MGS4 - Last MGS Game According to Hideo Kojima

[Serapth]

From the interview available here. (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=140990) Hideo Kojima had the following to say.


Kojima finishes off the interview by again stating that MGS4 will be apparently be his "last Metal Gear game." "The series belongs to Konami and the fans, but I have the liberty to stop," he says. Of course this isn't the first time Kojima has tried to ditch his famous stealth series; originally MGS2 was going to be his final series entry but he reclaimed the mantle for the third game after massive fan outcry. Better get your letter writing pens out then.


There are also some details on MGS4 gameplay. Personally im not really keen on the stealth games (MGS, Splintercell, even the much vaunted Thief series did little for me), but I know MGS has legions of fans. So, how do you feel on this, is it time to put the MGS series to rest?

[Wyrm]

I don't really care. They've all been pretty good games, but I wont come unhinged if he stops making them. Plus, they pointed it out, but he said this after each game. At this point, it'd probably be good for the PS3 if he pumped out another game after this.

[captainspankypants]

I thought he said MGS3 would be the last one. As long as the series makes money, expect more.

[Lekon]

Yeah, as I recall, he said MGS3 would be the last one at one of the E3's before it was announced.

[Pigeon]

as soon as kojima blows all his money there will be a 5 ;)

[markster3000]

Didn't he already say this during E3?

[Reanimated]

Thank god.

[lost]

Hes gone into more detail this time though, on a gamespot interview I watched anyway, saying they were going to try and tie up as many of the loose ends as possible. Neither 2 nor 3 did that, they just made more.

[theguido]

Well, if what the trailer suggests is going to happen actually happens I could see this actually being his last MGS game for a while. That could actually open the door for new characters to take the limelight. That way, whoever helms the game next would have a bit of a blank slate to work with.

[Paranoia]

Enough with the milking. As much as I love MGS, it has to end.

[lost]

Agreed actually, a franchise as cinematic and story driven as MGS is can't go on forever. Can't have it turning into some hi-tech police academy can we.

[Kamalot]

End it.

Wait 10 years.

Revive it.

Profit!

[Blade]

As others have mentioned, he's called MGS2 the last MGS... MGS3 the last MGS...

I don't mind a fifth. I love my Solid Snake.

[Kamalot]

Agreed actually, a franchise as cinematic and story driven as MGS is can't go on forever. Can't have it turning into some hi-tech police academy can we.
Oh, you mean like Final Fantasy? ;-)

[Blue]

I agree with the need for MGS to come to an end. It's easily one of my favorite game series, but they can't keep dragging it out before I start hating it. Here's hoping Kojima sticks to his guns this time and actually does wrap everything.

A part of me can't help wonder, though, if they do something with Fox Hound or whatever next as opposed to a title "officially" MGS. Stay within that same world and follow maybe a team of ops as opposed to just Snake and make it a different take on the stealth genre or not stealth-based at all. Not that that would fly too terribly well, but I wouldn't put it past any company not to try and at least make more money by piggy-backing on past success.

[Savok]

The man who cried "quit". Don't get your hopes up folks. Though expect the ending to MGS4 to be a Kojima symbolic wank fest like MGS2's was, whatever happens.

[SexualChoc]

Note Kojima is saying it's his last game, not the last in the franchise. I think he has said it's the last of Snakes story, meaning a new protagonist is somewhere in there. Still, new info is good.

[Tohoya]

Yeah, right. Kojima said the same thing about MGS2.

[drakkarim]

stealth games bore me personally, but i know many love them, so those people will have to do what we all do when we lose a series we love, get over it and find a different game.

[Flatpicker]

I like the series and know that Konami won't end it. They never ended Castlevania even when the games were sub-par.
I would like to see Kojima re-invent Policenauts and Snatcher using the experience he gained from MGS.

[EvilBob46]

Thank god.

If you don't care, fine, but a lot of people do. There is no reason why you, somebody that obviously isn't into the franchise, should give a crap if they make more games or not. Comments like this from the #1 Xbox fanboy sort of piss me off. It's almost as if you're just pissed because the PS3 is going to get a worthy exclusive title.

