‘Metal Gear Solid 5′ Confirmed By Kojima

Fans of the franchise may have mixed feelings about the next entry in the Metal Gear series, but there is new reason for optimism. Series creator Hideo Kojima has spoken about his current thoughts on Metal Gear Solid 5, referencing a few games and design philosophies that could be shaping the game’s overall themes and mechanics, while also confirming it is in production.

Most importantly, a familiar face may be returning once again.

The release of Metal Gear Solid 5 is a foregone conclusion, and while we have our questions over which of Sony’s consoles it may be released on, it’s seeming more and more likely to be a markedly different experience.

The head of Kojima Productions opened up when speaking with French gaming magazine IG, hinting that a discussion of his next Metal Gear Solid game is likely to be coming soon. For now, it seems part of MGS 5‘s design is coming from a surprising source:

“About Metal Gear Solid 5, I can tell you two things. There will be much question of infiltration, espionage, and convincing people to give you ‘a favour’ like in the last Metal Gear Solid.

“I liked the idea of social interactions in Deus Ex: Human Revolution, but we will see. And if I say more, the female ninja public relations officer, who is behind the door, I will be carved up into pieces. So it’s better that we meet again when the time comes to talk about Metal Gear Solid 5.”

The creator of Solid Snake has explained in the past that inspiration has come from some surprising places, and the fact that Deus Ex‘s systems of conversations and sidequests was all that could be revealed before clamming up is intriguing. The direct influence could be minimal, but hearing that Kojima is inspired by anything is a positive after claiming that MGS 5 would be made regardless.

Hearing that infiltration, espionage and coercion will be present isn’t exactly shocking, but when combined with past musings of Kojima’s, the details are potentially more telling. When previously speaking of settings he had considered for the fifth title, World War II Normandy was at the top of the list.

Whether these statements hint that MGS 5 will be set among a resistance in WWII or not, fans can at least look forward to the game bringing some new elements. If nothing else, this game may finally grant the creator’s wish of finally killing Solid Snake, as he went on to confirm that the studio isn’t done with hero just yet.

It’s clear that the mud being thrown over the true place of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance in the series still bothers Kojima, as well, taking the opportunity to once again come to its defense:

“Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance never claimed to be a Metal Gear Solid. This is not a game about our beloved Solid Snake. It is a spinoff that tries something different. We have not yet finished with Solid Snake, despite the fact that I wanted to let him die at the end of Guns of the Patriots.”

Hopefully this will help Platinum Games gain a little more breathing room, since treading new ground is something the series’ creator is still emphasizing after all these years.

What do you fans take of Kojima’s latest comments? Think taking inspiration from a science-fiction RPG spells good things for the future of the series, or could this hint at a risky direction?

Metal Gear Solid 5 has yet to be given an official release date.

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Follow me on Twitter @andrew_dyce.

Source: IG (via CVG)