Metal Gear Solid 6

[A.G.]

Let’s say it happens... if it did, what story would you want it to tell.

The canon is bloated beyond all logic at this point, as evident by the countless debates on this forum alone. Then again, there is a lot of equity in the existing story. I would go back to the not so distance future formula. Maybe something in 2030s. MGS4 was set in 2014. And I really can’t say that the INSANE cyborg version of 2018 presented in Rising counts. So I think you go to 2030 something. Fresh cast. New protagonist. And I do mean new. Not a clone or a son of someone from the old games. NEW! That said, I’m not opposed to seeing small returning roles of an older Meryl, perhaps in a Campbell capacity. Maybe even Otacon in some way.

No cyborg powers, good old infiltration. I also think you go back to more grounded storytelling, like MGS1 and MGS3. Terrorist action, infiltration to stop them, then some MG sh*t happens. In terms of settings, this is a chance to take the series where it has never been. A populated area. Something where it’s not just you and bad guys. Use the power of modern consoles to make it a more complex gaming experience.

And maybe we drop SOLID. That’s more about the existing games. What would you call it?

METAL GEAR LEGACY: REBIRTH

[fgdj2000]

I'd be up to it. I think the most interesting thing for me would be a full reboot. Bring Solid Snake back if you want, but it shouldn't have anything to do with the existing continuity, not even as a long-gap sequel. AND bring in someone recognizable with a vision to really make it work and have their way with the franchise. Simple, yes. Good old infiltration, simple story (deep, but not convoluted). I'm on board with all of it. BUT make it also striking, so it isn't just another generic action game. Bring a recognizable studio or director in, like Naughty Dog, Amy Henning, Toyotaro, Shinji Mikami even, or the creators of the recent Hitman games. Give them a budget and have them make just a really good, focused interesting game. If it's not perfect but has something to say and brings something original to the table, I'd probably like it a lot.

[A.G.]

Amy would be great for it!

Reboot isn’t as tempting for me. I don’t really want another Solid Snake. He was the perfect character for his era of gaming. I think a fresh and modern cast that is more relatable to today’s audience would benefit the series. It can still exist in the MG universe, but after the Patriots system collapsed you have a clean slate in terms of story. No Snakes, no Bosses. And maybe Metal Gear is a new technology, not a walking tank. Maybe it’s nano tech. So many options that can create a new world to explore.

[fgdj2000]

Yeah, that could work too. Although I'm not sure if it can still be unique that way. Probably. Let's agree on "New fresh take" on the series and "should stay away from prior canon".

[A.G.]

I like the idea of it being in the same universe, but far enough away from the existing games that the story can be fresh and new. That way the new creative team isn’t restricted,

To some degree Kojima did that with Snatcher. It was far off into the future and TX55 was referenced as the Metal Gear weapon in the 20th century. Technically you can make an argument that MG1, MG2 and Snatcher can be in their own, MSX canon.

[fgdj2000]

For me, Death Stranding is kind of similar. Although there are no overt connections (especially since Konami still owns Metal Gear), the technology could exist in the same universe as Metal Gear. The Road constructors have a similar design to the Scarabs, there are bipedal delivery machines, even the dead who fly around like Psycho Mantis and the idea of "Beaches" - essentially a place between life and death that is individual to every person, for instance some look like battlefields - is reminiscent of how The Sorrow and Big Boss' near death experience in MGS3 were portrayed. And Sam also sometimes communicates via "Codec".

So, maybe
timeline MSX: MG1, MG2, Snatcher
timeline A: MGS3, (MPO) MGSPW, MGSV, MG1, MG2, MGS, MGS2, MGS4, (MGR), DS
timeline A.G.: MGS3, (MPO), MG1, MG2, MGS1, MGS2, MGS4 ;-)
timeline B: MG1, MG:GB, MGAcid, MGA2, Policenauts, Zone of the Enders 1+2

EDIT: I've generally been itching to play Snatcher and Policenauts in some form. Alas, I don't speak Japanese well, I don't own any of the older copies and systems (I do still own my PS3) and I've no idea about emulators, especially with Mac OS. a.G.: How did you get hold of them? Any tipps are appreciated. 

[A.G.]

There are definitely a lot of timelines. Don’t forget the MG NES and Snake’s Revenge.

I actually really liked Ghost Babel. It gave a very different backstory to MG1. Hmm.. to that end there would be no contradiction in having games outside what I regard as the main canon be their own story. In fact, in terms of art style, especially the mecha design, it would be a far better fit. And they can all keep the MGS3 origin.

MGS3, MPW, MGS5, MG1, Ghost Babel, Acid, Acid 2

Not sure, but don’t think there is much plot contradiction.


As for Snatcher and Policenauts, it’s been a while. But it’s all emulators. Keep in mind, while there are occasional shooting sequences, they are not well done. And most of the time these games are just pointing options on the screen to continue the story. It’s slow... I would recommend just watching a playthrough on YouTube. Just treat it like a movie. Unlike Metal Gear, the gameplay element isn’t a big factor here.

[fgdj2000]

Mar 4, 2021 22:01:18 GMT -5 A.G. said:

There are definitely a lot of timelines. Don’t forget the MG NES and Snake’s Revenge.

Nope! Never happened! ;-)

I actually really liked Ghost Babel. It gave a very different backstory to MG1. Hmm.. to that end there would be no contradiction in having games outside what I regard as the main canon be their own story. In fact, in terms of art style, especially the mecha design, it would be a far better fit. And they can all keep the MGS3 origin.

MGS3, MPW, MGS5, MG1, Ghost Babel, Acid, Acid 2

Not sure, but don’t think there is much plot contradiction.

Didn't Ghost Babel have a completely different backstory?! It's been a while. I still have my old Game Boy Color and keep it active especially for Ghost Babel - which I only got as a used copy... with the box! aaaand a completed save file! Talk about anti-climactic. I think it's tough playing games on that old not backlit display. Never had the patience for MGA despite liking the art style and idea of a non-canon whacky Metal Gear (as seen in my love for Rising).

As for Snatcher and Policenauts, it’s been a while. But it’s all emulators. Keep in mind, while there are occasional shooting sequences, they are not well done. And most of the time these games are just pointing options on the screen to continue the story. It’s slow... I would recommend just watching a playthrough on YouTube. Just treat it like a movie. Unlike Metal Gear, the gameplay element isn’t a big factor here.

Thanks for the tipp. I probably will now. I like adventure games, but there should be some interactivity. Especially like Grim Fandango.

[mgsolid]

World War II infiltration mission with The Boss as protagonist.