As Hideo Kojima Celebrates His 62nd Birthday, These Are His 3 Best Games Ever

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This week, Hideo Kojima marked his 62nd birthday, an occasion that feels especially significant following the release of Death Stranding 2. It seems fitting to take a moment and reflect on the remarkable journey of this legendary figure in the gaming world. Kojima has been crafting video games since the ’80s, earning himself a reputation as one of the rare auteurs within the industry. Although it took some time for him to truly stand out, his contribution to the original Metal Gear series paved the way for him to grow into an experienced and accomplished game developer. As the gaming industry developed more nuanced storytelling capabilities, Kojima leveraged his directorial skills, coupled with a love for cinematic narratives, to create masterpieces like Metal Gear Solid.

Initially, Hideo Kojima had a deep passion for cinema, but he recognized a promising niche within the video game industry. His cinematic background set him apart as an extraordinary creative force in gaming, opening new paths for his creations. While some humorously suggest that Kojima might prefer filmmaking due to the abundant cutscenes and involvement of well-known actors in his games, it’s undeniable that he has produced truly remarkable video games.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to highlight someone who masterfully intertwines gameplay and storytelling, creating an immersive experience where the two elements complement each other rather than existing independently. That exceptional talent belongs to none other than Hideo Kojima, a genius in the gaming world whose creations never cease to amaze me.

In honor of his birthday, I’m excited to share what I consider to be three of his most outstanding games (presented in no particular order). Let’s dive into these masterpieces!

1. Metal Gear Solid (1998) – The game that launched the iconic series and established Kojima as a visionary. With its intricate storytelling, stealth-based mechanics, and unforgettable characters, it set the bar high for future games in the genre.
2. Death Stranding (2019) – A unique exploration of themes like connection, isolation, and existentialism, wrapped in a post-apocalyptic setting. The gameplay emphasizes strategic delivery, character development, and world-building to create an immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in video games.
3. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015) – A stunning open-world stealth game that offers freedom of exploration while maintaining the deep storytelling and complex characters that Kojima is known for. With its expansive world, dynamic weather system, and engaging gameplay, it’s a testament to the creative genius behind the Metal Gear Solid series.

Happy birthday, Hideo Kojima! Here’s to many more years of innovation and groundbreaking storytelling in gaming!

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Death Stranding 2″ is Kojima’s latest creation and one of his finest works. It’s received my first perfect score since “Red Dead Redemption 2,” due to its mesmerizing gameplay, powerful narrative, and immersive world. Like most games from Kojima, it’s unique in its category. Critics may dismiss it as a ‘walking game’, but I would argue against that. Even without the intense combat scenes or an extensive collection of weapons, there’s a richness to the exploration.

As a seasoned gamer, every adventure I embark on requires careful planning – charting my course, packing essential supplies, and striking a balance between weight and mobility for smooth sailing. But let’s face it, life in this virtual world doesn’t always stick to the script. Earthquakes, floods, and hostile encounters can throw a monkey wrench into my plans, offering unexpected moments of thrilling emergent gameplay that keep me on the edge of my seat. This PS5 gem is still haunting my thoughts months after completing it – a testament to its immersive depth and lasting impact.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Coincidentally, Hideo Kojima’s birthday coincides with the week of the release of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3. Despite Kojima not being part of the remake, the original game surpassed expectations for a game in its category. The Cold War-era narrative was complex and rich, skillfully introducing numerous memorable characters that would form a significant foundation for the series’ future development. It was one of the most film-like games back then, yet it didn’t compromise on gameplay.

In the game Metal Gear Solid 3, the stealth mechanics that the series is famous for were taken to a new level by incorporating a camouflage system that enabled players to match their surroundings in the jungle environment. Hideo Kojima, as usual, incorporated elements of meta-gaming by allowing players to manipulate real-time to overcome a boss fight. In this game, players could alter the clock on the PlayStation 2 to age and defeat The End in Metal Gear Solid 3, effectively causing his death through old age. This creative concept was groundbreaking. Overall, Metal Gear Solid 3 is widely regarded as one of the best games in the series due to its captivating narrative and innovative yet immersive gameplay.

P.T.

Although no longer playable in its entirety, P.T. stands as one of the most terrifying games ever created. Known for its significant impact, even surpassing that of the renowned Metal Gear Solid series, P.T. is also highly influential. This eerie demo for a cancelled Silent Hill game paved the way for future Resident Evil games by introducing first-person horror and sparked numerous independent games to experiment with creating suspense within an ordinary suburban setting.

In P.T., what makes it so captivating is its immersive portrayal of a realistic home setting, which slowly unnerves you with subtle details. The sound of persistent rain on the window adds to the tense atmosphere, while a chilling radio broadcast recounting a grisly murder case heightens your sense of unease. However, it’s the ominous darkness in the upper half of the house that leaves you feeling like there might be something lurking up there, watching over you. As you advance through the game, the eerie vibe intensifies as things start to feel increasingly off-balance. You cross paths with a talking fetus in a starkly designed bathroom, encounter a terrifying ghostly figure named Lisa, and much more.

Furthermore, unlike other games, you lack any means to defend yourself against Lisa. This unique aspect of the game left players feeling defenseless, contributing to an exceptionally nerve-wracking atmosphere that many subsequent horror games have attempted to mimic.

P.T., mysteriously released without any apparent ties to the Silent Hill series, left an impact due to its enigmatic nature and lack of clear objectives or guidance. Players often had to collaborate online to navigate through it, only to discover at the end that it was indeed a game developed by Hideo Kojima within the Silent Hill universe. The announcement of its cancellation remains one of the most sorrowful “what-ifs” in gaming history.

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2025-08-26 00:04