November 2001 for the PlayStation 2. A remake of the original ''Metal Gear Solid'' called '']'' was released for the Nintendo GameCube in early 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/metalgearworkingtitle/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes – Related Games |website=] |access-date=March 28, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091113121646/http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/metalgearworkingtitle/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-date=November 13, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> Later that year, the third numbered entry, '']'', was released on the PlayStation 2. This is the first prequel which was set prior to all the previously released Metal Gear games and which acted as an origin to the franchise.<ref>{{cite web | title=Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – Related Games | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/metalgearsolid2sonsol/similar.html?mode=versions | website=] | access-date=April 1, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729085208/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/metalgearsolid2sonsol/similar.html?mode=versions | archive-date=July 29, 2010 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ignmgs3">{{cite web | author=IGN staff | title=Game Details for MGS3: Snake Eater | url=http://ps2.ign.com/objects/536/536086.html | website=IGN | access-date=March 28, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813223931/http://www.ign.com/games/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/ps2-536086 | archive-date=August 13, 2012 | url-status=live}}</ref> These games were followed by a sequel to ''Snake Eater'', '']'', which was released on the PlayStation Portable in 2006.<ref>{{cite web | title=Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – Related Games | url=http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/metalgearsolidpo/similar.html?mode=versions | website=] | access-date=April 1, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204133924/http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/metalgearsolidpo/similar.html?mode=versions | archive-date=February 4, 2009 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ignmpo">{{cite web | author=IGN staff | title=Game Details for MGS: Portable Ops | url=http://psp.ign.com/objects/783/783630.html | website=IGN | access-date=March 28, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921221018/http://www.ign.com/games/metal-gear-solid-portable-ops/psp-783630 | archive-date=September 21, 2012 | url-status=live}}</ref> The series' main storyline was concluded in '']'' for the PlayStation 3 in 2008.<ref name=gsmgs4>{{cite web | title=Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots – Related Games | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/adventure/metalgearsolid4/similar.html?mode=versions | website=] | access-date=April 1, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090331160736/http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/adventure/metalgearsolid4/similar.html?mode=versions | archive-date=March 31, 2009 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ignmgs4">{{cite web | author=IGN staff | title=Game Details for MGS4: Guns of the Patriots | url=http://ps3.ign.com/objects/714/714044.html | website=IGN | access-date=March 28, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221114402/http://ps3.ign.com/objects/714/714044.html | archive-date=February 21, 2009 | url-status=live}}</ref> The game featured a multiplayer spin-off called '']''.<ref name="ignmgo">{{cite web | author=IGN staff | title=Game Details for Metal Gear Online | url=http://ps3.ign.com/objects/950/950626.html | website=IGN | access-date=March 28, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220044826/http://ps3.ign.com/objects/950/950626.html | archive-date=February 20, 2009 | url-status=live}}</ref>
===The main games===
The series consists of the following titles (in order of release) in its official ]:
* '']'' (]/]/]/]/]/], ])
* '']'' (]/]/], ])
* '']'' (]/], ])
* '']'' (], ])
* '']'' (], ])
* '']'' (], ])


In April 2010, another sequel to ''Snake Eater'', '']'', was released for the PlayStation Portable and was set shortly after the events of ''Portable Ops''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2009/06/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-listed-for-psp/ |title=Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker Listed For PSP |website=Kotaku |date=June 1, 2009 |access-date=June 1, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605161157/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2009/06/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-listed-for-psp/ |archive-date=June 5, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://palgn.com.au/sony-psp/16566/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-review/|title=Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker Review|website=PALGN|date=June 22, 2010|access-date=September 16, 2011|author=Hasset, Hian|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208203300/http://palgn.com.au/sony-psp/16566/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-review/|archive-date=February 8, 2013}}</ref> The spin-off game, '']'', was released in 2013 on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and in Jan 2014 on Steam (PC). The game is set after ''Guns of the Patriots'' and stars ], the protagonist of ''Sons of Liberty'' who turned into a cyborg ninja.<ref>{{cite web | title=INTERVIEW: The Truth Behind RISING |website = ]| date=December 13, 2011 | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV1BMUg4NsA | access-date=December 4, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212210406/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV1BMUg4NsA | archive-date=December 12, 2015 | url-status=live}}</ref>
===Supplemental editions and remakes===
Since the release of ''Metal Gear Solid'', there have also been various "special edition" products, with additions, improvements, or brand new content. In Japan, the initial versions of the ''Metal Gear Solid'' titles usually feature the original ] ], while the updated versions (''Integral'', ''Substance'') contain the ] ] from the North American version in their place. An exception was made with the Japanese version of ''Subsistence'', which kept the original Japanese acting.


Expanded re-releases of games in the series were produced as well, such as ''Integral'' (''Metal Gear Solid''), ''Substance'' (''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty''), and ''Subsistence'' ('']'').<ref name="ign-mgsint-ps">{{cite web | author=IGN staff | title=Game Details for MGS: Integral (PlayStation) | url=http://uk.psx.ign.com/objects/011/011989.html | website=IGN | access-date=April 13, 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002174336/http://uk.psx.ign.com/objects/011/011989.html | archive-date=October 2, 2008 | df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=gsVR>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/adventure/metalgearsolidvrmissions/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Metal Gear Solid VR Missions – Related Games |website=] |access-date=May 18, 2009}}</ref><ref name="gsmgs2sub(ps2)">{{cite web | title=Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance (PlayStation 2) – Related Games | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/metalgearsolid2substance/similar.html?mode=versions | website=] | access-date=April 1, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207022850/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/metalgearsolid2substance/similar.html?mode=versions | archive-date=December 7, 2009 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/mgs3subsistence/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence – Related Games |website=] |access-date=April 1, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104051147/http://www.gamespot.com/metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence/related/platform/ps2/ |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The series' portable installments are usually set outside the main storyline. '']'' was released for the Game Boy Color, and several games were released for Sony's PlayStation Portable. In a departure from the series' style, '']'' and ] used turn-based strategy mechanics based on ].<ref name="ignmga">{{cite web | author=IGN staff | title=Game Details for Metal Gear Acid | url=http://psp.ign.com/objects/664/664947.html | website=IGN | access-date=March 28, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210083030/http://psp.ign.com/objects/664/664947.html | archive-date=February 10, 2009 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ignmga2">{{cite web | author=IGN staff | title=Game Details for Metal Gear Acid 2 | url=http://psp.ign.com/objects/748/748621.html | website=IGN | access-date=March 28, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311072424/http://psp.ign.com/objects/748/748621.html | archive-date=March 11, 2009 | url-status=live}}</ref>
Additionally, the first ''Metal Gear Solid'' has been remade twice: First in a Konami/] coproduction titled '']'' (2004), a ] exclusive. This featured fully redubbed English voices, and all-new ], directed by ], best known for the Japanese cult ], '']''.


On May 18, 2009, a teaser site for the following installment in the ''Metal Gear'' series was uploaded by Kojima Production.<ref name=kojipro_next>{{cite web | url=http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/next/index.html | title=KOJIMA PRODUCTION "NEXT" | date=May 26, 2009 | access-date=August 30, 2011 | publisher=Konami | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828025840/http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/next/index.html | archive-date=August 28, 2011 | url-status=live}}</ref> The site initially consisted of a series of countdowns leading to several flashing letters and the images of two characters looking like a middle-aged ] and a cyborg ]. An article published in the July 2009 issue of '']'' covers the content of the site and features an interview with Hideo Kojima.<ref name=PSfamitsu_072009>{{Cite journal|journal=Famitsu PSP + PS3|title=MGS4|language=ja|issue = July 2009|pages=12–17}}</ref><ref name=kotaku_mgsnext>{{cite web | url=http://kotaku.com/5270922/first-big-boss-and-then-raiden-with-censored-kojima-interview | website=Kotaku | title=First Big Boss, and then Raiden (With Censored Kojima Interview) | date=May 26, 2009 | access-date=August 30, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719044500/http://kotaku.com/5270922/first-big-boss-and-then-raiden-with-censored-kojima-interview | archive-date=July 19, 2011 | url-status=live}}</ref> The interview, revealing many details, is heavily censored and was published that way as a request by Kojima, who was directing and designing the new game. Famitsu was to publish the full interview in its following issue.<ref name=ignmgsnext>{{cite web | url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/986/986801p1.html | title=Raiden Appears in New Metal Gear; Hideo Kojima directing and designing new title | date=May 26, 2009 | access-date=August 30, 2011 | website=IGN | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610145757/http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/986/986801p1.html | archive-date=June 10, 2012 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=ignmgsnext2>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/986/986841p1.html|title=Metal Gear Next Update; The censors win this round|date=May 27, 2009|access-date=August 30, 2011|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610145836/http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/986/986841p1.html|archive-date=June 10, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The new game was eventually revealed to be '']'', which was announced on June 1, 2009, at E3, during the Microsoft Press Conference.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/mgs-rising-confirmed-for-360|title=E3: New Metal Gear confirmed for 360 News – Xbox 360 – Page 1|website=Eurogamer|date=June 2009|access-date=August 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927032452/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/mgs-rising-confirmed-for-360|archive-date=September 27, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
The second "remake" is actually a conversion of the ] series produced by IDW Publishing & Ashley Wood, titled '']'' (''Metal Gear Solid: Bande Dessinée'' in Japan) and is currently scheduled to be released in ]. Not a game in the traditional sense, it is comprised of scanned images from comic with added animations and sound effects. The player can scan objects featured in the artwork, which are then saved to a database. A trailer of the game has been posted on Kojima Productions' official ].


At E3 2010, a demo, "Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater – The Naked Sample", was shown on the ]. The official E3 Kojima site later released screenshots and official art for the demo.<ref name=KojimaProE32010>{{cite web| url=http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/e3_2010/mgs3d/en/| title=Kojima Pro E3 2010 Special Site| date=June 15, 2009| access-date=August 30, 2011| publisher=Konami| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829191425/http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/e3_2010/mgs3d/en/| archive-date=August 29, 2011| url-status=live}}</ref> Kojima did state, however, that this was not a preview for a full game but just a sample of what could be done on the 3DS hardware.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/mgs-3ds-just-testing-the-grounds|title=MGS 3DS "just testing the grounds"|author=Wesley Yin-Poole|access-date=August 30, 2011|website=Eurogamer|date=July 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909050900/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/mgs-3ds-just-testing-the-grounds|archive-date=September 9, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Another mobile port of a previously released game was shown at Sony's PlayStation Meeting on January 27, 2011, where Hideo Kojima demonstrated a possible portable version of ''Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots'' for the upcoming ].<ref name=kotakumgs4onngp>{{cite web | url=http://kotaku.com/5744571/metal-gear-solid-4-lost-planet-yakuza-shown-playable-on-psp2 | publisher=Kotau | title=MGS4 on PSP2 | date=January 27, 2011 | access-date=August 30, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130062049/http://kotaku.com/5744571/metal-gear-solid-4-lost-planet-yakuza-shown-playable-on-psp2 | archive-date=January 30, 2011 | url-status=live}}</ref>
The updated versions are:


On June 2, 2011, Konami announced the '']'' which was released in November 2011 for both the ] and ]. The collection features remastered versions of ''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty'', '']'', and ''Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker'', rendered in ] and running at 60fps, including Trophies/Achievements, and remastered audio.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5808055/metal-gear-zone-of-the-enders-return-with-hd-collections |website=Kotaku |date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=June 3, 2011 |title=Metal Gear, Zone of the Enders Return With HD Collections |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604133725/http://kotaku.com/5808055/metal-gear-zone-of-the-enders-return-with-hd-collections |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gadgetsandgizmos.org/mgs-hd-collection-will-include-the-original-game-in-japan/ |publisher=Gadgets Gizmos |date=August 15, 2011 |access-date=August 16, 2011 |title=MGS HD Collection will include the original game in Japan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008131118/http://www.gadgetsandgizmos.org/mgs-hd-collection-will-include-the-original-game-in-japan/ |archive-date=October 8, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> On August 15, 2011, UK retailer ] secured the exclusive right to sell the ''Metal Gear Solid: Ultimate HD Collection'' only available for the PlayStation 3, which was released on November 25.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/315349/ps3-secures-exclusive-metal-gear-solid-hd-ultimate-box/|publisher=Computer And Video Games|date=August 15, 2011|access-date=August 16, 2011|title=PS3 secures exclusive Metal Gear Solid HD: Ultimate box|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019142859/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/315349/ps3-secures-exclusive-metal-gear-solid-hd-ultimate-box/|archive-date=October 19, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '']'' (], ])
* '']'' (], ])
* '']'' (], ]/]/], ])
* '']'' (], ])
* '']'' (], ])
* '']'' (], ])
* '']'' (], ])


In November 2011, Kojima discussed with '']'' the series' future commenting an upcoming ''Metal Gear Solid 5''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-11-17/playstation-uk-mag/kojima-to-discuss-metal-gear-solid-5 |work=Anime News Network |date=November 17, 2011 |access-date=November 18, 2011 |title=PlayStation UK Mag: Kojima to Discuss Metal Gear Solid 5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119000505/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-11-17/playstation-uk-mag/kojima-to-discuss-metal-gear-solid-5 |archive-date=November 19, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> Kojima said: "I think we'll probably have to make it at some point, but what that will be, we have no idea". Kojima stated that when Konami does get around to building the game, he will have less influence than he had on previous iterations in the series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-21-kojima-well-probably-have-to-make-metal-gear-solid-5 |website=Eurogamer |date=November 21, 2011 |access-date=November 22, 2011 |title=Kojima: "We'll probably have to make Metal Gear Solid 5" |author=Yin-Poole, Wesley |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123162050/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-21-kojima-well-probably-have-to-make-metal-gear-solid-5 |archive-date=November 23, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> After the mixed fan reactions of the reveal of the rebooted action gameplay focused spin-off ''Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance'', Hideo Kojima reassured fans that an "authentic stealth ''Metal Gear Solid''" sequel would be coming in the future.<ref>{{cite web |last=Yin |first=Wesley |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-12-13-kojima-promises-authentic-stealth-metal-gear-solid-sequel-is-coming |title=Kojima promises "authentic stealth Metal Gear Solid" sequel is coming • News • |publisher=Eurogamer.net |date=December 13, 2011 |access-date=August 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115025145/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-12-13-kojima-promises-authentic-stealth-metal-gear-solid-sequel-is-coming |archive-date=November 15, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Other ports and versions===
Shortly, after the release of the original MSX2 version of ''Metal Gear'', Konami released a port of the game for ]'s ] in Japan and its western counterpart, the ]. It was the first ''Metal Gear'' game released in North America. The NES version was made without Hideo Kojima's involvement and contained several considerable changes, including different level designs and the removal of the Metal Gear mecha. Hideo Kojima has been quoted as saying the NES/Famicom port of ''Metal Gear'' was changed quite a bit from the original MSX version. It was made without his direction and he, himself, finds the game to be rather challenging. The NES version was the basis of two North American computer ports released in 1990, one for the ] and the other for the ]. There was an ad for a Famicom version of Metal Gear for the Amiga by Ultra Games, but it was never released. The Famicom version was also released for the GameCube in emulated form as part of a Japanese bundle of The Twin Snakes.


During a discussion panel at the ] in March 2012, Kojima stated: "I am working on something that I think will become the shining moment" for his career and the ''Metal Gear'' series.<ref name="G4TV">{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/725161/metal-gear-solid-5-confirmed-solid-snake-is-back-with-the-fox-engine/|title=Metal Gear Solid 5 Confirmed – Solid Snake Is Back with the Fox Engine|last=Jackson|first=Leah|date=June 20, 2012|access-date=December 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114001150/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/725161/metal-gear-solid-5-confirmed-solid-snake-is-back-with-the-fox-engine/|archive-date=January 14, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> During the franchise's 25th anniversary, Konami revealed a demo for a new game in the ''Metal Gear'' series, '']''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Gantayat, Anoop |url=http://andriasang.com/con2hr/metal_gear_ground_zero_art/ |title=First Metal Gear Solid Ground Zeroes Artwork |publisher=Andriasang |date=August 30, 2012 |access-date=August 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902022211/http://andriasang.com/con2hr/metal_gear_ground_zero_art/ |archive-date=September 2, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> A social game for the ], '']'', was released in December 2012.<ref>{{cite web |author=Gantayat, Anoop |url=http://andriasang.com/con2ha/social_metal_gear/ |title=Social Metal Gear Announced for GREE |publisher=Andriasang |date=August 30, 2012 |access-date=August 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902184619/http://andriasang.com/con2ha/social_metal_gear/ |archive-date=September 2, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In ], ] ports of ''Metal Gear'' and ''Metal Gear 2'' based on the original MSX2 versions were released in Japan; they feature (among other changes) new game modes and items. Ports of these two versions were included in ''Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence''.


On December 7, 2012, a teaser for '']'' was revealed on the ]. Following the teaser trailer, numerous video game-related websites and fansites reported the trailer's seemed connection to the ''Metal Gear'' series of video games.<ref name=joystiq>{{cite web|last=Mallory|first=Jordan|title=The Phantom Pain speculation round-up: Metal Gear?!|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/08/the-phantom-pain-speculation-round-up-metal-gear/|publisher=]|date=December 8, 2012|access-date=December 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210034747/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/08/the-phantom-pain-speculation-round-up-metal-gear/|archive-date=December 10, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
In ], Konami released a version of the original ''Metal Gear Solid'' for PC ported by ]. This port was actually based on the ''Integral'' re-release and contained both the original game and the ''VR Missions'' disc.


On March 27, 2013, Kojima announced at GDC 2013 that '']'' and ''The Phantom Pain'' were two different portions of one work, ''],'' with ''Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes'' serving as the prologue and ''The Phantom Pain'' serving as the main story. Snake's usual English-language voice actor ] was not cast for the role.<ref>{{cite web|last=Goldfarb|first=Andrew|title=David Hayter Comments on Metal Gear Solid V Absence|url=http://ca.ign.com/articles/2013/04/01/david-hayter-comments-on-metal-gear-solid-v-absence|website=IGN|date=April 2013|access-date=April 2, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411033747/http://ca.ign.com/articles/2013/04/01/david-hayter-comments-on-metal-gear-solid-v-absence|archive-date=April 11, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Instead, Hollywood actor and producer ] portrayed the character through voice acting and ].<ref>{{cite web|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Konami's pre-E3 stream: Kiefer Sutherland Playing Snake in Metal Gear Solid 5|date=June 6, 2013|url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/06/metal-gear-solid-5-castlevania-los-2-pes-2014-to-feature-in-konamis-pre-e3-stream-tonight/|publisher=VG24/7|access-date=June 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608045129/http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/06/metal-gear-solid-5-castlevania-los-2-pes-2014-to-feature-in-konamis-pre-e3-stream-tonight/|archive-date=June 8, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
In ], ''Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance'' was released on the Xbox. In ], it was then ported to the PC and Playstation 2.


In 2015, Konami revealed that they were recruiting new staff members to develop a new ''Metal Gear'' game as Kojima left the company. On August 17, 2016, Konami announced during ] 2016 that a new ''Metal Gear'' game was in the works, known as '']''. It is a spin-off game as well as a supplemental to ''Metal Gear Solid V'' as a whole, taking place between ''Ground Zeroes'' and ''The Phantom Pain''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gamescom 2016: Konami Announces Metal Gear Survive|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/08/17/gamescom-2016-konami-announces-metal-gear-survive|last=Skrebels|first=Joe|work=]|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817235035/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/08/17/gamescom-2016-konami-announces-metal-gear-survive|archive-date=August 17, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Non-canonical sequels and spinoffs===
In addition to the core titles listed above, a number of ''Metal Gear'' related titles have appeared through the course of the series that don't follow the main continuity.


