The Westernification of Metal Gear Solid 5

VideoGamer.com writes: "The big question is, what does this mean for Metal Gear Solid 5, a game Kojima himself has confirmed he is already thinking about? Is this the beginning of the Westernification of Metal Gear? What does that even mean? We've donned our Octocamo suit and climbed into our cardboard box to bring you what we reckon Kojima's words mean for the Metal Gear Solid franchise and its army of fans."

[Cajun Chicken]

Isn't the MGS series all ready western?
I mean, coming from a Japanese developer, its got a lot more similarity to something created in the US, I mean, you play a US soldier legend, in the first one you worked for the US...

I personally don't think theres anything to be afraid of.

[Pennywise]

I think it is. There are some aspects that wouldnt be considered "Western"....

I am going to create a website and start shooting from the hip on predictions.

[Cwalat]

i agreed because your right.

there are some western aspects in the game.

But, in all fairness.. it's pretty obvious a Japanese developer made it. The story is told from a Japanese perspective.. and suits the game very well.. Look back at history in gaming... Japanese devs are the most worthy.. Final Fantasy, Metal Gear... many more...

[Handsome_Devil]

I will give you as much space as you need in my server and see how it goes from there :P

and from what I see in here, it will work very well.

[Rock Bottom]

I just like to point something, Kojima said they're working on two games, one is a traditional Kojima Production style game, the other is a western style, we still don't know which one of those is MGS5, but I'll go with traditional one, since I doubt that they will try to change MGS completely while it's so successful as it is now.

And at people saying MGS is already a western style game, well it is with the military and the "action movie" style, but not in gameplay, most western games leans toward pure action like Gears2, Uncharted, Halo... or completely tactical like Splinter Cell and Rainbow six, while mgs is like an arcady tactical game, not so realistic and no straight foreword action, it's something hard to describe with my poor English, but I can say that it plays very deferent from western games.

[PS360PCROCKS]

Ohh yeah totally a western game, I know all the games I play from U.S developers I fight against monkey men. Nice try. It's very Japanese and always have been, it has that weird Japanese flair to it.

[kunit22c]

am i the only one to be suprised the next metal gear is going to be one Wii??? seriously WOW and less suprising but still is kinda suprising is the fact that its going to be on the 360 too. and jw is it official that its on the ps3 or is everyone just assuming?

[rockleex]

They will spell the "5" in a curvaceous way to resemble more of an "S".

Why? Because it stands for Metal Gear Solid: Snatcher!! >:D

The Metal Gear Mk II will make a return. ^_^

By the way, whoever said MGS5 will be on the Wii/360 exclusively? At the very most, it will be multiplatform. But the PS3 will definitely be the lead console IF it goes multiplat.

[phosphor112]

I don't want Kojima to change his ways. Only change the dialouge so its not as quite.. "Big Mama"ish..and such I mean..come on.. what kind of nickname is that? Basically, cut out the cheesy lines, other wise id sex the game up all day.

Oh and at Rockleex, the MK II went MIA lol.

[va_bank]

to write a whole article just to lead into another "Metal Gear is coming to 360" statement.

[paul-p1988]

LMAO yeh i know, and i hate to break it to this 'reporter' and all the 360 fanboys, but if Kojima struggled to fit it onto 1 50gb blu-ray disc, there is no way in HELL its gonna come to the 360, unless of course its like the following picture:

[FantasyStar]

You know, MGS4 is about 32GB of space. I don't think "struggle" is the appropriate word here. Knowing Microsoft: they might waive licensing fees for multiple discs to afford MGS4 to 360. We should learn by now not to underestimate Microsoft as they have proven they have the power to move mountains. Need I remind people of GTAIV, DMC4, and FFXIII?

[MegaMohsi]

GTA 4 was never exclusive.

[akiraburn]

And to add to your statement va_bank, the article's writer is making the most preposterous claims, stating them and other thoughts as facts (which they aren't), and not having anything to base it off of other than delusions that are far off in the dark. Truly a terrible and bias article. As a long time fan and follower of the Metal Gear series, I can really say that this writer seems to write as though he barely has played through any of the series.

Notice not one of his predictions "MGS5 stays a PS3 exclusive", "MGS unaffected by decision to turn more toward western games" or something remotely good. Hell, I would have accepted "Kojima working on MGS MMO" more than these abstract thoughts. He seemed hellbent on the idea that MGS5 had to be either multiplat/Wii, and/or turning a beautiful masterpiece of a game series into a giant pile of suck by reducing development time, changing the story and basis of the games, and turning it into a generic FPS.

