Metal Gear Solid

Metal Gear Solid

A tactical espionage action series following Solid Snake and other operatives as they infiltrate enemy bases and uncover conspiracies involving bipedal nuclear-equipped tanks called Metal Gears.

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.
Full Name
Metal Gear Solid
Also Known As
MGS, Metal Gear, Tactical Espionage Action
Format
Video Game Series
Release Year
1987
Current Status
Ongoing
Country of Origin
Japan
Region
Japan
Creator
Hideo Kojima
Publisher
Konami
Original Work
Original IP by Hideo Kojima
Genre
Stealth, Action, Tactical Espionage, Military Thriller

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Metal Gear Solid.
Story
High-level synopsis and narrative focus.
Elite soldiers infiltrate enemy facilities to stop the deployment of Metal Gear, bipedal nuclear-equipped tanks, while uncovering deep conspiracies involving government cover-ups, genetic manipulation, and information control.
World
Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.
Near-future military installations, shadow facilities, and conflict zones around the world


Military culture, Japanese storytelling, political commentary, technological fears
Themes
Core ideas and recurring motifs.
War, genetics, information control, identity, the nature of soldiers, government conspiracy, nuclear deterrence

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Metal Gear Solid's global influence.
1987
Original Metal Gear releases on MSX2, establishing the stealth genre
1990
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake expands on stealth mechanics and story
1998
Metal Gear Solid revolutionizes gaming with cinematic presentation
2001
Metal Gear Solid 2 explores themes of information control and identity
2004
Metal Gear Solid 3 serves as prequel, showing Big Boss's origin
2008
Metal Gear Solid 4 concludes Solid Snake's story
2010
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker expands Big Boss storyline
2015
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain concludes Big Boss saga
2016-2024
Continued legacy support, remasters, and potential future developments
Sales
Over 55 million copies sold worldwide across all games in the series
Revenue
Hundreds of millions in revenue from games, merchandise, and licensing
Awards
Multiple Game of the Year awards, BAFTA Games Awards, industry recognition

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Metal Gear Solid.
Solid Snake
Kept you waiting, huh?
A legendary soldier and spy, clone of Big Boss, known for his infiltration skills and tactical espionage expertise.View Profile
Big Boss
I won't scatter your sorrow to the heartless sea.
The legendary soldier known as the greatest warrior of the 20th century, mentor and genetic father to Solid Snake.View Profile
Otacon
Snake, do you think love can bloom even on a battlefield?
A brilliant engineer and hacker who provides technical support to Snake, haunted by his role in creating Metal Gear.View Profile
Gray Fox
Hurt me more!
A cyborg ninja and former FOXHOUND member, both rival and ally to Solid Snake.View Profile
Liquid Snake
Brother! It's been too long!
Solid Snake's twin brother and leader of the FOXHOUND rebellion, believing himself to be the inferior clone.View Profile
Solidus Snake
I will destroy the Patriots!
The third clone of Big Boss who became President of the United States and later rebels against the Patriots.View Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best order to play the Metal Gear Solid games?
Release order is highly recommended for first-time players: MGS1 (1998) → MGS2 (2001) → MGS3 (2004) → MGS4 (2008) → Peace Walker (2010) → MGSV (2015). This path preserves the evolution of gameplay mechanics and the intended narrative mystery. Chronological order is better reserved for a second playthrough.
Who is the main protagonist: Solid Snake or Big Boss?
The saga is split between two eras. Solid Snake is the protagonist of the modern era (MGS1, MGS2, MGS4), fighting as a hero. Big Boss (Naked Snake) is the protagonist of the prequel era (MGS3, Peace Walker, MGSV), showing his tragic descent from a legendary soldier to the villain of the original MSX games.
What exactly is a 'Metal Gear'?
A Metal Gear is a bipedal, nuclear-equipped tank capable of launching a stealth nuclear strike from any terrain on the globe. They are the series' titular doomsday weapons, designed to shift the balance of power during the Cold War and beyond.
What does 'Tactical Espionage Action' mean?
Coined by Hideo Kojima, this genre defines gameplay that prioritizes stealth, intelligence, and infiltration over direct combat. Players are rewarded for avoiding detection, using non-lethal takedowns, and outsmarting enemy AI rather than engaging in gunfights.
What is the 'Les Enfants Terribles' project?
A secret government cloning project initiated in 1972 to preserve the genes of the 'Greatest Soldier of the 20th Century,' Big Boss. The project produced three clones: Solid Snake, Liquid Snake, and Solidus Snake, who drive the central conflict of the series.
Do I need to play the original MSX Metal Gear games?
While Metal Gear Solid (1998) includes summaries of the MSX games (Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake), playing them provides deeper context for Big Boss's fall and Gray Fox's backstory. They are available in the Master Collection and MGS3: Subsistence.
Who are The Patriots (La-Li-Lu-Le-Lo)?
The Patriots are a shadow organization that secretly controls the United States government and global information flow. Founded by Zero, they evolved into a network of AIs seeking to control human will and society, serving as the ultimate antagonists of the series.
Why is the story considered so complex?
MGS is famous for its dense narrative involving nanomachines, genetic engineering, political conspiracies, triple-crosses, and philosophical themes about memes, genes, and scenes. It blends military realism with anime-style supernatural elements and meta-commentary on video games.

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.
Official Website
Twitter
@metalgear_en
Facebook
MetalGear.Official
Youtube
Konami
Streaming / Watch
Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, various digital platforms
Where to Buy
Digital game stores, retro gaming collections
Fan Communities
Metal Gear Informer, The Snake Soup, fan community forums

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