The Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Volume 1 has made a resolute commitment to upholding the integrity of the original games. Instead of altering their themes and content, the collection takes a bold step to present them in their unadulterated form.
This decision to stay faithful to the source material, however, brings about an intriguing new dimension: the inclusion of a content advisory that acknowledges the potential outdated nature of certain elements.
“This game contains expressions and themes which may be considered outdated. However, these elements have been included without alteration to preserve the historical context in which the game was made and the creator’s original vision.
Player discretion is advised,” reads the new cautionary message that greets players at the start of each game. Although the game doesn’t explicitly mention Hideo Kojima, the reference to “the creator” unmistakably alludes to the visionary behind the series.
Curious Parallels to Classic Media Warnings
The introduction of such content advisories draws curious parallels to the customary practice of placing warnings before classic cartoons that harbor elements now regarded as racially insensitive. What remains to be seen, however, is the specific content within the original Metal Gear Solid trilogy that would necessitate such an alert.
Even for those who possess an ardent passion for the franchise and have journeyed through its installments repeatedly, there is still the question of whether the unfiltered #KojimaContent veers into genuinely offensive territory beyond the games’ existing ESRB ratings.
As dedicated enthusiasts of Metal Gear Solid, we must confront certain instances that could potentially warrant the added caution. Elements like Snake’s dubiously charming interactions with Mei Ling in MGS1, the controversial first-person ‘check out Eva’s breasts’ segment in MG3, and the series’ sporadic use of humor with homophobic undertones concerning Raiden certainly raise eyebrows.
And let’s not forget the peculiar stepfamily incest subplot that might leave players scratching their heads. But is it fair to evaluate any game solely through the lens of its objectionable content?
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An Omitted Crisis and Future Collections
A silver lining emerges in the omission of Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes from the collection. This omission prevents the potential tidal wave of discussions that could erupt online as players rediscover the game’s conclusion.
The ‘Volume 1’ designation sparks curiosity about what future collections may hold, yet the destiny of Metal Gear Solid 4 remains uncertain. The journey through the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection becomes a testament to the challenge of preserving the core essence of these iconic games while navigating the ever-evolving sensitivities of modern audiences.
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