On May 24, 2023, during Sony's PlayStation Showcase event, a remake of ''Snake Eater'', titled '']''{{efn|Stylized as '''''Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater'''''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/24/23736704/metal-gear-solid-delta-not-triangle-remake|title=It's Metal Gear Solid Delta, not Metal Gear Solid Triangle|last=Peters|first=Jay|date=24 May 2023|access-date=25 May 2023|website=]}}</ref>}} was announced, as well as the ''] Vol. 1'', which was released on October 24 of that year. It includes the first five mainline ''Metal Gear'' games, as well as extra content including the ] version of ''Metal Gear'', ''Snake's Revenge'', ''Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel'', and ''Bande Dessinée'', as well as additional content such as screenplay books, master books, character profiles, story summaries, strategy guides, and a playable soundtrack.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Fanelli |first1=Jason |last2=Bonthuys |first2=Darryn |date=May 25, 2023 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater Remake, Metal Gear Solid Collection Revealed |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-remake-metal-gear-solid-collection-revealed/1100-6514455/ |access-date=2023-05-24 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Croft |first=Liam |date=2023-05-24 |title=Metal Gear Solid 1, 2, and 3 Launch on PS5 in the Master Collection |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/05/metal-gear-solid-1-2-and-3-launch-on-ps5-in-the-master-collection |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Nightingale |first=Ed |date=2023-05-26 |title=Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 also includes Metal Gear 1 and 2 |language=en-gb |work=] |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/konami-website-teases-mystery-addition-to-metal-gear-solid-master-collection-vol-1 |access-date=2023-05-27}}</ref>
The first of these titles was '']'', a ] NES game that intended to be a sequel to the original ''Metal Gear''. The game was produced in Japan and made specifically for the western market (a Japanese version was never released). Although Hideo Kojima was not involved in the production of the game, Kojima has stated that he liked the game and that it served as his inspiration for ''Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake'' (which supplanted ''Snake's Revenge'' as the canonical sequel).


==Storyline==
The next non-canonical ''Metal Gear'' title was '']'', a ] game released in ] and retitled ''Metal Gear Solid'' for its ] release. This game uses the storyline of ''Metal Gear'' as a backstory (while ignoring the events of ''Metal Gear 2'' and ''Metal Gear Solid''), picking up seven years after.
{{Metal Gear chronology}}
In the Metal Gear universe, history had diverged at some point during World War II, with the fictional Cobra Unit, led by ], being instrumental in the defeat of the Axis Powers. Cloning, AI and robotics technology of the 1970s are more advanced.<ref name="motherboard">{{cite web |author=Hosie, Ewen |year=2015 |title=The Technological Alt-History of 'Metal Gear Solid' |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/metalgearsolid3/review.html |work=GameSpot |access-date=August 10, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060704211928/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/metalgearsolid3/review.html |archive-date=July 4, 2006}}</ref> The eleven games in the main ''Metal Gear'' series continuity reveal a narrative that spans five and a half decades, from the ], until the near future. ] is the most relevant character within the story of the series and of the canonical 11 games five are prequels centering on his story, set decades before the events of the original ''Metal Gear''. However, ] is still depicted as the primary main character of the series, as the prequels create context of his purpose and him being the antithesis of his father.


===Plot===
In ], Konami released '']'' for the ]. ''Acid'' is not a traditional stealth game like the other ''Metal Gear'' titles, but instead is a ] which combines the stealth elements of the series and ]-based interface. A sequel, '']'', was released in ].
'']'', which is chronologically the first game in the series, introduces ''Naked Snake'' (or ''Snake'' for short), an operative working for the fictional ''Force Operation X (FOX)'' unit of the ] during the ].<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web|author=Kasavin, Greg |year=2004 |title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/metalgearsolid3/review.html |work=GameSpot |access-date=August 10, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060704211928/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/metalgearsolid3/review.html |archive-date=July 4, 2006 }}</ref> The game focuses on the rise of Snake from an apprentice to a legendary soldier, as well as the downfall of his mentor and matriarchal figure, ]. After The Boss defects to the Soviet Union, Snake is sent into Russia to kill her and end the threat posed by ], a ] colonel with plans to overthrow the Soviet government. Snake's heroics during the game earn him the nickname "Big Boss" at the end. The origins of The Patriots, an organization founded by ], are also explored.


'']'' serves as a direct sequel to '']'' and follows Naked Snake's life after disbanding from FOX. With Snake not yet accepting the Big Boss codename, the plot features the origins of his mercenary unit as he attempts to escape the San Hieronymo Peninsula and battles his old unit.<ref name="igngameprofiles">{{cite web | author=IGN site staff | title=Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops First Look Game Profile | url=http://psp.ign.com/objects/783/783630.html | work=IGN | access-date=July 3, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921221018/http://www.ign.com/games/metal-gear-solid-portable-ops/psp-783630 | archive-date=September 21, 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref> The canonicity of ''Portable Ops'' is disputed, with Kojima having stated that "the main story of ''Portable Ops'' is part of the Saga, is part of the official ''Metal Gear'' timeline, while some of the small details that are in ''Portable Ops'' are outside the Saga, not part of the main timeline of the game."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Miller IV|first1=Johnny |title=Myth: Hideo Kojima said that Portable Ops and Rising are canonical :: THE SNAKE SOUP |url=http://thesnakesoup.org/myth-articles/myth-hideo-kojima-said-portable-ops-rising-canonical/ |website=The Snake Soup |access-date=July 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709072424/http://thesnakesoup.org/myth-articles/myth-hideo-kojima-said-portable-ops-rising-canonical/ |archive-date=July 9, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* '']'' (], ])
* '']'' (], ])
* '']'' (], ])
* '']'' (], ])


The next game, '']'', is set ten years after the events of ''Snake Eater'' and returns to the story of the young Big Boss. Now the head of the mercenary corporation Militaires Sans Frontières (MSF), Big Boss discovers that nuclear warheads are being transported to Latin America and decides that he must put a stop to it. ''Peace Walker'' features a new cast of characters to provide both aid and intelligence for Big Boss. A few characters from later games, such as a younger Kazuhira Miller, make appearances in the game.
==Tone and themes==
Although the series has a war setting and is of the action genre, and thus contains large amounts of (occasionally graphic) violence, it has an underlying tone of ]. This is reflected throught the series which has dealt with such themes as the futility of war, the stupidity of ], the dangers of nuclear weapons in general, the moral implications of genetic engineering and the concept that enemies are only enemies in relative terms. This tone and some of these themes reflect the mindset of a large amount of the ] made since the ] bombing of 1945.


'']'', serves as the direct sequel to ''Peace Walker'' and is composed of two chapters. The prologue, '']'', is set a few weeks after the final mission in ''Peace Walker'', as Big Boss is tasked with rescuing two VIPs from a U.S. military black site on the coast of Cuba. Big Boss' mission coincides with a visit to Mother Base by the ], which turns out to be a cover for an attack on Mother Base orchestrated by the mysterious organization XOF. In the chaos, Big Boss' helicopter collides with another, and he is sent to the hospital for nine years, which leads to the events of the main chapter, ''The Phantom Pain''. The basis of the main story revolves around Big Boss forming a new ], the Diamond Dogs to retaliate for the destruction of MSF and the loss of his comrades. However, this "Big Boss" is revealed to be a part of the medical staff who survived the helicopter crash, who was brainwashed to believe himself to be Big Boss, while the real Big Boss went into hiding to create Outer Heaven, a place where soldiers can live without having to abide by any particular ideology.
The main underlying themes for ''Metal Gear Solid'', ''Sons of Liberty'' and ''Snake Eater'' is regarding the effects of ], ] and ] respectively, and how the characters are affected by these factors.


The first ''Metal Gear'' game for the MSX follows ], a rookie of the ] special operations unit. He is sent by his superior ] to the fortress in South Africa known as Outer Heaven, with the goal of finding the missing squad member ] and investigating a weapon known as Metal Gear. However, after Snake unexpectedly completes his goals, Big Boss is revealed to be the leader of Outer Heaven, which he has created as a place for soldiers to fight free of any ideology that he believes has been forced upon them by governments. He fights Snake and is killed. However, it turns out that this was actually the body double from ''Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain''. In '']'' the real Big Boss has established a new military nation, Zanzibar Land, and he and Snake face off again, with Snake achieving victory and seemingly killing Big Boss for good.
==Adaptations to other media==
===Novelization===
A novel based on the original '']'' was published in ] as a part of ]'s ''Worlds of Power'' lineup of ]s created by FX Nine based on third-party NES games. Written by Alexander Frost. The ''Metal Gear'' novelization is not based on the game's actual storyline (as Kojima was not involved in the production of the book), but rather on Konami of America's reinterpretation of the plot (as depicted on the game's manual). The book takes even further liberties by giving Solid Snake the name of Justin Halley (a fact already made dated by ''Metal Gear Solid'') and by changing the name of Snake's unit from FOXHOUND to the "Snake Men". Since the books were aimed at younger readers, Snake doesn't kill anyone and only uses his handgun once to destroy a lock (the book's cover was airbrushed to omit Snake's gun). The novel also provided gameplay tips within its own narration.


'']'' elaborates on the storyline of the earlier games and reveals that Solid Snake is a genetic clone of Big Boss, created as part of a secret government project. An antagonist is introduced in the form of ], Snake's twin brother who takes control of FOXHOUND after Snake's retirement. Liquid and FOXHOUND take control of a nuclear weapons disposal facility in Alaska and commandeer REX, the next-generation Metal Gear weapons platform being tested there. They threaten to detonate REX's warhead unless the government turns over the remains of Big Boss. Solid Snake destroys Metal Gear REX and kills the renegade FOXHOUND members, with the exception of ].
===Radio drama===
A ] based on the original ''Metal Gear Solid'' aired in ] from ] to ] as part of Konami's syndicated ''clud DB'' program. Directed by ] and written by ], the serial lasted over 18 weekly installments spanning three story arcs. The entire series was available on two separate ]s (currently out of print).


A third Snake brother known as ] is introduced as the ] at the end of ''Metal Gear Solid'' and serves as the main antagonist of '']''. During his time as president, Solidus became aware of a secretive cabal known as "The Patriots" who were steadily manipulating the course of history. After his tenure as president is over, Solidus takes control of the "Big Shell" offshore facility, which is being used to develop Arsenal Gear, a mobile undersea fortress designed to house and protect a network of ]s created to influence human development by filtering the availability of information across the Internet. The game is set four years after Liquid's death in ''Metal Gear Solid'', and it puts the player in control of ], a soldier who fights against Solidus, who is revealed to be his former commander during his time as a child soldier.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty|year=2001|developer=Kojima Productions|publisher=Konami|quote='''Colonel:''' You have two missions objectives. One: infiltrate the offshore decontamination facility "Big Shell" and safeguard the President and other hostages. And two: disarm the terrorists by any means necessary.}}</ref> Raiden joins forces with Snake and learns that they are being manipulated by ], who has been working for the Patriots. At the end of the game, Ocelot seemingly becomes possessed by Liquid Snake as the nanomachines from Liquid's arm (which Ocelot took to replace his own arm after Gray Fox slices it off in ''Metal Gear Solid'') work their way into Ocelot's thought process.
The series serves as an alternate continuation to the events of Shadow Moses, with ], ], ] and ] going on further missions as FOXHOUND operatives (Mei Ling and Meryl are depicted wearing a ] and a sneaking suit respectively), although the stories are not considered part of the mainstream ''Metal Gear'' canon. The ] from the game (], ], ] and ]) reprised their roles for the series, while new characters are introduced as well.


'']'' deals with a rapidly aging Solid Snake (now branded "Old Snake") who is on a mission to find and defeat Revolver Ocelot, now known as Liquid Ocelot. Despite the destruction of the Arsenal Gear in ''Sons of Liberty'', the Patriots have continued in their plans to influence the course of human history, installing artificial intelligence systems around the world. Ocelot, opposed to this, has assembled armies with which to fight back and intends to hijack their entire operating system for his own ends. Solid Snake's objective later changes to destroying the AIs of the Patriots and stop their oppression. After he and his allies succeed, Snake decides to live out his life peacefully.
===Comics===
A ] adaption of the original '']'' was published by ] in ]. Written by ] and illustrated by ]. The series is comprised of 12 issues and has been collected in two trade paperbacks. A comic book adaptation of '']'' is currently being published from the same creative team.


'']'' is set four years after ''Guns of the Patriots'' and it stars Raiden as a cyborg ninja mercenary. Raiden joins the private military firm, Maverick Security Consulting, and is tasked with defending the prime minister of an unspecified African country. However, the situation goes awry and the prime minister is killed by a rival PMC company named Desperado Enforcement LLC. Raiden is defeated in the battle, but decides to re-avenge his failure and is sent out with a brand new cyborg body to fight the mysterious military group.
==Character groups==


===]=== ===Tone and themes===
The original ''Metal Gear'', which was released in 1987 during the ], dealt with the manipulation of soldiers by politicians of the East and West, countered by the concept of "Outer Heaven", a country without politics. Its sequel ''Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake'', which was released in 1990 at the end of the Cold War, expanded on this with themes regarding political intrigue, battlefield ethics, military history, and the negative effects of warfare.<ref name="gamespy_a">{{cite web|title=GameSpy's Top MGS Moments: Metal Gear Solid 2 (Day Two)|page=5|publisher=]|date=May 16, 2008|url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/874/874851p5.html|access-date=November 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319005811/http://www.gamespy.com/articles/874/874851p5.html|archive-date=March 19, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
Known Operatives: ] (Field operative) , ] (Commander) , ] (Medical Specialst) , ] (Weapons Expert), ] (Defected).


The overarching theme of the ''Metal Gear Solid'' series is that of the "], ], ], ], ],<ref name="TwitterThemes">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN/status/244919664046649346|title=Gene→Meme→Scene→Sense→Peace→?|last=Kojima|first=Hideo|date=September 9, 2012|access-date=September 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022154710/https://twitter.com/HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN/status/244919664046649346|archive-date=October 22, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> ]<ref name="Kojima">{{cite web|url=http://www.twitlonger.com/show/kq5f6a|title=N/A|last=Kojima|first=Hideo|date=January 24, 2013|publisher=TwitLonger|access-date=January 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127230446/http://www.twitlonger.com/show/kq5f6a|archive-date=January 27, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> and ],"<ref>{{cite web|last=Kojima|first=Hideo|title=Answer to the question|url=https://twitter.com/HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN/status/342798547168686080|publisher=Twitter|access-date=24 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022160214/https://twitter.com/HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN/status/342798547168686080|archive-date=October 22, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> and how people are affected by these factors according to the game's producer Kojima—''Metal Gear Solid'' deals with ] and the moral implications of ], ''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty'' deals with how identity can be affected by the philosophies of one's society (a "meme") and the effects of censorship on society, '']'' deals with how the time and place one lives in (a "scene") affects their identity, how politics change along with the times and ], the inability to distinguish fact and fiction in an information-saturated world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2010/07/what_metal_gear_solid_3_teache.php|title=GameSetWatch Analysis: What Metal Gear Solid 3 Teaches Us About Hyperreality|website=www.gamesetwatch.com|access-date=February 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618075445/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2010/07/what_metal_gear_solid_3_teache.php|archive-date=June 18, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
===]===
Known Operatives: ] (Commander), ] (aka Frank Jaeger & Deepthroat), ] (replaced Big Boss), ] (former Zanzibar Land), ] (chief of medical staff, and in charge of gene therapy), McDonnel Benedict ] (instructor), ], ] (Replaced Roy Campbell), ] (also known as Shalashaska and ADAM - Triple-agent, secretly employed by The Patriots, FOX/FOXHOUND and Gurlukovich, earlier employed by Volgin), ], ], ] and ].


''Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots'' deals with "sense", which is a person's understanding of the world that is lost when they die. It also encompasses how some things cannot be passed down to future generations and be misinterpreted as well as the artificially controlled (and globally shared) sense-data of the new era's nanotech-enhanced soldiers.<ref name="blogscene">{{cite web| editor=Hideo Kojima | year=2005 | title=HIDEOBLOG 2005.09.26 | url=http://www.blog.konami.jp/gs/hideoblog_e/2005/09/000166.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020184532/http://blog.konami.jp/gs/hideoblog_e/2005/09/000166.html | archive-date=October 20, 2007| work= Hideoblog | access-date=August 5, 2006}}</ref> With ''Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker'' the plot deals with the true nature of 'peace', and the concept of conflict in human societies. ''Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain'' deals with the themes "race" and "revenge" and how the latter can make one lose his humanity. Following the initial Metal Gear, each game has been a deconstruction of action movies and video games, using tropes to invoke the themes and ideas especially those of spy movies - it examines what kind of mind and complete control of a situation would be needed to pull off the absurdly complex and convoluted plans that rely on events completely within the realm of chance yet comes off without a hitch. Furthermore, it examines what happens to a child soldier forced to take up a normal life through the characters Eli (also known as Liquid Snake) in ''Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain'' and Jack (primarily known as Raiden) in ''Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots''.<ref name="Twitter">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/index.php/b/features/archive/2017/10/12/the-virtual-life-trauma-and-the-futility-of-revenge-in-metal-gear-solid-v.aspx|title=The Virtual Life – Trauma And The Futility Of Revenge In Metal Gear Solid V|last=Gwaltney|first=Javy|magazine=]|date=October 12, 2017|access-date=February 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827075332/https://www.gameinformer.com/index.php/b/features/archive/2017/10/12/the-virtual-life-trauma-and-the-futility-of-revenge-in-metal-gear-solid-v.aspx|archive-date=August 27, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Pseudo-Operatives: "Colonel" (an AI reproduction of Col. Campbell by supercomputer GW) and ] (aka Jack - believes he is in FOXHOUND, but is actually being manipulated by ] and the "Colonel").


''Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance'' also deals with "revenge". Raiden is defeated in the beginning and feels a deep sense of vengeance, and as such exacts his 'revenge' on the group who sabotaged him, as well as coming to terms with his own past and embracing his true nature. The games carry many implicit parallels to ]an philosophy.<ref>{{cite book|publisher=Konami|year=2004|title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, The Official Guide |isbn=1-903511-71-2}}</ref> Solid Snake serves as a deconstruction of the ] archetype, as his wartime experiences have turned him into a bitter, broken-down soldier who wishes to retire, but cannot escape the life of conflict that had entwined him for so long. This concept is further explored through Raiden, who is put through the same torments as Snake in explicit detail. Big Boss is similarly not immune to this theme: as Naked Snake, he does not resemble a suave, impeccable secret agent that would otherwise fit into the 1960s ] ] of ''Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater'', but is instead an ] character. Only after undergoing immense psychological and physical scarring does he begin to resemble the ultimate soldier known as Big Boss.<ref>{{cite book |last=Adams |first=Aubrie |date=2017 |title=100 greatest video game characters |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Lanham |page=180 |isbn=978-1442278134 }}</ref>
===]===
Known Operatives: Commander Reginald Jackson, ] (Helena Dolph-Jackson), ] and ]. They are later under the command of ] (former President George Sears). Two other members were killed six months prior to the events of the Plant Chapter of Metal Gear Solid 2: Old Boy and China Man.


