Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Metal Gear Solid.
What is the Metal Gear Solid series?
Metal Gear Solid is a renowned stealth action franchise created by Hideo Kojima, known for its cinematic storytelling and complex themes of warfare. Players typically control operatives who must infiltrate enemy facilities without being detected while uncovering deep conspiracies.
Who is the main protagonist of the original game?
The primary hero is Solid Snake, a legendary clone soldier tasked with stopping rogue nuclear weapons programs known as Metal Gears. He appears across multiple titles as a recurring figure fighting against genetic manipulation and artificial intelligence threats.
Which character serves as the series' most famous antagonist?
Liquid Snake acts as one of the primary villains, serving as Solid Snake's fraternal twin with opposing genetic traits. His rivalry drives much of the narrative conflict in the original trilogy regarding nature versus nurture.
What is a Metal Gear?
A Metal Gear is a bipedal walking tank capable of launching nuclear missiles independently from any location on Earth. These weapons represent the ultimate strategic threat that characters must prevent from falling into the wrong hands.
Where should a newcomer start playing?
New players should begin with Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, as it serves as a modern entry point and is widely available on current platforms. While chronologically set after the first game, its narrative structure effectively introduces the core concepts to fresh audiences.
Who created the series?
Hideo Kojima is the visionary creator and director behind the franchise, known for his unique blend of action gameplay and philosophical storytelling. His distinct style has defined the identity of every major entry in the saga.
What are Codec conversations?
Codec calls are a signature gameplay mechanic where characters communicate via radio to receive mission updates or engage in lore-heavy dialogue. These interactions often advance the plot and provide crucial context without breaking the stealth immersion.
Who is Big Boss and why does he matter?
Big Boss, also known as Naked Snake, is the legendary soldier who founded the mercenary group Outer Heaven and serves as the grandfather of Solid Snake. His life story and philosophy on freedom are explored deeply in the prequel games Metal Gear Solid 3 and Peace Walker.
What is the Patriots?
The Patriots are a shadowy artificial intelligence collective that secretly controls global information systems to manipulate society. They serve as the overarching antagonistic force in several later entries, representing extreme control over human freedom.
Why is the series known for its ending twists?
Metal Gear Solid games frequently subvert player expectations through shocking plot reveals that recontextualize previous events. These narrative turns often challenge the player's perception of reality and question the morality of the characters involved.