The Whispers from Tokyo: A Confirmation, Not a Revelation
During a recent presentation at the Tokyo Game Show, a question about the next installment of the acclaimed Metal Gear Solid Master Collection finally elicited a definitive response. Noriaki Okamura, producer behind the forthcoming Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater remake, acknowledged that Volume 2 is indeed “moving forward.” However, in a move that feels quintessentially Konami, details on the specific titles included were conspicuously absent. It`s a classic case of confirming the existence of something highly anticipated, yet offering no immediate gratification – a subtle art of maintaining peak fan speculation.
For fans who eagerly embraced the Master Collection Vol. 1 in late 2023, bringing classic stealth action to modern platforms, the confirmation of a sequel has been a long time coming. Volume 1 delivered an excellent package of early titles, yet it also highlighted a few glaring absences, fueling the fervent desire for a comprehensive retrospective of Hideo Kojima`s iconic saga.
The White Whale: Will MGS4 Finally Break Free from the PS3?
At the top of nearly every fan`s wishlist for Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2 is undoubtedly Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. This cinematic masterpiece, a fitting conclusion to Solid Snake`s story, has remained stubbornly tethered to the PlayStation 3 since its 2008 release. For over a decade, those without a functioning PS3 have been unable to experience its intricate narrative, groundbreaking gameplay, and emotional depth. Porting MGS4 presents unique technical challenges, given its heavy reliance on the PS3`s CELL architecture, making its inclusion in Vol. 2 a monumental undertaking—and a cause for immense excitement. Imagine the joy (and perhaps a touch of despair for those who still keep a dusty PS3 just for this game) as players finally get to revisit Old Snake`s final mission on contemporary hardware.
The Missing Links: Portable Ops and Peace Walker`s Crucial Role
Volume 1 of the Master Collection, while robust, notably skipped over two significant handheld entries: Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops.
- Peace Walker, originally a PlayStation Portable (PSP) title, was later remastered for the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection in 2011. It`s not just a side story; it`s a pivotal chapter that bridges Big Boss`s journey from Snake Eater to Ground Zeroes/The Phantom Pain, introducing key gameplay mechanics and narrative elements that would define later games. Its omission from Vol. 1 was puzzling, making it a prime candidate for the next compilation.
- Portable Ops, another PSP title, offered a more direct continuation of Big Boss`s story immediately after Snake Eater. While its canonicity has been debated over the years (often superseded by Peace Walker in terms of narrative weight), it remains a fascinating piece of the franchise`s history and a unique take on the series` tactical espionage action. Its inclusion would offer a truly exhaustive look at the saga.
The Modern Epilogue: Will MGSV Complete the Circle?
Beyond the older, more technically challenging titles, speculation also points towards the possibility of Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain joining the collection. These games represent the most recent mainline entries in the series, offering a vast, open-world stealth experience. While readily available on modern platforms already, their inclusion would round out the Master Collection, providing a complete, curated history of the franchise under one banner. It would be a poetic full circle, showcasing the evolution of the series from its pixelated origins to its sprawling, high-definition conclusion.
Beyond the Collection: A New Generation`s Turn?
The confirmation of Vol. 2 wasn`t the only piece of news emerging from the Metal Gear camp. Producer Yuji Korekado hinted at further remakes beyond Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, suggesting a concerted effort by Konami to breathe new life into its classic titles. Perhaps even more intriguing was the sentiment expressed by both Okamura and Korekado regarding any entirely new Metal Gear Solid games: a desire to step aside and allow a new generation of developers to take the helm. This notion, while forward-looking, neatly contrasts with the current focus on preserving the past, creating a fascinating duality for the franchise`s future. It suggests Konami understands the delicate balance between honoring its legacy and paving the way for fresh perspectives.
Callum Darby