Konami has released the highly-anticipated remake of one of the video game industry’s crown jewels, Metal Gear Solid Delta. This release brings the legacy alive once again of the Metal Gear series that has sold more than 60 million units worldwide. This full-blown remake of Metal Gear Solid 3 first released in 2004. In doing so, it has enchanted generations of diehard devotees and fresh audiences just the same. The high-tech opus melds next-gen graphics and gameplay with a captivating story-line. This mature yet playful storytelling approach helped the original become a cultural touchstone outside of just the gaming world.
Hideo Kojima, the visionary creator behind the Metal Gear series, has long expressed a desire to step back from the franchise. He indicated as early as Metal Gear Solid 2 that he wished to leave the series in the hands of others. Konami has turned the dream of remakes into a nightmare. This shift will allow the multi-national corporation to release more products into the increasingly competitive gaming industry.
The decision to remake Metal Gear Solid 3 stems from its balance of engaging gameplay and cinematic storytelling, making it a favorite among fans. Zak Ras, a notable commentator on gaming culture, remarked, “Most people will say their favourite entry to the series is either Metal Gear Solid 1 or 3.” This feeling will strike a chord with many members of the gaming community, making this title particularly significant.
Metal Gear Solid Delta has successfully retained the original voice performances, offering a sense of familiarity while incorporating modern gameplay mechanics. Players will be able to play in the classic control scheme, or a modern approach. This new choice supports even more diverse gaming interests. Players will find themselves immersed in the most breathtaking and expansive jungle environment that has received not only gameplay, but graphical improvements over the last twenty years. These enhancements make for an even more transportive experience.
Konami has jumped on the remake bandwagon with reckless abandon. This burgeoning trend follows the trail set by elite remakes such as Resident Evil 4 and Final Fantasy VII, which have bewitched the gaming community with their new graphics and design, achieving both popular and critical success. In 2015, the reported development budget for Metal Gear Solid V exceeded $80 million. This figure really puts into context the high fiscal risk of creating blockbuster games in this genre.
As games industry analyst Christopher Dring said, the Metal Gear franchise has been a key player in shaping gaming history. He stated, “The impact Metal Gear has had on game-making makes it one of the most heralded entertainment franchises in the world, and made Hideo Kojima one of the industry’s most famous creators.” He further emphasized that “it’s a hugely lucrative and growing sector,” reflecting the robust market for video game remakes.
This remake starts with an action sequence just like those James Bond movies, putting players on the edge of their seat right from the start. Early comments from fans indicate that this faithful recreation nails what made the original so revolutionary. Sibling gamers Python and Selkan have completed the game. They paint the act of finishing it as “an amazing journey in and of itself.” They later went on to call the remake “truly a faithful recreation… This highlights their intention to respect the spirit of what made Metal Gear Solid 3 great.
Hideo Kojima has washed his hands of Metal Gear Solid Delta. Then he jokingly ruled out all ideas about them playing the shiny new game. This is a sign of his movement to new projects and creative outlets outside of what he created for Konami in the past.