On numerous occasions, Kojima Production’s director Hideo Kojima has gone on record to state that the Metal Gear Solid series was coming to a close. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots even set the popular series up for a fitting conclusion; and while Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance brings the Metal Gear name back to life, it does so without the series staple characters. Amongst those not returning is the series’ title character, Solid Snake, whom Hideo Kojima had said he was ready to permanently retire. In true Kojima fashion, though, his words may not have been as “set in stone” as one would think.
In a recent interview with IG Magazine, the famed director, who is also known for his work on the Zone of the Ender’s series, spoke vaguely about the truths behind Metal Gear Solid 5 and the return of the series star. “We have not yet finished with Solid Snake despite the fact that I wanted to let him die at the end of Guns of the Patriots,” Kojima explained.
Those familiar with the fourth installment of the Metal Gear Solid series are well aware that the story’s of all frontline characters were resolved, even the conflicted and somewhat confusing plot revolving around the digital antagonist, The Patriots. Throughout the game, Solid Snake battled with the rapid aging that came as a failsafe side effect of his cloning, ensuring that the skilled warrior would have no chance of reproduction during his shortened lifespan. Though it was assumed at the end of the game (spoiler alert, of course) that Snake had gone off to finally die in peace, it seems that Kojima is looking to ring a little more out of the tired soldier.
Of course, the secretive director had little to say about the character and whether David Hayter, the actor behind his signature voice, would make a return, but he did have a little to say about the potential gameplay in Metal Gear Solid 5. “There will be much question of infiltration, espionage, and convincing people to give you ‘a favor’ like in the last Metal Gear Solid,” Kojima explained.
Pulling inspiration from a game like the first person shooter RPG Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Kojima hopes to add a new level of depth to the series’ staple stealth / action gameplay. “I liked the idea of social interactions in Deus Ex: Human Revolution, but we will see.” Seeing as how the bulk of Human Revolution could have been played through a more stealthy method, there should be no question as to whether or not this inclusion would fit well with the Metal Gear Solid series.
Whether or not Kojima plans on releasing more information on the fifth installment of the Metal Gear Solid series remains a mystery, but as always, the clever director gave just enough information to pique the interest of all of his loyal followers. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance releases this November, potentially with a little more info on the fate of Solid Snake with it.