Although the series takes place in a realistic military setting, the ''Metal Gear'' video games also feature a strong focus on supernatural elements, leading the series to be commonly described as ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Moira|first=Hicks|date=August 3, 2019|url=https://www.fanbyte.com/features/metal-gear-magical-realism/|title=How Metal Gear Eschewed Realism to Convey the Horror of Imperial Violence|publisher=Gematsu |accessdate=June 12, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Keogh|first=Brendan|date=September 18, 2015|url=https://brkeogh.com/2015/09/18/on-metal-gear-solid-v-the-phantom-pain/|title=On Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain|publisher=Brkeogh.com|accessdate=June 12, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Davenport|first=James|date=August 27, 2015|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/how-to-become-a-metal-gear-expert-before-the-phantom-pain-comes-out/|title=Become a Metal Gear expert before The Phantom Pain comes out|publisher=]|accessdate=June 12, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Valle|first=Nathaniel|date=April 29, 2014|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/how-to-become-a-metal-gear-expert-before-the-phantom-pain-comes-out/|title=Marquez, Vamp, and Me – Metal Gear Solid and the Supernatural|publisher=Christ and Pop Culture|accessdate=June 12, 2021}}</ref>
===]===
Known Operatives (mercenary force): Shotgunner/Shotmaker (former ] operative), Machine Gun Kid (former ] operative), Fire Trooper (former ] operative), "Arnold/Bloody Brad" (TX-11 cyberoid units), Coward Duck (former terrorist leader). At some point ] was also a member


===]=== ===Characters===
{{Main|List of characters in the Metal Gear series}}
Known Operatives (mercenary force): Black Color/Black Ninja (high-tech ninjas, formerly from NASA special forces), Running Man (former terrorist leader), Red Blaster (former Spetsnaz), Ultra Box (former members of ], GSG9 and SAS), Predator (former "Reccies" operative) and Night Sight/Night Fright (former "Whispers" operative).
]]]


In games, players control a character who has to infiltrate into his enemy's area alone to complete his mission.<ref name="gameprointerview">{{cite magazine | author=GamePro site staff | year=2003 | title=Feature: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Interview | url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/features/30936.shtml | magazine=] | access-date = September 2, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040228191427/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/features/30936.shtml|archive-date=February 28, 2004}}</ref> Across the mission, the player receives assistance from a supporting team communicated by Codec. While the team tells the player hints about the mission, it also helps expand the characters through their interactions.<ref name="Making">{{cite video game|title=The Document of Metal Gear Solid 2|year=2002|developer=Kojima Productions|publisher=Konami|level=Making of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty}}</ref> During their debuts, player characters Solid Snake and Raiden are meant to represent the player while in the following games they acquire more defined personalities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs4_inte/en/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080304105426/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs4_inte/en/|archive-date=March 4, 2008|title=METAL GEAR SOLID 4 INTEGRATED SITE}}</ref><ref name=Weise>{{cite web|title=How Videogames Express Ideas|author=Matthew Weise|work=Level Up: Digital Games Research Conference|publisher=]|year=2003|url=http://www.digra.org/dl/db/05150.07598.pdf|access-date=November 21, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710195302/http://www.digra.org/dl/db/05150.07598.pdf|archive-date=July 10, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> A common motif in the series is the use of powerful enemies. As games were released, new concepts were given to the bosses to make them innovative and notice their strength. As the first games used humans with supernatural abilities, for ''Metal Gear Solid 4'', the designers decided to use monsters rather than humans as enemies.<ref name=tgs07/> A notable ] was ] from ''Metal Gear Solid 3'' that was meant to differentiate it from all the other bosses in the franchise due to its strategic gameplay.<ref name="igninterview">{{cite web | author=Lewis, Ed | title=The Snake Eater Interview | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/569/569922p1.html | work=IGN | date=December 2004 | access-date=September 2, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310054222/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/569/569922p1.html | archive-date=March 10, 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref> Another common motif has been the transformation of a previously normal character returning as a ninja. It started with Kyle Schneider in ''Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake'' when he fought against Snake as "Black Ninja". Several other characters have done the same, including Gray Fox, Olga Gurlukovich, and Raiden.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top 10 Metal Gear Villains|website=IGN|author=Scheeden, Jeese|date=June 11, 2008|url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/881/881015p8.html|access-date=July 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628231830/http://stars.ign.com/articles/881/881015p8.html|archive-date=June 28, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Black Chamber===
Known Operatives: Black Arts Viper, Marionette Owl, Slasher Hawk and Pyro Bison. Note that these characters are from the non-canonical game ], and therefore have no relation to the main storyline.


Much as ''Metal Gear'' began as partially a ] of ] of the time, characters were sometimes pastiches of contemporary action movie heroes.<ref name="Saga">{{cite video|title=Metal Gear Saga Vol. 1|medium=DVD|publisher=Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.|year=2006}}</ref> ''Metal Gear Solid'' characters have been designed by ]. Several of their real names and aliases are references to various Hollywood films.<ref name="Making" /><ref name="Kent">{{cite web|author=Kent, Steven|title=Hideo Kojima: Game Guru, Movie Maniac|work=Gamers Today| access-date = July 15, 2005|url=http://www.gamerstoday.com/world_tours/tour9.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010727020355/http://www.gamerstoday.com/world_tours/tour9.html|archive-date=July 27, 2001}}</ref> Because of the time skip between games, a few of the characters have been redesigned to fit in the game's year. With the improvements from new video game consoles like the PlayStation and PlayStation 2, the staff gave the characters a more realistic look although they initially had doubts about it.<ref>{{cite web|author = Williamson, Colin|date = December 12, 2000|access-date = January 1, 2007|url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/088/088856p1.html|title = Yoji Shinkawa interview|website = IGN|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070213024854/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/088/088856p1.html|archive-date = February 13, 2007|url-status = live}}</ref> Kojima's thoughts regarding Snake's improved abilities by the time of ''Metal Gear Solid'' led to the concept of cloned characters who would be able to match him in combat.<ref name=tgs07>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6179757.html|website=GameSpot|title=TGS '07: Kojima speaks|access-date=August 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100801091218/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6179757.html|archive-date=August 1, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> By ''Metal Gear Solid 2'', Kojima was inspired by the ] novels to introduce a sidekick character in order to view Snake from a different perspective.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Final Hours of Metal Gear Solid 2|website=]|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/btg_mgs2/p02_01.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060103100148/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/btg_mgs2/p02_01.html|access-date = August 30, 2011|archive-date=January 3, 2006}}</ref>
===]===
Known Operatives: ] (aka The Joy), ], ], ], ], and ].


==Development==
===Gurlukovich Mercenaries===
] is the franchise's creator, and was involved in directing, designing, writing and producing the majority of installments in the main series until '']'' (2015).]]
Known Operatives: Col. Sergei Gurlukovich and ]. Other operatives were named after contest winners, by Konami.


The first ''Metal Gear'' game was intended to be an action game that featured modern military combat. However, the MSX2's hardware limited the number of on-screen bullets and enemies, which Hideo Kojima felt impeded the combat aspect. Inspired by '']'', he altered the gameplay to focus on a prisoner escaping.<ref name="RG-35">{{cite journal| journal = ]| publisher = ]| title = Before They Were Famouos| issue = 35| page = 74|first = John| last = Szczepaniak}}</ref> In a series of articles written for ''Official PlayStation 2 Magazine'', Hideo Kojima identified several Hollywood films as the primary sources of inspiration for the storylines and gameplay of the ''Metal Gear'' series. He further noted that the ] series is what influenced him the most regarding the creation of ''Metal Gear Solid''.<ref name="bond">{{cite journal|journal=]|publisher=]|title=Hideo Kojima at the Movies: 007|date=March 2003|url=http://www.metalgearsolid.org/features/hideo-kojima-at-the-movies-007|access-date=September 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100703014237/http://www.metalgearsolid.org/features/hideo-kojima-at-the-movies-007|archive-date=July 3, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> The original plot has references to the nuclear war paranoia during the mid-1980s that resulted from the ].<ref name="Saga"/> Following games would revolve around nuclear weapon inspections in Iraq and Iran, but this idea was left out due to growing concern regarding the political situation in the Middle East.<ref name="Saga"/> Other changes to the series were made in ''Metal Gear Solid 2'' as a result of the ].<ref name="doco">{{cite video | people=Hideo Kojima |year=2002| title=The Document of Metal Gear Solid 2 | medium=DVD | location=New Zealand | publisher=Konami}}</ref>
===Civilians===
Kenneth Baker (ArmsTech Inc.), ] (] designer), ] (] "GW" designer), Dr. Drago Petrovich Madnar (TX-55 Metal Gear and Metal Gear D inventor), Elen Madnar (Petrovich's daughter), ] (Raiden's girlfriend & data analyst), ] (former NYPD bomb expert), Yosef Norden/Johan Jacobsen (animal expert) and Dr. Kio Marv (OILIX inventor).


After ''Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake'', Kojima planned to release the third ''Metal Gear'' game in 1994 for the ] in 1994.<ref name=hidechan148>{{cite web|url=http://www.kjp.konami.jp/gs/hideoblog/2007/07/000230.html|title=KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS – HIDECHAN RADIO – Episode 148|access-date=August 30, 2011|publisher=Konami|language=ja|format=mp3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722112025/http://www.kjp.konami.jp/gs/hideoblog/2007/07/000230.html|archive-date=July 22, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Besides changing the game's platform to the ], the game was renamed, and its subsequent sequels were given the word "Solid" as the series started using ].<ref name=mg3>{{cite book|quote='''Kojima''': 'Metal Gear' is as it is, and 'Solid' has a deep meaning. Let me explain. This time Metal Gear is displayed in full polygonal form, and I used 'Solid' to describe the cubic structure. Also, the 'Solid' means to the third power mathematically. Also, most of the people don't know that there is a ''Metal Gear 1'' and ''2'' for the MSX, and I wanted it to be the sequel for those. And, of course, Solid from Solid Snake.|title=Metal Gear Solid: Official Mission Handbook|author=Hogdson, David}}</ref> Since then, the games were designed to be more realistic to further entertain the players.<ref>{{cite web | author=IGN staff | title=More News From Metal Gear Solid Creator | url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/064/064632p1.html | website=IGN | date=April 28, 1998 | access-date=November 14, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071130091959/http://psx.ign.com/articles/064/064632p1.html | archive-date=November 30, 2007 | url-status=live}}</ref> ''Metal Gear Solid 3'' was initially meant to be made for the PlayStation 3, but due to the long wait for the console, the game was developed for the PlayStation 2 instead.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Metal Gear Solid 4: Sons of Liberty Limited Edition Blu-ray DVD|level=''Metal Gear'' 20-year SAGA|publisher=Konami|developer=Konami Productions|year=2008}}</ref> As previous game's settings were indoors areas due to difficulties with the consoles, since ''Metal Gear Solid 3'', Kojima wished to drastically change it despite difficulties.<ref name="gameprointerview" /><ref name="gamingworld">{{cite web | author=Hivner, Brendon | title=Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (First Look) Preview | url=http://www.gamingworldx.com/ps2/MetalGearSolid3SnakeEaterFirstLook.shtml | work=GamingWorldX | access-date=September 5, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030704142839/http://gamingworldx.com/ps2/MetalGearSolid3SnakeEaterFirstLook.shtml | archive-date=July 4, 2003 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all}}</ref> Since ''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty'' had several plot points unresolved, it was originally meant to leave it to players to discuss them to come to their own conclusions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kojima: 'I'll Have to Leave the Industry' if Next Game Goes Wrong|author=Kris Pigna|date=April 15, 2010|url=http://www.1up.com/news/kojima-leave-industry-game-wrong|website=]|access-date=March 8, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530225632/http://www.1up.com/news/kojima-leave-industry-game-wrong|archive-date=May 30, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Kojima wanted to end Metal Gear but now wants to meet fan demand|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/327430/kojima-wanted-to-end-metal-gear-but-now-wants-to-meet-fan-demand/|magazine=]|access-date=November 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129121444/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/327430/kojima-wanted-to-end-metal-gear-but-now-wants-to-meet-fan-demand/|archive-date=November 29, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> This has led to consistency issues in the English versions of ''Metal Gear Solid'' and ''Metal Gear Solid 2'' as they mentioned plot elements that were further explored in ''Metal Gear Solid 4''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/metal-gear-solid-4-afterthoughts|title=Metal Gear Solid 4 Afterthoughts with Ryan Payton|date=November 9, 2008|website=]|access-date=August 23, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724104654/http://www.1up.com/news/metal-gear-solid-4-afterthoughts|archive-date=July 24, 2012}}</ref>
===Foreign agents===
Jennifer (Outer Heaven Resistance), Kyle Schneider (Outer Heaven Resistance - becomes a member of Black Color/Black Ninja allied with Zanzibar Land) and Diane (Outer Heaven Resistance), ] (Mercenary - survived Shadow Moses and Big Shell with only an injured pride and diarrhea), Johnny (Soviet Soldier - grand/father of Johnny Sasaki, see him in 1964 during Operation: Snake Eater), Natasha Markova/Gustava Heffner (former ] agent, assigned to protect Dr. Marv, killed accidentally by her former lover in Zanzibar Land).


==Related media==
===Misc. U.S. Government agents===
{{See also|List of Metal Gear media#Other media}}
] (], Chief of Operations), ] (nuclear weapons specialist), ] (communications expert), Jim Houseman (former Secretary of Defense), ] (Next-Generation Special Forces), Col. Scott Dolph (Marines), James Johnson (U.S. President), Holly White (CIA / Journalist), and Col. Richard Ames (], ], ]).


===ACUA Troops=== ===Printed adaptations===
A novel adaptation of the original '']'' was published in 1988 as a part of ]'s '']'' line of ]s, which were based on third-party ] games.<ref name=worldofpower>{{Cite book|first=Alexander|last=Frost|title=Metal Gear|year=1990|publisher=Scholastic |isbn=0-590-43777-1}}</ref> It was written by Alexander Frost. The novelization is not based on the game's official storyline, but rather on Konami of America's localization of the plot. The book takes further liberties by giving Solid Snake the name of Justin Halley, and by changing the name of Snake's unit from FOXHOUND to the "Snake Men". In Japan, a ''Metal Gear'' ] was published on March 31, 1988, shortly after the release of the game on the Famicom. It is set two years after the events of the original ''Metal Gear'' and is part of the ''Konami Gamebook Series''.<ref name=gamebook>{{Cite book|title=Metal Gear|series=Konami Gamebook Series|language=ja|isbn=4-87655-013-1}}</ref> A novelization of '']'' was published in 2008. It was written by ], the author of nine ] novels.<ref name=mgs1novel>{{Cite book|year=2008|last=Benson|first=Raymond|author-link=Raymond Benson|title=Metal Gear Solid|page=336|publisher=Del Rey|isbn=978-0-345-50328-2}}</ref> Benson also wrote a '']'' novelization, which was published in 2009.<ref name=mgs2novel>{{Cite book|year=2009|last=Benson|first=Raymond|author-link=Raymond Benson|title=Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty|page=|publisher=Del Rey|isbn=978-0-345-50343-5|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/metalgearsolid200bens/page/320}}</ref> Critical reaction to Benson's novelizations has been generally positive, with Bookgasm.com writing that "Benson does a fine job translating the game to the page" with ''Metal Gear Solid'',<ref>{{cite web |author=Bruce Grossman |url=http://www.bookgasm.com/reviews/sci-fi/metal-gear-solid/ |title=''Metal Gear Solid'' |publisher=Bookgasm.com |date=June 16, 2008 |access-date=June 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719155052/http://www.bookgasm.com/reviews/sci-fi/metal-gear-solid/ |archive-date=July 19, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> and MishMashMagazine.com calling ''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty'' "a great companion to the game".<ref>{{cite web |author=Gaming |url=http://www.mishmashmagazine.com/2009/games/raymond-bensons-sons-of-liberty-a-novelization-of-metal-gear-solid/ |title=Raymond Benson's ''Sons of Liberty'', a novelization of ''Metal Gear Solid'' &#124; Video Games |publisher=Mishmash Magazine |date=September 24, 2009 |access-date=June 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714102031/http://www.mishmashmagazine.com/2009/games/raymond-bensons-sons-of-liberty-a-novelization-of-metal-gear-solid/ |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> A Japanese-language novelization of '']'' by Project Itoh was published on June 12, 2008.<ref name=mgs4jpnovel>{{Cite book|author=Project Itoh|title=Metal Gear Solid – Guns of the Patriots|date=June 2008|publisher=角川書店 |language=ja|isbn=978-4-04-707244-2}}</ref> The novel was translated into English by ] and was released on June 19, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/metal-gear-solid-project-itoh/1103214488?ean=9781421540016&itm=6&usri=metal+gear+solid+4|title=Metal Gear Solid: Guns of the Patriot|publisher=Barnesandnoble.com|access-date=February 13, 2012}}</ref>
These soldiers are products of a secret experiment developed somewhere in Africa. They are also know as "Human Weapons," as they have no feelings or mercy. These soldiers become controlled by the Neoteny (No. 16) after ingesting a considerable amount of ACUA. It should be noted that these characters are from the non-canonical ] and have no effect on the main storyline.
Only those who are "Name-Knowers" can be controlled by the Neoteny.


A comic book adaptation of the original ''Metal Gear Solid'' was published by ] in 2004. It was written by ] and with illustrations by ]. The series lasted 24 issues and has been collected in two trade paperbacks as well as a single hardback collector's edition which is currently out-of-print. The entire run of the comic was collected again in a paperback book, ''Metal Gear Solid Omnibus,'' and released in June 2010.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1600106633/|title=Metal Gear Solid Omnibus|date=June 15, 2010 |publisher=Amazon.com|isbn=978-1-60010-663-7 |access-date=August 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006170041/http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1600106633/|archive-date=October 6, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> A comic book adaptation of ''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty'' has also been published by IDW, written by Alex Garner with illustrations by Ashley Wood.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://comics.ign.com/articles/802/802149p1.html|title=Metal Gear Solid: Sons of Liberty #10 Preview|website=IGN|access-date=March 27, 2012|date=July 6, 2007|author=George, Richard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911151659/http://comics.ign.com/articles/802/802149p1.html|archive-date=September 11, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> A digital version of the first comic book adaptation was released for the ], ''Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel,'' in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/712/712361p1.html|title=Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel|website=IGN|access-date=March 27, 2012|date=June 13, 2006|author=Haynes, Jeff|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414023403/http://psp.ign.com/articles/712/712361p1.html|archive-date=April 14, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> A second digital version, ''Metal Gear Solid 2: Bande Dessinée'', was released exclusively in Japan as a DVD release in ] and features fully voiced versions of both comic book adaptations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/807/807568p1.html|title=Metal Gear Solid 2: Bande Dessinee Announced|website=IGN|access-date=March 27, 2012|date=July 24, 2007|author=Miller, Greg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090522172742/http://psp.ign.com/articles/807/807568p1.html|archive-date=May 22, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> All the Japanese voice actors from the games reprised their roles with the exception of those that have died.
===Philanthropy===
Founded after Shadow Moses. An Anti-Metal Gear group that is acknowledged by the government.
*Known Operatives: Solid Snake, Otacon & Nastasha Romanenko (Founder)


==Storylines== ===CDs===
A ] based on the original ''Metal Gear Solid'' aired in Japan from 1998 to 1999 as part of Konami's syndicated ''CLUB db'' program. Directed by ] and written by Motosada Mori, the serial lasted over 12 weekly installments spanning three story arcs. The series was later collected as a two-volume set.<ref name="mgsdramacd1">{{cite web|url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs2/japanese/goods/goods_mgs_cd02.html|title=DRAMA CDメタルギア ソリッド Vol.1|publisher=Konami|language=ja|access-date=August 3, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060323180120/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs2/japanese/goods/goods_mgs_cd02.html|archive-date=March 23, 2006|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="mgsdramacd2">{{cite web|url=http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs2/japanese/goods/goods_mgs_cd03.html|title=DRAMA CD メタルギア ソリッド Vol.2|access-date=August 3, 2006|language=ja|publisher=Konami|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060323180113/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/mgs2/japanese/goods/goods_mgs_cd03.html|archive-date=March 23, 2006|url-status=live}}</ref> The series serves as an alternate continuation to the events of Shadow Moses, with ], ], ] and ] going on further missions as FOXHOUND operatives (Mei Ling and Meryl are depicted wearing a ] and a sneaking suit respectively), although the stories are not considered part of the mainstream ''Metal Gear'' canon. The ] from the game reprised their roles for the series, while new characters are introduced as well.
The storylines for each game are listed in chronological order.