"And the plot, well, let's be frank, it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever." - A statement like that says me that he isn't a well educated person and has played little of the series. If he said, "A little confusing at times", sure I could agree with that. But judging from this and many astoundingly awful thoughts he has, he has no concept of Metal Gear to begin with. Metal Gear is an amazing game because Kojima doesn't accept anything less than the best, and while the series continues to evolve, it will never change into anything this poorly informed character wrote.

[pp]

Metal Gear Solid 5 Who would have guessed it would have gone Multi-Platform I guess Kojima realizes his mistake and wants to amend his ways by making his game on Xbox360. Anyway i'm looking forward to MGS5 on my Xbox360 it's the Console of choice.

[Xwow2008]

Im looking forward to play Gears of war3 on ps3 it,s the console of choice.
(ur idiot pp).

[Gaara_724]

no where in that did he say mgs5 will go to wii xbox or ps3 you 2 are just guessing now he could make it on pc if he wants what he siad it
"I've come to understand that the way we've made games up until now won't translate globally, and I've come to think that I need to make Kojima Productions a team that can compete alongside the rest of the world.

"I've thought a lot about how Western games have been winning, looking it from a global perspective, and there are things that I've noticed. So 2009 will be a year of change, a year where we start from zero again.

"With games, you've got to use cutting-edge techniques, and doing so costs money - so I don't think you can make games that just appeal to the Japanese market. So, 2009 will see us continuing to think how to create a team that can take on the world."

the rest of it is just spectulation

[GiantEnemyLobster]

Means its coming to a western console, the Xbox 360. Unfortunately the Metal Gear series is garbage so I have no care for this.

[ELite_Ghost]

have fun putting in cds every 10 minutes and crappy graphics.

[Rs]

I'd be seeing the raise of RRODs if that ever happen.

[Gue1]

Huh? bu buh but MGS is a movie PP! Now you want it? LOL

So much contradiction around here...

[PirateThom]

I don't understand why Kojima, a developer who is sucessful for doing what he has been doing, would need to make his games more "Western".

Kojima is one of the developers who believes that Western software tech has far surpassed Japanese software tech (although, maybe this insight is why MGS4 is such a standout title for Japan surpassing just about everything released last year from any region).

That said, I hope Kojima doesn't change his development process too much, because, up until now, whatever he's been doing has worked and I'd hate to see him change his process and make something with mainstream appeal but lacking the Kojima touch.

I buy Kojima's games with the expectation it's a Hideo Kojima game. If he's going to change entire processes, will it still be a "Hideo Kojima" game or a "Hideo Kojima trying to emulate a Western developer" game?

[hay]

I believe he'll make more western style game but in his own way. Whatever it is I think it'll be groundbreaking, breathtaking, strawberrypicking and pretty cool in overall.

[va_bank]

The problem with this thread is that everyone is going by assumptions made by a second-rate website, in turn based on a very vague comment. Anyone here can speculate just as easy as the site that posted this and be right. So here's my guess:

I'm guessing he's referring to the storytelling. I love MGS4 to death, it came as close as it can to a perfect game, but the length of cutscenes was unbearable at times. We, the westerners, especially Americans, are used to processing large amounts of information, due to the information being condensed for our consumption. Read this thread (or any thread) for proof. Things like LOL, ROFLMAO, etc., didn't happen by accident - we need to express ourselves as quickly as humanly possible.

And that's where we're different from Japanese. They are more patient and able to sit back and assemble information from a slow moving stream, where we (Americans, at least) demand instant gratification. Nothing wrong with either way, both have advantages and disadvantages, but that's my guess about what Kojima meant. And my guess is just as good as the one by videogamer.com

[sajj316]

Does this mean less storyline? Less cut scenes? Whatever you do Kojima, please don't compromise the epic nature of this game!

[pansenbaer]

Boo for 4, 3 and 2. I really don't care about it coming out on other platforms, but I just wouldn't appreciate the rest of those things.

4. Metal Gear Solid 5 will have a competitive online multiplayer to rival the best shooters around

Why bother? Metal Gear Online would have been good enough (it is for some people already) if they didn't have to use their own stupid Id system. I don't want more of the same. There is already enough Call of Duty/Halo games out there.

3. Metal Gear Solid 5 will have shorter cut-scenes and a more comprehensible plot

Is that cause Amuricans is dumb? I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of every game's cut scenes and fully understood what was going on at all times.

