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TGS 06: Kojima on Metal Gear

By Hirohiko Niizumi, GameSpotPosted Sep 24, 2006 10:03 am PT

A hyped-up Hideo Kojima takes Konami's event stage and talks nonstop about upcoming Metal Gear Solid products. New details on Metal Gear Solid 4 revealed.

TOKYO--2006 has been a big year for Konami director Hideo Kojima, who's celebrating his 20th year in the video game industry and the 10th anniversary of his production team. But rather than to look back in the past, Kojima had a lot to say about the future of his Metal Gear Solid series, and he spoke almost nonstop about it for well over two hours at Konami's event stage.

Metal Gear series creator Hideo Kojima had plenty of details to divulge about plans for the future.

"I've been making games for the past 20 years, but the first 10 years [up until Metal Gear Solid] were pretty dark. I wasn't thought of so highly in my company. It was the fans and their letters that kept me going," started off Kojima, who quickly went on to talk about the upcoming games from his production team.

Kojima began his presentation with a trailer of Metal Gear Solid BD for the PlayStation Portable, a game based on Ashley Wood's comic book series by IDW Publishing. The end of the trailer showed a glimpse of Metal Gear Ray, and while it's already been reported in the latest issue of Famitsu, Kojima reconfirmed that a sequel based on Metal Gear Solid 2's storyline will be released in the future.

"The second series in the comic is currently at around volume 8, and it should run to about issue 12. We're planning to also make it into a Bande Dessinee [BD]. The original game [on the PS2] was all about Raiden, but the comic has a lot more Snake," Kojima said.

TGS Trailer

Check out the surprising trailer for Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops.

Kojima then went on to show a trailer of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, which showed various new characters, as well as some intriguing illustrated scenes, with one scene showing Big Boss' first encounter with a young Roy Campbell, Solid Snake's commanding officer. While Snake has always worked solo in previous MGS installments, this time he's recruiting soldiers and making a team in Portable Ops. Kojima revealed that the soldiers can't be brought back to life if they're killed, so the game will feature a "White Flag" system to compensate for the severity of this.

"You can use your unimportant soldiers like a bunch of Pachinko balls [meaning they'll go off without much of a chance of coming back], but when it comes to your important characters, you don't want to get them killed," explained Kojima.

Portable Ops will be the first time that Kojima Productions is releasing a "real" Metal Gear Solid on the PSP that's not a card game, and they're doing so with a bang. Kojima unveiled that not just one, but two limited edition PSP packages will be released for Portable Ops. Both editions come with a premium PSP pouch, but the one that's more impressive will be released from Konami's Japanese online shopping site, and it will apparently be made of real python skin. We expect to hear a price on both editions soon, as Portable Ops is scheduled for a December release in Japan. Konami's online shop is also offering an official Portable Ops T-shirt for fans that want to get in the mood before the game comes out.

Before going on to talk about Metal Gear Solid 4, Kojima also took a short moment to announce that a budget-price reprint of Metal Gear Acid 2 will be released in Japan on November 16. The game will be offered at the new low price of 2,800 yen ($24), but it will still come with the constructible eyewear that allows for the game to be played in 3D.

TGS Trailer

It's never too soon to watch a Metal Gear Solid 4 trailer again.

Moving on, Kojima took the second half of his presentation to talk about Metal Gear Solid 4. By this time, Konami's booth was crowded by fans like "penguins during spawning period," as Kojima put it. Showing off the new TGS 2006 trailer, Kojima confirmed that all the scenes were created with real-time rendering, similarly to the trailer from last year's TGS. He also mentioned that the Electronic Entertainment Expo trailer from May (also done in real time) will be used as a part of the game's opening sequence when the game is completed.

"We've finally started to figure out the PS3, and we've decided on [MGS4's] game systems," said Kojima. "Back with last year's TGS trailer, we were still trying to learn the PS3's potentials. Now that we've figured out what we want to do, all we have to do now is to create it."

Pointing to the trailer, Kojima talked about the new high-tech camouflage suit that Snake is now wearing, which changes its colors in real time and blends Snake into his environment. The suit is called an "octo-cam," which derives from the words "octopus" and "camouflage." Kojima explained that, while it's very little known, the octopus is one of the sneakiest creatures in nature, and it even beats chameleons when it comes to disguise. While a chameleon can only change its color to match its environment, an octopus can not only mimic its environment color, but also change its shape accordingly.

"The real skill in hiding is to avoid the most obvious places like lockers or underneath tables, because that's the kind of place that people would search first. It's best to hide in places that are already visible, because nobody would care to notice it. For example, people would search a locker that's closed, but they wouldn't check a locker that's already halfway opened. You can just hide in a dead angle of it," said Kojima.