Several promotional DVDs have been released detailing the ''Metal Gear'' series. ''Metal Gear Saga vol. 1'' was released in 2006 as a pre-order disc for ''MGS3: Subsistence''. It is divided into five chapters, each dealing with one game of the then five-part ''Metal Gear'' series in chronological order (beginning with ''MGS3''), and each includes discussions by Hideo Kojima.<ref name=saga1>{{cite web |url=http://dvd.ign.com/objects/801/801325.html |title=IGN: Metal Gear Saga Vol. 1 DVD |website=IGN |access-date=March 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207095207/http://dvd.ign.com/objects/801/801325.html |archive-date=February 7, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Metal Gear Saga vol. 2'' was first shown at the 20th Metal Gear Anniversary Party, and then released as a pre-order disc for ''MGS4''. In this, the video is presented as a pseudo-documentary about Solid Snake and is divided into a prologue and four chapters: Naked Snake-the birth of Snake (chronicling the events of ''MGS3'', ''MG1'', and ''MG2''), Liquid Snake-the second snake (''MGS''), Solidus Snake-the third Snake (''MGS2'') and Solid Snake-the first Snake (setting the stage for ''MGS4'').<ref name =saga2>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/mgs4-pre-order-dvds-shipping-with-mgo-beta-keys-beta-to-begin-a/ |title=MGS4 pre-order DVDs shipping with MGO beta keys, beta to begin April 21 |publisher=Joystiq |author=McElroy, Griffin |date=March 29, 2008 |access-date=March 30, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330113537/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/mgs4-pre-order-dvds-shipping-with-mgo-beta-keys-beta-to-begin-a/ |archive-date=March 30, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Starting with the original ''Metal Gear Solid'', the overarching theme is one of "meme, gene, scene" according to the game's producers &mdash; ''Metal Gear Solid'' deals with ], ''Metal Gear Solid 2]'' deals with how identity can be affected by the philosophies and one's society (a ]), and ''Metal Gear Solid 3'' deals with how the time and place one live in (a 'scene') affects their identity.


===Toys===
{{spoiler}}
In 1999, ], with the collaboration of ], launched a series of action figures depicting key characters from '']''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.spawn.com/toys/series.aspx?series=172 | title = SPAWN.COM >> TOYS >> GAMES AND ANIMATION >> METAL GEAR SOLID | publisher = TMP International, Inc | access-date = December 21, 2006 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130618085300/http://www.spawn.com/toys/series.aspx?series=172 | archive-date = June 18, 2013 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> In 2001, following the success of the first series, and with the release of ''],'' McFarlane Toys, and Konami combined their efforts to produce a line of action figures depicting ''Sons of Liberty'''s main characters. Each character has a piece of Metal Gear RAY, so collecting the entire set is essential to build the robot.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.spawn.com/toys/series.aspx?series=173 | title = SPAWN.COM >> TOYS >> GAMES AND ANIMATION >> METAL GEAR SOLID 2: SONS OF LIBERTY | publisher = TMP International, Inc | access-date = December 21, 2006 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130618083755/http://www.spawn.com/toys/series.aspx?series=173 | archive-date = June 18, 2013 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>


Konami has also released 4" scale ] figures based on ''MGS2'' released in Japan, ''Sons of Liberty'' in 2002 and ''Substance'' shortly after in 2003; the ''Substance'' series was eventually brought to the US and UK markets packaged on card rather than blind boxed. During the release of ''MGS3'', Medicom released 12" figures of Snake as part of their Real Action Heroes line. Medicom continued to support the franchise with the release of ] figures for ''Snake Eater'' and ''Guns of the Patriots'', which also included seven- and 12-inch versions of the game's characters.
==='']''===
Set in ] at the height of the ], this game follows Naked Snake - the man who will become Big Boss - into the ] jungle to recover a scientist who has been working on a new type of tank that can fire a nuclear missile. It is heavily influenced by the style of ] movies, from the plentiful love interests to the classic visual style of the opening credits.


In 2009, toy company ThreeA joined forces with Kojima to make related products. The first fruit of this partnership came in late 2012, when ThreeA released a massive 1/48 scale figure of Metal Gear REX, with working LED lights.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.threeaonline.com/blog/?p=1868|title=MGS REX|access-date=December 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313184040/http://www.threeaonline.com/blog/?p=1868|archive-date=March 13, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tomopop.com/threea-s-metal-gear-rex-on-sale-tonight-23670.phtml|title=ThreeA's Metal Gear Rex on sale tonight|access-date=December 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109030237/http://www.tomopop.com/threea-s-metal-gear-rex-on-sale-tonight-23670.phtml|archive-date=January 9, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> It can also be dressed up to depict REX's decrepit condition in ''Guns of the Patriots''. The company is also cooperating with graphic artist ] to develop a similarly scaled Metal Gear RAY. A prototype was first unveiled at the ReVenture hobby show in Hong Kong in April 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last=Plunkett|first=Luke|title=The Most Amazing Portal, Halo & Metal Gear Toys You'll Ever See|url=http://kotaku.com/5906182/the-most-amazing-portal-halo--metal-gear-toys-youll-ever-see/gallery/1|website=Kotaku|access-date=December 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128144538/http://kotaku.com/5906182/the-most-amazing-portal-halo--metal-gear-toys-youll-ever-see/gallery/1|archive-date=January 28, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
The plot of ''Snake Eater'' provides closure to the series (some trailers called it the last in the "''Metal Gear Solid'' trilogy"), resolving many hanging plot points raised in earlier titles. For example, the role of The Patriots in the story arc, raised in ''Sons of Liberty'', and the transformation of Big Boss from a patriotic soldier to renegade with the creation of Outer Heaven, which underpins the first two titles, are explained. There are several references to actual events in the series' past, as well as a very detailed background on Ocelot's role in the whole ''Solid'' series.


] also joined the production of toys based on the franchise starting with the boss vehicles and characters from '']''. The toys, which are from Square's ''Play Arts Kai'' line, were released in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gpara.com/article/cms_show.php?c_id=20094&c_num=14 |title=『MGS PW』フィギュア発売決定!『FRONT MISSION EVOLVED』とコラボも/ゲーム情報ポータル:ジーパラドットコム |publisher=Gpara.com |access-date=June 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929093859/http://www.gpara.com/article/cms_show.php?c_id=20094&c_num=14 |archive-date=September 29, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/252/252416/ |title=これまでにない作品が誕生! 『MGS PW』完成披露会で小島秀夫監督が熱弁 – 電撃オンライン |publisher=News.dengeki.com |date=April 7, 2010 |access-date=June 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021104315/http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/252/252416/ |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> The line has since expanded to include characters from ''Metal Gear Solid,'' ''Sons of Liberty,'' ''Ground Zeroes'', and ''The Phantom Pain'', with the detail more pronounced than the original McFarlane Toys figures.
==='']''===
In ], 200 km north of Galzburg, the South African nation of Outer Heaven is held by a mysterious mercenary. Word had gotten out to the western world that deep within the Outer Heaven stronghold, that a weapon of mass destruction was being constructed. Government officials orders the high-tech Special Forces squad, FOXHOUND, to infiltrate the fortress, assess the situation and neutralize the threat. Known as operation "Intrude N313," FOXHOUND operative Gray Fox infiltrated the Outer Heaven stronghold. Days later, contact with Gray Fox is lost. His last transmission reads, "METAL GEAR..."


In 2012, Hot Toys released a 1/6th action figure of Naked Snake in his original sneaking suit attire from ''MGS3'', as well as the Boss.
Another operative, the rookie Solid Snake, is ordered by FOXHOUND leader Big Boss to find the missing operative Gray Fox and carry out his mission. Upon infiltrating Outer Heaven, Snake discovers the advanced nuclear weapon system Metal Gear and learns from its imprisoned creator how to destroy it. Snake succeeds after a series of gruelling battles with the mercenary forces which defend Outer Heaven and the sophisticated electronic defenses surrounding Metal Gear itself. It is then that he meets the man who rules Outer Heaven: FOXHOUND's own commander, Big Boss. Big Boss activates the destruct sequence for the fortress, but is defeated by Snake, who escapes as the base crumbles behind him.


To celebrate the franchise's 25th anniversary, model kit company Kotobukiya released a 1/100 scale Metal Gear REX, which features small figures of Solid Snake, Liquid Snake, and Gray Fox in both standing and near-death versions.,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://geek-news.mtv.com/2012/09/18/kotobukiya-metal-gear-rex-model|title=Kotobukiya Unveils Their Own Metal Gear Masterpiece With The Rex Model Kit!|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610031332/http://geek-news.mtv.com/2012/09/18/kotobukiya-metal-gear-rex-model|archive-date=June 10, 2013}}</ref> and later followed suit with RAY. ]'s Revoltech action figure line includes versions of Big Boss from ''Peace Walker'' and Raiden from ''Rising: Revengeance'', plus Venom Snake and a generic ] soldier from ''The Phantom Pain'' for the smaller RevoMini action figure category.
==='']''===
By ] the Cold War had thawed, and nuclear disarmament by the major world powers promised a bright beginning to the 21st century. Despite this, all was not well in the world. A series of shocks to the oil market spurred the development of new high-tech energy sources, including nuclear fusion power. However, most vehicles still relied on oil for power. A breakthrough solution is presented in Prague by Czech scientist Dr. Kio Marv: a type of algae which can produce petroleum-grade hydrocarbons. However, somewhere between the (presently known as) Czech Republic and the United States, he is kidnapped by forces belonging to the heavily fortified nation of "Zanzibar Land."


===Soundtracks===
Solid Snake is sent in to rescue the scientist. He discovers that the nation's leaders plan to hold the world hostage through both the oil supply (now tied inexorably to Dr. Marv's research) and nuclear weapons (through a new form of Metal Gear). The man in the seat of power in Zanzibar Land is none other than Big Boss, and his newest lieutenant is Snake's old comrade Gray Fox (who supposedly dies in a fistfight in a mined room). While Snake succeeds in destroying Metal Gear and bringing down Big Boss, he finds the blood of his best friend on his hands. Upon completing the mission, Snake leaves the military and disappears into the Alaskan wilderness to seek isolation and solitude.
{{Main|Discography of the Metal Gear series}}


Soundtracks for the first two games were produced by Iku Mizutani, Shigehiro Takenouchi, and Motoaki Furukawa. For ''Metal Gear Solid'', Kojima wanted "a full orchestra right next to the player"; a system which made modifications such as ] and ] to the currently playing track, instead of switching to another pre-recorded track. Although these features could not be achieved at that time, they were implemented in ''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty''.<ref>{{cite web | title=E3: Hideo Kojima Interview | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/079/079352p1.html | website=IGN | date=May 15, 2000 | access-date=July 13, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611231034/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/079/079352p1.html | archive-date=June 11, 2007 | url-status=live }}</ref> Hideo Kojima's choice of ], a ] ] from ]'s studio, as the composer for ''Metal Gear Solid 2'' was highly publicized in the run-up to the game's release.<ref>Harry Gregson-Williams' interview in The Making of Documentary in the Bonus Making of DVD.</ref> Gregson-Williams would reprise his role in ''Metal Gear Solid 3'' and ''Metal Gear Solid 4''.<ref name="musiccreditsharry">{{cite web|year=2006|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6158568.html?sid=6158568|title=TGS 06:Kojima on Metal Gear|work=]|access-date=January 22, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090811224905/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6158568.html?sid=6158568|archive-date=August 11, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Starting with ''Metal Gear Solid'', theme songs have been provided by popular artists such as ].<ref name="aoife">{{cite web | author=Aoife Ní Fhearraigh | title=My Albums | url=http://www.aoife.ie/myalbums.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010826230242/http://www.aoife.ie/myalbums.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=August 26, 2001 | work=Aoife Ní Fhearraigh | access-date=October 23, 2006 }}</ref> Several soundtracks based on the games have also been published.
==='']''===
Sometime in February 2005, ] is forcefully called out of retirement by his old commanding officer Roy Campbell and given a new mission. Apparently, the Special Forces unit FOXHOUND and the Next Generation Special Force were conducting a training exercise on Shadow Moses Island in ]'s Fox Archipelago when the unit suddenly revolted against the ] government. Their demands include the remains of the legendary mercenary Big Boss, and they threaten a nuclear strike within twenty-four hours if their demands are not met. Snake is given two objectives: first, to infiltrate the nuclear weapons disposal facility and rescue ] Chief Donald Anderson and Kenneth Baker, the President of ArmsTech. Secondly, he must stop the terrorists from launching a nuclear strike. Secretly, this is also to prevent FOXHOUND from making away with the first (known) American Government backed Metal Gear but eventually Snake uncovers this.


===Film adaptation===
Solid Snake defeats or otherwise neutralizes most of FOXHOUND and the other terrorists in battle while Decoy Octopus, Baker, and Liquid Snake die from a specially engineered assassination virus called 'FOXDIE' (Solid Snake was the carrier of the virus). Snake also learns of his origins as a genetic son of Big Boss and also as a genetic twin of Liquid Snake. Solid Snake, Meryl Silverburg, and Dr. Hal Emmerich are officially recorded as dead after the events on Shadow Moses Island; the recorded outcome of the only other physical survivor, Revolver Ocelot, is most likely unchanged due to his "Top Secret" status. Incidentally, the Metal Gear in this game is named ] and resembles a ''Tyrannosaurus rex'' in some respects.
In May 2006, ''Metal Gear'' series creator Hideo Kojima announced that an English-language ] of '']'' was in early development.<ref>{{cite web | author=Tom Bramwell | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news020506mgsmovie | title=Kojima confirms MGS movie | website=Eurogamer | date=May 2, 2006 | access-date=August 10, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207004600/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news020506mgsmovie | archive-date=February 7, 2009 | url-status=live }}</ref> Kojima also announced at the ] later that month that he had negotiated a contract with a party in Hollywood to adapt the video game into a film, though no further details were shared at that time.<ref>{{cite web | author=Tor Thorsen | url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6150282/e3-06-live-action-metal-gear-solid-movie-confirmed?part=rss&subj=6150282 | title=E3 06: Live-action Metal Gear Solid movie confirmed | website=] | date=May 10, 2006 | access-date=August 10, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622013133/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6150282/e3-06-live-action-metal-gear-solid-movie-confirmed?part=rss&subj=6150282 | archive-date=June 22, 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref> ], the English voice actor for Solid Snake, submitted a ] that executives passed on.<ref>{{cite web | author=Stax | url=http://movies.ign.com/articles/788/788169p1.html | title=''Metal Gear Solid'' Movie Exclusive | website=IGN | date=May 14, 2007 | access-date=August 10, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070904194007/http://movies.ign.com/articles/788/788169p1.html | archive-date=September 4, 2007 | url-status=live }}</ref> Producers had expressed interest in '']'' director ] as writer and/or director,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=42924 |title=EXCL: Kurt Wimmer Adapting Metal Gear Solid? |publisher=ComingSoon.net |date=March 13, 2008 |access-date=June 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110416024052/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=42924 |archive-date=April 16, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/7418/tcid/1/pg/2|title=Mike De Luca Exclusive Interview|access-date=August 30, 2011|website=Collider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321122305/http://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/7418/tcid/1/pg/2|archive-date=March 21, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> or ] to direct;<ref>{{cite web |author=Brian Ashcraft |url=http://kotaku.com/5008812/metal-gear-movie-update |title=''Metal Gear'' Movie Update |publisher=Kotaku.com |date=May 13, 2008 |access-date=June 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227181138/http://kotaku.com/5008812/metal-gear-movie-update |archive-date=December 27, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> Kojima also denied claims that German director ] was a possible contender.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/03/kojima-on-uwe-boll-its-impossible/ | title=Kojima on Uwe Boll "It's impossible" | website=Kotaku | date=February 3, 2006 | access-date=September 15, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627174113/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/03/kojima-on-uwe-boll-its-impossible/ | archive-date=June 27, 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref> ]<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://www.gamekyo.com/news15552_metal-gear-solid-the-movie.html | title=Metal Gear Solid: The Movie | publisher=JeuxFrance.com | date=April 30, 2006 | access-date=August 10, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080902000513/http://www.gamekyo.com/news15552_metal-gear-solid-the-movie.html | archive-date=September 2, 2008 | url-status=live }}</ref> and ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/27/who-kojima-wants-to-play-snake-in-mgs-movie|title=Who Kojima Wants to Play Snake in MGS Movie|date=September 27, 2012|access-date=September 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002173134/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/27/who-kojima-wants-to-play-snake-in-mgs-movie|archive-date=October 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> were considered for the role of Snake, while ] denied rumors of his involvement.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/06/24/christian-bale-likes-metal-gear-doesnt-like-talking/ |title=MTV Multiplayer: Christian Bale Likes 'Metal Gear,' Doesn't Like Talking |publisher=Multiplayerblog.mtv.com |date=June 24, 2009 |access-date=June 3, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504090353/http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/06/24/christian-bale-likes-metal-gear-doesnt-like-talking |archive-date=May 4, 2011}}</ref> On January 11, 2010, producer ] confirmed that work on a ''Metal Gear'' film adaptation had been postponed indefinitely. He said Konami expressed concern that the entire ''Metal Gear'' franchise could be seriously affected if a movie version performed poorly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/01/11/metal-gear-solid-film-unlikely-to-happen-in-the-near-future|publisher=MTV|date=January 11, 2010|access-date=August 30, 2011|title='Metal Gear Solid' Film Unlikely To Happen in the Near Future|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316050655/http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/01/11/metal-gear-solid-film-unlikely-to-happen-in-the-near-future/|archive-date=March 16, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/105/1059866p1.html|title=Metal Gear Movie Dead|website=IGN|access-date=August 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212103629/http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/105/1059866p1.html|archive-date=December 12, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> In March 2012, during '']'' exhibit at the ], Kojima stated that he did not have a desire to write or direct a potential ''Metal Gear Solid'' movie himself.<ref>{{cite web|last=Snyder|first=Daniel D.|title=How Hideo Kojima Became a Legendary Video-Game Designer|date=March 21, 2012|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/03/how-hideo-kojima-became-a-legendary-video-game-designer/254831/|publisher=theatlantic.com|access-date=June 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830123609/http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/03/how-hideo-kojima-became-a-legendary-video-game-designer/254831/|archive-date=August 30, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Carmichael|first=Stephanie|title=Hideo Kojima spoke at the Smithsonian's 'The Art of Video Games' exhibition|url=http://www.gamezone.com/products/metal-gear-solid/news/hideo-kojima-spoke-at-the-smithsonian-s-the-art-of-video-games-exhibition|publisher=gameszone.com|access-date=June 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425212952/http://www.gamezone.com/products/metal-gear-solid/news/hideo-kojima-spoke-at-the-smithsonian-s-the-art-of-video-games-exhibition|archive-date=April 25, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>