It's not like the MGS games by Kojima have been decreasing in quality over the last few years. MGS3:S was a quality game (95% on Gamerankings, if I must remind you), and as long as Kojima directs them, they will continue to be great. If he thinks the MGS story has been told and wants to end it, that's fine.

[benig]

I believe he's shown a lot of interest in doing games for the Wii. Him and Miyamoto-san seem very close.

[Kefkataran]

Honestly, Kojima has said the same thing about MGS2 and MGS3, so I'm taking it with a grain of salt. That said, I'm confident that MGS4 and whatever way he continues in game development (MGS or otherwise) will be great.

[overdrivechao]

The man who cried "quit". Don't get your hopes up folks. Though expect the ending to MGS4 to be a Kojima symbolic wank fest like MGS2's was, whatever happens.

MGS2's ending was the exception to the rule of good endings. I mean cmon, MGS3 had a truly moving ending sequence. Personally I'd like to see it wrapped up, but I'll keep playing it just like I'll keep watching damned filler episodes of Bleach...

[Rook34]

Every good story has to end. The mindset these days for EVERYTHING is if it makes money than milk it for all it's worth and to hell with the end. WE see it in t.v. also. Look at Smallville, Lost, Invasion, Angel. Two of these shows are already gone and did we get a good ending? No. Because it was sprung on them that they were being cancelled so they had to come up with a subpar hodgepodge ending (Angel), or not even one at all (Invasion). Whatever happened to miniseries? At least then you knew it would for sure end.

Then in games you got shit that just continues forever. Final Fantasy is the biggest culprit, though they get around it by offering new worlds and characters each time. I was so happy when they ended the Legacy of Kain games. I loved that series and I'm glad they ended it before it spiraled down and became crap, because the longer a game series sticks around the greater the chance people wont care as much and neither will the developers. Look at Tomb Raider. (Haven't played the new one though.)
So, I'd have to say I'm happy they're ending the MGS series. I love the MGS series, but a good story needs a good end and with as popular as it is it's almost a given that it's gonna be one hell of an end. I for one am looking forward to it.

[Kefkataran]

Invasion got cancelled? I didn't even know that. But Invasion wasn't that good to begin with, was it?

[Serapth]

Invasion got cancelled? I didn't even know that. But Invasion wasn't that good to begin with, was it?

I think it got the axe before even getting to 6 episodes. And no, it wasnt very good. It felt like it could have been but it just frankly wasnt... plus it reminded me of a hodge podge of previous shows.

[Kefkataran]

Always seemed like an attempt to cash in on the same style of mystery-adventure-sci-fi show that Lost proved so popular, but done badly. Oh well. Good riddance.

[Rook34]

Yeah, I kept watching because it would come so close to giving an answer and becoming good but like an old man on viagra would lose its erection and just sit there and mope instead.

[Vanthar]

I'd like to see the series wrapped up and Kojima working on other projects. He's proven that he can churn out some amazing games.

[Vandabo]

Oh, you mean like Final Fantasy? ;-)

Thank you.

Seriously though, at least Final Fantasy is more of a genre to itself, i.e. a lot of games with more or less similar gameplay but with mostly different characters and settings. It seems like the MGS games are much more similar (I haven't played much of them, but I watched a roommate play MGS1 and 2).

It seems like there is only so much one can do with a specific universe like the MG games have.

[Tenebrae]

I liked both MGS3 and the mind-job of MGS2's story. Heck, I even liked #2's WTF ending, though I prefer #3's... as for MGS4 being the last one, I won't hold my breath. As long as the franchise is making money, they'll keep going back to Kojima and asking him to do 'one more MGS'.

[Savok]

Two of these shows are already gone and did we get a good ending? No. Because it was sprung on them that they were being cancelled so they had to come up with a subpar hodgepodge ending (Angel)
BUllshit, the only problem it had was how rushed it was, other then it was fucking genius and one of the best endings ever. Were it given 1 more season to spread the pacing you'd of had Firefly quality on your hands with exactly the same thing happening. It's rare an end can sum up a series so entirely.

MGS2's ending makes sense when you accept the fact it has nothing to do with the game itself, it's symbolism of Kojima handing the reins over to his team, no I'm serious, he said it himself. I'd put up with his ego the entire game, that just capped things off nicely. It was then I swore never to play his games again.