"Up until now in the MGS series, your body was completely hidden [in places like lockers and desks]. But in MGS4, you'll be hiding in a new way. In previous MGS games, you would've hid behind pillars so that enemies couldn't see you. But in MGS4, you'd be standing in front of the pillars and using the octo-cam to blend into it."

Kojima then presented a number of slides and showed how the developers have been traveling all over the world to gather research material for MGS4, including the Middle East, South America, and Eastern Europe. "Snake is going to be going all around the world like Hitchcock or 007 [James Bond]...We've visited normal homes [in villages] as well as various locations like an iron foundry, underground passageways, warships, and military facilities."

The developers are also making sure that the battle tactics in MGS4 are as good as and even better than previous installments. Once again, the developers went under a training course with former SWAT instructor Motosada Mouri, who's been the military adviser for the MGS series and helped out in creating the Close Quarter Combat system (CQC) in MGS3. Visitors to the Konami booth got to see some video of Kojima and other staffs infiltrating a house and putting on camouflage makeup to challenge Mouri on a survival mission.

"I've kept shooting at him, but it was like he's invincible. He caught us all. I think he wears an infinite bandana," Kojima joked to his fans.

There's no question that MGS4 has more detailed graphics than its predecessors, especially due to its shift to high definition on the PS3. But Kojima is adding detail to Snake's movement as much as he is to the game's overall graphics. For example, if a bullet comes flying at Snake's face, he'll automatically sway his head and dodge it. Kojima assured the crowd that it won't be anything that would affect the game's difficulty level.

MGS4 will be the first game in the series to feature characters based on real-life people.

In terms of realism, Kojima is also taking on a new challenge in MGS4. Up until now, characters in the MGS series were all fictional, and while Snake might've been inspired by John Carpenter's Escape From New York, his look was still original. That's about to take a shift in MGS4. For the first time in the series, the game will feature a group of characters that are all based on real-life people. Kojima avoided giving too much information since the reason behind it is going to be a huge surprise, but he showed off a model sample of actress Yumi Kikuchi, who will be in the game as the "Japanese representative." Kikuchi was hosting Kojima's stage presentation at TGS, and she also plays Kojima's partner role in his Internet radio drama series, "Idea Spy: Operation 2.5."

In terms of music, Kojima confirmed that MGS4's scores will once again be created by Harry Gregson-Williams, who provided the excellent soundtracks for the previous two MGS titles. The TGS 2006 trailer music (titled "Old Snake") was one of his works.

"Gregory-san had a lot of movie projects like The Chronicles of Narnia, so we thought it wouldn't be possible for him [to take on MGS4]. But he's watched the E3 trailer like 50 times, and he said he wanted to do it," said Kojima.

The stage event also gave Kojima the opportunity to show off Metal Gear Solid 4's official logo, which was created by Logan, a production studio famous for its works on TV spots including iPod, Volkswagen, and Xbox.

Logan's Alex Tylevich appeared on stage and commented that Kojima wanted a classic taste to MGS4's logo but with a touch of modernism. Kojima added that he wanted a new look to the logo since he considered this to be the new beginning of the MGS series, as the previous stories have already concluded as a trilogy.

Kojima also revealed that the intro sequence for MGS4 will be done by Logan, replacing Kyle Cooper who worked on the previous two installments. The intro sequence of MGS3 let users control the screen, but according to Kojima, MGS4 is going to be even better and startling. "The customer-service phone line is going to be flooded with calls, and I'm going to get fired," joked Kojima.

Whatever the intro will be like, Kojima's idea behind it was big enough to even get developers jumping out of their seats. According to MGS4 codirector Shuyou Murata, "I totally flipped out when I heard about it. It's going to be like a promotional video, but there's going to be more to it."

Logan's Alex Tylevich was tight about releasing any details, but he gave some first hints, commenting, "It's going to be highly unusual for a video game opening. It's going to be very futuristic."

Metal Gear Solid 4 is slated for a 2007 release, so there's still plenty of time before gamers will get their hands on it. Meanwhile, fans can start preregistering to Konami's new Metal Gear community site that's tentatively named "Metal Gear My Page," scheduled to launch in December. Fans can create their own blogs, communicate with each other, upload contributions, and also collect "Kojima Fan Points" to expand the services they can use.

Kojima also mentioned that MGS4 merchandise is already underway. As one of the products, he introduced an "Old Snake" action figure with moveable parts, which will be released by Medicom Toy. The figure is created under direct supervision of MGS series graphic designer Yoji Shinkawa.

409 Comments

  • Titanfan2083

    Posted May 14, 2007 3:17 pm PT

    what i wouldnt give to actually meet hideo kojima.............although id need to pick up japanese though........................................