At the Metal Gear 25th Anniversary on August 30, 2012, Hideo Kojima announced that Arad Productions, owned by Arad brothers ] and Ari, had agreed to produce a movie version of ''Metal Gear Solid'' with ]. Columbia's parent company, ], will be in charge of distribution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.konami-digital-entertainment.co.jp/en/news/release/2012/0830_2/?ref=kdej-e_top|title='Metal Gear Solid' Movie Announced|access-date=August 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023035240/http://konami-digital-entertainment.co.jp/en/news/release/2012/0830_2/?ref=kdej-e_top|archive-date=October 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 3, 2014, '']'' reported that Sony was in talks with ] to direct the film;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/06/sony-in-talks-with-jordan-vogt-roberts-to-helm-metal-gear-solid-739744/|title=Sony In Talks With Jordan Vogt-Roberts To Helm 'Metal Gear Solid'|last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr.|work=Deadline|date=June 3, 2014|access-date=June 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606055624/http://www.deadline.com/2014/06/sony-in-talks-with-jordan-vogt-roberts-to-helm-metal-gear-solid/|archive-date=June 6, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> he was confirmed to be attached as director of the project in 2015.<ref name="Jaafar">{{cite web |last1=Jaafar |first1=Ali |title=Sony Taps Jay Basu To Write 'Metal Gear Solid' |url=https://deadline.com/2015/03/sony-playstation-jay-basu-metal-gear-solid-leviathan-fox-x-men-1201400987/ |website=Deadline |date=30 March 2015}}</ref> In February 2017, Vogt-Roberts said the filmmakers are working on the film's script with Kojima.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/metal-gear-solid-movie-update-rating-jordan-vogt-roberts/|title='Metal Gear Solid' Movie Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts Offers Extensive Update, Talks Rating|publisher=Collider.com|last=Chitwood|first=Adam|date=February 20, 2017|access-date=February 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109082444/https://collider.com/metal-gear-solid-movie-update-rating-jordan-vogt-roberts/|archive-date=January 9, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He has stated a desire for the film to receive an R rating, expressing a desire to make "the riskier, balls-to-the-wall, Kojima-san version of it. it's a way to make the first great ] where it doesn't matter that it's based on a video game."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/08/06/jordan-vogt-roberts-r-rated-metal-gear-solid-movie/|title=Jordan Vogt-Roberts Wants R-Rated 'Metal Gear Solid' Movie|website=comicbook.com|date=August 6, 2018 |access-date=August 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219152502/https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/08/06/jordan-vogt-roberts-r-rated-metal-gear-solid-movie/|archive-date=December 19, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Although Jay Basu was initially announced as screenwriter in 2015,<ref name="Jaafar" /> ] was hired to rewrite the script in November 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1= Kroll|first1=Justin|last2=Lang|first2=Brent|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/jurassic-world-derek-connolly-pen-sonys-metal-gear-solid-pic-1202610438/amp/|title=''Jurassic World'' Scribe To Write ''Metal Gear Solid'' Film (Exclusive)|date=November 8, 2017|magazine=]|access-date=October 18, 2021}}</ref> Connolly completed the first draft of the film's screenplay in July 2018,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/metal-gear-solid-movie-script-finished/|title=Metal Gear Solid Movie Script Is Finished, More Art Revealed|website=MovieWeb|date=July 16, 2018|access-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604131831/https://movieweb.com/metal-gear-solid-movie-script-finished/|archive-date=June 4, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and another draft in December 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2019-12-07/jordan-vogt-roberts-new-draft-script-turned-in-for-metal-gear-solid-film/.154102|title=Jordan Vogt-Roberts: New Draft Script Turned In for Metal Gear Solid Film|website=Anime News Network|access-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211102216/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2019-12-07/jordan-vogt-roberts-new-draft-script-turned-in-for-metal-gear-solid-film/.154102|archive-date=December 11, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2020, it was announced that ] had been officially cast as Solid Snake<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=2020-12-04|title=Oscar Isaac To Star As Solid Snake In Sony's 'Metal Gear Solid' Movie|url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/oscar-isaac-solid-snake-sonys-metal-gear-solid-movie-1234650259/|access-date=2020-12-04|website=Deadline|language=en-US}}</ref> following his having expressed interest in the role;<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3549221/oscar-isaac-wants-solid-snake-vogt-roberts-metal-gear-solid-film/ |title=Oscar Isaac Wants to be Solid Snake for Vogt-Roberts' 'Metal Gear Solid' Film |date=March 4, 2019 |access-date=May 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524042150/https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3549221/oscar-isaac-wants-solid-snake-vogt-roberts-metal-gear-solid-film/ |archive-date=May 24, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> a 2024 insider rumor suggests Isaac may have dropped out of the project.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.joblo.com/metal-gear-solid-oscar-isaac-rumor/ | title=Oscar Isaac is reportedly no longer hiding under a cardboard box as Snake for the Jordan Vogt-Roberts Metal Gear Solid movie | date=February 9, 2024 }}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=Citation links to a locked Patreon post from an "industry insider", no additional detail or official word has emerged months later.|date=July 2024}} Updates have been minimal since 2020, with comments from Isaac in 2022<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kim |first1=Matt |title=Oscar Isaac Gives an Update on Metal Gear Solid Movie: 'We're Searching Like Solid Snake' |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/metal-gear-solid-movie-update-oscar-isaac |website=IGN |language=en |date=23 March 2022}}</ref> and Arad in 2024<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yin-Poole |first1=Wesley |title=Metal Gear Solid Movie Script Still Being Worked On, Producer Says |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/metal-gear-solid-movie-script-still-being-worked-on-producer-says |website=IGN |access-date=1 July 2024 |language=en |date=1 July 2024}}</ref> indicating that the script was still in progress.
This game was later remade as '']'' in 2004, as is noted above.


==Reception and legacy==
==='']''===
{{VG Series Reviews
====]====
| updated = September 8, 2015
''Metal Gear Solid 2'' opens on the ] in ], in 2007, two years after the events of ''Metal Gear Solid''. Solid Snake, now a member of the ] Philanthropy, is investigating the development of a new Metal Gear, consistently described only as having been designed to "wipe the floor with all the other models." The new Metal Gear model is being transported for testing by the ] following the proliferation of ]'s blueprints. Shortly after Snake's arrival to the aptly named ] "Discovery," a large group of Russian terrorists hijack the ship. These troops are later identified to be under the command of Sergei Gurlukovich, the ] commander that Liquid Snake was scheduled to sell the plans for Metal Gear REX to after the events of ''Metal Gear Solid''. After sneaking up to the bridge of the ship, Snake must fight off Olga Gurlukovich, daughter of Sergei. After achieving victory, Solid Snake steals his way down to the holds in order to record pictures of the new Metal Gear. The Metal Gear in question is found out to be Metal Gear RAY, an amphibious prototype. The mission rapidly goes from bad to worse as Revolver Ocelot murders Sergei Gurlukovich, sinks the tanker, and steals Metal Gear RAY.
| game1 = ]
| mc1 = (PS1) 94<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation |title=''Metal Gear Solid'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827032740/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/metal-gear-solid |archive-date=August 27, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PC) 83<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Metal Gear Solid'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907022926/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/metal-gear-solid |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game2 = ]
| mc2 = -
| game3 = ]
| mc3 = -
| game4 = ]
| mc4 = (PS2) 96<ref name="solid 2 mc">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-2-sons-of-liberty/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827032145/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/metal-gear-solid-2-sons-of-liberty |archive-date=August 27, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game5 = ]
| mc5 = (Xbox) 87<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-2-substance/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=''Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020073710/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/metal-gear-solid-2-substance |archive-date=October 20, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PS2) 87<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-2-substance/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014063603/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/metal-gear-solid-2-substance |archive-date=October 14, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PC) 77<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-2-substance/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025201545/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/metal-gear-solid-2-substance |archive-date=October 25, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game6 = ]
| mc6 = (GCN) 85<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-the-twin-snakes/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=''Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319134359/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/metal-gear-solid-the-twin-snakes |archive-date=March 19, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game7 = ]
| mc7 = (PS2) 91<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916105344/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater |archive-date=September 16, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game8 = ]
| mc8 = (PS2) 94<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistance'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825052838/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/metal-gear-solid-3-subsistence |archive-date=August 25, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game9 = ]
| mc9 = (PSP) 75<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-acid/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=''Metal Gear Acid'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120165700/https://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/metal-gear-acid |archive-date=January 20, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game10 = ]
| mc10 = (PSP) 80<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-acid-2/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=''Metal Gear Acid 2'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101162237/http://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/metal-gear-acid-2 |archive-date=November 1, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game11 = ]
| mc11 = (PSP) 78<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-digital-graphic-novel/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=''Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103233126/http://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/metal-gear-solid-digital-graphic-novel |archive-date=November 3, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game12 = ]
| mc12 = (PSP) 87<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-portable-ops/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=''Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104054700/http://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/metal-gear-solid-portable-ops |archive-date=November 4, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game13 = ]
| mc13 = (PSP) 65<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-portable-ops-plus/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=''Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122171915/http://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/metal-gear-solid-portable-ops-plus |archive-date=November 22, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game14 = ]
| mc14 = (PS3) 94<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-4-guns-of-the-patriots/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903045400/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/metal-gear-solid-4-guns-of-the-patriots |archive-date=September 3, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game15 = ]
| mc15 = (PSP) 89<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=''Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111132550/http://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/metal-gear-solid-peace-walker |archive-date=November 11, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game16 = ]
| mc16 = (X360) 90<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-hd-collection/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''Metal Gear Solid HD Collection'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906200311/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/metal-gear-solid-hd-collection |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PS3) 89<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-hd-collection/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''Metal Gear Solid HD Collection'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905124118/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/metal-gear-solid-hd-collection |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(Vita) 81<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-hd-collection/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita |title=''Metal Gear Solid HD Collection'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910224156/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-vita/metal-gear-solid-hd-collection |archive-date=September 10, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game17 = ]
| mc17 = (3DS) 78<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=''Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106014341/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game18 = ]
| mc18 = (PC) 83<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-rising-revengeance/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150826090422/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/metal-gear-rising-revengeance |archive-date=August 26, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(X360) 82<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-rising-revengeance/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20150908200615/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/metal-gear-rising-revengeance |archive-date=September 8, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PS3) 80<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-rising-revengeance/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103011453/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/metal-gear-rising-revengeance |archive-date=November 3, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game19 = ]
| mc19 = (PS3) 93<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collection/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection |website=] |access-date=October 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215161813/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/metal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collection |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game20 = ]
| mc20 = (PC) 80<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-ground-zeroes/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905123932/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/metal-gear-solid-v-ground-zeroes |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(XONE) 76<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-ground-zeroes/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=''Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822103437/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/metal-gear-solid-v-ground-zeroes |archive-date=August 22, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PS4) 75<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-ground-zeroes/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909001759/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/metal-gear-solid-v-ground-zeroes |archive-date=September 9, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PS3) 66<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-ground-zeroes/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903050516/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/metal-gear-solid-v-ground-zeroes |archive-date=September 3, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game21 = ]
| mc21 = (PC) 91<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-v-the-phantom-pain/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906194202/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/metal-gear-solid-v-the-phantom-pain |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PS4) 93<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-v-the-phantom-pain/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908023812/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/metal-gear-solid-v-the-phantom-pain |archive-date=September 8, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(XONE) 95<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-solid-v-the-phantom-pain/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=''Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319192815/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/metal-gear-solid-v-the-phantom-pain |archive-date=March 19, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game22 = ]
| mc22 = (PC) 54<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-survive/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Metal Gear Survive'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314101351/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/metal-gear-survive |archive-date=March 14, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PS4) 60<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-survive/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''Metal Gear Survive'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312184437/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/metal-gear-survive |archive-date=March 12, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(XONE) 62<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-gear-survive/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=''Metal Gear Survive'' Reviews |website=] |access-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310092434/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/metal-gear-survive |archive-date=March 10, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}


The ''Metal Gear'' franchise has achieved great success, selling over {{nowrap|61.1 million}} copies {{as of|2024|2|lc=y}}.<ref name="50M">{{cite web |date=September 2022 |title=KONAMI HOLDINGS CORPORATION |url=https://www.konami.com/corporate/en/business/digitalentertainment.html |access-date=March 15, 2024}}</ref> By February 2007, the series had grossed more than {{US$|1 billion|long=no}} (equivalent to between {{US$|{{Inflation|US|1|2007|r=1}}–{{Inflation|US|1|1987|r=1}} billion|long=no}} adjusted for inflation) from {{nowrap|20 million}} copies sold, in addition to having sold ancillary merchandise including {{nowrap|3 million}} ], {{nowrap|1.5 million}} ] and 200,000 ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siegel |first1=Tatiana |last2=Kit |first2=Borys |title='Metal Gear Solid' film being forged at Columbia |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/metal-gear-solid-film-being-129850/ |access-date=11 September 2021 |work=] |date=9 February 2007}}</ref> {{As of|2019}}, the franchise has grossed about {{US$|2.5 billion|long=no}} worldwide.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dennison |first1=Kara |title=Fate/GO Has Earned in Four Years What Metal Gear Solid Has in 32 |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/04/06/fatego-has-earned-in-four-years-what-metal-gear-solid-has-in-32 |access-date=6 November 2021 |work=] |date=April 7, 2019}}</ref>
Incidentally, ] is sporting a new right arm after his heated conflict with Solid snake in ]; it is revealed that the arm is that of the late Liquid Snake via a change of personality in Revolver Ocelot's demeanor and behavior.


''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty'' sold {{nowrap|7.03 million}} copies worldwide,<ref>{{cite news |title=Million-Seller Genealogy |url=http://www.konamijpn.com/corporate/million_e.html |access-date=11 September 2021 |work=] (KCEJ) |publisher=] |date=December 31, 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050315004002/http://www.konamijpn.com/corporate/million_e.html |archive-date=2005-03-15}}</ref><ref name="sales">{{cite web|author=Big Gaz |title=Metal Gear Solid 3 Exclusive For Sony |url=http://www.gameplanet.co.nz/mag.dyn/Features/1751.html |work=GamePlanet |access-date=January 20, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030802051846/http://www.gameplanet.co.nz/mag.dyn/Features/1751.html |archive-date=August 2, 2003 }}</ref> and is followed in sales by ''Metal Gear Solid'' with over {{nowrap|7 million}} copies sold,<ref>{{cite news |title=Form 20-F (For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005) |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1290/119312505146876/filing-main.htm |access-date=May 15, 2018 |work=] |publisher=] |date=July 22, 2005}}</ref> and then ''Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots'' and ''Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain'', each with over {{nowrap|6 million}} copies sold.<ref name="sales2">{{cite web|author=Big Gaz |title=Metal Gear Solid 3 Exclusive For Sony |url=http://www.gameplanet.co.nz/mag.dyn/Features/1751.html |date=May 15, 2003 |publisher=] |access-date=July 7, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030802051846/http://www.gameplanet.co.nz/mag.dyn/Features/1751.html |archive-date=August 2, 2003 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=FY 2010 3rd quarter Financial Results | url=http://www.konami.co.jp/en/ir/ir-data/meeting/2010/0204.pdf?ref=ir-e_topl | date=February 4, 2010 | publisher=] | access-date=August 12, 2011 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618214131/http://www.konami.co.jp/en/ir/ir-data/meeting/2010/0204.pdf?ref=ir-e_topl | archive-date=June 18, 2013 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/218234/Republique_and_the_fight_for_narrative_games_in_a_modern_market.php|title=Republique, and the fight for narrative games in a modern market|last=Alexander|first=Leigh|date=May 21, 2014|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=May 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522004735/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/218234/Republique_and_the_fight_for_narrative_games_in_a_modern_market.php|archive-date=May 22, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=METAL GEAR SOLID 5: THE PHANTOM PAIN SHIPPED OVER 6 MILLION COPIES|url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2016/01/29/metal-gear-solid-5-the-phantom-pain-shipped-over-6-million-copies|website=IGN|date=January 29, 2016|access-date=March 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914200607/https://uk.ign.com/articles/2016/01/29/metal-gear-solid-5-the-phantom-pain-shipped-over-6-million-copies|archive-date=September 14, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ], ''Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots'' was the second fastest-selling PlayStation 3 game in the United Kingdom after '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/chart-track-mgs4-had-minimal-impact-on-uk-ps3-sales|title=Chart-Track: MGS4 had "minimal" impact on UK PS3 sales|first=Johnny|last=Minkley|date=June 17, 2008|publisher=]|access-date=June 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908030013/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/chart-track-mgs4-had-minimal-impact-on-uk-ps3-sales|archive-date=September 8, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Phantom Pain'' grossed {{US$|179 million|long=no}} on release day, higher than the combined opening day box office of the films '']'' and '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/metal-gear-solid-v-s-opening-day-beats-jurassic-world-avengers-combined-315459.phtml |title=Metal Gear Solid V's opening day beats Jurassic World, Avengers combined |website=Destructoid.com |date=2015-10-14 |access-date=2015-12-22 |archive-date=January 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101165154/http://www.destructoid.com/metal-gear-solid-v-s-opening-day-beats-jurassic-world-avengers-combined-315459.phtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> The PlayStation Portable games were met with notably lower sales, but it has been analyzed that this was because of the low sales of the console when the games were released.<ref name="PWsales">{{cite web |url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/110/1106817p1.html |title=Peace Walker Sales Difficult To Judge |website=IGN.com |date=July 17, 2010 |access-date=July 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004074213/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/07/17/peace-walker-sales-difficult-to-judge |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Metal Gear Survive'', the first ''Metal Gear'' game to be developed since series creator Hideo Kojima left Konami, sold only a fraction of the sales made by ''Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Saed|first1=Sherif|title=Metal Gear Survive UK week 1 sales down considerably compared to The Phantom Pain, Metal Gear Rising|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/02/26/metal-gear-survive-uk-week-1-sales-down-considerably-compared-the-phantom-pain-rising/|website=VG247|date=February 26, 2018|access-date=March 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228165233/https://www.vg247.com/2018/02/26/metal-gear-survive-uk-week-1-sales-down-considerably-compared-the-phantom-pain-rising/|archive-date=February 28, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
====]====
The player finds himself in control of ], supposedly operating under FOXHOUND two years after the Tanker Chapter, April 29, 2009. His mission is revealed to be to rescue the ] and other hostages from the "]" facility off of the shoreline of ] from the anti-terrorist group ], who are calling themselves the "Sons of Liberty" and claiming to be led by Solid Snake. Raiden enters through an oil fence while SEAL Team 10 enters by air as a distraction from Raiden's infiltration. During Raiden's mission he meets with the self-proclaimed Lt. Junior Grade Iroquois Pliskin as well as Peter Stillman, a bomb disposal expert that was brought in with the SEALs; and a Cyborg Ninja imitating Gray Fox's ninja persona but calling himself Mr. X.


