Reviving Metal Gear Solid: Konami's New Approach

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is finally getting a remake for current-generation consoles, entitled Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. This is a big deal for fans of the stealth series since the game has not been officially available for over a decade, since the PS3 and Xbox 360 port. However, it's important to consider whether this remake can capture the essence of what made Metal Gear Solid 3 such a special game. Remakes are always a challenge because developers must balance preserving the original's spirit with modernizing outdated elements. Capcom's success with its Resident Evil remakes demonstrates that they can either be reinvented or updated versions of what worked in the original game.

Konami Might Be Making a Turn Around With Outsourcing Developers

Following the disbanding of the original Silent Hill development team after the fourth game, Konami has outsourced the development of all future games to other studios, with varying degrees of success. The recently announced Silent Hill 2 remake, being developed by Bloober Team, has received mixed reviews from horror game enthusiasts for their previous titles. Similarly, new mainline titles like Silent Hill: Homecoming and Silent Hill: Downpour were developed outside of Konami, with the latter being from a studio with only one previous game.

This trend continues with the upcoming mainline title Silent Hill F, which is being developed by NeoBards. While the studio is primarily known for porting Capcom games and developing the multiplayer-focused Resident Evil Re:Verse, the game's story has promise as it is being written by When They Cry creator Ryukishi07.

MercurySteam's Castlevania: Lords of Shadow received critical acclaim, but its sequel failed to meet sales expectations, resulting in subsequent releases being collections of older titles. Meanwhile, Contra's fate was even worse with the poorly received Rouge Corps developed by Toylogic. However, Metal Gear Solid fans have reason to be excited about the upcoming remake of Metal Gear Solid 3. The development team, consisting of in-house Konami members and Virtuos, who have already proven their expertise in remastering titles, are working on the project. The remake is a passion project, evident in the reprisal of the original voice cast, including David Hayter as Naked Snake/Big Boss. Although it remains to be seen if the remake can capture the essence of what made the original game so special, the developers' level of commitment is a promising sign.

Keeping the Tone Intact is Crucial for Metal Gear Solid Delta

Metal Gear Solid 3 is a game that perfectly balances humor and drama. While it may take a more tongue-in-cheek approach compared to other games in the series, its unique tone is what sets it apart. The game's setting in a Soviet jungle adds to the overall atmosphere and the inspiration drawn from pulpy spy movies like the 007 series makes it all the more enjoyable.

The game's lighter tone is evident in several moments, such as Big Boss's childlike glee while ranting about a gun's mechanics and the inclusion of a boss who can shoot bees at the player. While the series has previously featured supernatural elements, the boss who can shoot bees from his mouth feels particularly silly, regardless of the intended tone. However, preserving this tone is crucial to maintaining the emotional impact of the original game. Despite the inclusion of lightning-shooting men and 1960s mechs, Metal Gear Solid 3 still manages to deliver one of the most beautiful and poignant final boss encounters in gaming history. With the confirmed return of the original voice cast, Metal Gear Solid Delta appears to be a faithful remake. Even if it misses the mark on some key moments, the release of the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection alongside the remake ensures that the original experience can still be enjoyed by modern audiences.

Konami Could Be Turning Over a New Leaf

The challenge of remaking Metal Gear Solid 3, a game cherished by many, is not lost on Konami and Virtuos. The absence of Kojima adds to the pressure, as his signature storytelling style was integral to the original game's success. However, the team is determined to do justice to the beloved title and offer fans a fresh take on the classic game.

It should be noted that the narrative of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater involved multiple writers, including the heavily involved Shuyo Murata. While it has not been confirmed who will be penning the story for the upcoming remake, the involvement of past Metal Gear Solid writers could potentially ease concerns about the remake's faithfulness to the original's tone. With Konami's recent efforts to revive their beloved IPs, including the development of Metal Gear Solid Delta and the announcement of various Silent Hill games, the future of the Metal Gear franchise looks promising. The remake is set to release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.