What Order to Play Metal Gear: A Journey Through the Shadows of Espionage and Time

What Order to Play Metal Gear: A Journey Through the Shadows of Espionage and Time

The Metal Gear series, a cornerstone of the stealth-action genre, has captivated gamers for decades with its intricate storytelling, complex characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. However, the question of “what order to play Metal Gear” is not as straightforward as it might seem. The series spans multiple timelines, alternate realities, and even different mediums, making it a labyrinthine experience for newcomers and veterans alike. In this article, we will explore various perspectives on the optimal order to play the Metal Gear games, considering narrative coherence, gameplay evolution, and thematic depth.

Chronological Order: The Path of the Historian

One approach to playing the Metal Gear series is to follow the chronological order of the in-game events. This method allows players to experience the story as it unfolds within the Metal Gear universe, providing a clear understanding of the series’ lore and character development.

  1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (1964) - Set during the Cold War, this game introduces players to Naked Snake, who later becomes Big Boss. It explores the origins of the Patriots and the philosophical underpinnings of the series.
  2. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (1970) - Although not as widely recognized as other entries, this game bridges the gap between Snake Eater and Peace Walker, detailing the formation of FOXHOUND.
  3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (1974) - This game delves into Big Boss’s efforts to build his own military nation, setting the stage for the events of the original Metal Gear.
  4. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (1975) - A prologue to The Phantom Pain, this game sets the stage for the fall of Big Boss and the rise of Venom Snake.
  5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (1984) - The final chapter in Big Boss’s story, this game explores the consequences of his actions and the legacy he leaves behind.
  6. Metal Gear (1995) - The original game that started it all, introducing Solid Snake and the concept of Metal Gear.
  7. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1999) - A direct sequel to the original, this game further develops the story and introduces key characters like Gray Fox.
  8. Metal Gear Solid (2005) - The game that revolutionized the series, bringing it into the 3D era and introducing players to the iconic Solid Snake.
  9. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2007-2009) - A complex narrative that explores themes of information control and identity, featuring Raiden as the protagonist.
  10. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2014) - The conclusion to Solid Snake’s story, this game ties up many loose ends and provides a fitting end to the series.

Pros: This order provides a comprehensive understanding of the series’ timeline and character arcs. It allows players to see the evolution of the series’ themes and gameplay mechanics over time.

Cons: Playing in chronological order can be jarring due to the varying quality and gameplay styles of the older games. Additionally, some of the later games may spoil earlier ones, as they often reference past events.

Release Order: The Path of the Purist

Another approach is to play the games in the order they were released. This method allows players to experience the series as it was originally intended, with each game building upon the innovations of its predecessors.

  1. Metal Gear (1987) - The game that started it all, introducing players to the world of Metal Gear and Solid Snake.
  2. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1990) - A direct sequel that expanded upon the original’s gameplay and story.
  3. Metal Gear Solid (1998) - The game that brought the series into the 3D era, revolutionizing the stealth-action genre.
  4. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001) - A controversial entry that pushed the boundaries of storytelling in video games.
  5. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004) - A prequel that explored the origins of Big Boss and the series’ overarching themes.
  6. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (2006) - A handheld entry that bridged the gap between Snake Eater and Peace Walker.
  7. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2008) - The conclusion to Solid Snake’s story, wrapping up many of the series’ plot threads.
  8. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010) - A PSP game that further explored Big Boss’s journey and the formation of Outer Heaven.
  9. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (2014) - A prologue to The Phantom Pain, setting the stage for the final chapter in Big Boss’s story.
  10. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015) - The final entry in the series, concluding Big Boss’s story and exploring the consequences of his actions.

Pros: Playing in release order allows players to experience the series as it evolved, with each game building upon the innovations of its predecessors. It also preserves the intended narrative flow, with each game referencing and building upon the events of the previous ones.

Cons: The older games may feel dated compared to the more recent entries, and some players may find it difficult to go back to the simpler gameplay mechanics of the earlier titles.

Thematic Order: The Path of the Philosopher

For those more interested in the philosophical and thematic elements of the series, a thematic order might be more appropriate. This approach groups games together based on their central themes, allowing players to explore the series’ deeper meanings.

  1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (1964) - Explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the nature of war.
  2. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (1974) - Focuses on the concept of nuclear deterrence and the morality of warfare.
  3. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (1975) and The Phantom Pain (1984) - These games delve into the consequences of war, the nature of revenge, and the cost of freedom.
  4. Metal Gear (1995) and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1999) - These games introduce the concept of Metal Gear and the dangers of nuclear proliferation.
  5. Metal Gear Solid (2005) - Explores themes of identity, free will, and the nature of reality.
  6. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2007-2009) - A complex narrative that delves into information control, the nature of truth, and the role of the individual in society.
  7. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2014) - Concludes the series by exploring the consequences of war, the nature of legacy, and the cyclical nature of conflict.

Pros: This order allows players to delve deeply into the series’ philosophical underpinnings, exploring the themes that have made Metal Gear such a thought-provoking experience.

Cons: The thematic order may disrupt the narrative flow of the series, as it groups games together based on their themes rather than their chronological or release order. This could lead to confusion for players who are not already familiar with the series’ overarching story.

Hybrid Order: The Path of the Balanced

For those who want a balanced experience that takes into account both narrative coherence and thematic depth, a hybrid order might be the best approach. This method combines elements of the chronological, release, and thematic orders, providing a well-rounded experience.

  1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (1964) - Start with the origins of Big Boss and the series’ philosophical themes.
  2. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (1974) - Continue with Big Boss’s journey and the formation of Outer Heaven.
  3. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (1975) and The Phantom Pain (1984) - Explore the final chapter in Big Boss’s story and the consequences of his actions.
  4. Metal Gear (1995) and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1999) - Transition to the original games, introducing Solid Snake and the concept of Metal Gear.
  5. Metal Gear Solid (2005) - Experience the game that revolutionized the series, exploring themes of identity and free will.
  6. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2007-2009) - Delve into the complex narrative that explores information control and the nature of truth.
  7. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2014) - Conclude the series by wrapping up the story and exploring the consequences of war.

Pros: This order provides a balanced experience, allowing players to explore the series’ narrative, gameplay, and thematic elements in a way that is both coherent and engaging.

Cons: The hybrid order may still require players to jump between different timelines and gameplay styles, which could be disorienting for some.

Conclusion

The question of “what order to play Metal Gear” ultimately depends on what you, as a player, value most in your gaming experience. Whether you prioritize narrative coherence, gameplay evolution, or thematic depth, there is an order that will suit your preferences. The Metal Gear series is a rich tapestry of storytelling, philosophy, and innovation, and no matter how you choose to experience it, you are in for a journey that will challenge your perceptions and leave a lasting impact.

Q: Is it necessary to play all the Metal Gear games to understand the story? A: While playing all the games will provide a comprehensive understanding of the series’ lore, it is not strictly necessary. Many of the games can be enjoyed on their own, though some knowledge of the overarching story will enhance the experience.

Q: Are the older Metal Gear games still worth playing today? A: Absolutely. While the graphics and gameplay mechanics of the older games may feel dated, they are still highly enjoyable and offer a unique experience that is worth exploring.

Q: Can I skip Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops and still understand the story? A: Yes, Portable Ops is not essential to understanding the main storyline, though it does provide additional context and backstory for some characters and events.

Q: What is the best way to experience the Metal Gear series for the first time? A: For first-time players, the release order is often recommended, as it allows you to experience the series as it evolved and preserves the intended narrative flow. However, the chronological or hybrid orders can also provide a satisfying experience.