The series as a whole (namely concerning the Kojima-directed titles) is often regarded as one of the most influential of all time and has received largely critical acclaim from critics and players. Most of the numbered installments are considered to be some of the ]. ''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty'' currently possesses 95.09% on ] and 96/100 on ], making it the highest-scoring game of the series to date.<ref name="solid 2 mc"/><ref name="solid 2 gr">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/913941-metal-gear-solid-2-sons-of-liberty/index.html |title=''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty'' Reviews |publisher=] |access-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106180545/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/913941-metal-gear-solid-2-sons-of-liberty/index.html |archive-date=January 6, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2002, IGN's editors ranked ''Metal Gear Solid'' as the best PlayStation game ever.<ref>{{cite web | author=IGN staff | title=Top 25 Games of All Time: Complete List | url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/080/080401p1.html | website=IGN | date=January 22, 2002 | access-date=November 3, 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301140737/http://psx.ign.com/articles/080/080401p1.html | archive-date=March 1, 2010 | url-status=live }}</ref> In ''Game Informer Magazine''{{'}}s list of top 200 games of all time, ''Metal Gear Solid 2'' ranked at No. 50 on the list.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 200 Games|magazine=]|issue=200|date=December 2009}}</ref> '']'' was also voted as the fifth greatest PlayStation game in a poll from '']''.<ref>PlayStation Official Magazine issue 50, ], October 2010</ref> ''Metal Gear Solid'' and ''Metal Gear Solid 2'' were featured in the ]'s "The Art of Video Games" exhibition taking place from March 16 to September 30, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/games/|title=The Art of Video Games|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110015838/http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/games/|archive-date=January 10, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Games have won multiple awards such as ''Metal Gear Solid'', which won the "Excellence Award for Interactive Art" by the ],<ref name="excellenceaward">{{cite web | url=http://plaza.bunka.go.jp/english/festival/1998/degital/000311/ | title=1998 Japan Media Arts Festival Digital Art (Interactive Art) Excellence Prize Metal Gear Solid | publisher=Japan Media Arts Plaza | access-date=August 28, 2007 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20071011214357/http://plaza.bunka.go.jp/english/festival/1998/degital/000311/ | archive-date=October 11, 2007 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> and ''Metal Gear Solid 2'', which was given the ] award by '']''.<ref name="gameinformeraward">"Games of 2001." '']''. January 2002: p. 52</ref>
It is revealed that the Solid Snake leading Dead Cell is in fact ], a third clone from ], and that Iroquois Pliskin is the real Solid Snake in disguise. It is later revealed that the Big Shell (and the sinking of the oil tanker) was merely a cover-up for the development of "]", an amphibious mobile fortress defended by a fleet of mass-produced, unmanned variants of ] as well as a large payload of missiles. Through meeting with ] (]'s step-sister), Raiden discovers that Arsenal Gear was secretly built as part of a conspiracy by the ]-like ] to further their control over the public interests. It carries a ] of supercomputers facilitated by several AIs, two of which are named "GW" and "JFK", which is designed to monitor, block, and tamper with Internet communications, in order to further the totalitarian agenda of "The Patriots." By the end of ''Metal Gear Solid 2'', all of the members of Dead Cell (and Peter Stillman, Emma Emmerich, James Johnson, and Richard Ames) are dead (with the exception of Vamp) and Liquid Snake's personality seems to have completely dominated Ocelot's body. Few of the questions raised by the original ''Metal Gear Solid'' are answered, and ''Sons of Liberty'' brings up even more. The game ends on April 30, 2009.


''Metal Gear'' was the first mainstream ], with the player starting the game unarmed,<ref name="gamesradar">{{cite web|title=The sneaky history of stealth games: Hide and seek through the ages|author=Shane Patterson|publisher=]|date=February 3, 2009|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-sneaky-history-of-stealth-games/|access-date=June 21, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523181200/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-sneaky-history-of-stealth-games/|archive-date=May 23, 2012}}</ref> and sold over a million copies in the United States.<ref name="metalgear">{{cite AV media |people=] (Interviewee) |date=March 14, 2006 |title=Metal Gear Saga, Vol. 1 |publisher=] |quote=Konami decided to develop a NES version of Metal Gear, but I had absolutely nothing to do with this game. The game launched worldwide and became a huge hit, selling one million copies in the U.S. }}</ref> ''Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake'' evolved the stealth gameplay of its predecessor and is considered one of the best 8-bit games of all time.<ref name=GameSpy/> ''Metal Gear'' and ''Metal Gear 2'' are credited with pioneering stealth mechanics.<ref name="eurogamer">{{cite web |last1=Stanton |first1=Rich |title=Metal Gear Solid: The first modern video game |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-08-12-metal-gear-solid-the-first-modern-video-game |website=] |date=August 12, 2015 |access-date=December 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115212309/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-08-12-metal-gear-solid-the-first-modern-video-game |archive-date=November 15, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Metal Gear Solid'', which debuted at the 1996 ],<ref name="unseen64"/> was the first ] stealth game,<ref>{{cite book |title=Gamification: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications |date=2015 |publisher=IGI Global |isbn=9781466682016 |page=168 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oWvCCAAAQBAJ&pg=PA168}}</ref> and is credited with popularizing the stealth game genre,<ref name="1up">{{cite web| title=Sneak Attack| url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3136603| work=1up| access-date=May 15, 2008| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060715143919/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3136603| archive-date=July 15, 2006| df=mdy-all}}</ref> as well as the ] mechanic.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127064753/http://gamesfirst.com/?id=1485 |date=November 27, 2018 }}, GamesFirst</ref> The series pioneered the integration of cinematic techniques into video games,<ref name="eurogamer"/><ref name="Wolf">{{cite book |last1=Wolf |first1=Mark J. P. |title=Encyclopedia of Video Games: The Culture, Technology, and Art of Gaming |date=2012 |publisher=] |isbn=9780313379369 |page=348 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=deBFx7QAwsQC&pg=PA348}}</ref> especially ''Metal Gear Solid'' which ] considers the "first modern video game".<ref name="eurogamer"/>
==='']''===
Using the "No place to hide" motto and the theme of "Senses", ''Guns of the Patriots'' is set to be produced by Kenichiro Imaizumi, with series creator Hideo Kojima co-directing the game with Shuyo Murata. It is being developed by Kojima Productions (a newly-formed subsidiary of Konami) for the PlayStation 3.


Several boss fights have been praised for their variety and strategy required to beat them.<ref name="fourthwall"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6175700/metal-gear-20-years-of-big-bad-boss-battles |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102173609/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6175700/metal-gear-20-years-of-big-bad-boss-battles |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 2, 2013 |title=Metal Gear 20 Years of Boss Battles |date=July 28, 2007 |author=Dodson, Joe |website=GameSpot |access-date=July 5, 2007 }}</ref> The series is notorious for its ] breaking scenes.<ref name="fourthwall">{{cite web|title=Metal Gear Solid – My Top Five Moments|publisher=Play|author=Jones, Nick|url=http://www.play-mag.co.uk/editors-blog/metal-gear-solid-%e2%80%93-my-top-five-moments/|access-date=June 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928184333/http://www.play-mag.co.uk/editors-blog/metal-gear-solid-%E2%80%93-my-top-five-moments/|archive-date=September 28, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Metal Gear's Top 5 Awkward Moments|website=1UP.com|date=June 3, 2011|author=Sharkey, Scott|url=http://www.1up.com/features/metal-gear-top-5-awkward|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019163635/http://www.1up.com/features/metal-gear-top-5-awkward|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 19, 2012|access-date=June 30, 2011}}</ref> The storyline has been commented to maintain "rich characterization" while touching on some controversial themes.<ref name="gamespy_a" /><ref name=GameSpy>{{cite web|author=Paul Soth |title=GOTW: Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake |publisher=] |url=http://classicgaming.gamespy.com/View.php?view=GameMuseum.Detail&id=31 |access-date=August 27, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016103146/http://classicgaming.gamespy.com/View.php?view=GameMuseum.Detail&id=31 |archive-date=October 16, 2008 }}</ref> Hideo Kojima's ambitious script in ''Metal Gear Solid 2'' has been praised, some calling it the first example of a ] video game,<ref name="Weise"/><ref name=Sallee>{{cite web|title=Kojima's Legacy|author=Mark Ryan Sallee|website=IGN|date=June 29, 2006|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/716/716022p3.html|access-date=June 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317053846/http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/716/716022p3.html|archive-date=March 17, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Howell>{{cite web|author=James Howell & Ryan Payton|title=The Kojima Productions Report Session 084|publisher=]|date=March 20, 2008|url=http://www.kjp.konami.jp/gs/hideoblog_e/2008/03/000153.html|access-date=November 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604144853/http://www.kjp.konami.jp/gs/hideoblog_e/2008/03/000153.html|archive-date=June 4, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=IGN>{{cite web|title=Games as Art: The videogames that prove Rogert Ebert wrong |website=IGN |date=July 31, 2007 |url=http://uk.games.ign.com/articles/809/809655p1.html |access-date=November 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091216210036/http://uk.games.ign.com/articles/809/809655p1.html |archive-date=December 16, 2009 }}</ref> while others have argued that it anticipated concepts such as ], ], ] and ].<ref name="glixel">{{cite web|last1=Wiltshire|first1=Alex|title=Flashback: How 'Metal Gear Solid 2' Foretold Our Post-Truth Future|url=http://www.glixel.com/news/how-metal-gear-solid-2-foretold-our-post-truth-future-w450225|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119172715/http://www.glixel.com/news/how-metal-gear-solid-2-foretold-our-post-truth-future-w450225|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 19, 2016|website=Glixel|publisher=]|access-date=November 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://supernewslive.com/|title=Super News Live – Latest News|website=supernewslive.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://waypoint.vice.com/en_us/article/the-scary-political-relevance-of-metal-gear-solid-2 |title=The Scary Political Relevance of 'Metal Gear Solid 2' |date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=November 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223120038/https://waypoint.vice.com/en_us/article/the-scary-political-relevance-of-metal-gear-solid-2 |archive-date=February 23, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=How Metal Gear Solid manipulated its players, warning us of an age of Fake News, Cambridge Analytica and data surveillance |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/how-metal-gear-solid-manipulated-its-players-warning-us-of-an-age-of-fake-news-cambridge-analytica-and-data-surveillance/ |work=] |date=March 30, 2018 |language=en |access-date=November 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127064805/https://www.gamesradar.com/how-metal-gear-solid-manipulated-its-players-warning-us-of-an-age-of-fake-news-cambridge-analytica-and-data-surveillance/ |archive-date=November 27, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> The series' storytelling in general has received praise for being among "the most fascinating science fiction stories in any medium".<ref>{{cite web |last=Whitbrook |first=James |title=Metal Gear Solid Is One Of The Most Fascinating Science Fiction Stories in Any Medium |url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/metal-gear-solid-is-one-of-the-most-fascinating-science-1727709431 |website=] |date=August 31, 2015 |access-date=November 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127064841/https://io9.gizmodo.com/metal-gear-solid-is-one-of-the-most-fascinating-science-1727709431 |archive-date=November 27, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> The series' cutscenes have often been praised for their graphics and the characters' stunt performances.<ref name="gamepro">{{cite magazine|title=Feature: Metal Gear Solid Rising: 6 Things to Expect from the Game |magazine=GamePro|date=June 11, 2009 |author=Shaw, Pattrick|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/210813/metal-gear-solid-rising-6-things-to-expect-from-the-game/|access-date=June 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111032846/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/210813/metal-gear-solid-rising-6-things-to-expect-from-the-game/|archive-date=November 11, 2010}}</ref><ref>"The Top Ten Video Game Openings," ''Game Informer'' 187 (November 2008): 38.</ref> Nevertheless, a common criticism has been the scenes' lengthiness, as well as some parts of the storyline.<ref>{{cite web|title=5 reasons to hate Metal Gear Solid |date=November 10, 2009|author=Reparaz, Mikel|publisher=GamesRadar|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/ps3/f/5-reasons-to-hate-metal-gear-solid/a-201104251739927009/g-20100610112655981027|access-date=June 29, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Jensen, K. Thor |url=http://www.ugo.com/games/the-11-weirdest-game-endings?page=4 |title=The 11 Weirdest Game Endings |publisher=UGO.com |date=December 3, 2010 |access-date=June 7, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005090945/http://www.ugo.com/games/the-11-weirdest-game-endings?page=4 |archive-date=October 5, 2013 }}</ref> Raiden's unexpected introduction as the main protagonist in ''Metal Gear Solid 2'', due to his lack of appearances in the games' trailers and how he replaces fan-favorite character Solid Snake, has been deemed as one of the most controversial parts of the entire series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Trolled: The Biggest Disappointments in Video Games |publisher=UGO.com |date=June 3, 2011 |author=Meli, Marissa |url=http://www.ugo.com/games/metal-gear-solid-2-2 |access-date=June 30, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611072134/http://www.ugo.com/games/metal-gear-solid-2-2 |archive-date=June 11, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="playingwithvideogames">{{cite book |title=Playing with Videogames |pages=39–40 |last=Newman |first=James |publisher=] |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-415-38523-7}}</ref> The series' audio has been acclaimed to the point of receiving awards for its use of sound and music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2004/ps2/13.html|title=IGN.com's Overall Best of 2004 Awards – Best Use of Sound|access-date=March 5, 2012|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609235928/http://bestof.ign.com/2004/ps2/13.html|archive-date=June 9, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/p2_01.html|title=Special Achievement Awards|access-date=March 31, 2012|website=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520053115/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/p2_01.html|archive-date=May 20, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>
In the recent trailer released by Kojima Productions, the phrase, "X YEARS SINCE BIG SHELL" is shown, both confirming that the game will take place after the events of MGS2 and sparking debate on how many years after the Big Shell Incident the game will be set.


The ''Metal Gear'' series inspired numerous video game developers. '']'' and '']'' designer ] stated that every stealth-action game "owes its existence to the success of ''Metal Gear''" and that, "Without ''Metal Gear'', there would be no stealth games."<ref name="Hocking"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126221653/https://gamecritics.com/thom-moyles/3651/ |date=November 26, 2018 }}, GameCritics, May 24, 2005</ref> ''Splinter Cell'' producer ] said "''Metal Gear Solid'' was a huge inspiration for ''Splinter Cell''" and it "was a pioneer for both the genre and the quality of directing".<ref name="venturebeat">{{cite web |title=EGM's Final Milestone: The Legendary 200th Issue (Part 2) |url=https://venturebeat.com/2009/09/20/egms-final-milestone-the-legendary-200th-issue-part-2/ |website=] |date=September 21, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127064758/https://venturebeat.com/2009/09/20/egms-final-milestone-the-legendary-200th-issue-part-2/ |archive-date=November 27, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> ] founder ] said ''Metal Gear Solid''{{'}}s "story, script, characters, voice acting, and cinemas" were "a landmark" and "guiding light to the future of videogames."<ref name="venturebeat"/> '']'' and '']'' creator ] cited the military themes and action gameplay of ''Metal Gear'' as a major influence on his work, and he named ''Gears of War'' in homage to ''Metal Gear''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dualshocknexus.com/2012/09/hideo-kojimas-huge-influence-on-cliffy-b.html |title=DualShock Nexus: Hideo Kojima's Huge Influence on Cliffy B |access-date=July 12, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815013520/http://www.dualshocknexus.com/2012/09/hideo-kojimas-huge-influence-on-cliffy-b.html |archive-date=August 15, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Cliffy B toast Hideo Kojima Hard Rock Cafe Seattle MGS25th Anniversary party |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e6JnM65TJ8 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/8e6JnM65TJ8| archive-date=2021-10-30|website=] |publisher=] |date=March 4, 2013 |access-date=December 4, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> '']'' creator Takuma Endo cited the early 2D ''Metal Gear'' games as an influence.<ref name="1UPinterview">{{cite web |last=Mielke |first=James |title=Exclusive Tenchu: Shadow Assassins Interview |url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3172069 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126092836/http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3172069 |website=] |date=2008-12-29 |page=2 |url-status=dead |accessdate=June 12, 2020 |archive-date=January 26, 2016}}</ref> '']'' creator Tom Leonard said ''Metal Gear Solid''{{'}}s success convinced them that experimental stealth gameplay could be marketable and "revitalized the team" in "the closing months of the project."<ref name="leonard1">{{Cite journal |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/131762/postmortem_thief_the_dark_project.php |title=Postmortem: ''Thief: The Dark Project'' |last=Leonard |first=Tom |journal=] |publisher=] |date=July 9, 1999 |access-date=April 13, 2012 |pages=1–4 |issn=1073-922X |oclc=29558874 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330000324/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/131762/postmortem_thief_the_dark_project.php |archive-date=March 30, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> ] designer Emily Knox cited ''Metal Gear Solid'' as an early formative influence on their work.<ref>{{cite web |title=Metal Gear Solid was ahead of its time |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-09-25-why-i-love-metal-gear-solid |website=] |date=September 25, 2018 |access-date=November 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127110209/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-09-25-why-i-love-metal-gear-solid |archive-date=November 27, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> '']'' animator Luke Kelly said the game's animations were inspired by ''Metal Gear Solid 4''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://meodia.com/news/976/metal-gear-solid-4-is-inspiration-to-crysis-2-animator/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701115716/http://meodia.com/news/976/metal-gear-solid-4-is-inspiration-to-crysis-2-animator/ | archive-date=July 1, 2010 | title=Metal Gear Solid 4 is an Inspiration to Crysis 2 Animator - Meodia }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mycrysis.com/articledetails.php?article=43498 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100427004920/http://www.mycrysis.com/articledetails.php?article=43498 | archive-date=April 27, 2010 | title=MyCrysis &#124; the Official Community Portal &#124; Dev Corner Articles &#124; Inside Crytek - Luke Kelly - Community Answers! }}</ref> ] cited the revelation of Raiden in ''Metal Gear Solid 2'' as an influence on '']'' (2020).<ref>{{cite news |title=The Last of Us 2 director explains its strict review embargo and sneaky trailers |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/651153-the-last-of-us-2-director-explains-strict-review-embargo-trailers |access-date=July 3, 2020 |work=] |date=June 25, 2020 |archive-date=July 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703051642/http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/651153-the-last-of-us-2-director-explains-strict-review-embargo-trailers |url-status=live }}</ref>
Some fans speculate that the "X" is a use of the Roman Numeral for Ten, meaning that the game would take place in 2019. However, this is disputed, as the Japanese captions displayed on the trailer read "あのビッグシェル事件から数年後..." (ano Big Shell jiken kara suunen go...), which translates to "Several years after the Big Shell incident" in English. This would indicate that the X is simply a variable, employed in an effort to retain ambiguity over the game's setting rather than the roman numeral.