[Kefkataran]

It was then I swore never to play his games again.

That's too bad, cause you're missing out on a fucking amazing experience with MGS3. Far less symbolic as well. Much more grounded in the story of the series.

[UglyPimp]

As others have mentioned, he's called MGS2 the last MGS... MGS3 the last MGS...

I don't mind a fifth. I love my Solid Snake.

In the fifth installment will he be 92?

[danhoo]

Wasn't MGS3 started originally without Hideo's involvement, then things started going south so he stepped in? Or was that a bunch of marketing-speak from Konami?

Anyway, in some ways I hope this is the last MGS the continues the somewhat ridiculous storyline that Hideo started with MGS2. Note that this doesn't mean that they can't make future MGS games that are decent and don't really require knowledge of other games in the series -- MGS3 is an example of this, IMHO.

[Siraris]

Yea as others have said, he said that MGS2 was going to be the last one, and then made 3. He also said that he wasn't going to be the head of the team developing 3, and that he would just be an advisor. In the end that was false too.

I loved all the MGS games, but I agree it needs to end at somepoint. Final Fantasy is the perfect example of being spoiled for me because they have made so many, and the latest ones have been shit.

I think that the Konami brass are going to have a very hard time letting go of this series. With it spanning multiple consoles and selling millions of copies, I don't see how they could let the franchise die, unless Kojima has another hit series to replace it.

[Kefkataran]

Anyway, in some ways I hope this is the last MGS the continues the somewhat ridiculous storyline that Hideo started with MGS2. Note that this doesn't mean that they can't make future MGS games that are decent and don't really require knowledge of other games in the series -- MGS3 is an example of this, IMHO.

See, I don't mind the storyline. I just hopethere's a reasonable resolution if this really is the end. I want shit answered.

[Nessus]

1. Angel: The Series had a great ending. So many fans didn't "get" it, but how much more obvious could they be? How many times throughout the series did they state that a reward isn't the point, that winning isn't the point? Meh.

2. I really enjoyed Metal Gear Solid's plot, but I hate the damn controls in these games. Stupid sections where you mean to be stealthy but due to the controls you end up lying down and crawling backwards.

While I never finished Metal Gear Solid 2, as far as I could tell it had basically the same control setup.

Then all the reviews for MGS3 said that the controls weren't improved much (though I have heard Subsitance at least attempts to remedy this).

About 3/4ths the way through the original Metal Gear Solid I realized that I wasn't having fun playing the actual game. The controls sucked, the levels were poorly designed. I was playing because I wanted to see the next cinema. In fact the actual game was frustrating and not fun at all.

The Metal Gear Solid 4 trailers do nothing for me because they don't show gameplay. They show Snake slouching against walls lighting cigarettes talking to annoying comedic robot sidekicks. None of which are things you will have direct control over or be able to reproduce while playing the game yourself.

Stuff like that pisses me off because it draws a line between the in game world and the cutscenes. Not quite as jarring as say Final Fantasy VII, but it's still a problem. In game your character feels rigid and contrained. In cinemas they can climb walls and act like a ninja.

[Reanimated]

If you don't care, fine, but a lot of people do. There is no reason why you, somebody that obviously isn't into the franchise, should give a crap if they make more games or not. Comments like this from the #1 Xbox fanboy sort of piss me off. It's almost as if you're just pissed because the PS3 is going to get a worthy exclusive title.

It's not like the MGS games by Kojima have been decreasing in quality over the last few years. MGS3:S was a quality game (95% on Gamerankings, if I must remind you), and as long as Kojima directs them, they will continue to be great. If he thinks the MGS story has been told and wants to end it, that's fine.




I played through MGS on the PS1 4 times. I unlocked the tuxedo, man. If that wasn't enough, I also played through Twin Snakes.

Everything since MGS1 has been pure crap. I forced myself to finish 2 & 3.

I'd rather see Kojima work on ZoE, or a new IP.

[PatrickRes9]

I'm not heartbroken. I dont think MGS is a series that can withstand the test of time long enough to have 11 of them, like the Final Fantasy Series. They'd pretty much have to go the way Resident Evil did, and completely revamp everything. I dont know, I just dont see that happening. 4 great games would be enough. Now he can start another franchise.

