One Metal Gear fan is using Unreal Engine 4 to recreate the Hideo Kojima classic. Check out the first level from the project, which uses the working title Outer Heaven.

Rather than wait around for Kojima to do it, one Metal Gear fan is taking it upon themselves to recreate the stealth classic using Unreal Engine 4. Dubbed Outer Heaven, this fan project still has a long way to go, but the below teaser video shows some promise.

As readers can see, Outer Heaven seeks to recreate some of the environments from the original, NES release, albeit in stunning 3D. Outside of that, though, it’s unclear what direction the project might follow. That is, we don’t have any idea whether the title will incorporate gameplay elements from the modern Metal Gear Solid releases, or if it will stick to Metal Gear's roots and opt for a top-down perspective.

It’s important to note that thus far the Outer Heaven project has only put together one map recreation using Unreal Engine 4, and is therefore a long way from completion. That’s also assuming Konami doesn’t catch wind of the project beforehand, and hit the developers with a cease and desist. While many fan projects are able to make it through development unchecked, some are less lucky. The original IP owners do have the rights to any and all pieces of the property, and can therefore shut down any projects they deem harmful to the brand.

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Let us not forget, as well, that Konami, a studio who seems very protective when it comes to their number 1 video game franchise, owns Metal Gear. Well, they are protective when it comes to other people using the name; they have no problem slapping Big Boss’ name on anything.

That being said, what has been put together is quite impressive, and couldn’t have come at a better time. While most can agree that Metal Gear Solid 5 is a worthwhile entry in the franchise – some would even call it a masterpiece – Konami’s handling of the property prior to MGS 5’s release has been troubling.

More specifically, the studio’s relationship with Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima, or rather the lack thereof, has many questioning whether the property should continue. Konami says it will, but fans seem none too receptive to the idea.

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While this project continues to develop, fans can look forward to jumping into some multiplayer Tactical Espionage Action with Metal Gear Online, which just went live this week. Offering the same great combat of Metal Gear Solid 5, albeit in a multiplayer atmosphere, Metal Gear Online has its own inherent appeals. But it will be more interesting to see whether the mode can keep the Metal Gear brand going, even as Konami seemingly tarnishes the name at every turn.

Metal Gear Solid Online is live for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.

Source: Kotaku