Few video game series have had an impact on gaming like Metal Gear. Hideo Kojima’s legendary stealth games were each critically-acclaimed and masterpieces in their own right. However, since Kojima’s departure from Konami, rumours have consistently swirled regarding remakes of the Metal Gear games. The most recent and probable of which concerns a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3, which may be announced at an upcoming PlayStation Showcase event as a PlayStation-exclusive title. But many gamers unfamiliar with the series may be wondering why Metal Gear Solid 3 is being remade first.
The Metal Gear series is long and complex. It features numerous instalments, each set at different points in the series’ timeline. Some games are considered canon while others aren’t, and some titles actually fall somewhere in between.
But does this help answer why MGS3 is getting the remake treatment first? Allow us to explain.
Why is Metal Gear Solid 3 being remade first?
Various Metal Gear remakes have been rumoured over the years. These often focus on four games in the series. They are Metal Gear (1987, MSX2), Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1990, MSX2), and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004, PS2).
However, it seems that Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater will be remade first. If the rumours are true, this is likely because Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is the first chronological chapter in the series. Its story takes place in 1964 before the events of all other Metal Gear games.
It tells the story of CIA operative Naked Snake. He is deployed into a jungle in the USSR to rescue a Soviet scientist named Sokolov who is being forced to create a tank with nuclear weapons capabilities.
Without spoiling the plot of Snake Eater itself, Naked Snake goes on to become a legendary mercenary named Big Boss. Big Boss is a central character in later Metal Gear games as both a protagonist and antagonist.
Snake Eater may also have been chosen as the first Metal Gear remake as it is arguably the most beloved game in the series. As with the other instalments, it was critically acclaimed at launch. However, its unique setting, story, bosses, and survival mechanics make it a particular fan favourite.
Metal Gear games in chronological order
Below is a chronological list of all the main Metal Gear games which are considered canon. The dates represent the year(s) the games’ plots take place:
- Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (1964)
- Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (1970)
- Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (1974)
- Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (1975)
- Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (1984)
- Metal Gear (1995)
- Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1999)
- Metal Gear Solid (2005)
- Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2007/2009)
- Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2014)
- Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (2018)
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