Written by: Javier Cortes
25 years ago, the video game industry reached a very important climax that brought together several franchises and studios. The most obvious case is that Zeldawith what Ocarina of Time It takes temple exploration and 3D enemy design to another level. On PC, LucasArts has redefined its proven concept of classic-like adventure crazy mansion y monkey island with its distribution Grim Fandango. And speaking of PlayStation, we come to the subject of study in this article, metal gear solid, like that Zelda laid the foundation for his franchise’s future, and rightly so Grim Fandango, He took ideas from movies to construct his narrative. Beyond these achievements, the game’s combat and literary reflections, along with its scientific approach, make it one of the most original and arguably one of the greatest in history.
But before going to its analysis MGSIt goes back to 1990, when it was launched Metal Gear 2: Solid Snakedirect response Hideo Kojima As the title forgery sequel Revenge of the Snake; False because not only was Kojima dropped from the project, he was also worked behind the scenes. The response was as described by many MG2 As the closest experience to the game MGS In 8 Bit, because beyond establishing classic elements of the series such as access cards and codec communication, it defined the reflective tone of the characters and the humanity carried by all its villains in the face of the threat of a nuclear conflict.
A quarter after the launch, we have prepared this analysis of the game from a multidisciplinary perspective, with which we would like to share an alternative (or complementary) reading of this Konami masterpiece.
Hollywood
Since we started talking MG2, it is interesting to highlight the idea of ​​an imaginary country, in this case the land of Zanzibar, which is described as an area located between China, Russia and the Middle East, so if one looks at a map of Asia, it would appear that the region in question is Kazakhstan. In the late 80s, when the franchise metal instrumentHollywood filmmakers have used the name Val Verde to refer to a fictional Caribbean country with guerrilla problems, seen in films such as hunter y commando. And to speak precisely commando, I’m sure that after watching it after finishing the game, you can find the connection between Solid Snake and Colonel Roy Campbell established by General Franklin Kirby and John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger). Similarly, the enduring rivalry between Matrix and Bennett is similar to that of Solid and Frank Jaeger aka Gray Fox, who were originally operational colleagues and friends, but ended up clashing with fate.
If Kojima’s fanaticism for the films in which Schwarzenegger appears isn’t obvious, Solid’s character design was inspired by Kyle Reese, who was sent by the Resistance to protect Sarah Connor in the first installment. Terminator. Similarly, the nickname Snake is a tribute Escape from New York, where the eyepatch-wearing hero was named Snake Plissken. Quite a coincidence with Bigg Boss, isn’t it? And speaking of Big Boss, who was given a definitive image in the later games, it’s quite fun to watch MG2, where he’s Sean Connery with a literal eyepatch; In the case of Solid, his first appearance was inspired by Mel Gibson
Now, looking forward, we can also identify examples of influence, or at least similarities MGS At the cinema. When Snake confronts ArmsTech President Kenneth Baker, Snake reverts to slow motion to avoid activating one of the C4s in what appears to be one of the choreography’s many references. matrix, but let’s remember that it was released in 1999, a year later. Similarly, if someone watches the movie Fury after the first time Vulcan encounters Raven, they will be able to notice the adrenaline rush of the scene.
Anime and Beyond
Suffice it to mention the name Hal Emmerich, better known as Otakon, which comes from Otaku, so the joke speaks for itself. But beyond these obvious references, we can find several nods to Kojima’s Japanese animation.
One of the most heartbreaking moments in the game is undoubtedly when we learn the story of Sniper Wolf and his relationship with the wolves, who adopted him and stayed with him as one of them until the end, which is for the fans. Saint Seiya No doubt he would remind them of Fenrir of Alyoth, who likewise died in the ice without his wolf.
Now, moving on to science fiction, we can believe that Kojima is watching Evangelion During its original airing in ’96, because in the same way that one descends into the underground depths of NERV to reach the Dogma Terminal, Shadow Moses snakes his way up the cargo elevator until reaching the Metal Gear hangar. Dogma was Lilith’s resting place where an apocalypse always began, and if we look at it that way, Metal Gear Rex is also a monumental figure with the power to explode the world. As if that wasn’t enough, just like Hideki Ano did End of EvangelionKojima used live action resources to share archival footage of nuclear missiles and hints of world peace.