Beyond video games, filmmaker ] cited the series as an inspiration, particularly ''Metal Gear Solid 2''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilde |first1=Tyler |title=Hideo Kojima announces OD with Jordan Peele: 'It is a game... but it's at the same time a movie, but at the same time a new form of media' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/hideo-kojima-announces-od-with-jordan-peele-it-is-a-gamebut-at-the-same-time-its-a-movie-but-at-the-same-time-a-new-form-of-media/ |access-date=11 July 2024 |work=] |date=8 December 2023}}</ref> Several critics have also drawn comparisons between the ''Metal Gear Solid'' series, especially ''Metal Gear Solid 2'', and the ] film '']'' (2014).<ref name="Parkinson-Gameranx">{{cite news |last=Parkinson |first=Matthew |title=Top 10 Movies for Fans of Metal Gear Solid |url=https://gameranx.com/features/id/143091/article/top-10-movies-for-fans-of-metal-gear-solid/ |access-date=May 31, 2019 |work=Gameranx |publisher=] |date=March 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320001454/http://gameranx.com/features/id/143091/article/top-10-movies-for-fans-of-metal-gear-solid/ |archive-date=March 20, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Franich-EW">{{cite magazine |last=Franich |first=Darren |title=The real, subversive politics of 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' |url=https://ew.com/article/2014/04/06/captain-america-the-winter-soldier-hydra-shield-paranoia/ |magazine=] |date=April 6, 2014 |access-date=October 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327025347/http://www.ew.com/article/2014/04/06/captain-america-the-winter-soldier-hydra-shield-paranoia |archive-date=March 27, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Crawford-EyeforFilm">{{cite web |last=Crawford |first=Max |title=Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) Movie Review |url=https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/captain-america-the-winter-soldier-2014-film-review-by-stuart-crawford |website=Eye for Film |date=March 21, 2014 |access-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328012617/http://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/captain-america-the-winter-soldier-2014-film-review-by-stuart-crawford |archive-date=March 28, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==See also==
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{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Wikibooks|Metal Gear Series}}
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===Unofficial sites===
{{Hideo Kojima}}
* - A Gamespot article summarizing the history of the series (written in 2002, after the release of ''Metal Gear Solid 2'' but before the release of ''MGS2: Substance'').
{{Konami franchises}}
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* - Metal Gear Wiki on all things to do with the Metal Gear series
* - The Unofficial Facts Site
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Latest revision as of 12:51, 19 December 2024

Video game franchise This article is about the media franchise. For the first game in the series, see Metal Gear (video game). For the Metal Gear robots, see Metal Gear (mecha). For other uses, see Metal Gear (disambiguation). "Metal Gear Solid" redirects here. For the 1998 PlayStation game, see Metal Gear Solid (1998 video game). For the 2000 Game Boy game, see Metal Gear Solid (2000 video game).

Video game series
Metal Gear
Logo of the Metal Gear franchise
Genre(s)
Developer(s)Konami (1987–2005)
Kojima Productions (2005–2015)
Digital Dialect (2000)
Silicon Knights (2004)
Ideaworks Game Studio (2008)
Genki (2010)
Bluepoint Games (2011)
GREE (2012)
PlatinumGames (2013)
Nvidia Lightspeed Studios (2016)
Konami Digital Entertainment (2018–present)
Rocket Studio (2023)
M2 (2023)
Virtuos
Publisher(s)
Creator(s)Hideo Kojima
Platform(s) Various
First releaseMetal Gear
July 13, 1987
Latest releaseMetal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1
October 24, 2023

Metal Gear (Japanese: メタルギア, Hepburn: Metaru Gia) is a franchise of stealth games created by Hideo Kojima. Developed and published by Konami, the first game, Metal Gear, was released in 1987 for MSX home computers. The player often takes control of a special forces operative (usually Solid Snake or Big Boss), who is assigned the task of finding the titular superweapon, "Metal Gear", a bipedal walking tank with the ability to launch nuclear weapons.

Several sequels have been released for multiple consoles, which have expanded the original game's plot, adding characters opposing and supporting Snake, while several prequels have explored the origins of Metal Gear and recurring characters. The third game in the series, Metal Gear Solid for the PlayStation, marked a transition to 3D graphics and gained the series international fame.

The series is credited for pioneering and popularizing stealth video games and "cinematic video games". Notable traits of the series include cinematic cutscenes, intricate storylines, offbeat and fourth-wall humor, and exploration of cyberpunk, dystopian, political and philosophical themes, as well as references to Hollywood films. Individual installments have been critically acclaimed, as well as receiving several awards. The series has sold 61 million units as of December 2023. The franchise has also been adapted into other media, such as comics, novels, and drama CDs. Solid Snake has also gone on to appear in other games, such as the Super Smash Bros. series, Ape Escape 3, LittleBigPlanet, and Fortnite.

Games

Release timeline
1987Metal Gear
1988–1989
1990Snake's Revenge
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
1991–1997
1998Metal Gear Solid
1999MGS: VR Missions
2000MG: Ghost Babel
2001MGS 2: Sons of Liberty
2002–2003
2004MGS: The Twin Snakes
MGS 3: Snake Eater
MG Acid
2005MG Acid 2
2006MGS: Portable Ops
2007MGS: Portable Ops Plus
2008MGS Mobile
MGS 4: Guns of the Patriots
MG Online
2009MGS Touch
2010MGS: Peace Walker
2011MGS: HD Collection
2012MGS: Snake Eater 3D
MGS: Social Ops
2013MG Rising: Revengeance
2014MGS V: Ground Zeroes
2015MGS V: The Phantom Pain
2016–2017
2018MG Survive
2019–2022
2023MGS: Master Collection Vol. 1
2024
2025MGS Δ: Snake Eater

Hideo Kojima designed the original Metal Gear, which debuted in Japan and Europe in 1987 for the MSX2 computer platform. A separate team created a heavily modified Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) port of the game that was released in Japan on December 22, 1987, North America in June 1988, and Europe and Australia sometime in 1989. Konami produced an NES sequel, Snake's Revenge, again without Kojima, released in North America and Europe in 1990. One of that game's designers became acquainted with Kojima and asked him to create a "real Metal Gear sequel". In reaction, Kojima began development of Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, which was released in Japan in 1990 for the MSX2.

Following Metal Gear 2's completion, Kojima worked on other projects before directing his third Metal Gear game, Metal Gear Solid, for the PlayStation. It began development in 1994 and debuted at the 1996 Tokyo Game Show, before being released in 1998. The success of Metal Gear Solid resulted in a series of sequels, prequels, spin-offs, ports, and remakes for Microsoft Windows, the Game Boy Color, PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Metal Gear Solid was followed up by the sequel Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty released in November 2001 for the PlayStation 2. A remake of the original Metal Gear Solid called Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes was released for the Nintendo GameCube in early 2004. Later that year, the third numbered entry, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, was released on the PlayStation 2. This is the first prequel which was set prior to all the previously released Metal Gear games and which acted as an origin to the franchise. These games were followed by a sequel to Snake Eater, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, which was released on the PlayStation Portable in 2006. The series' main storyline was concluded in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots for the PlayStation 3 in 2008. The game featured a multiplayer spin-off called Metal Gear Online.

In April 2010, another sequel to Snake Eater, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, was released for the PlayStation Portable and was set shortly after the events of Portable Ops. The spin-off game, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, was released in 2013 on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and in Jan 2014 on Steam (PC). The game is set after Guns of the Patriots and stars Raiden, the protagonist of Sons of Liberty who turned into a cyborg ninja.

Expanded re-releases of games in the series were produced as well, such as Integral (Metal Gear Solid), Substance (Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty), and Subsistence (Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater). The series' portable installments are usually set outside the main storyline. Metal Gear: Ghost Babel was released for the Game Boy Color, and several games were released for Sony's PlayStation Portable. In a departure from the series' style, Metal Gear Acid and its sequel used turn-based strategy mechanics based on collectible cards.

On May 18, 2009, a teaser site for the following installment in the Metal Gear series was uploaded by Kojima Production. The site initially consisted of a series of countdowns leading to several flashing letters and the images of two characters looking like a middle-aged Big Boss and a cyborg Raiden. An article published in the July 2009 issue of Famitsu PSP + PS3 covers the content of the site and features an interview with Hideo Kojima. The interview, revealing many details, is heavily censored and was published that way as a request by Kojima, who was directing and designing the new game. Famitsu was to publish the full interview in its following issue. The new game was eventually revealed to be Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, which was announced on June 1, 2009, at E3, during the Microsoft Press Conference.

At E3 2010, a demo, "Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater – The Naked Sample", was shown on the Nintendo 3DS. The official E3 Kojima site later released screenshots and official art for the demo. Kojima did state, however, that this was not a preview for a full game but just a sample of what could be done on the 3DS hardware. Another mobile port of a previously released game was shown at Sony's PlayStation Meeting on January 27, 2011, where Hideo Kojima demonstrated a possible portable version of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots for the upcoming PlayStation Vita.

On June 2, 2011, Konami announced the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection which was released in November 2011 for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The collection features remastered versions of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, rendered in 720p and running at 60fps, including Trophies/Achievements, and remastered audio. On August 15, 2011, UK retailer Zavvi secured the exclusive right to sell the Metal Gear Solid: Ultimate HD Collection only available for the PlayStation 3, which was released on November 25.

In November 2011, Kojima discussed with PlayStation Official Magazine (UK) the series' future commenting an upcoming Metal Gear Solid 5. Kojima said: "I think we'll probably have to make it at some point, but what that will be, we have no idea". Kojima stated that when Konami does get around to building the game, he will have less influence than he had on previous iterations in the series. After the mixed fan reactions of the reveal of the rebooted action gameplay focused spin-off Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, Hideo Kojima reassured fans that an "authentic stealth Metal Gear Solid" sequel would be coming in the future.

During a discussion panel at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in March 2012, Kojima stated: "I am working on something that I think will become the shining moment" for his career and the Metal Gear series. During the franchise's 25th anniversary, Konami revealed a demo for a new game in the Metal Gear series, Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes. A social game for the GREE, Metal Gear Solid: Social Ops, was released in December 2012.

On December 7, 2012, a teaser for The Phantom Pain was revealed on the Spike Video Game Awards. Following the teaser trailer, numerous video game-related websites and fansites reported the trailer's seemed connection to the Metal Gear series of video games.

On March 27, 2013, Kojima announced at GDC 2013 that Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain were two different portions of one work, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, with Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes serving as the prologue and The Phantom Pain serving as the main story. Snake's usual English-language voice actor David Hayter was not cast for the role. Instead, Hollywood actor and producer Kiefer Sutherland portrayed the character through voice acting and facial capture.

In 2015, Konami revealed that they were recruiting new staff members to develop a new Metal Gear game as Kojima left the company. On August 17, 2016, Konami announced during Gamescom 2016 that a new Metal Gear game was in the works, known as Metal Gear Survive. It is a spin-off game as well as a supplemental to Metal Gear Solid V as a whole, taking place between Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain.

On May 24, 2023, during Sony's PlayStation Showcase event, a remake of Snake Eater, titled Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was announced, as well as the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, which was released on October 24 of that year. It includes the first five mainline Metal Gear games, as well as extra content including the NES version of Metal Gear, Snake's Revenge, Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel, and Bande Dessinée, as well as additional content such as screenplay books, master books, character profiles, story summaries, strategy guides, and a playable soundtrack.

Storyline

Fictional chronology
in Metal Gear

In the Metal Gear universe, history had diverged at some point during World War II, with the fictional Cobra Unit, led by The Boss, being instrumental in the defeat of the Axis Powers. Cloning, AI and robotics technology of the 1970s are more advanced. The eleven games in the main Metal Gear series continuity reveal a narrative that spans five and a half decades, from the Cold War, until the near future. Big Boss is the most relevant character within the story of the series and of the canonical 11 games five are prequels centering on his story, set decades before the events of the original Metal Gear. However, Solid Snake is still depicted as the primary main character of the series, as the prequels create context of his purpose and him being the antithesis of his father.

Plot

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, which is chronologically the first game in the series, introduces Naked Snake (or Snake for short), an operative working for the fictional Force Operation X (FOX) unit of the CIA during the Cold War. The game focuses on the rise of Snake from an apprentice to a legendary soldier, as well as the downfall of his mentor and matriarchal figure, The Boss. After The Boss defects to the Soviet Union, Snake is sent into Russia to kill her and end the threat posed by Yevgeny Borisovitch Volgin, a GRU colonel with plans to overthrow the Soviet government. Snake's heroics during the game earn him the nickname "Big Boss" at the end. The origins of The Patriots, an organization founded by Zero, are also explored.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops serves as a direct sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and follows Naked Snake's life after disbanding from FOX. With Snake not yet accepting the Big Boss codename, the plot features the origins of his mercenary unit as he attempts to escape the San Hieronymo Peninsula and battles his old unit. The canonicity of Portable Ops is disputed, with Kojima having stated that "the main story of Portable Ops is part of the Saga, is part of the official Metal Gear timeline, while some of the small details that are in Portable Ops are outside the Saga, not part of the main timeline of the game."

The next game, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, is set ten years after the events of Snake Eater and returns to the story of the young Big Boss. Now the head of the mercenary corporation Militaires Sans Frontières (MSF), Big Boss discovers that nuclear warheads are being transported to Latin America and decides that he must put a stop to it. Peace Walker features a new cast of characters to provide both aid and intelligence for Big Boss. A few characters from later games, such as a younger Kazuhira Miller, make appearances in the game.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, serves as the direct sequel to Peace Walker and is composed of two chapters. The prologue, Ground Zeroes, is set a few weeks after the final mission in Peace Walker, as Big Boss is tasked with rescuing two VIPs from a U.S. military black site on the coast of Cuba. Big Boss' mission coincides with a visit to Mother Base by the IAEA, which turns out to be a cover for an attack on Mother Base orchestrated by the mysterious organization XOF. In the chaos, Big Boss' helicopter collides with another, and he is sent to the hospital for nine years, which leads to the events of the main chapter, The Phantom Pain. The basis of the main story revolves around Big Boss forming a new private military company, the Diamond Dogs to retaliate for the destruction of MSF and the loss of his comrades. However, this "Big Boss" is revealed to be a part of the medical staff who survived the helicopter crash, who was brainwashed to believe himself to be Big Boss, while the real Big Boss went into hiding to create Outer Heaven, a place where soldiers can live without having to abide by any particular ideology.

The first Metal Gear game for the MSX follows Solid Snake, a rookie of the FOXHOUND special operations unit. He is sent by his superior Big Boss to the fortress in South Africa known as Outer Heaven, with the goal of finding the missing squad member Gray Fox and investigating a weapon known as Metal Gear. However, after Snake unexpectedly completes his goals, Big Boss is revealed to be the leader of Outer Heaven, which he has created as a place for soldiers to fight free of any ideology that he believes has been forced upon them by governments. He fights Snake and is killed. However, it turns out that this was actually the body double from Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. In Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake the real Big Boss has established a new military nation, Zanzibar Land, and he and Snake face off again, with Snake achieving victory and seemingly killing Big Boss for good.

Metal Gear Solid elaborates on the storyline of the earlier games and reveals that Solid Snake is a genetic clone of Big Boss, created as part of a secret government project. An antagonist is introduced in the form of Liquid Snake, Snake's twin brother who takes control of FOXHOUND after Snake's retirement. Liquid and FOXHOUND take control of a nuclear weapons disposal facility in Alaska and commandeer REX, the next-generation Metal Gear weapons platform being tested there. They threaten to detonate REX's warhead unless the government turns over the remains of Big Boss. Solid Snake destroys Metal Gear REX and kills the renegade FOXHOUND members, with the exception of Revolver Ocelot.

A third Snake brother known as Solidus Snake is introduced as the United States President at the end of Metal Gear Solid and serves as the main antagonist of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. During his time as president, Solidus became aware of a secretive cabal known as "The Patriots" who were steadily manipulating the course of history. After his tenure as president is over, Solidus takes control of the "Big Shell" offshore facility, which is being used to develop Arsenal Gear, a mobile undersea fortress designed to house and protect a network of AIs created to influence human development by filtering the availability of information across the Internet. The game is set four years after Liquid's death in Metal Gear Solid, and it puts the player in control of Raiden, a soldier who fights against Solidus, who is revealed to be his former commander during his time as a child soldier. Raiden joins forces with Snake and learns that they are being manipulated by Revolver Ocelot, who has been working for the Patriots. At the end of the game, Ocelot seemingly becomes possessed by Liquid Snake as the nanomachines from Liquid's arm (which Ocelot took to replace his own arm after Gray Fox slices it off in Metal Gear Solid) work their way into Ocelot's thought process.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots deals with a rapidly aging Solid Snake (now branded "Old Snake") who is on a mission to find and defeat Revolver Ocelot, now known as Liquid Ocelot. Despite the destruction of the Arsenal Gear in Sons of Liberty, the Patriots have continued in their plans to influence the course of human history, installing artificial intelligence systems around the world. Ocelot, opposed to this, has assembled armies with which to fight back and intends to hijack their entire operating system for his own ends. Solid Snake's objective later changes to destroying the AIs of the Patriots and stop their oppression. After he and his allies succeed, Snake decides to live out his life peacefully.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is set four years after Guns of the Patriots and it stars Raiden as a cyborg ninja mercenary. Raiden joins the private military firm, Maverick Security Consulting, and is tasked with defending the prime minister of an unspecified African country. However, the situation goes awry and the prime minister is killed by a rival PMC company named Desperado Enforcement LLC. Raiden is defeated in the battle, but decides to re-avenge his failure and is sent out with a brand new cyborg body to fight the mysterious military group.

Tone and themes

The original Metal Gear, which was released in 1987 during the Cold War, dealt with the manipulation of soldiers by politicians of the East and West, countered by the concept of "Outer Heaven", a country without politics. Its sequel Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, which was released in 1990 at the end of the Cold War, expanded on this with themes regarding political intrigue, battlefield ethics, military history, and the negative effects of warfare.

The overarching theme of the Metal Gear Solid series is that of the "gene, meme, scene, sense, peace, revenge and race," and how people are affected by these factors according to the game's producer Kojima—Metal Gear Solid deals with genetics and the moral implications of genetic engineering, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty deals with how identity can be affected by the philosophies of one's society (a "meme") and the effects of censorship on society, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater deals with how the time and place one lives in (a "scene") affects their identity, how politics change along with the times and hyperreality, the inability to distinguish fact and fiction in an information-saturated world.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots deals with "sense", which is a person's understanding of the world that is lost when they die. It also encompasses how some things cannot be passed down to future generations and be misinterpreted as well as the artificially controlled (and globally shared) sense-data of the new era's nanotech-enhanced soldiers. With Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker the plot deals with the true nature of 'peace', and the concept of conflict in human societies. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain deals with the themes "race" and "revenge" and how the latter can make one lose his humanity. Following the initial Metal Gear, each game has been a deconstruction of action movies and video games, using tropes to invoke the themes and ideas especially those of spy movies - it examines what kind of mind and complete control of a situation would be needed to pull off the absurdly complex and convoluted plans that rely on events completely within the realm of chance yet comes off without a hitch. Furthermore, it examines what happens to a child soldier forced to take up a normal life through the characters Eli (also known as Liquid Snake) in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain and Jack (primarily known as Raiden) in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance also deals with "revenge". Raiden is defeated in the beginning and feels a deep sense of vengeance, and as such exacts his 'revenge' on the group who sabotaged him, as well as coming to terms with his own past and embracing his true nature. The games carry many implicit parallels to Nietzschean philosophy. Solid Snake serves as a deconstruction of the action hero archetype, as his wartime experiences have turned him into a bitter, broken-down soldier who wishes to retire, but cannot escape the life of conflict that had entwined him for so long. This concept is further explored through Raiden, who is put through the same torments as Snake in explicit detail. Big Boss is similarly not immune to this theme: as Naked Snake, he does not resemble a suave, impeccable secret agent that would otherwise fit into the 1960s spy film pastiche of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, but is instead an everyman character. Only after undergoing immense psychological and physical scarring does he begin to resemble the ultimate soldier known as Big Boss.