[JRR006]

I love Metal Gear as much as the next person who really loves Metal Gear. All the same, if this is the last game, that's fine. That would provide closure (hopefully), as opposed to (as someone mentioned earlier) a long, drawn out downhill death of the franchise, like an over-milked TV series. I'd also be excited to see Hideo Kojima's next projects.

I'm really hoping for a fantastic send-off for Snake, and just... resolution in general, if this is indeed to be the last game.

[Vilhelm]

Wait, were you even reading the damn piece? Kojima never said it would be the last MGS game. He has stated in the past that this is Snake's last mission, but he hasn't said that MGS4 will be the last in the series. It will be HIS last in the series. He also makes a point when he says that Metal Gear Solid is the property of Konami and the fans... he HIMSELF has the liberty to stop.

Yeah, sure, we know how everyone would think of the Metal Gear Solid series without Kojima putting on his director's outfit, but Konami has none the less the option of continuing the series without Kojima's help.

But, alas, I love the Metal Gear Solid series but all good things must come to an end. And I really want to see some Kojima games on the Wii. ;)

[Vanthar]

In the fifth installment will he be 92?

Err, sorry to nit-pick, but you know the reason that Snake looks old in this one is because he was created from cloned DNA taken from Big Boss when he was in his fifties. So the cloned DNA is causing Snake to have a shortened life. He's not actually really old. Yeah I'm an MGS fanboy.

[bean19]

Kojima is full of shit.

[Nessus]

Seriously, a comedic robot sidekick?

[bean19]

Seriously, a comedic robot sidekick?

It could work. . . R2D2. The assassin droid in KOTOR. . . Data in Star Trek.

[JRR006]

It could work. . . R2D2. The assassin droid in KOTOR. . . Data in Star Trek.

Tom Servo and Crow...

Anyway, it's comedic only because it's a spaz like Otacon, its creator/controller. It's not as lame as it sounds! Or it might be, I don't actually know yet. I'm just letting my fannishness shine through.

[Rook34]

[QUOTE=Savok]BUllshit, the only problem it had was how rushed it was, other then it was fucking genius and one of the best endings ever. Were it given 1 more season to spread the pacing you'd of had Firefly quality on your hands with exactly the same thing happening. It's rare an end can sum up a series so entirely./QUOTE]

Umm... yeah. That was kind of my point. Thanks for making it for me.

No, I loved the show Angel and it was really building up to be a great ending, but it was rushed and premature. That was my point.

[ruceree88]

Would be a good thing. The series jumped the shark for me when sons of liberty came out. Too much watching cinemas and not enough playing the game....you wanna make a movie? then make a movie. Dont force me to watch 30minutes of non interactive scenes to move the story along.

[Savok]

That doesn't make it any less excellent. The way you were talking it sounded like it was a mess and made for a poor end, which is certainly wasn't.

[Borys]

Splinter Cell 4, 5, 6, 7 ad nauseum is COOL but MGS4 isn't.

TYPICAL.

[LogainAblar]

It's a shame that Kojima has garnered the reputation as one of the greatest creative minds of the video game market. MGS 1 was amazing (at the time at least, haven't played it in years), but each new entry since has just been a mess of "stylish", ego-stroking cutscenes interspersed with rare instances of barely-improved gameplay. He's so in love with himself, I half expect MGS4 to include an unlockable image of him masturbating.

[Savok]

Splinter Cell 4, 5, 6, 7 ad nauseum is COOL but MGS4 isn't.

TYPICAL.
Was that some weird joke or are you not getting enough oxygen?

[overdrivechao]

About 3/4ths the way through the original Metal Gear Solid I realized that I wasn't having fun playing the actual game. The controls sucked, the levels were poorly designed. I was playing because I wanted to see the next cinema. In fact the actual game was frustrating and not fun at all.

Blasphemy! Oh, man.. I think I was all of 17? when this game came out... It's actually the last one I played cover to cover in one sitting. I popped it in 4pm on a friday night and finished it around 7 the next morning. since then, not including the GC remake but including the PC version, I think I've played it all the way through 10-15 times. It stands in my mind as the last complete game experience I've ever had.

[mister_slim]

The impression I got was that this was the last Metal Gear Solid game, not the last Metal Gear game.