Ben-DutkaWhen familiar, iconic franchises change, fans get skeptical. In many cases, they get downright nasty and hostile.
This generation, we've seen quite a few fan backlashes as a result of popular franchises trying new things. Even the cosmetic alteration of a character can cause major issues; take inFamous 2 and that early Cole design, or Ninja Theory's Devil May Cry reboot and what fans are calling the "heroin-addict Dante."
And if they're that touchy about those titles, imagine just how strict the die-hard fans of Metal Gear Solid must be? A great many just about lost their minds when Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance was revealed, and were only pacified when Kojima and Co. announced that the game was a spin-off and had nothing to do with the official MGS franchise. Even so, some followers are still annoyed with the whole concept.
So if it's true that the new effort, Metal Gear Solid Ground Zeroes , embraces an open-world/sandbox setting, will the long-time fans even tolerate that? Obviously, the potential is through the roof and the possibilities are probably endless, but we're talking about MGS, here. Some are saying that the story, a major focal point in all series entries, will take an inevitable back seat due to the open-ended structure. They could be right, too, as most sandbox-based adventures are not known for their captivating narratives, primarily because we spend 99% of our time running around and exploring. The story just tends to get lost.
Others are worried the new setting could fundamentally alter the classic MGS gameplay. That I'm not so sure about; they could approach it the same way Ubisoft approaches Assassin's Creed , and let the player choose. You can opt for either stealth or a guns-blazing attack…but again, a few MGS purists were upset that "twitchy" gamers even had a choice in MGS4. The bottom line is that when you discuss something as legendary as Metal Gear , you're going to have some extremely rigid fans. So the question is-
How will they react to Ground Zeroes ?
Related Game(s): Metal Gear Solid Ground Zeroes
Yes. I think it's a fantastic idea. If the series continues, the scale needs to be raised each time. Loved how MGS4 made the areas so massive with so many ways to explore and different game types to experiment with in terms of going in with stealth or all guns blazing..
Loved PW's infinite gameplay and side missions.
Combine these together, make it open world and experiment with it, it's a brilliant idea. Take risks, take chances, but stay true to the series.
It looks like that's what Hideo is doing. As an MGS fan, I approve.
And the people that complain about MGS4's pension towards action, well, they could still play the majority of the game like a traditional MGS game. And there were plenty of non stealth moments in the other games as well. So to me, that's not a valid complaint.
Also, the story won't get lost. Red Dead was a perfect example of how the story kept the game moving and despite the fact you could explore, it was still a hell of a tale. Same with AC II, although to a lesser extent.
I think Hideo knows what he's doing. I applaud the chances and the room for experimentation here. This will be another true iteration of this franchise by pushing it to a new level.
Last edited by Twistedfloyd on 8/30/2012 9:22:50 PM
I'm not one bit pissed 🙂 Open world games can be done incredibly well. I trust that Kojima will make a very detailed open world with a lot of fun secrets and places to explore.
He will probably just make the mission areas more focused like in traditional MGS games. I mean, MGS3 kind of felt like an open world game. Everything felt connected, so it just seems like he is taking the next step and making a truly open world MGS.
New Dante ftw.
I didn't feel like I could do much of anything in MGS4, f*ckers always knew I was around no matter what so I had to shoot my way through. That like didn't work very well either.
I hope this new one satisfies fans but it will almost invariably be dumbed down for a wider multiplat audience, that's just kind of where we are now sadly.
The good news is Kojima will probably remain somewhat attached to this project. He cant kick TWO Metal Gear games out the door to B-level studios can he?
I'm pretty certain only the last level makes it real hard to avoid an all out assault.
I'm pretty certain I'm so bad at these games that the first level was that way. Love the Avatar BTW.
Fallout good, Elder Scrolls is just angering me. Get this, Skyrim DLC for PS3 AT ALL is looking more and more unlikely: http://forums.bethsoft.com/topic/1407614-update-on-ps3-dlc/
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/30/2012 10:08:31 PM
thx world, I stole this pic from some other guy who used it as his avatar at .. Gamespot? Anyway, I came across it while trying to find this old and dumpy looking PC gaming setup (humorously really ghetto) picture. The one Lawless used in some editorial a year ago, or so.
And Bethseda and PS3 just aren't made for each other I guess = Sucks too, because Fallout was a riot.