2. Metal Gear Solid 5 will mark the beginning of a two-year development cycle for the series

This won't bother me so much as long as they release a game that is of higher caliber than Metal Gear Solid 4. 2 years just doesn't seem like enough time to make something as breathtaking as the game was.

[Pennywise]

How can you say something like: "Is that cause Amuricans is dumb?" and expect to be taken seriously.

First off that is very racist or w/e and secondly... Dont call people dumb and misspell the country's name. lol

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

It's not racist...just ignorant. I visited Northern Ireland recently and discussed politics with some guys there. They said that most of the population of Northern Ireland and most of Europe hates George W. Bush Jr. Is that based on his views? No. It's based on what the media has told them about America.

The American media makes Bush out to be a complete idiot. They also tell you that "Freedom Of Speech" means you can use the constitution to defend anything you so choose to do...whether it's right or wrong.

The only reason I can't really take him seriously is because he put "is" where "are" should have been. It's a common mistake to misspell the best known country in the entire world. It's another thing to defile the English language.

[PirateThom]

"I visited Northern Ireland recently and discussed politics with some guys there."

A discussion of politics here usually involves a few petrol bombs and a brick or two being thrown.

[pansenbaer]

Sorry guys. I'm American. It was a joke. I was just thinking it was funny that this site thinks that in order for it to be "Western" it has to toned down in the plot section and beefed up on the action section. That makes me, AS AN AMERICAN, upset. I guess I should have put that part in quotes. "Amurican's is dumb".

@pennywise

It's okay. I've still got all my bubbles :)

[Pennywise]

lol sorry pans, I get on the defensive with stuff like that... seems like a very popular thing to say on this site.

[va_bank]

LOL!!!Bubbles for you.

[rockleex]

a LOT of Americans criticize America and Americans.

That's the good thing about freedom of speech. You can criticize without being thrown in jail. There's a difference between criticism and bashing.

Look at Sony. Sony's not perfect, there's nothing wrong with criticizing Sony. But when you are simply bashing Sony, you better watch your tongue. <_<

[rockleex]

They need to utilize the stealth aspects more.

For example, I want jungles and forests, etc. Make the Octocamo system require more skills to use so only skilled people can hide well.

Make it First Person ONLY! The Third Person view allows players to see what they are not supposed to see. Its important that stealth games are FPS only.

Bring depth back to the CQC system like in MGS3.

Build maps that allows players to utilize stealth, tactics, strategy, etc, more effectively. COD4 is a good example of tactical maps. Not sure if there's ever been a good multiplayer game that had good maps for stealth.

Include matches such as Search & Destroy. Intel gathering. Matches that require teamwork, stealth, tactics, and strategy!

Anyways, in order for MGO to truly feel like MGS, it must make stealth a very important part of the gameplay.

[AndyA]

Westernisation.

[Israfel]

Don't infect them with your logic.

[iNcRiMiNaTi]

u can work on whatever u wanna for now but just promise us that you'll work on a zone of the enders game in the near future k?

[cyclindk]

Hopefully, they'll ditch the old MGS gameplay style for a more fluid animation system like in Uncharted, everything else they could keep pretty much the same, the only difference would be your character wouldn't pause when he jumps down, gets knocked down, throws some punches (punch in Uncharted and in MGS4 and see the difference), or when you roll.

[riksweeney]

Hopefully it'll be a first person shooter interspersed with racing bits.

[locos85]

Don't you have enough FPS!!!

[Dragunov]

Westernification: Muscled snake, cheesy voice acting, repetitive shooter gameplay, lots of gore, generic characters and lame history.

[devilhunterx]

Da Comrade!

[theEnemy]

You got it all right buddy.

[Unicron]

Why are we allowing "news" that is nothing more than rampant speculation by twisting a few quotes?

-We know nothing of MGS5.
-We don't know WHAT changes are being made at Kojima Productions.
-Only a fool wouldn't realize that MGS4 was already "westernized" by the help of Ryan Payton. Controls, gameplay focus, etc.

*sigh*

[getupahh]

I don't care if MGS5 comes out on 360. Kojima gave us the beautiful love letter that IS MGS4. I bought it day 1 and I'm still amazed every time I play it. It's THAT good.

[kobonline]

since the first metal gear on MSX in 1987 & on NES in 1988.
Just go look at the cover image.
He looks like a westerner to me.

This whole topic is pointless.

[getupahh]

Do you think Kojima is hinting about a new MG series where you play as Zero?

[milesd6]

more than they did with mgs4.

