Legendary game designer Hideo Kojima has been sharing captivating insights into the development of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, a critically acclaimed title initially released on PlayStation Portable in 2010. As the spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, Peace Walker followed Big Boss’s adventures as he established his own mercenary outfit in Colombia.
A Song Left Behind
In a recent report, Kojima expressed regret over a song that didn’t make the cut for the game. This nostalgic revelation offers a glimpse into the creative process behind Peace Walker’s development, and it’s just one of many fascinating anecdotes Kojima has shared.
Peace Walker’s Original Vision
Kojima took to Twitter to lift the curtain on Peace Walker’s intriguing past. Initially conceived as Metal Gear Solid 5, the game was envisioned as a flagship title powered by a custom-built engine, later known as the Fox Engine. Although plans changed, the Fox Engine eventually made its way into several Konami games before being discontinued.
A Bridge Between Games
Kojima explained that Peace Walker was meant to be a transitional evolution for the Metal Gear franchise until the Fox Engine was completed. However, international marketing teams resisted the proposed “Metal Gear Solid 5: Peace Walker” title, leading the team to abandon the numbered designation and target a younger audience. Ultimately, Metal Gear Solid 5 emerged as “The Phantom Pain”, leveraging the Fox Engine.
Redefining the Series’ Sequencing
Kojima previously suggested on Twitter that Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain should be interpreted as Metal Gear Solid V, implying that the series may not have officially reached its fifth installment. Given The Phantom Pain’s significant departure from traditional gameplay, Kojima might still consider Peace Walker the true fifth mainline entry. This perspective gains credence with Peace Walker’s rumored inclusion in the upcoming Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Volume 2, underscoring its enduring importance within the series’ narrative continuum.
