Video Game Classics: Metal Gear
Video Game Classics: Metal Gear
Some games will live forever as Classics. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be taking a look at 1987’s overhead action-adventure game Metal Gear.
Originally debuting for the MSX 2 computer system and the NES, it was later heavily ported to other gaming consoles.
Designed by famed developer Hideo Kojima, it pioneered the stealth genre and immediately spawned one of the most iconic franchises ever created.
Revolving around a rookie Foxhound operative codenamed Solid Snake, he is tasked to infiltrate a fictional militarized state called ‘Outer Heaven.’ There he must locate and destroy Metal Gear, a walking tank capable of launching nuclear missiles across the globe.
Having gone in solo, Snake must navigate various locations without being seen. Unlike other games of the time, players are encouraged not to get into confrontations, and instead rely on cunning to quietly take out enemies.
If Snake is seen, an exclamation mark will appear over the enemy. In that case, only enemies on the current screen will attack, and Snake can easily outrun them by moving to another location.
However, if two exclamation marks appear, then reinforcements will come raining down on you. Not only that, but the game is riddled with cameras and infrared sensors.
Starting unarmed, Snake eventually gathers a variety of firearms and explosives. These weapons include a handgun, guided missiles and even a rocket Launcher. While these are very handy in killing enemies and clearing obstacles, players must be careful. Un-silenced weapons will also attract the attention of guards.
Consisting of three different buildings with multiple floors, players must make their way to their target, all while rescuing hostages and collecting key cards.
Most famously, this game introduced the use of radio communication to the series. Using it, you will interact with your commanding officer Big Boss, and resistance members operating nearby. As you might expect, each provides useful information that will aid you in making it out of ‘Outer Heaven’ alive.
A legendary title with a shocking twist ending, this is easily one of the best games of the 80s, and has deservingly earned itself several sequels, each raising the bar in terms of stealth gameplay and dynamic storytelling.
