Konami confirmed the long-rumored remake of one of Hideo Kojima's best games, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater at the recently concluded PlayStation Showcase. Naturally, the modern remake of the classic Konami title is looking splendid and it comes complete with the franchise's knack for wildly convoluted names (who names their game Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, right?). But, amidst all the excitement came the question, who's voicing Big Boss, who also goes by the name John, Jack, and Naked Snake?
Well, we've got good news for those who would like to know if, among other things, David Hyater is coming back to voice Snake in the English version.
Konami has since revealed that the original voice cast of the game, Hayter included, are coming back.
This is excellent news that should curry Konami some favor from some of the most ardent Metal Gear fans.
Roughly around a decade ago, Konami, specifically Hideo Kojima, replaced David Hayter with Kiefer Sutherland as the voice of Big Boss for Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain. Years later, Hayter confirmed in several interviews that this wasn't the first time that Kojima had tried to replace him but it was the only time he succeeded. Hayter says Kojima had openly lobbied to replace him as the voice of Solid Snake and Big Boss since Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.
It's never been fully disclosed why Kojima tried to replace Hayter and how many times it happened but the official explanation for replacing Hayter in Metal Gear Solid V was that Kojima wanted someone who had more experience acting with his voice and hands.
Hayter, of course, while the iconic voice of Snake, is more well-known for his work behind the scenes as a writer and/or director.
On the other hand, Sutherland is a multi-award-winning actor who's best known for his starring role as Jack Bauer in 24, a drama series that aired on FOX for years.
It's unclear if the decision to bring Hayter back has to do with Kojima no longer being involved or if Hayter only agreed to return because the auteur is busy with his own studio and we're certainly not trying to stir the pot here.
It's just that, when you talk of Metal Gear, you can't help but bring up Kojima. Kojima is Metal Gear. Konami could at least acknowledge Konami's contribution to the franchise.
Then again, Konami is trying to hide which studio is working on Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Could this be another Moby Dick Studio situation where Kojima will pop up out of nowhere down the line when the game is closer to launch? We certainly can't discount that possibility. Already, Metal Gear fans are busy debating about all the "hidden" details that Konami managed to squeeze into the reveal trailer for the game.
At this point, only Konami knows what it's doing.
But, one thing is for sure, David Hayter is the voice of Naked Snake, and Konami really dropped the ball by not making him saying, "Kept you waiting, huh?" to prove that only he can deliver such one-liners.
