David Hayter Reflects on Metal Gear's Legacy and Unexpected Twists

The gaming world recently saw the successful release of the \"Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater\" remake, reigniting interest in Konami's famed \"Metal Gear\" franchise. While this Unreal Engine 5 rendition of \"Metal Gear Solid 3\" meticulously reproduced the original, its reception will largely dictate the series' future direction. Speaking on this, David Hayter, the well-known voice behind both Solid Snake and Naked Snake, believes the franchise can indeed thrive without its visionary creator, Hideo Kojima. Hayter acknowledges Kojima's irreplaceable \"genius and eccentricity\" but suggests new installments could still achieve greatness, perhaps in a manner akin to how the Batman universe has evolved under different creative teams.

Hayter points out that the distinctive charm of \"Metal Gear\" games lies in their bizarre narratives, meticulous research, and astonishing plot twists. Interestingly, even Hayter himself was caught off guard by one of the series' most significant revelations. He humorously recounts how often people assume he worked directly with Kojima, clarifying that Kojima primarily directed the Japanese versions, while Kris Zimmerman Salter guided the English voice actors. Hayter describes Kojima as a brilliant game designer but admits his direct influence on the English voice work was minimal, aside from the profound impact of the games themselves. He cites the monumental twist in \"Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty\" as a prime example of this indirect influence.

The infamous reveal of Raiden as the main protagonist in \"Metal Gear Solid 2,\" following extensive marketing centered on Solid Snake, shocked many upon the game's 2001 release. Hayter himself discovered this change during a recording session, expressing his initial surprise and questioning how fans would react. Despite the divided opinions at the time, \"Metal Gear Solid 2\" is now celebrated for its audacity. Hayter cherishes \"Metal Gear Solid 3\" as his favorite, praising its deep dive into the essence of Snake and the series. Such narrative boldness, which could be seen as almost playfully challenging the fanbase, highlights the unique creative spirit that defined the \"Metal Gear\" series—a spirit that Hayter, despite his own impressive screenwriting career, humbly admits he could never emulate.

This narrative exemplifies the profound influence that innovative visionaries can have on creative works, demonstrating how their unique perspectives can shape a piece beyond direct collaboration. It underscores the idea that even in a collaborative art form like video games, the singular mind behind the creation can imbue it with an unforgettable character, pushing boundaries and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to explore and reinterpret.