Although the series takes place in a realistic military setting, the Metal Gear video games also feature a strong focus on supernatural elements, leading the series to be commonly described as magic realism.

Characters

Main article: List of characters in the Metal Gear series
From top to bottom: Big Boss, Liquid Snake, and Solid Snake, three central characters in the Metal Gear series, as drawn by Yoji Shinkawa

In games, players control a character who has to infiltrate into his enemy's area alone to complete his mission. Across the mission, the player receives assistance from a supporting team communicated by Codec. While the team tells the player hints about the mission, it also helps expand the characters through their interactions. During their debuts, player characters Solid Snake and Raiden are meant to represent the player while in the following games they acquire more defined personalities. A common motif in the series is the use of powerful enemies. As games were released, new concepts were given to the bosses to make them innovative and notice their strength. As the first games used humans with supernatural abilities, for Metal Gear Solid 4, the designers decided to use monsters rather than humans as enemies. A notable boss battle was The End from Metal Gear Solid 3 that was meant to differentiate it from all the other bosses in the franchise due to its strategic gameplay. Another common motif has been the transformation of a previously normal character returning as a ninja. It started with Kyle Schneider in Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake when he fought against Snake as "Black Ninja". Several other characters have done the same, including Gray Fox, Olga Gurlukovich, and Raiden.

Much as Metal Gear began as partially a pastiche of action movies of the time, characters were sometimes pastiches of contemporary action movie heroes. Metal Gear Solid characters have been designed by Yoji Shinkawa. Several of their real names and aliases are references to various Hollywood films. Because of the time skip between games, a few of the characters have been redesigned to fit in the game's year. With the improvements from new video game consoles like the PlayStation and PlayStation 2, the staff gave the characters a more realistic look although they initially had doubts about it. Kojima's thoughts regarding Snake's improved abilities by the time of Metal Gear Solid led to the concept of cloned characters who would be able to match him in combat. By Metal Gear Solid 2, Kojima was inspired by the Sherlock Holmes novels to introduce a sidekick character in order to view Snake from a different perspective.

Development

Hideo Kojima is the franchise's creator, and was involved in directing, designing, writing and producing the majority of installments in the main series until Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015).

The first Metal Gear game was intended to be an action game that featured modern military combat. However, the MSX2's hardware limited the number of on-screen bullets and enemies, which Hideo Kojima felt impeded the combat aspect. Inspired by The Great Escape, he altered the gameplay to focus on a prisoner escaping. In a series of articles written for Official PlayStation 2 Magazine, Hideo Kojima identified several Hollywood films as the primary sources of inspiration for the storylines and gameplay of the Metal Gear series. He further noted that the James Bond series is what influenced him the most regarding the creation of Metal Gear Solid. The original plot has references to the nuclear war paranoia during the mid-1980s that resulted from the Cold War. Following games would revolve around nuclear weapon inspections in Iraq and Iran, but this idea was left out due to growing concern regarding the political situation in the Middle East. Other changes to the series were made in Metal Gear Solid 2 as a result of the September 11 attacks.

After Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, Kojima planned to release the third Metal Gear game in 1994 for the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer in 1994. Besides changing the game's platform to the PlayStation, the game was renamed, and its subsequent sequels were given the word "Solid" as the series started using 3D computer graphics. Since then, the games were designed to be more realistic to further entertain the players. Metal Gear Solid 3 was initially meant to be made for the PlayStation 3, but due to the long wait for the console, the game was developed for the PlayStation 2 instead. As previous game's settings were indoors areas due to difficulties with the consoles, since Metal Gear Solid 3, Kojima wished to drastically change it despite difficulties. Since Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty had several plot points unresolved, it was originally meant to leave it to players to discuss them to come to their own conclusions. This has led to consistency issues in the English versions of Metal Gear Solid and Metal Gear Solid 2 as they mentioned plot elements that were further explored in Metal Gear Solid 4.

Related media

See also: List of Metal Gear media § Other media

Printed adaptations

A novel adaptation of the original Metal Gear was published in 1988 as a part of Scholastic's Worlds of Power line of novelizations, which were based on third-party NES games. It was written by Alexander Frost. The novelization is not based on the game's official storyline, but rather on Konami of America's localization of the plot. The book takes further liberties by giving Solid Snake the name of Justin Halley, and by changing the name of Snake's unit from FOXHOUND to the "Snake Men". In Japan, a Metal Gear gamebook was published on March 31, 1988, shortly after the release of the game on the Famicom. It is set two years after the events of the original Metal Gear and is part of the Konami Gamebook Series. A novelization of Metal Gear Solid was published in 2008. It was written by Raymond Benson, the author of nine James Bond novels. Benson also wrote a Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty novelization, which was published in 2009. Critical reaction to Benson's novelizations has been generally positive, with Bookgasm.com writing that "Benson does a fine job translating the game to the page" with Metal Gear Solid, and MishMashMagazine.com calling Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty "a great companion to the game". A Japanese-language novelization of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots by Project Itoh was published on June 12, 2008. The novel was translated into English by Viz Media and was released on June 19, 2012.

A comic book adaptation of the original Metal Gear Solid was published by IDW Publishing in 2004. It was written by Kris Oprisko and with illustrations by Ashley Wood. The series lasted 24 issues and has been collected in two trade paperbacks as well as a single hardback collector's edition which is currently out-of-print. The entire run of the comic was collected again in a paperback book, Metal Gear Solid Omnibus, and released in June 2010. A comic book adaptation of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty has also been published by IDW, written by Alex Garner with illustrations by Ashley Wood. A digital version of the first comic book adaptation was released for the PlayStation Portable, Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel, in 2006. A second digital version, Metal Gear Solid 2: Bande Dessinée, was released exclusively in Japan as a DVD release in 2008 and features fully voiced versions of both comic book adaptations. All the Japanese voice actors from the games reprised their roles with the exception of those that have died.

CDs

A radio drama based on the original Metal Gear Solid aired in Japan from 1998 to 1999 as part of Konami's syndicated CLUB db program. Directed by Shuyo Murata and written by Motosada Mori, the serial lasted over 12 weekly installments spanning three story arcs. The series was later collected as a two-volume set. The series serves as an alternate continuation to the events of Shadow Moses, with Solid Snake, Meryl Silverburgh, Mei Ling and Roy Campbell going on further missions as FOXHOUND operatives (Mei Ling and Meryl are depicted wearing a battle dress uniform and a sneaking suit respectively), although the stories are not considered part of the mainstream Metal Gear canon. The Japanese voice actors from the game reprised their roles for the series, while new characters are introduced as well.

Several promotional DVDs have been released detailing the Metal Gear series. Metal Gear Saga vol. 1 was released in 2006 as a pre-order disc for MGS3: Subsistence. It is divided into five chapters, each dealing with one game of the then five-part Metal Gear series in chronological order (beginning with MGS3), and each includes discussions by Hideo Kojima. Metal Gear Saga vol. 2 was first shown at the 20th Metal Gear Anniversary Party, and then released as a pre-order disc for MGS4. In this, the video is presented as a pseudo-documentary about Solid Snake and is divided into a prologue and four chapters: Naked Snake-the birth of Snake (chronicling the events of MGS3, MG1, and MG2), Liquid Snake-the second snake (MGS), Solidus Snake-the third Snake (MGS2) and Solid Snake-the first Snake (setting the stage for MGS4).

Toys

In 1999, McFarlane Toys, with the collaboration of Konami, launched a series of action figures depicting key characters from Metal Gear Solid. In 2001, following the success of the first series, and with the release of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, McFarlane Toys, and Konami combined their efforts to produce a line of action figures depicting Sons of Liberty's main characters. Each character has a piece of Metal Gear RAY, so collecting the entire set is essential to build the robot.

Konami has also released 4" scale blind-box figures based on MGS2 released in Japan, Sons of Liberty in 2002 and Substance shortly after in 2003; the Substance series was eventually brought to the US and UK markets packaged on card rather than blind boxed. During the release of MGS3, Medicom released 12" figures of Snake as part of their Real Action Heroes line. Medicom continued to support the franchise with the release of Kubrick figures for Snake Eater and Guns of the Patriots, which also included seven- and 12-inch versions of the game's characters.

In 2009, toy company ThreeA joined forces with Kojima to make related products. The first fruit of this partnership came in late 2012, when ThreeA released a massive 1/48 scale figure of Metal Gear REX, with working LED lights. It can also be dressed up to depict REX's decrepit condition in Guns of the Patriots. The company is also cooperating with graphic artist Ashley Wood to develop a similarly scaled Metal Gear RAY. A prototype was first unveiled at the ReVenture hobby show in Hong Kong in April 2012.

Square Enix also joined the production of toys based on the franchise starting with the boss vehicles and characters from Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. The toys, which are from Square's Play Arts Kai line, were released in 2010. The line has since expanded to include characters from Metal Gear Solid, Sons of Liberty, Ground Zeroes, and The Phantom Pain, with the detail more pronounced than the original McFarlane Toys figures.

In 2012, Hot Toys released a 1/6th action figure of Naked Snake in his original sneaking suit attire from MGS3, as well as the Boss.

To celebrate the franchise's 25th anniversary, model kit company Kotobukiya released a 1/100 scale Metal Gear REX, which features small figures of Solid Snake, Liquid Snake, and Gray Fox in both standing and near-death versions., and later followed suit with RAY. Kaiyodo's Revoltech action figure line includes versions of Big Boss from Peace Walker and Raiden from Rising: Revengeance, plus Venom Snake and a generic Soviet Army soldier from The Phantom Pain for the smaller RevoMini action figure category.

Soundtracks

Main article: Discography of the Metal Gear series

Soundtracks for the first two games were produced by Iku Mizutani, Shigehiro Takenouchi, and Motoaki Furukawa. For Metal Gear Solid, Kojima wanted "a full orchestra right next to the player"; a system which made modifications such as tempo and texture to the currently playing track, instead of switching to another pre-recorded track. Although these features could not be achieved at that time, they were implemented in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. Hideo Kojima's choice of Harry Gregson-Williams, a Hollywood film composer from Hans Zimmer's studio, as the composer for Metal Gear Solid 2 was highly publicized in the run-up to the game's release. Gregson-Williams would reprise his role in Metal Gear Solid 3 and Metal Gear Solid 4. Starting with Metal Gear Solid, theme songs have been provided by popular artists such as Rika Muranaka. Several soundtracks based on the games have also been published.

Film adaptation

In May 2006, Metal Gear series creator Hideo Kojima announced that an English-language film adaptation of Metal Gear Solid was in early development. Kojima also announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo later that month that he had negotiated a contract with a party in Hollywood to adapt the video game into a film, though no further details were shared at that time. David Hayter, the English voice actor for Solid Snake, submitted a film treatment that executives passed on. Producers had expressed interest in Equilibrium director Kurt Wimmer as writer and/or director, or Paul Thomas Anderson to direct; Kojima also denied claims that German director Uwe Boll was a possible contender. Viggo Mortensen and Hugh Jackman were considered for the role of Snake, while Christian Bale denied rumors of his involvement. On January 11, 2010, producer Michael De Luca confirmed that work on a Metal Gear film adaptation had been postponed indefinitely. He said Konami expressed concern that the entire Metal Gear franchise could be seriously affected if a movie version performed poorly. In March 2012, during The Art of Video Games exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Kojima stated that he did not have a desire to write or direct a potential Metal Gear Solid movie himself.

At the Metal Gear 25th Anniversary on August 30, 2012, Hideo Kojima announced that Arad Productions, owned by Arad brothers Avi and Ari, had agreed to produce a movie version of Metal Gear Solid with Columbia Pictures. Columbia's parent company, Sony Pictures Entertainment, will be in charge of distribution. On June 3, 2014, Deadline Hollywood reported that Sony was in talks with Jordan Vogt-Roberts to direct the film; he was confirmed to be attached as director of the project in 2015. In February 2017, Vogt-Roberts said the filmmakers are working on the film's script with Kojima. He has stated a desire for the film to receive an R rating, expressing a desire to make "the riskier, balls-to-the-wall, Kojima-san version of it. it's a way to make the first great video game movie where it doesn't matter that it's based on a video game." Although Jay Basu was initially announced as screenwriter in 2015, Derek Connolly was hired to rewrite the script in November 2017. Connolly completed the first draft of the film's screenplay in July 2018, and another draft in December 2019. In December 2020, it was announced that Oscar Isaac had been officially cast as Solid Snake following his having expressed interest in the role; a 2024 insider rumor suggests Isaac may have dropped out of the project. Updates have been minimal since 2020, with comments from Isaac in 2022 and Arad in 2024 indicating that the script was still in progress.

Reception and legacy

Aggregate review scores
As of September 8, 2015.
Game Metacritic
Metal Gear Solid (PS1) 94
(PC) 83
Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions -
Metal Gear: Ghost Babel -
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PS2) 96
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance (Xbox) 87
(PS2) 87
(PC) 77
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (GCN) 85
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2) 91
Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence (PS2) 94
Metal Gear Acid (PSP) 75
Metal Gear Acid 2 (PSP) 80
Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel (PSP) 78
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (PSP) 87
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus (PSP) 65
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3) 94
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (PSP) 89
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection (X360) 90
(PS3) 89
(Vita) 81
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D (3DS) 78
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (PC) 83
(X360) 82
(PS3) 80
Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection (PS3) 93
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (PC) 80
(XONE) 76
(PS4) 75
(PS3) 66
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (PC) 91
(PS4) 93
(XONE) 95
Metal Gear Survive (PC) 54
(PS4) 60
(XONE) 62

The Metal Gear franchise has achieved great success, selling over 61.1 million copies as of February 2024. By February 2007, the series had grossed more than $1 billion (equivalent to between $1.5–2.7 billion adjusted for inflation) from 20 million copies sold, in addition to having sold ancillary merchandise including 3 million strategy guides, 1.5 million action figures and 200,000 comic books. As of 2019, the franchise has grossed about $2.5 billion worldwide.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty sold 7.03 million copies worldwide, and is followed in sales by Metal Gear Solid with over 7 million copies sold, and then Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, each with over 6 million copies sold. According to Chart-Track, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots was the second fastest-selling PlayStation 3 game in the United Kingdom after Grand Theft Auto IV. The Phantom Pain grossed $179 million on release day, higher than the combined opening day box office of the films Avengers: Age of Ultron and Jurassic World. The PlayStation Portable games were met with notably lower sales, but it has been analyzed that this was because of the low sales of the console when the games were released. Metal Gear Survive, the first Metal Gear game to be developed since series creator Hideo Kojima left Konami, sold only a fraction of the sales made by Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

The series as a whole (namely concerning the Kojima-directed titles) is often regarded as one of the most influential of all time and has received largely critical acclaim from critics and players. Most of the numbered installments are considered to be some of the greatest video games of all time. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty currently possesses 95.09% on GameRankings and 96/100 on Metacritic, making it the highest-scoring game of the series to date. In 2002, IGN's editors ranked Metal Gear Solid as the best PlayStation game ever. In Game Informer Magazine's list of top 200 games of all time, Metal Gear Solid 2 ranked at No. 50 on the list. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was also voted as the fifth greatest PlayStation game in a poll from PlayStation Official Magazine (UK). Metal Gear Solid and Metal Gear Solid 2 were featured in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's "The Art of Video Games" exhibition taking place from March 16 to September 30, 2012. Games have won multiple awards such as Metal Gear Solid, which won the "Excellence Award for Interactive Art" by the Japan Media Arts Festival, and Metal Gear Solid 2, which was given the Game of the Year award by Game Informer.

Metal Gear was the first mainstream stealth game, with the player starting the game unarmed, and sold over a million copies in the United States. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake evolved the stealth gameplay of its predecessor and is considered one of the best 8-bit games of all time. Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 are credited with pioneering stealth mechanics. Metal Gear Solid, which debuted at the 1996 Tokyo Game Show, was the first 3D stealth game, and is credited with popularizing the stealth game genre, as well as the hiding-behind-cover mechanic. The series pioneered the integration of cinematic techniques into video games, especially Metal Gear Solid which Eurogamer considers the "first modern video game".

Several boss fights have been praised for their variety and strategy required to beat them. The series is notorious for its fourth wall breaking scenes. The storyline has been commented to maintain "rich characterization" while touching on some controversial themes. Hideo Kojima's ambitious script in Metal Gear Solid 2 has been praised, some calling it the first example of a postmodern video game, while others have argued that it anticipated concepts such as post-truth politics, fake news, echo chambers and alternative facts. The series' storytelling in general has received praise for being among "the most fascinating science fiction stories in any medium". The series' cutscenes have often been praised for their graphics and the characters' stunt performances. Nevertheless, a common criticism has been the scenes' lengthiness, as well as some parts of the storyline. Raiden's unexpected introduction as the main protagonist in Metal Gear Solid 2, due to his lack of appearances in the games' trailers and how he replaces fan-favorite character Solid Snake, has been deemed as one of the most controversial parts of the entire series. The series' audio has been acclaimed to the point of receiving awards for its use of sound and music.

The Metal Gear series inspired numerous video game developers. Splinter Cell and Far Cry 2 designer Clint Hocking stated that every stealth-action game "owes its existence to the success of Metal Gear" and that, "Without Metal Gear, there would be no stealth games." Splinter Cell producer Mathieu Ferland said "Metal Gear Solid was a huge inspiration for Splinter Cell" and it "was a pioneer for both the genre and the quality of directing". Silicon Knights founder Denis Dyack said Metal Gear Solid's "story, script, characters, voice acting, and cinemas" were "a landmark" and "guiding light to the future of videogames." Unreal and Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski cited the military themes and action gameplay of Metal Gear as a major influence on his work, and he named Gears of War in homage to Metal Gear. Tenchu creator Takuma Endo cited the early 2D Metal Gear games as an influence. Thief creator Tom Leonard said Metal Gear Solid's success convinced them that experimental stealth gameplay could be marketable and "revitalized the team" in "the closing months of the project." Sumo Digital designer Emily Knox cited Metal Gear Solid as an early formative influence on their work. Crysis 2 animator Luke Kelly said the game's animations were inspired by Metal Gear Solid 4. Neil Druckmann cited the revelation of Raiden in Metal Gear Solid 2 as an influence on The Last of Us Part II (2020).

Beyond video games, filmmaker Jordan Peele cited the series as an inspiration, particularly Metal Gear Solid 2. Several critics have also drawn comparisons between the Metal Gear Solid series, especially Metal Gear Solid 2, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014).

Notes

  1. Although Kojima had been working on games at Konami, Kojima Productions was not officially formed until 2005.
  2. Stylized as Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater

References

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