The Legacy of Metal Gear: A Comprehensive Look at the Main Series

Few franchises have had as significant an impact on the gaming industry as Metal Gear. From its debut in 1987 to its latest installment, the series has not only pushed the boundaries of interactive entertainment but also helped redefine the stealth-action genre, narrative depth, and game design philosophies. Developed by Hideo Kojima and Konami, the Metal Gear series spans decades, combining innovative gameplay with complex storytelling. This article will explore the core entries in the Metal Gear saga, breaking down their themes, gameplay innovations, and enduring legacy.

Origins: Metal Gear (1987) and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1990)

The Metal Gear franchise started in 1987 with Metal Gear on the MSX2, introducing a novel concept for the time: stealth-based gameplay. Unlike most action games of its era, which emphasized direct combat, Metal Gear urged players to avoid confrontation, sneak past enemies, and rely on strategy over brute force. The protagonist, Solid Snake, was a rookie member of the special forces group FOXHOUND, tasked with infiltrating Outer Heaven to destroy a weapon called “Metal Gear,” a bipedal tank capable of launching nuclear missiles.

Despite the hardware limitations of the time, Kojima’s vision was clear. Metal Gear featured open-ended levels, where players could explore freely and use items to navigate obstacles. The game was notable for requiring the player to be mindful of enemy vision cones, patrol routes, and environmental cues. This was a fresh approach, especially considering that most action games at the time relied on constant firefights.

The success of Metal Gear led to a sequel, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, in 1990. Metal Gear 2 expanded upon the original’s gameplay mechanics, adding more depth to the stealth systems and introducing a more intricate story. Kojima’s ability to blend narrative with gameplay began to take shape here, with the game featuring characters who had their own backstories and motivations. The introduction of Grey Fox, one of Solid Snake’s key rivals, further elevated the personal stakes for the protagonist. The series’ core themes—war, nuclear deterrence, and the nature of heroism—began to crystallize in this sequel.

The Rise of a Legend: Metal Gear Solid (1998)

The true turning point for the series came in 1998 with the release of Metal Gear Solid (MGS) on the original PlayStation. While the earlier titles were well-received, it was Metal Gear Solid that cemented the series’ place in gaming history. This game was a leap forward in nearly every aspect, from its fully 3D environments to its emphasis on cinematic storytelling.

Metal Gear Solid follows Solid Snake as he is called out of retirement to infiltrate Shadow Moses, a nuclear weapons facility that has been taken over by renegade FOXHOUND members. Their leader, Liquid Snake, threatens to launch a nuclear strike unless his demands are met. The game introduced a new level of narrative sophistication for the medium, employing voice acting, intricate cutscenes, and philosophical themes that questioned the ethics of warfare and technology.

Gameplay in MGS evolved significantly from its 2D predecessors. Snake now had access to a variety of gadgets and weapons, and players had to navigate complex environments filled with traps and enemies. The game introduced the iconic radar system, allowing players to monitor enemy movements in real-time, and stealth was more critical than ever.

The boss battles in Metal Gear Solid are among its most memorable elements. Encounters like the one with Psycho Mantis, who could “read” the player’s memory card, showcased Kojima’s willingness to experiment with game design and break the fourth wall. The game’s balance between action, stealth, and narrative was revolutionary, and it set a new standard for what players could expect from a video game.

The Evolution Continues: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001)

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is perhaps the most controversial entry in the series, but it also stands as one of the most ambitious. Released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, MGS2 pushed the technical capabilities of the console to their limits, featuring lifelike graphics, complex enemy AI, and highly interactive environments.

The game begins with Solid Snake infiltrating a tanker to investigate a new Metal Gear prototype, but the narrative quickly shifts focus to Raiden, a new protagonist. This bait-and-switch technique shocked players, many of whom expected to play as Snake for the entire game. Raiden’s inclusion was Kojima’s way of commenting on player expectations and the nature of control within games. While initially divisive, Raiden has since become a beloved character in his own right.

Sons of Liberty delves deep into postmodern themes, addressing issues such as digital information control, simulation vs. reality, and the manipulation of truth. The game predicted many of the conversations that would later dominate the digital age, particularly concerning the power of AI and the spread of disinformation. The game’s villains, the Patriots, were revealed to be an omnipresent force that controlled global information, an eerily prescient idea.