  • Ja-nem-ba

    Posted Jan 27, 2007 2:32 pm PT

    Trigun, I agree with you (aside from the loving MGS2 thing), MGS does need to up gameplay more, not that its gameplay was ever really "engaging". Like in splinter cell (which I put way below MGS on the stroryline/graphics meter, considering the MGS series is my favourite game series) you could do a variety of things to your enemy. This should be in MGS4, maybe even have the lethal/non-lethal attacks as well. But make them better than SC, where it took, what, 1.5 seconds to finish any attack? It just wasn't interesting. You're sneaking up on the guy, spending 2 full minutes not to be spotted by him when...BAM! Its over in the blink of an eye. How exhilirating. Like the grab moves in MGS4 could be just like in MGS3, where you controlled everything, but there could be a wider variety of choice. Like: parry enemy's gun away, grab wrist, break elbow, chop throat, throw down. And you control all of this, and say you didn't want to break his arm (God knows why), then you press a different button and you backfist him in the face. Jesus I'm drooling just thinking about it. By the way, how can you not "get into" MGS3, just because it wasn't Snake, when you "totally loved MGS2", which stars, oh, i forgot, oh yeah: Raiden. A little contradictory, don't you think? Oh, and Nazraq, you are so bright to catch onto the "some legends have to die" comment (rather than just realizing how Kojima's been talking about this being his last MGS for quite some time now), I never would have caught that. Anyway, I'd just like to remind everyone about my prediction on MGS4 (no I'm not trying to be annoying, sorry if I am): pertaining to MGS1, when Liquid told Snake: "I won't die, as long as you still live", Snake will have to sacrifice himself to beat Liquid. Now, don't bother telling me about how MGS4 wasn't even being thought about then, because I know that. My prediction still stands. Oh, yeah, I don't know why, but I get the feeling Raiden will live, I don't want him to, but its just a gut feeling, I don't know why. Plus if he dies, then an innocent child does. Damn La-Li-Lu-Lei-Lo.

  • nazraq

    Posted Jan 25, 2007 1:34 pm PT

    I read some comments saying that this is his pride and joy. I heard that he didn't want to make this game initially. He was given a good enough reason to make it though. why do you think the trailers say that some legends have to die? i think snake is done after this. and i look forward to playing a different game made by the same team.

    i just wish Policenauts was released in english. From what I heard, this was Kojima's pride and joy. I have the Sega Saturn version, but I don't know a lick of japaneese.

  • trigun123

    Posted Nov 8, 2006 12:22 am PT

    the series is one of my favorites. i totally loved MGS2 but i didnt get into 3 because it wasnt snake....idk but i think that kojima is THE producer of games, ive never been so taken in by a story in a game....the series does however need to take steps forward in gameplay....its not very impressive anymore, i find myself getting bored with the gameplay and with games like splinter cell out there, there really needs to be some change or else its just going to be more story and better graphics, but same stale but solid gameplay...

  • dubc1

    Posted Oct 30, 2006 11:54 am PT

    "Once again, the developers went under a training course with former SWAT instructor Motosada Mouri, who's been the military adviser for the MGS series and helped out in creating the Close Quarter Combat system (CQC) in MGS3. Visitors to the Konami booth got to see some video of Kojima and other staffs infiltrating a house and putting on camouflage makeup to challenge Mouri on a survival mission."

    Id there any footage of this?? I would love to see it.

  • Mr_duong

    Posted Oct 19, 2006 11:54 am PT

    golden ashen i totally aggree with u mgs will live on as a legacy and mr kojima is the probably the best game developer or director out there. whoever says that mr kojima weighs is stuff on mgs is just stupid. i mean i can say the same thing for miyamoto for mario or that bungie studio for halo, same thing just that halo isnt all that great anymore.

  • golden_ashen

    Posted Oct 17, 2006 2:24 pm PT

    Point well made, just rather irritating the number of ppl coming in the thread to either moan about price, complain that they want it to port to 360 but don't like it visa versa or point out they aren't buying a console for one game, like as if they want us to buy it for em. Anyways, side tracking that, they have put a lot of emphasis into MGS4, to say it doesnt look any better then 3 obviously means you havent played 3, every effort they put into this game was to make it more realistic, they didnt just sit in a studio and make it up as they went along like a lot of other game makers, they actually got off thier backsides and did a training course, all for the sake of one game, impressive if I do say so myself. I like Kojima, he does other games, but like Halo is to Bungie, MGS is his pride and joy, it was what made him, and it is what PS fans want more and more of, yes it would be nice to see him work on other things more, like elaborate on the already pretty good ZOE, but if we want him to keep doing us MGS titles, then so be it, like celebs, only the fans can decide what the producers or celeb does, they can make or break the person.

    I for one would like the MGS series to come to an end as I don't want to see it drag on and get worse like other games out there, I'd like to see it finish with a bang as a game to remember. And so far it looks to be doing just that.

