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'Bomb Mission' to land on Metal Gear Online
"Come in, Colonel. This is Snake.""Read you loud and clear, Snake. Did you need me to tell you how to climb a ladder?""I KNOW HOW TO ... forget it. I hear there's a new mission available.""That's right. Top secret, black ops stuff. It's an OSWP MGO GTFO mission, lemming priority.""L -- lemming?! Colonel, what aren't you telling me?""I'm not not telling you nothing, Snake, so relax. Konami is releasing a free mode for Metal Gear Online on January 27th. It's called Bomb Mission.""Bomb Mission, huh? What is it that I'm infiltrating? Haze?""...""That's like a joke.""Be serious! This isn't single-player DLC, Snake! This is a mode for the online part of your game, where one team aims to detonate bombs before the allotted time runs out, while the opposing group attempts to freeze the bombs with coolant spray. Just like the Big Shell mission.""What do you mean, 'online mode?!' Is this one of those crazy plot twists!?""I'm afraid it's much worse than that. It's an asinine blog post that obfuscates a mundane news item by inserting popular characters and tedious humor into a contrived, vaguely informative situation.""Dammit, Colonel! This is worse than that time we found out we were living inside a computer!" Gallery: Metal Gear Online: Bomb Mission
NPD: MGS4 sells over 1 million in US, Tomb Raider left undiscovered
Now that we've seen the real list for 2008's top-selling games, Gamasutra has taken a look at some of the high-profile titles that didn't make the cut. Thanks to data from the NPD, we now know Metal Gear Solid 4 has passed the one-million threshold in the US with 1.08M in sales -- 775K in June, 301K since then. It's worth noting that the figure doesn't include copies sold in the MGS4 PlayStation 3 bundle. Globally, Old Snake has enlisted over 4 million soldiers. As for LittleBigPlanet and Resistance 2, they sold 611K and 598K stateside in 2008, respectively. Here's the bad news: Tomb Raider: Underworld has managed only 246K across three platforms since launching mid-November -- indeed a disappointment, but also a lowered bar for Naughty Dog's Nathan Drake vs. Lara Croft claim. To its credit, TRU has done better elsewhere, selling 1.5 million worldwide. Meanwhile, Prince of Persia did 483K in December, with at least 213K of those going to the PS3 version. While that puts it on par with Sony's first-party titles last month, it also means the Xbox 360 version saw relatively disappointing sales. Metal Gear Solid 4 and LittleBigPlanet were both "honored" (if you can call it that) in our Best of 2008 awards. See what else made the list.
Kojima picks 15 films that influenced Metal Gear Solid
Though you could never tell from his numerous games, Hideo Kojima is quite fond of movies. In fact, the Metal Gear auteur considers 15 films in particular as inspirational components of his epic stealth series. According to Siliconera, Japanese media store Tsutaya is running a new promotion highlighting all 15 flicks (seen above), complete with trivia (Hal and David? Those names come from 2001: A Space Odyssey!) and easily clickable purchase links. But ... wait a minute. Where's Escape from New York?[Via Siliconera]
Kojima directing two new games simultaneously
It sounds like Hideo Kojima is once more hard at work after his post-Metal Gear Solid 4 vacation. In an interview with Japanese magazine Famitsu states that he's directing two new games simultaneously within Kojima Productions. While one game, which is destined to be announced first, is being developed in the traditional Kojima Productions style, his second title is being developed by a newly restructured team within the company and will be focused more towards the Western market.Kojima wants his studio to, as 1UP puts it, "compete with the best of the best in America and Europe." We say he's been doing this for years now, but if he intends to up his game even further and make even better titles in the future, who are we to complain? As for his two new projects, we can't wait to hear more about them. What's at the top of your personal Kojima wishlist?
Famitsu: Kojima directing two new titles, aiming at Western markets
Now that Snake is enjoying his favorite TV stories at the retirement village, Metal Gear Solid director Hideo Kojima appears to have set his sights on new projects and distant markets. According to a recent interview within the pages of Japanese mag Famitsu (translation via 1UP), the renowned developer hopes to target overseas regions with his next title -- one of two.Though one of the projects will reflect design processes employed in previous titles, Kojima Productions will allegedly undergo a "makeover" to put it on par with studios in Europe and America. Will Kojima trump them all with his other mystery game? We'll start off by asking: How many space marines are in it?**Note: Joystiq does not actually condone generalizations regarding Western developers, Western tastes nor Westerns. These generalizations are all baseless and contemptible.
