The latest canonical installment in the Metal Gear Solid franchise released in 2015, famously overshadowed by behind-the-scenes controversy between Hideo Kojima and Konami. Because of the seven-year gap, it seems any hint of news or rumors relating to the tactical espionage series is enough to send the internet abuzz with discussion.
One recurring leak is that of a Metal Gear Solid remake in development. While this is a promising concept for many long-time fans, it comes with a worrying track record that some may be quick to bring up. Over the course of 35 years, multiple titles have seen re-releases to varying degrees of success, and there are frequent whispers about more Metal Gear remakes. If Metal Gear Solid is going to generate interest again, its developer should focus on what made previous entries more faithful.
The Lackluster Twin Snakes Remake
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty was a long-awaited sequel, coming after a console jump and notable graphical upgrade. Despite an almost incomprehensible plot and changes made due to 9/11, it was favorably received, going on to become the seventh best-selling PlayStation 2 game. This success was likely what prompted a remake of the first Metal Gear Solid, revamped with its sequel's features and published for the Nintendo GameCube. However, while the addition of first-person aiming and polished graphics were great, many felt disappointed by the end result.
The first game was designed with PS1 hardware limitations in mind, resulting in overhead views and fewer enemies on screen at any given time. Its remake upscaled the polygons but not room designs. With the addition of first-person views, guards could be easily spotted from across the map, allowing for headshots with pinpoint accuracy and reducing the tense stealth gameplay to mere target practice.
Another common criticism was the updated voice performances. Consensus among fans was that the voice acting lacked enthusiasm, especially compared to the original. It's been said that few cast members were willing to return, resulting in David Hayter (the voice of Solid Snake) giving up half his paycheck to entice them. With underwhelming performances, a lot of the original game's charm was thought to be lacking.
Problems with Metal Gear Survive
A more modern example of poorly received remakes would be Metal Gear Survive, seen by many as Konami squeezing life from the franchise after the departure of Kojima. Looking past all the controversial business decisions surrounding the game, there are several details that outline what Konami got wrong when attempting this remake.
Konami bosses were left with the Fox engine developed by Kojima, and after his departure assets were re-used for Metal Gear Survive's location, enemies, weapons and so on. While graphical output was at the same impressive level as Metal Gear Solid 5, the series' groundbreaking stealth action was replaced with zombie-survival and crafting mechanics.Sneaking missions were swapped out for resource collecting and microtransactions cobbled together using leftover content.
Metal Gear Survive is essentially a sequel in name only, adding little in the way of characterization or lore for a 35-year-old series. The end result was dead on arrival, making it the final nail in the coffin for future Metal Gear projects helmed by Konami. With this disappointing track record, it should be clear why plenty of fans are uncertain about the quality of potentially in-progress remakes.
A faithful Metal Gear remake needs to preserve the concepts that made the original games so appealing, rather than utilizing inferior ideas. Positive changes should include graphical enhancement, updated control schemes for different audiences, and perhaps an integration of future features that don't disrupt gameplay. Until such a project arrives, constant rumors from various developers may be a small comfort to Metal Gear Solid desiring a quality product that stays true to the original games.