From a gameplay perspective, MGS2 refined the stealth mechanics of the first game, offering more dynamic options for players to navigate environments, hide bodies, and manipulate enemy behavior. The game introduced the ability to hold up guards, use first-person aiming, and utilize environmental elements to solve puzzles.

The Past Revisited: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)

With Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Kojima took the series in a different direction, setting the game during the Cold War era of the 1960s. Instead of Solid Snake, players controlled his genetic predecessor, Naked Snake (later known as Big Boss), on a mission to stop a rogue Soviet general from using a new Metal Gear weapon.

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The shift to a jungle environment brought significant changes to the gameplay. Stealth was now about more than avoiding enemies—players had to manage their stamina, heal injuries, and use camouflage to blend into their surroundings. The survival mechanics gave Snake Eater a unique flavor, pushing players to adapt to the wilderness while evading enemy patrols.

The story of Snake Eater is one of the most emotionally charged in the series. It focuses heavily on loyalty, betrayal, and the personal sacrifices of soldiers. Naked Snake’s relationship with his mentor, The Boss, forms the emotional core of the game, culminating in a climactic final battle that remains one of the most poignant moments in the franchise.

Beyond its compelling narrative, MGS3 continued to innovate in terms of gameplay design. The inclusion of the CQC (close-quarters combat) system allowed for a more hands-on approach to stealth, and the game’s non-linear structure rewarded players who took the time to explore.

The Conflict of Ideals: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2008)

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots was designed to be the conclusion to Solid Snake’s story. Released for the PlayStation 3 in 2008, the game took full advantage of the system’s hardware, delivering a highly cinematic experience that tied up many of the loose threads from previous entries.

Set in a dystopian near-future where private military companies (PMCs) have taken over global conflicts, MGS4 presents an older, battle-weary Solid Snake—now suffering from accelerated aging due to his genetic engineering. Snake’s final mission is to stop his twin brother, Liquid Ocelot, from gaining control of a global AI network that governs warfare.

The game’s themes of control, identity, and freedom are front and center, with the Patriots’ AI system serving as a chilling metaphor for real-world debates about surveillance and autonomy. Kojima’s flair for meta-commentary is evident throughout MGS4, particularly in its reflections on the series itself and the gaming industry as a whole.

MGS4 introduced a refined control system, allowing for a mix of traditional stealth and more action-oriented gameplay. Players could use advanced technology like the OctoCamo suit to blend into their environment or engage enemies head-on using a variety of weapons. The game’s set-piece moments, such as the climactic battle between Snake and Liquid, are some of the most cinematic ever created in a video game.

Expanding the Lore: Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (2014) and The Phantom Pain (2015)

The most recent mainline entries in the series, Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (2014) and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015), represent the culmination of Kojima’s vision for the franchise, both in terms of gameplay and narrative ambition. However, the development of these games was fraught with challenges, including Kojima’s eventual departure from Konami, which left The Phantom Pain feeling somewhat unfinished.

Ground Zeroes serves as a prologue to The Phantom Pain, setting up Big Boss’s fall from grace and the events that would lead to his transformation into the villainous figure seen in earlier games. The Phantom Pain, on the other hand, is an open-world game that gives players unprecedented freedom to tackle missions in a variety of ways. Set in the 1980s, the game follows Big Boss as he builds his private army and seeks revenge on those who betrayed him.

The themes of loss, revenge, and the cyclical nature of violence are deeply embedded in The Phantom Pain, which also explores the consequences of Big Boss’s actions and the moral ambiguity of his journey. The game’s open-world structure allows for emergent gameplay moments, where players can approach objectives in multiple ways—whether through stealth, combat, or clever use of the environment.

Despite its open-world brilliance, The Phantom Pain was criticized for its unfinished narrative and lack of closure. Many plot points were left unresolved, leaving fans speculating about what could have been had Kojima stayed on to fully realize his vision.