To close this section, it is relevant to mention that many artists spend their careers breaking the famous fourth wall, which we can experience on a few occasions. MGS. The first of them is a feature of the game, because we all remember the moment when you had to change the controls on port 2 to prevent Psycho Mantis from reading your mind (movement). The second, less elaborate but just as effective, occurs right after resisting Ocelot’s torture, when Snake communicates with Naomi and mentions that her arm hurts, to which she tells you to put the controller on your shoulder, and then lets you through the control roar. Gives a real message; An absolute classic.
Science and Technology
The main theme in metal instrument They’ve always done espionage and warfare, but where the game’s distinctive touch is forged is in the science fiction behind the plot’s secrets and all the technology behind the arsenal that’s distributed to Shadow Moses.
In this context, we must highlight a few characters who act as the scientific vehicles of the story. The first of them is the already mentioned scientist Otakon, who was directed by history to conduct the design of Metal Gear Rex. And his fortune goes back to his grandfather, who actively participated in the Manhattan Project of World War II, which ushered in the nuclear age. As if that wasn’t enough, Kojima’s dramatic seal is that Otakon’s father was born on August 6, 1945, the day the atomic bomb exploded on Hiroshima.
On the other hand we have Mei Ling, a pilot frustrated by his visual limitations, a factor that led him to ingeniously develop radar technology, without which it was virtually impossible to pass the game. In addition, he was also responsible for the snake-carrying communication codec, which works by directly stimulating the eardrum, making it the perfect communication tool for espionage work. In the end it was not understood MGS Without the effect of genetics on the plot. First, the dichotomy between solid and liquid is nothing more than a consequence of a titanic project to develop super soldiers under the Big Boss archetype, which gradually becomes more complicated when the true existence of the 8 clones is revealed. Mention Ocelot’s final words with the President.
Similarly, the story reveals the development of genetic therapy, which revives and enslaves Frank Jaeger, aka Gray Fox, aka Ninja. A Universal Soldier-style system to carry out special operations by soldiers injected with Big Boss’s genes, or failing that, scientifically altered to resemble BB’s genetic makeup.
The other element of interest is FoxD, an airborne virus designed to attack only certain genetic structures, which in the game has always been a member of Foxhound, as well as the head of DARPA and the president of ArmsTech. Again, the genetic similarity of solids and liquids will play a decisive role in the outcome of the game.
Reflection and trauma
from MG2, reflection on the nature of war conflict becomes a cornerstone of the plot. And Kojima’s depth ranges from Donald Trump to phrases like “Make Russia Great Again” courtesy of Ocelot, to a quote courtesy of Shakespeare Mei Ling: “Snake, don’t give up. Remember Macbeth, Act V, Scene 3: ‘I fight I will, until my bones are cut from my flesh, give me my armor.’
Apart from the whole war theme, MGS He introspects on another level with the profiles of the members of Foxhound, where perhaps the most complex psycho is Mantis, who describes how the first mind he read was his father’s, thus his hatred for him, and eventually he found out he ended up a patricide, the same trauma. which he mentions that he shared with the serpent, who until then believed that he was his father’s murderer; Quite Oedipal and Freudian.
Another key to the game is to reveal the human side of the snake, who goes from connecting his fate with war for any pleasure to understanding the value of life; Something that may at times contrast with the bleak tone of the characters and the pressure of the situation, but at the end of the day that’s the message of the game. And to make it clear, one last quote from the incredible May Ling, now from Einstein: “Only a life lived for others is worthwhile.”
picardy
Well, after going through movies, anime, genetics, and existentialism, we’re going to close with a short description of the most naughty moments in the game, which are undoubtedly part of the personality. MGS.
Kojima’s first chilling moment occurs when you first meet Meryl and Snake takes a slow look at her hip, a moment that recognizes the colonel’s intrusive niece beyond being mischievous. But the moment doesn’t stop there, because later when you talk to Otakon, he reveals the existence of an intruder with a “nice butt”… in case you hadn’t noticed.
Another great colorful detail occurs when you approach Maine Ling to record your game from the women’s bathroom, when he calls you a pervert and threatens to not let you record, though he eventually lets you.
But well, the gold medal is undoubtedly when you communicate with Meryl by codec and after admitting her ability to hide the PAL key from the guards she replies: “Well… women have more hiding places than men”. Closer and alert sounds follow the respective snakes and his response: “Hmmm… sounds a bit fishy.”
It’s clear that the game’s references, reflections, and moments are huge. Here we collect just a few to celebrate all the cultural legacy this game left us 25 years ago. Share all the scenes that mark you and continue to influence you
