Very few games ring a bell quite like Metal Gear. To say that it belongs to the Mount Rushmore of video games is up to debate but it’s not an exaggeration either. It’s one of the oldest and best-selling games of all time. And, despite its non-appearance in the headlines save for the occasional rumor or two in recent years, Konami just confirmed that its drawing power remains just as strong.
Crafted by the visionary Hideo Kojima, this Tactical Espionage Action franchise has infiltrated the hearts of millions and left an indelible mark on the fabric of interactive entertainment. And this year, in a testament to its evergreen allure, the game’s publisher, Konami, disclosed that the series has achieved a monumental 60 million sales worldwide since its inception in 1987.
Delving deep into the digits, Konami’s digital entertainment business update reveals a series that, despite lying dormant in terms of new mainline releases, still commands the kind of sales figures that would be the envy of most.
Without a fresh installment since 2018’s Metal Gear: Survive – a game unfortunately lacking the luster of even its least-memorable predecessors – the series still managed to move an impressive 700,000 units between September of last year and this June.
When you consider that the last notable installment was Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, and its prequel, Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, which came out all the way back in 2015 and 2014, respectively, you can’t help but give it its due respect.
It’s clear that Hideo Kojima’s departure from Konami hasn’t impacted the lasting allure of the games he created during his time with the Japanese giant.
Naturally, Konami isn’t about to let this momentum go to waste. After years of rumors, Konami is finally reviving Metal Gear. The impending release of the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 slated for October 24 is a clear indication of the company’s commitment to keeping the legacy alive and accessible to both veterans and newcomers. This bundle, comprising classics like Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, will launch on multiple platforms. If it succeeds, Konami will likely not take long to release a second collection, which has technically already been confirmed.
If we’re lucky, Konami will finally liberate Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots from its PlayStation 4 confines, which will allow fan to revisit another critical chapter of the tale of the Snakes.
Going back, for those with a penchant for nostalgia, this anthology also packs the often-debated non-canonical title, Metal Gear 2: Snake’s Revenge – a game that, regardless of its divergence from Kojima’s vision, has its own story to tell within the broader tapestry of the franchise. Bundled with bonus materials like screenplays, music, and more, the collection promises to be a comprehensive journey down memory lane.
However, the one outing sticking out, much like the franchise’s signature red exclamation mark, is a modern-day re-release of the iconic 2004 title, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.
This current-gen remake will reintroduce the enigmatic Naked Snake to a new generation of players. While some purists might lament the absence of Hideo Kojima’s direct involvement in the project, the return of the original voice cast offers solace and a bridge to the game’s celebrated past.
Critics might argue that the series finds itself at a crossroads, especially given the massive failure of Metal Gear Survive. Yet, with Konami’s dedication to celebrating the franchise’s heritage and introducing fresh narratives, the path forward seems clear.
Whether or not a Metal Gear Solid 6 is on the cards remains shrouded in mystery, but the enduring love for the series and its commercial viability makes it a tantalizing possibility.
As the gaming world evolves, with trends waxing and waning, the Snake’s saga remains a constant, reminding us of the power of timeless storytelling and groundbreaking gameplay. With a future promising retrospection and evolution, the Tactical Espionage Action stalwart is poised to continue its march, leaving footprints for others to follow.