[Cajun Chicken]

The worst they could do is use an engine that will be distrubuted and sold to every developer on the planet, make lower quality games with worse plotlines then they used to on one platform, replace gameplay with a grunting protaganist you don't care about or have any emotional connection invested in, squad mates that have no attachment to the lead protaganist and a chain saw attached to a gun with red paint chunk blood all over the place because the game has nothing more interesting to do.

[Mcrmarcher]

"I visited Northern Ireland recently and discussed politics with some guys there."

'A discussion of politics here usually involves a few petrol bombs and a brick or two being thrown.'

I know what you mean, though troubles have died down a bit around here lol

[solidosito]

Just hope, kojima will not become a empty, bloody gore game la MS like.

[HDgamer]

I even doubt it will be called solid unless there is a new solid character.

[Iceman100]

Make some new good stuff instead of this tired pointless games again, and actually if it wasn't for this game this guy wouldn't be known at all...as it's his one and only game to begin with.

[madjedi]

As opposed to what, the 3rd halo, 7th or 8th call of duty, millionth mario, 100th final fantasy ect, the second bioshock or mass effect, the third gow's (both gears and god) and other sequel games ect.

So iceman because mgs5 is a sequel and not a new ip it's a tiring and pointless game/series, by your logic then all the above games i mentioned are also tiring pointless games, going by your logic.

Because with the exception of level/weapon and/or character/story changes its all the exact same game, with hardware(console) and software(game) updates over the years.

Kojima makes his games for fans of the series, mgs games don't have the same numbers of fans as regular fps games, so they like to keep them.

I suggest knowing some gaming history, before calling the metal gear series his one and only games.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

[Lord Xire]

Despite what you may think Metal Gear doesn't have the feel of being a super secret agent on super secret missions...

Most of the places were open range streets and fields with nothing to really gawk at and even on Big Boss Extreme it really was no change for me (I have a elite shot).

Splinter Cell truthfully has the way a sneaking mission and stealth operation is suppose to be down pat.

If MGS had more of a stealth aspect: eavesdropping, receiving intel without setting off alarms, avoid civilian contact, and better freaking moves.... I mean CQC is the gayest hand to hand combat ever in game...it only looks good in the cutscenes.

Snake should be able to climb on poles and snap a guys neck that walks under him.

Story wise MGS4 has it on lock but you can tell it's Japanese it's compelling like a good Anime but from a gaming perspective I could live without.

I like figuring out conspiracies and stopping wars between feuding countries not stopping my brother who wants to use his leet hacks on the entire planet.

Kojima and Tom Clancy should meet.

[oldsnayke]

Lobster, why is it garbage? Because you cannot comprehend the story? Are you just bad at the online component of it? Really. You're garbage, and everything about you (including your ridiculous attitude) is garbage.

[oldsnayke]

This game is generally focused on Western society... so I think it's almost as western as it can be. O_o

[cmrbe]

Kojima could make any game he wants for any system and i will buy it.

[Scottama]

"Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots was a PlayStation 3 exclusive and, against all the odds, continues to be a PlayStation 3 exclusive nearly a year after its release."

Apparently, less than 7 months is "nearly a year"...

[gololo]

the most illogical thing is that all the 360 fans hailed MGS4 as a movie, yet they are dying to get MGS4 for the 360, they also claim that Splinter Cell is wayyyy better, then now they are dying for MGS5 to come to the 360, but then again, since it will be a "movie" and Splinter Cell "its better than MGS" arguments, then wouldn't it tank on sales for the 360, making it almost worthless to spend time and money for a 360 version? Or will the 360 fanboys agree that MGS is an awesome series, and MGS4 is one of the best (if not the best game) in a long time?

[PS3istheshit]

i can see it now:
Metal Gear Solid 5 now comes in
2 disc Playstation 3 Blu-ray
40 disc xbox360 set
lol its not going on the 360 man
i heard it was hard to fit it on the ps3 disc and its 50GB

[Pwnocchio]

I don't think that those Kojima quotes were used the right way for this article. Though I think some of his points are valid, I think ultimately the MGS formula won't change too drastically.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

Kojima will keep the 5th installation... tasteful. He can't afford to just conform. Would alienate a lot of fanbase to just flop with a full switch!

[N4Flamers]

I have yet to play MGS4 but I am waiting till my next trip up to Chicago. I have played the other solid games and loved everyone of them. I think he was referring to the business structure rather than the game content with his comments. Seeing spinoffs like metal gear touch or a foxhound game might be something we are more likely to see over a beefy character that grunts alot.

[Shortstop]

I can't wait til it's Westernified. Some of the stuff in these games were downright silly.