The Next Metal Gear Solid Remake: Which Entry Should Konami Choose?

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Following the release of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater on contemporary gaming systems, there’s a strong possibility that Konami might be pondering which classic game from their renowned series could be a suitable candidate for a future remake.

An intriguing alternative way to introduce the franchise to potential newcomers and satisfy veteran gamers with a blend of nostalgia and modern appeal might not be an easy choice when selecting a different game.

Regardless of the limited choices they have, every game in the Metal Gear Solid series presents multiple factors that might cause issues for Konami. This problem could potentially worsen due to Hideo Kojima’s departure from their team.

While there are several possibilities that Konami could consider, some come with conditions. On the other hand, certain options might prove challenging for the studio to implement on current gaming hardware, given their potential requirements and questionable profitability.

Let’s explore the limitations associated with each possible title for Koami, and determine which option would serve its purpose most effectively. This is what we aim to uncover today.

What Could Go Wrong?

Revisiting a franchise like Metal Gear Sold that’s brought joy to countless players throughout its long history presents a challenge due to the potential downsides. Each installment offers elements that many adore, and there are undoubtedly fans who deeply appreciate the unique qualities each game contributes to the table.

As ardent fans, we’ve been eagerly hoping for a remake, but realizing that such a decision might not be easy for Konami due to the significant implications it holds. After all, our rich history of creating remarkable video games and continually pushing boundaries to captivate players has been built over years. The substantial investments that have enabled this evolution make certain paths forward quite daunting if Konami chooses to adapt their classics for today’s gaming landscape.

A standout selection would likely be “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker” from 2010, given its portrayal of Naked Snake as Big Boss, following his story post-Snake Eater events and delving into The Boss’s tale after her time in Russia. It’s a compelling pick due to the anticipation among players for more insights into Naked Snake’s transformation into Big Boss, with numerous jaw-dropping moments awaiting them as they uncover the series of events that led him there. On the surface, it appears to be a logical choice.

It should be noted that this game was initially designed for PlayStation Portable. Consequently, adapting it for current-generation consoles might demand significant effort to preserve the storyline, visuals, and overall quality similar to Snake Eater.

Restarting the project as a remake would necessitate the studio redesigning its comic-book style cutscenes, initially, to align more closely with the heightened expectations of modern-day gamers. This is particularly important following the impressive work they’ve done on Snake Eater.

Without Kojima’s involvement, while it might not be an immediate requirement, there will need to be thorough consideration in other areas. The cutscenes used for the PSP were strategic due to its limited storage and processing power; however, it’s challenging to envision how they would enhance the experience on a contemporary console.

Apart from Portable Ops, which served as a precursor to Peace Walker, it’s challenging for Konami to develop a remake encompassing enough improvements and enhancements to justify such a project for both games. The amount of effort and resources required might be more effectively used to re-create other cherished titles within the franchise instead.

Eliminating the two potential sequels that would further Naked Snake’s story leaves us with a few other game options, yet these might be overly challenging or complex.

The Sins of the Father

As a dedicated fan, I’d be thrilled if Konami decided to hand over the reins of the Metal Gear Solid franchise to Big Boss’ son in the absence of further stories featuring Naked Snake. Reviving the classic rivalry between Big Boss and Solid Snake would be a fantastic move, with remakes of the early games like the original Metal Gear from 1987 and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake from 1990.

It’d be fantastic for fans of the Metal Gear series if those two games – known for being among the shortest in the franchise – could somehow be combined into a single edition. And speaking of satisfying moments, having Solid Snake face off against his father is a clever narrative move, as it ties up loose ends connecting to Delta and has the potential to complete the story arc beautifully.

Given their age, which exceeds 35 years, it’s expected that the studio will encounter additional limitations when remaking their PSP games. This is because the remastering process involves updating game assets, animations, and possibly even storylines to meet modern standards.

In essence, it’s clear that “Metal Gear Solid,” being an ’98 release, doesn’t compare favorably to contemporary games when it comes to gameplay mechanics, control systems, and narrative delivery. A remake would require substantial updates and improvements to make the original game feel relevant and appealing for today’s gamers who demand high-quality experiences.

Revitalizing an age-old favorite isn’t a simple feat, considering the fervor of its dedicated fans. Such a project requires careful handling, a challenge even for experienced developers like Konami.

Instead of remaking Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots right now, it might not be as effective due to its exceptional gameplay mechanics and graphics. Since it presents the end of Solid Snake’s life, a remaster could feel incomplete. An earlier adventure featuring Solid Snake for players to connect with the character before experiencing his final act would make this potential remaster more impactful. Later on, a remake might be feasible, but it’d lose some emotional resonance without this early introduction to the iconic character.

It’s speculated that “Guns of the Patriots” could appear in the Master Collection Volume 2, which might render a remake unnecessary. Likewise, “Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes” and “The Phantom Pain” can likely be excluded for similar reasons. However, there is an argument for a remaster that includes the missing Episode 51 content as an extra mission. Yet, a remaster solely for this bonus mission may not be justified, considering the effort required would be considerable given the game’s recent release status and the extensive work needed to update it.

Should Konami Take A Road Less Travelled?

In simpler terms, the response is affirmative. Titles featuring Naked Snake/Big Boss in the past or recently might seem like a wise choice. However, a forward-thinking studio like Konami would benefit more from a gradual approach, focusing on a game that allows them to make minimal adjustments instead.

Although introducing Solid Snake to contemporary gamers according to the original timeline would be ideal, from a studio’s perspective, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty seems like the most advantageous choice due to its optimal balance between risks and rewards.

The lack of Kojima in the team might diminish the quality of any attempts to remake Metal Gear Solid. However, considering the success of Delta: Snake Eater, Konami’s studio might be capable of handling Metal Gear Solid 2. They could leverage the lessons learned from their recent remake to re-create the title, and introduce Solid Snake into the new version.

While it might seem like a sudden leap to discuss Solid Snake’s fourth adventure, from a development perspective, remaking Sons of Liberty seems most fitting. The visuals in this game are surprisingly timeless and it’s astonishing to think they originate from 2001. Although the gameplay would require updating, as demonstrated by Delta, the team has already shown they can handle such an improvement.

The consistent development might actually benefit Konami, as it gives them the opportunity to concentrate on a full remake without needing to incorporate extra levels in Big Shell, the game’s primary setting.

Instead of creating an entirely new version of the classic “Metal Gear Solid” game that would leverage modern gaming capabilities to feature Solid Snake, it seems that focusing on a remake of his fourth adventure might be a more feasible and sensible option for Konami.

Could it be possible that the studio has carefully considered the advantages and disadvantages of bringing back Solid Snake through his initial mission from the 1987 Metal Gear, and they believe that revisiting this inaugural journey is a gamble worth taking to revive excitement for the renowned franchise?

While it’s uncertain at this point, the prospect of Solid Snake being the main focus in Konami’s upcoming remakes is certainly intriguing. However, it’s also possible that the studio might take a unexpected turn and delight fans with something entirely new, possibly even a long-desired sequel to Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.

At present, let’s simply savor the backstory of Naked Snake, and cross our fingers that Konami will honor his rich legacy in the time ahead.

Please keep in mind that while this article’s perspectives align with the author, they might not mirror the overall viewpoint of GamingBolt. The content should not be associated with or credited to GamingBolt as a collective entity.

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2025-09-02 20:15