    I can't understand how you can say that Kojima is big headed or only relys on MGS games to get where he is like as if most of you haters of him could do any better, yet, its not your names I see up there, he does what he can, and if anything, should be an inspiration to young or new game makers, hes one of the only people I respect on Sony's side, the others, fair play, quite a few of em are big headed / arrogant, but hey, thats business.

  • Mon6ana

    Posted Oct 17, 2006 1:59 pm PT

    good

  • DaGangstaDX

    Posted Oct 17, 2006 12:13 pm PT

    there have been rumors of a MGS movie coming out,same goes for Splinter Cell.MGS 4 is looking good,too bad about snake`s appearence on this one,the stealth camo is a nice touch but I would prefer without it for more of a challenge,and I swear I hope raiden dies .Anyways the constant bashing of consoles is getting irritating,dont bash something that can`t defend it`self both consoles are equally good,and dont come with the halo story please,just let everyone enjoy the consoles they have...gaming is supposed to be fun and a getaway from reality,so dont turn into a constant "battlefield"

  • DuncanCostello

    Posted Oct 17, 2006 7:05 am PT

    You don't really have to put the 360 down to be a fan of the ps3. I'm not an x-box fan and I never have owned an x-box probably never will, but just because a lot of x-box fans go around insulting systems like the ps2, ps3, gc, and wii..Possibly because their system isn't as good..Doesn't mean you should strike back.

  • golden_ashen

    Posted Oct 17, 2006 2:28 am PT

    Lol, 360 gamers are either thick or just blind folded, the only reason most ppl even bought a xbox was because of Halo, so don't talk about buying a console for one game, otherwise Microsoft would not have a leg to stand on today, they should thank Bungie and lick between thier toes

    Bungie was nothing before Halo, I mean God, how dull was Oni? bungie should kiss thier games case and thank them.

    And Halo still isn't even all that, just another braindead shooter like all the other FPSs (the only good genre on 360) on the console. If you can't afford, tough, the game won't be on 360, unless you're willing to allow Halo to come PS3 direction. The same way you would only buy a PS3 for MGS4, is the same way I would only buy a 360 for Halo 3. RPGs are boring, even Blue Dragon gets owned by Zelda. Sports games....there are sports games? Whoa! Thats a new one.

    MGS4 looks amazing, as always.

  • Keith4RFC17

    Posted Oct 16, 2006 4:17 am PT

    Dont understand why their is fans for a console take note use stupid A-holes a console is in no way like a football team so stop supporting them and get a girlfriend

  • masterchief375

    Posted Oct 14, 2006 2:17 am PT

    MGS4 is gonna rock and Im excited about Portable Ops but I'm wondering what Kojima will do with Raiden.. (kill him hopefully)

  • 3leMenT

    Posted Oct 12, 2006 6:21 pm PT

    um who cares what consoles you think is better grow up, a console is a console if you don't like it don't buy it or play it because use will be getting the consoles you wan't god nothing will change the sales by use saying blah 360 sucks, blah no it doens't ps3 sucks, blah blah no wii sucks, NO use suck lol jk but under stand my drift homiesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss wicked

  • CadillacSEALs

    Posted Oct 10, 2006 9:02 pm PT

    About the sequel to Metal Gear Solid 2, Is it possible that this Title from MGS Series can be on XBOX as well as it's was with the Predecessor MGS2: Sons of Liberty/Substance. That was a successful title for the XBOX in the US and although ist can continue the the story from where it had left off between SNAKE and RAIDEN. I do not care about the other story (MGS3, MGS4 MGSAm, or MGSPOs) Just MGS2 story. Because it does not make sense that they put a title like this (the Part 1 of the story) on Xbox, PS2, and PC and making the sequel for the PS2 only. I do not care about title others titles but MGS2.

  • phicon013

    Posted Oct 10, 2006 8:59 pm PT

    Guys cmon now. Don't hate on the Xbox360. Just praise PS3.

  • bluntos

    Posted Oct 10, 2006 5:58 am PT

    Good news, I'm predicting Xmas07 releases for MGS4/Devil may Cry - as Crzy_gurl said - I think there is some sort of movie planned for MGS. And for gods sake, vash_the_ikaria - shut the **** up? The fan boyism is kinda immature as well

  • stl_rams28

    Posted Oct 9, 2006 5:18 pm PT

    xbox 360 is no match for the PS3

  • Yousuke01

    Posted Oct 8, 2006 3:20 pm PT

    PS3 is gonna kick xbox360's ass like that vankroy dude said it's gonna have the best games XBOX has nothing against the PS3

  • stl_rams28

    Posted Oct 8, 2006 2:59 pm PT

    I can't wait to see snake's mullet in HD!!!!

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