Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Removes Iconic Sequence, Yet Offers Exciting New Features

The upcoming Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is set to introduce various changes, including a possible revision of the infamous nightmare dream sequence. In the original game, while imprisoned in an enemy detention cell, Naked Snake experiences a bizarre dream that casts him as the protagonist of a different Konami title, Guy Savage. This unexpected segment, which featured a strikingly different art style and minimal introduction, became memorable for many players, leading to some even creating separate save files to revisit it.

Recent previews suggest that Konami aims to maintain a familiar gameplay experience in MGSD: Snake Eater. Retaining some form of the nightmare dream would likely resonate well with series fans. However, resurrecting a concept that has been shelved for nearly two decades may not be the most logical choice. Instead, this segment could be an opportunity for introducing new dreams or prototypes that Konami might want to tease.

The Guy Savage Tease: A Lost Opportunity

A Potential Future Title

Originally conceived as a potential new title for PlayStation 2, Guy Savage was briefly featured in Metal Gear Solid 3 as a teaser for an unconfirmed project. It’s unclear whether Hideo Kojima personally directed this segment or if it was the work of a different team at Konami.

In Metal Gear Solid 3, during an intense part of the narrative, Naked Snake gets captured by the antagonist, GRU Colonel Volgin, and is imprisoned at Groznyj Grad. Although his weapons are taken, Snake retains the ability to communicate via radio. Players who choose to save while speaking to Para-Medic hear her mention the film Dracula, much to Snake’s chagrin, as he harbors a deep fear of vampires.

Under typical circumstances, the game continues without interruption. However, if players exit and reload this save, they enter the world of Guy Savage. In this unique segment, they control a dual-wielding swordsman who embodies a distinct punk aesthetic. This character can slash with swords, jump, dash, and unleash a special spin attack while fighting relentless zombie-like enemies.

This exhilarating dream mode continues until the player is defeated. Following that, the game resumes with Naked Snake angrily confronting Para-Medic for her Dracula reference.

Despite the intriguing gameplay, the Guy Savage project was ultimately abandoned, with no clear reasons provided by Kojima or Konami. The recent release of the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol.1 saw the removal of the nightmare sequence altogether, reinforcing the expectation that MGSD: Snake Eater will feature significant alterations.

Reimagined Dreams: Gradius & Zone Of The Enders

Revisiting Kojima’s Vision

Interesting discussions have emerged regarding the initial plan for Gradius to be featured in the dream segment of MGS3. Hideo Kojima hinted in mid-2010s interviews that this was an early thought. Given the game’s simple animations and gameplay mechanics, implementing Gradius in MGSD: Snake Eater could seamlessly fit with the original vision, though it might require adjustments to dialogues and character reactions.

Following the decision to forgo Gradius, there’s speculation that a potential dream sequence may have featured Zone of the Enders 3. The concept of Guy Savage emerged from this direction, making it less likely for that to resurface in MGSD: Snake Eater, considering that Zone of the Enders is another cherished project of Kojima.

Exploring New Possibilities: Ape Escape’s Return

A Playable Nightmare Awaits

In a strategic pivot, Konami might opt to replace the original dream concept with references from another beloved franchise. Recent trailers, especially the one released on February 6, hinted at the return of the Ape Escape series. This could introduce the classic Snake vs Monkey mode, showcasing a playful dynamic between Solid Snake and Colonel Campbell during a dream sequence.

Given Para-Medic’s mention of Dracula, the most fitting alternative could be Castlevania. Leveraging the success of the franchise’s Netflix adaptations could allow Konami to integrate a Castlevania-inspired episode into MGSD: Snake Eater. They’ve noted a willingness to incorporate characters from various franchises in recent titles like Dead by Daylight and V Rising.

Such an inclusion would thrive only if a new Castlevania title is planned for release within the next couple of years; otherwise, an early teaser might lose its impact or fail to accurately reflect the new project.

Alternatively, Naked Snake could confront vampires depicted as GRU soldiers while employing close-quarter combat or other non-lethal methods, minimizing the need for extensive asset development. A simple solution would be to give Naked Snake the appearance of notable characters like Richter or Trevor Belmont, maintaining the dream within the native gameplay and controls of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.

Source & Images