Summary
The future of theMetal Gearfranchise was left up in the air after its creator, Hideo Kojima, unceremoniously departed from Konami in 2015. Following this highly publicized split, the series received a new installment in 2018 titledMetal Gear Survive, but this spin-off title was received so poorly that the franchise went on hiatus indefinitely as a result. This led to many fans being convinced that theMetal Gearseries was as good as dead. After all, as Konami shifted away from AAA console development in favor of prioritizing mobile games and free-to-play titles, the chances of the series being revived became less and less likely.
However, when Konami announced in 2023 that it was working ona remake ofMGS 3titledMetal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, the fortunes of the franchise were suddenly reversed. In the following months, the Japanese publisher revealed that this updated version of the seminal 2004 classic would not only keep the original game’s level design and story intact, but it’d also revamp its graphics and gameplay to align with modern AAA standards. Based on the promising information shared aboutMetal Gear Solid Deltaso far, it looks like the title could live up to fans' expectations. If Konami does indeed handle this game right, then it should also give other entries in theMGSseries the same remake treatment, especiallyMetal Gear Solid 1.
Metal Gear Solid 1 Should Get the Same Remake Treatment That MGS 3 is Getting
Metal Gear Solid 1 is in Need of a Remake More Than Other Entries in the Series
The originalMetal Gear Solidwas one of the most influential games of its time. When it came out on the PS1 in 1998, it blew people away with its thrilling, stealth-focused gameplay and its cinematic approach to storytelling. The game sold seven million copies worldwide and is still regarded by many asthe best installment in theMetal Gearfranchiseto this day.
However,Metal Gear Solidhas aged poorly compared to its contemporaries. Unlike later mainline entries in theMGseries, the game used an isometric camera angle akin to a 2D game and featured incredibly rudimentary facial animations. Though the game’s graphics were impressive at the time, they look very dated nowadays, even more so than titles likeMetal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Libertyon the PS2. As such, it’s clear thatMGS 1would benefit greatly from a remake.
MGS 1 Received a Divisive Remake in the Past That Konami Should Avoid Repeating The Mistakes Of
That being said, the originalMetal Gear Solidhas already been remade. Back in 2004, Konami released a title calledMetal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakesexclusively for the Nintendo GameCube. The game was a reimagining of the firstMGSthat made some major changes to theclassic PlayStation 1 title. Not only did it significantly enhance the graphics, but it also added new cutscenes, additional story content, and various gameplay mechanics. WhileThe Twin Snakeswas mostly well-received and provided a serviceable way to experienceMGS 1, the changes made in the remake were fairly divisive; so much so, in fact, that some even claimed that they diluted Hideo Kojima’s vision from the original PS1 game.
IfMetal Gear Soliddoes get another remake,Konami should avoid repeating the same mistakes it made withThe Twin Snakes. Instead, it should take inspiration fromMGS Delta: Snake Eater, and avoid messing with the game’s story and cinematic direction. Additionally, anMGS 1remake should also give players the ability to switch between modern and old-school control schemes if they so desire.
An MGS 1 Remake Could Already Be in Development
It’s likely that a hypotheticalMetal Gear Solid 1remakeis dependent on the success ofMGS: Delta.However, recent rumors have suggested that such a game may already be in the early stages of development and could be targeting a release on current-gen platforms in the near future. Hopefully, these reports are true, because it would be a dream come true to see the originalMetal Gear Solidreceive a modern overhaul, especially one that remains as faithful to the title as possible.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
WHERE TO PLAY
The core experience of the original, evolved and more immersive than ever.A remake of the 2004 game METAL GEAR SOLID 3: SNAKE EATER, with the same gripping story and engrossing world, now with all new graphics and 3D audio that enhance the jungle atmosphere. Get ready for the ultimate survival stealth action experience.The Cold War Crisis that started it allIn the middle of the Cold War, Naked Snake, the man who would later be known as Big Boss, infiltrates the Soviet Union to escort a defecting scientist, Sokolov. However, the mission ends in failure when Snake’s mentor—The Boss, a soldier known as the mother of special forces—betrays him, and Sokolov is captured by Colonel Volgin of the GRU.One week later, Snake returns to Soviet territory to rescue Sokolov and eliminate The Boss—a mission that will mark the start of a new legend, a mission that will mark the start of a new legend, against the backdrop of the ever-changing march of history.
