Metal Gear, a groundbreaking video game series that helped define the stealth genre, has had its fair share of setbacks and cancelations throughout its history. From its humble beginnings on the MSX2 to its massive success on the PlayStation, Metal Gear has faced numerous challenges in getting its games released to the public.
One such canceled project was Everybody’s Metal Gear, a concept envisioned by series creator Hideo Kojima for the PSP. This game was meant to be a mix between Animal Crossing and Metal Gear Solid, with base-building and recruitment mechanics. However, due to various issues, the project was eventually canceled, and elements of it were incorporated into another game, Portable Ops.
Another interesting tidbit in Metal Gear’s history is Kojima’s initial plans to bring the franchise back on the 3DO console before shifting development to the PlayStation. The 3DO version of Metal Gear 3 was ultimately canceled, and development was transferred to Sony’s machine, where it was released as Metal Gear Solid to critical acclaim.
Additionally, a handheld port of Metal Gear Solid for the Game.com handheld was in the works but never saw the light of day due to the system’s poor sales performance. Similarly, a port of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots to the Xbox 360 was axed due to storage space issues, as the game required a dual-layer Blu-ray disc that the Xbox 360 could not accommodate.
One of the most notable cancelations in Metal Gear’s history was the original version of Metal Gear Solid: Rising, which was intended to explore Raiden’s transformation into a cyborg ninja. After facing development challenges, the project was canceled and eventually picked up by PlatinumGames, resulting in the successful release of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.
Lastly, a heartbreaking unrealized project was a game centered around The Boss during World War 2, where players would storm the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. This concept, inspired by a line in Metal Gear Solid 3, was ultimately scrapped in favor of other projects but remains a tantalizing idea for fans of the series.
In conclusion, Metal Gear’s history is filled with canceled projects and missed opportunities, but the series has continued to thrive and innovate in the world of video games. Despite the setbacks, Metal Gear remains a beloved franchise with a dedicated fan base eagerly awaiting its next installment.