The Legacy of Metal Gear

The Metal Gear series is more than just a collection of video games—it’s a landmark in the evolution of the medium. With each entry, Hideo Kojima pushed the boundaries of what games could achieve in terms of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and thematic depth. From its origins as a stealth-action title to its later exploration of open-world design, Metal Gear has consistently innovated, challenging players to think about the nature of war, identity, and control.

Even though the series appears to be at an end following Kojima’s departure from Konami, its influence can still be felt across the industry. Modern games that emphasize stealth, narrative depth, and player agency owe a debt to Metal Gear. Kojima’s signature blend of complex storytelling, breaking the fourth wall, and attention to detail has inspired countless developers and creators.

Ultimately, Metal Gear stands as a testament to the power of video games as a storytelling medium, offering players a blend of tactical espionage action and philosophical inquiry that remains unmatched to this day. Whether the series will continue in some form remains to be seen, but its impact on gaming is undeniable and will likely be felt for generations to come.

Chronological Order of Metal Gear Games

The Metal Gear games in chronological order (according to their in-game timeline)

1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)

• Setting: 1964
• Overview: Set during the Cold War, Naked Snake (Big Boss) must stop a Soviet plot involving a nuclear superweapon. It introduces survival mechanics and tells the story of Big Boss’s rise.

2. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (2006)

• Setting: 1970
• Overview: A direct sequel to Snake Eater, Big Boss builds his army while combating a rogue FOX unit. It introduces team-based gameplay but is not always considered core canon.

3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010)

• Setting: 1974
• Overview: Big Boss forms the Militaires Sans Frontières and investigates a nuclear threat in Central America. It explores Big Boss’s moral descent and introduces base-building mechanics.

4. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (2014)

• Setting: 1975
• Overview: A prologue to The Phantom Pain, Big Boss infiltrates a U.S. military black site to rescue allies. It introduces the open-world stealth gameplay that defines The Phantom Pain.

5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015)

• Setting: 1984
• Overview: After recovering from a coma, Big Boss seeks revenge on the organization that destroyed his army. It delves into his transformation into a villain and features an open-world design.

6. Metal Gear (1987)

• Setting: 1995
• Overview: The first game in the series, Solid Snake infiltrates Outer Heaven to destroy the Metal Gear, a nuclear-armed walking tank. Introduces the stealth gameplay the series is known for.

7. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1990)

• Setting: 1999
• Overview: Solid Snake returns to stop a new Metal Gear threat in Zanzibar Land, continuing the story of nuclear warfare and military technology. It refines stealth mechanics and storytelling.

8. Metal Gear Solid (1998)

• Setting: 2005
• Overview: Solid Snake is called out of retirement to stop a nuclear strike by rogue FOXHOUND members. The game revolutionized storytelling and cinematic presentation in video games.

9. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001)

• Setting: 2007–2009
• Overview: Follows both Solid Snake and new protagonist Raiden as they battle the secretive Patriots. It explores themes of information control and digital manipulation.

10. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2008)

• Setting: 2014
• Overview: An older Solid Snake embarks on his final mission to stop Liquid Ocelot. It ties up many plot threads and examines the ethics of warfare in a world controlled by AI.

11. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (2013)

• Setting: 2018
• Overview: Set after the events of MGS4, it follows Raiden in a more action-oriented hack-and-slash game. It explores themes of cyborgs, technology, and freedom.

Additional Entries and Their Place in the Timeline

While the main games above form the core of the Metal Gear storyline, several spin-offs and side stories add depth to the series’ lore:

• Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel (2000) – An alternate retelling of the original Metal Gear for the Game Boy Color.
• Metal Gear Acid series (2004, 2005) – Turn-based strategy spin-offs with their own separate continuity.
• Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus (2007) – An expanded version of Portable Ops with additional content.
• Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel (2006) and Metal Gear Solid 2: Digital Graphic Novel (2008) – Interactive comic adaptations of the first two Metal Gear Solid games.

Playing Order Summary

To experience the storyline in chronological order, players should follow this sequence:

1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
2. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
4. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
6. Metal Gear
7. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
8. Metal Gear Solid
9. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
10. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
11. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

This order allows players to follow the storyline as it unfolds across the decades, providing a comprehensive understanding of the characters, their motivations, and the intricate plot that ties the series together.