Metal Gear Solid 4's in-game podcast returns in January
Kojima Productions will resume transmissions of its Metal Gear Solid Integral podcast to MGS4's in-game iPod beginning next month. The first post-hiatus episode will appear on the game's downloadable content menu January 8, and new episodes will debut every two weeks thereafter.The podcast will be hosted by MGS4 producer, Ken Imaizumi, sans his long-time podcasting partner – and MGS4 assistant producer – Ryan Payton, who left Kojima Productions in August to work on the Halo franchise at Microsoft. Imaizumi will be joined by Kojima Productions Report podcast regular, Aki Saito, and MGS4 script unit member Sean Eyestone.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
MGS4 LittleBigPlanet content detailed, coming before Christmas
Stop reading and watch the video after the break. Don't worry, we'll wait. Done that? Good, now that you're sufficiently excited about the upcoming Metal Gear Solid 4 LittleBigPlanet DLC packs we can give you a few more details, courtesy of the PlayStation Blog. There's a lot to cover, so pay attention.First, the character packs, which you've already seen. They're $1.99 each or $5.99 for all four (essentially giving you Raiden for free). Remember how we were saying we wished the "level pack" actually included a level of two so we could collect all the goodies as we progressed? It looks like we got our wish -- and then some. The level pack contains six new levels and a lot of booty. Not to mention the Trophies which were revealed yesterday.Inside the level pack you'll also find a new costume (Gurlukovich soldier), 72 stickers, 12 materials, 10 decorations and 18 objects. Not only that but there's four new music tracks (one background and 3 interactive), a new sound object, a new "plasma ball danger element," a new "laser sight gadget" and a functioning searchlight. Oh, we almost forgot about The Paintinator and the new switch that comes with it. All this can be yours on December 23rd and it'll cost you $5.99. Okay, we've run out of space, so go visit the PS Blog for more info.
Kojima calls Metal Gear Solid Touch a 'simple MGS' shooter
Both 1UP and IGN have poked and prodded new details out of Japanese mag Famitsu's recent Metal Gear Solid Touch reveal, lifting the touchable curtains somewhat off Konami's upcoming head scratcher. According to the article, the game will be based on MGS4, with Metal Gear mastermind Kojima describing the iPhone app as a "Simple MGS." Translation: It's a shooter.In fact, Metal Gear's emphasis on stealth is being pocketed this time around in favor of something that is easier to pick up and play on the go, with much of the gameplay involving sliding and pinching the screen in typical iPhone fashion to move Snake's view and zoom in and out of targets. Additionally, shooting bad guys and exploding barrels is taken care of by tapping directly on the screen. We remain interested, albeit confused, about Snake's latest mission. But the weathered soldier isn't getting any younger, and with all of these fingers in the way, we wonder if he'll be able to see anything at all.Read – Kojima Goes In-Depth on Metal Gear Solid TouchRead – Metal Gear Solid Touch Detailed
Friends join Old Snake in upcoming LBP costume pack
The cat's out of the bag. The Sony Hong Kong website has let slip details of the upcoming Metal Gear Solid LittleBigPlanet DLC. The content has grown substantially since we first saw Old Snake at TGS in October. He'll be joined by his buddies Meryl, Screaming Mantis and, if you buy the character pack, Raiden. Not only that but a level construction pack will also be made available. We have a feeling it'll include something quite surprising ...There's no telling when these will be made available, or for how much, but we assume they'll be with us quite soon if they're already being listed on the Sony HK site. Would make a nice Christmas present during next week's Xmas Eve PSN Store update.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
'A next Metal Gear is' ... a Touchy subject
Sorry PS3 fans, "a next Metal Gear is" not coming to your favorite black behemoth of a console. In fact, it's not going to any console (sorry Xbox fans, maybe one day). Konami has announced today that Metal Gear Solid is going to the iPhone in the form of Metal Gear Solid Touch next Spring. This won't be a new story, though. It's essentially a very watered down port of MGS4, as "each stage's location and characters are based on the story of MGS4." In case you're interested, Silent Hill and Dance Dance Revolution are also making the transition to iPhone. So there you have it, you can stop fretting over Kojima's cryptic message and enjoy Christmas.
