I adore both the original game andDeath Stranding 2: On the Beach, but I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a die-hard Hideo Kojima fan.Death Strandingwas the first game written and directed by the legendary auteur that I completed, and while I’m already sold on any of Kojima Productions' future endeavors, I haven’t felt especially compelled to visit the likes ofMetal Gear. That is, until the upcomingremake ofMetal Gear Solid 3.
I actually have a little bit of experience withMGS. I playedGround Zeroesand about a third ofThe Phantom Pain, but was busy with college classes at the time, and couldn’t dedicate the time to really digging into its mechanics. I keep telling myself I should return to it, but as I’m sure many can relate to, my backlog only grows as my interest is repeatedly taken by new games.Konami’s upcomingMGS3remake feels like a perfect opportunity for me, though, and it’s becoming one of mymost anticipated games.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Remakes The Series' Earliest Chronological Entry
It Feels Like The Perfect Starting Point
I’m usually a big proponent of playing games in their release order– you usually see some compelling mechanical advancements, and the stories are often organized with fans playing the previous installments in mind.Metal Gear Solid, however, has always felt like a bit of an enigma. I remember reading a synopsis of the series before I triedMGS5, but without having experienced it first-hand, it ended up being a bunch of jumbled nonsense in my memory.
This is the same reason you shouldplayDeath StrandingbeforeDS2; the absurd plot is easier to digest when it’s presented in its intended form.
Konami has specifically chosenMGS3to be remade precisely because it’s the series' earliest chronological installment. I think there will still be some things that go over the heads of newcomers like myself when it releases on June 28, 2025, butit’ll likely be easier for me to get into a story on the ground floor and with a new coat of paint, rather than bang my head against multiple retro titles.
I’m Ready For More Kojima Weirdness
Death Stranding Has Prepared Me Well
While the prospect of playing a remake of a beloved game likeMGS3is enticing in its own right,I’m mostly looking forward to dipping my toes into more of Kojima’s oeuvre afterDeath Stranding 2. Growing up primarily with Nintendo consoles, Kojima’s visionary work is my biggest blind spot. I’m aware Kojima is not involved inMGS Delta’s development, but by all accounts Konami appears to be attempting a faithful remake.
Alongside the gameplay and unmatched cinematic quality, part ofDeath Stranding 2’s appeal is just how bizarre it is. The game world, characters, and narrative are exceptionally weird, taking itself seriously but also clearly being in on its own jokes. It’s a very delicate balancing act, and I’m hopingMGS Deltawill deliver the same vibe. Even though it’s a direct continuation of the first game,Death Stranding 2is wildly refreshing, and I’m hoping theSnake Eaterremake will give me some similarly unique experiences.
