What Metal Gear Game Should I Start With: A Journey Through Tactical Espionage Action

The Metal Gear series, created by Hideo Kojima, is a cornerstone of the stealth-action genre, blending intricate storytelling, complex characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. For newcomers, the question of where to begin can be daunting due to the series’ non-linear release order and interconnected narrative. This article aims to guide you through the labyrinth of Metal Gear games, offering multiple perspectives on where to start and why.

1. Chronological Order: The Storyteller’s Path

Starting with the chronological order of the story might seem logical, but it’s not always the most practical. The series begins with Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, set in the 1960s during the Cold War. This game introduces Naked Snake, who later becomes Big Boss, the central figure in the series. Playing Snake Eater first provides a deep dive into the origins of the series’ lore, but it might feel jarring to go from the more advanced mechanics of later games to the simpler ones of earlier titles.

2. Release Order: The Gamer’s Journey

For many, the release order is the best way to experience the series. Starting with Metal Gear Solid (1998) on the PlayStation allows you to witness the evolution of the series’ gameplay and storytelling. This order lets you appreciate the technological advancements and narrative twists as they were originally intended. However, the older graphics and controls might be a hurdle for some modern gamers.

3. Thematic Entry Points: The Curious Explorer

If you’re more interested in thematic elements rather than strict chronology or release order, consider starting with Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. This game delves into themes of information control, identity, and the nature of reality, making it a fascinating entry point for those interested in philosophical narratives. Alternatively, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain offers an open-world experience with refined gameplay mechanics, making it accessible for newcomers who prioritize gameplay over story.

4. Standalone Experiences: The Casual Player

For those who prefer standalone experiences, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a spin-off that focuses on high-octane action rather than stealth. While it diverges from the main series’ core gameplay, it offers a fresh perspective and is a great entry point for action game enthusiasts. Similarly, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is a more self-contained story that can be enjoyed without extensive knowledge of the series’ lore.

5. The Modern Approach: The Tech-Savvy Gamer

If you’re a tech-savvy gamer who values modern graphics and controls, starting with Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain might be the best choice. These games offer the most polished gameplay experience in the series, with open-world exploration and advanced AI. While they are set later in the timeline, they provide enough context to be enjoyed independently.

6. The Fan’s Perspective: The Loyalist

For die-hard fans, the only true way to experience the series is to play every game in release order, including the original Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake for the MSX2. This approach offers the most comprehensive understanding of the series’ evolution and narrative depth. However, it requires a significant time investment and tolerance for dated gameplay mechanics.

7. The Hybrid Approach: The Balanced Gamer

A hybrid approach combines elements of chronological and release orders. Start with Metal Gear Solid to get a feel for the series’ roots, then jump to Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater for the origin story, followed by Peace Walker and Ground Zeroes to bridge the gap to The Phantom Pain. This method balances narrative coherence with gameplay progression.

8. The Future: The Forward-Thinking Player

With the upcoming Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater, a remake of Snake Eater, new players might consider waiting for this release to experience the story with modern graphics and mechanics. This could be an ideal starting point for those who want to experience the series with a fresh perspective.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best entry point into the Metal Gear series depends on your preferences as a gamer. Whether you prioritize story, gameplay, or thematic depth, there’s a path that suits you. The series offers a rich tapestry of narratives and experiences that can be enjoyed in multiple ways, making it a timeless classic in the world of video games.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I play Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain without playing the previous games? A: Yes, The Phantom Pain is designed to be accessible to newcomers, though playing Ground Zeroes first provides additional context.

Q: Is Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance a good starting point for the series? A: While it’s a spin-off with a different gameplay focus, it’s a great entry point for action game fans, though it doesn’t represent the main series’ stealth mechanics.

Q: Should I play the original Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake before starting the Solid series? A: It’s not necessary, but playing them can provide a deeper appreciation for the series’ origins and references in later games.

Q: What’s the best way to experience the story if I don’t have time to play all the games? A: Consider watching story recaps or cutscene compilations on platforms like YouTube to get the narrative without the gameplay commitment.