A Next Metal Gear is ... Metal Gear Solid Touch
Don't leave yet! At least let us tell you where this information comes from. According to 1UP and 1 of its tipsters, the latest issue of Japanese mag Famitsu shows what lies beyond the cryptic ellipsis appended to Kojima Productions' teaser website, which we last discussed on December 5th. Judging by a somewhat scrutable scan, the game appears to be an iPhone project dubbed "Metal Gear Solid Touch." [Update: Konami has confirmed the title.] Little else is known about the touch-screen title, but we imagine many a soldier's neck will be snapped via some precision pinching. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Metal Gear Solid theme unused in MGS4 due to plagiarism claims
Why wasn't the iconic Metal Gear Solid theme used in Metal Gear Solid 4? Because, as Gamasutra reports, EGM learned in an interview with series composer Norihiko Hibino that unnamed Russian composers claimed Konami "stole their music."A video posted on YouTube (viewable here) shows series creator, Hideo Kojima, being presented with a recording of Georgy Sviridov's "Pushkin's Garland," a 1979 classical work which contains a similar-sounding passage. The MGS theme was first heard in the original PlayStation game, circa 1995 1998. It was written by Konami's Tappi "TAPPY" Iwase, and has subsequently been reworked and remixed, most notably by film composer Harry Gregson-Williams, who scored MGS2-4. Speaking to EGM, Hibino flatly denies that the MGS theme was "stolen," but admits that "Konami was too sensitive about the situation and just decided not to use that music in the game."
Rumor: Kojima Productions teases 'A Next Metal Gear'
A next Metal Gear is ... apparently being teased by a barren and maddeningly cryptic page on the Kojima Productions website. The internet detectives among you have likely concluded that a green power icon can only signal one thing. (That the game will require electricity!)Before you folks tear open that wound again, take note that we have no idea when this teaser was posted, what it implies or why Mr. Kojima takes so much sinister pleasure in taunting us. We'll let you know if Konami tells us what comes after that ellipsis. Oh dear, it's not an iPhone game, is it?[Via NeoGAF]
Holding out on getting MGS4? Then play the demo
Metal Gear Solid 4 was by far the biggest third-party title exclusive on the PS3 this year. It's the end of the line for the Solid Snake tetralogy, and it's a milestone that every hardcore Metal Gear fans should already have in their collection. However, more cash-savvy fans know Kojima Productions likes to re-release MGS games, possibly leaving some to wait out the usual extra year or so for a souped up version. If you find yourself in the latter category and haven't tried the game out yet but want to, the demo that's available on the Japanese PS Store should give a taste of Snake's last adventure. The 1.4GB download can only be grabbed off the Japanese PS Store (so far, since the other regions have not updated yet); so make sure you've got an appropriate account.[Thanks Amish G. and Mike!]
TGS 08: MGO Meme expansion trailer
The new Meme expansion pack for Metal Gear Online was announced not too long ago. Along with it comes the addition of new maps and two playable fan favorites: Liquid Ocelot and Mei Ling. Both of whom stand tall in this new Meme expansion trailer from the Tokyo Game Show.The TGS 08 trailer also shows off the new maps revealed before: Silo Sunset, Forest Firefight and Winter Warehouse. Also, we get to see some all new customizable parts for your characters. Want an Ocelot stache? Maybe you want to wear that flower Sunny always wears? If those options don't float your boat, you could always put on a blond fro or croc helm.Thanks to the game's M rating we've placed the trailer after the break. So make sure you're of age before taking a peek. We'll be watching!%Gallery-34711%
Xbox 360 has 'the power to run MGS4,' says Schappert
Thanks to a recent comment made by Konami, the "Metal Gear Solid 4 on Xbox 360" rumor mill has once again begun to spin or grind or whatever it is that a mill does. We've never actually seen one. One of the main points of argument against a potential port of Hideo Kojima's senior citizen sneak-em-up has always been steeped in the technical capabilities of the Xbox 360, versus that of the PlayStation 3. While Microsoft's ability to run MGS is currently in question, Software and Services VP John Schappert tells MCV that there's no doubt about the manufacturer's power to run MGS4. "I can't speak on behalf of Konami, but I can shed more light on the fact that we definitely have the power to run MGS4," he said.We could take your word for it, John, but we wouldn't be a snarky video game blog if we didn't wonder if players had the power to run in-between the couch and the disc tray every few hours. That there is what we call a "world without compression" joke.