Saw the dlc thing on ign. I was none too happy. I actually liked the game. All this bethesda sucks for ps3 optimizing makes me think twice about buying their next product,
I'll buy Fallout 4 because I have no choice, the future of Elder Scrolls games is a bit bleaker for me but maybe they will find a way to grasp the PS4.
I'm guessing since they never fixed Skyrim for PS3, anybody trying to access the DLC with a large save file makes it super choppy and unplayable. They have to fix a huge game breaking error to continue and Bethesda tends to leave game breaking errors intact.
Hey World… I have to admit that I've never gotten into MGS, mainly because the first one I played was MGS4, and it made NO freaking sense to me. I want to give the series a try. Any advice on where I should start, and the order I should play the games in?
Well if old school graphics don't bother you I always recommend jumping in with the first entry. I think they have it on PSN.
If you want to really take the plunge and can't handle the old graphics and controls the Metal Gear Solid HD collection is a well-priced starting point. The Chronological order of the games in this package is MGS3, MGS Peace Walker, then MGS2. Obviously you get the sexy HD plus the controls have been updated.
Hope some of that helps. I still haven't given up on getting into this series somehow!
I am weary of this as I'm not a big fan of these open world type games although I do enjoy some like inFamous. However I am willing to be open to this change because I trust Kojima and I'm sure it will still retain some if not most of the same that made this series great. I just hope story doesn't get sacrificed for more freedom.
Ill be pissed if its multi.
Multi platform? Have a feeling it is. Konami wouldn't pass up half the market.
It will most definitely be multiplat. The demo was running on a PC using a 360 controller. And the Fox engine is designed for multiplatform use.
It's practically confirmed that it is a multiplat release. It would make next to no sense to build a game on a multiplat engine and then only release it for one platform.
But why be pissed over that? A good game is a good game. It will only make you able to discuss the game with more people.
Last edited by Beamboom on 8/31/2012 3:42:38 AM
I feel the same way as you do! Some games are not meant to be multiplat (Just look at Skyrim, its a great game but not so much on the PS3, I avoided it and played it on my PC instead).
+ As childish as it seems…I don`t want to share MGS! I dont mind other games though…
I'm not going to lose sleep over it.
Sometimes going multiplat just devalues the whole experience. Certain games belong on certain systems in the public consciousness. It may not be fiscally responsible but there it is.
I'm not upset at all. Great dev team. Great franchise. I have no doubt it'll be great. If Kojima is confident enough to re-invent the format of the franchise I can have faith in that.
I think Kojima-san deserves more than just the benefit of the doubt. It may be completely different to the previous MGS titles when it comes to storytelling but I'd rather wait for more details and for the game to come out before raising my own torch and pitchfork.
Agreed, this is not a Square Enix situation.
Alot of the hardcore fan base wanted the series to end at MGS2 due to the game's open ending, and they despise any MGS made after it, from MGS3 to MGS4, to MPO & PW.
I consider myself a casual fan in comparison (as stupid as that might sound), i think most people here would fall into the category of casual fan as well.
Most fans play MGS for the story anyway. As long as MGS:GZ doesn't retcon any established events, most fans will be happy.
I'm looking forward to it. Each new MGS game has revolutionised the series in some way. This is the next evolution!
Last edited by Fox hounder on 8/30/2012 10:45:34 PM
I'm not pissed one bit. Hence that they have the word Solid in the title, suggests that this games is not going to disappoint, well I hope not.
So long as Kojima is behind it, I'm behind it. Sounds awesome! Can't wait to hear more news about it!
Well Kojima has always built good stories around his titles, and I don't see this as being the exception. I've always enjoyed open world games and have never seen any merit in the arguements that story has to be sacrificed for an open world game.
Kojima go and make another masterpiece!
I've actually been really impressed with the ability of Gravity Rush to hold a story and that's on Vita. I think it's only developers holding back a story and not giving it the attention it deserves within a free roam game.
I wouldn't give a damn if it was just a sequel to peace walker that just so happend to have awesome graphics. If it is a MGS game it will be good, those guys settle for nothing less (unless you count MGS acid)
Just as long as Kojima's in-house is handling it, & doesn't wind up passing it over to another developer, then I'm not pissed in the slighest.
"Ground Zeros" Might this have something to do with Major Zero from MGS3. That character, as we found out in MGS4, could use some more flesh out.
And no I don't mind an open world at all. Can't we just be happy it's back in the hands of Hideo Kojima?
I think the conflict between Zero and Big Boss is a good educated guess to have something to do with this and the formation of Outer Heaven.