Kojima: I have three MGS5 concepts, please don't use them
You know that feeling when you're done with your local community theater troupe, but they just keep luring you back, promising that this year you'll play Henry Higgins, or complain that they simply don't have a believable Magical Mister Mistoffelees in the whole company and they don't know what they'll do without you? That's Hideo Kojima and Metal Gear Solid, and you gotta feel for the poor guy. He so badly wants to be done with the series, he recently told 1UP: "I have three concepts for MGS5 already. What would be ideal for me with MGS5, though, is that we don't do those. If the team picks one of those concepts, I have to get involved again, which I don't want to do."Could someone please come up with an insane enough plot for MGS5 so Kojima can hurry up and make us another Snatcher game? Who's up to the challenge? Is Ted Kaczynski still working?
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Payton talks about MGS4 and keeping MGS lore consistent
Ryan Payton has already left Kojima's stable, but that won't stop him from talking more about Metal Gear Solid 4. Speaking to 1UP, Payton reminisces on the development of MGS4, going back to the challenges of tying up all the loose ends and making things stick. "The stories of MGS2 and MGS3 were truly written without any backup measures if the series continued, leaving dozens of confusing and unexplained plot elements in the wake," stated Payton. After sorting through all that, he also took the liberty of "setting the record straight" by imposing a few corrective changes. For example, removing Mei-Ling's Chinese accent because she is in fact American born.It's tiny idiosyncrasies like that, that have landed Payton in a boiling cauldron amongst so called rabid fans. The very same fans whose reactions were a tad much: "I got dozens of hateful messages from fans including a 2,000 word short story depicting my execution." It's sad to see how one man's work at doing the right thing is reflected so negatively by a blind mass. In the end, Payton's choices were right on the money, and after reading his full thoughts, we couldn't agree with the man more.[Via Joystiq]
MGS4's Ryan Payton talks plot fudging and execution essays
Shortly before leaving Kojima Productions, Metal Gear Solid 4 producer Ryan Payton had a chat with 1UP, discussing the many highlights of working on one of the year's biggest blockbusters. As is often the case with this line of work, Payton was privy to several elaborate death threats. "When word hit that I chose Pat Zimmerman for Liquid Ocelot -- and not Cam Clarke -- I got dozens of hateful messages from fans including a 2,000 word short story depicting my execution."Payton also expressed a belief that the development team did a sterling job with untangling Metal Gear Solid's twisted story -- with minimal plot fudging. "The stories of MGS2 and MGS3 were truly written without any backup measures if the series continued, leaving dozens of confusing and unexplained plot elements in the wake," he said." The fact that we were able to tie up all the loose ends with MGS4 was nothing short of a miracle." Miraculous acts happen to include the amazing gender bending of not only Olga's child, but MGS1's briefly mentioned Dr. Clark. In Snake's world, anything goes.
Ryan Payton leaves Kojima Productions
Ryan Payton, assistant producer on Metal Gear Solid 4 and Kojima Productions' token gaijin, has decided to leave the company. "... It feels like this is how it's supposed to be. It's fate," he said in an interview with Kotaku. Working in Japan and being away from family is hitting him hard; so, when he heard some "pretty heavy news concerning [his] mom," he realized that sticking close to family was all too important.Most people will probably not remember the name 'Payton' as much as 'Kojima,' but keep in mind that it was Payton who helped develop MGS4 into a more Western-friendly title -- opening the traditionalist Japanese crew to more Western influences (which is why MGS4 plays like a charm). We wish you the best of luck Ryan in your future endeavors and hope you continue to help make amazing games. We guess you'll always have the memories ... and that awesome shirt.