I prefer the old way but I not pissed. Kojima creates gold. This will likely be one of the best open world titles released in awhile.
How are the Diamond going to tie into this? Remember the screenshots we got of Big Boss with a hound?
Diamond Dogs*
If it stars Big Boss and is made by Kojima, it'll be good.
I cant wait to see this in action. I just hate all the soppy crappy emo stories this series has. Just stfu and let me blow something up already!
Maybe you'd be better suited playing western games exclusively.
No, I thought that was the next step.
I was of the camp that Hideo should be given the ability to move on and explore his creativity elsewhere. This announcement means that Metal Gear allows us and Hideo to do both. Explore Metal Gear in a new and wonderful way.
I would also like to think that Metal Gear followers are not just any "fan" with a series spanning 25 years that would get their panties in a bunch over gameplay details and instead be excited for what the possibilities are. For us and Hideo and what thematically is going to be explored… Immaturity is for the younger franchises that don't explore what Metal Gear has explored over the years and ONLY have gameplay to get excited about.
This is most likely going to take place around the formation of Outer Heaven, I think the prospect of a freeroam concept around that suits it rather nicely even within the story arc and conflict surrounding it. So even just thinking about it a little bit it doesn't even seem left field within the series.
For now it is far to early to tell. It really all depends how the stealth elements hold up against it and the structure of the game as a whole. For instance, I would be upset if the game played like GTA, in the sense that Snake roams around an open-world and he has to activate missions at checkpoints. What I think is needed is the pressure of an objective hanging over Snakes head. That way the player will not just divert from the story completely and muck around. In short I want the same sturcture Metal Gear already had with MGS3 for example, just bigger.
One of the main problems with MGS4 was the act structure, previous MGS games were set in one mass area (MGS2 had the Big Shell & Tanker I guess…), While MGS4 had you visiting multiple area, which really broke the structure for me. None of the locations in MGS4 were memorable (ACT 4 doesn't count!) because the player didn't have much time to focus in the area. While areas like the Big Shell and Shadow Moses really began to dawn on the player as they progressed. So if this is anything like MGS3 where you have multiple routes and plenty of landmass to travel I'll be happy. But I don't want something like Fallout 3 or Final Fantasy XII where I am just sprinting through landscapes constantly to get somewhere. I really need to see some gameplay to make up my mind on this.
For me the act structure is fine in MGS4 due to the story in the end being such a massive, sweeping one. I think it needed to be mobile to serve the story to conclude Snake's journey.
I don't see what there is for the fans to be pissed about from what little we know so far.
As far as I can see the core MGS-concept remains, only set in a bigger scale. I sense a Deus Ex-style gameplay in that the mission areas themselves are pretty much like the MGS4 maps, just wrapped in a more open "central hub" (like the cities in Deus Ex:HR).
I've said it before but I'll gladly say it again: I think this looks just great. This game excites me 10.000 times more than that other MG game, reverenegance or what it was called again.
People can be uber touchy about their favorite series so ya never know. And I think it's Metal Gear Rising: Renegade Geriatrics
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/31/2012 10:20:45 AM
not at all, if anything it would be the opposite!
if anything fans would be pissed off if they dident try to do something a bit different.
MGS has been around for such a long time now it REALLY was starting to get old and stale it really needed a shake up!
and yup, this should do nicely…….
I'm guessing we are going to see what MGS 3 should have been.
Open world is interesting. I'm not pissed, but it takes a LOT to get me to that point. I wonder how it is going to be set up. One really epic huge base like Novgorod in The Bourne Ultimatum novel would be awesome. I suppose it could be set against a cityscape and jungle surrounds or something similar but then… that'd just be odd. Maybe what we've heard thus far is wrong; that it was portrayed as an open world game but it was really just an open level design with necessary checkpoints and objectives… a bit like the Ghost Recon: Future Soldier levels?
Need more information before passing judgement.
as long as theres places to hide and necks to break I couldnt care less if the world is open or not
The change does not bother me. I actually think it's a great idea. The only thing that slightly concerns me is that it appears it could be a multiplat for current consoles. Yet it could also be a multiplat for nextgen consoles..so I wouldn't be mad at that
I was concerned when I first read 'open world' in the description for the trailer I saw on youtube. Once I actually watched the video, I felt much better about the direction. This can work and even if people are questioning teh decision, I think Kojima has more than earned the benefit of the doubt.