Hideo Kojima stands as an esteemed figure in the realm of video gaming, regarded as one of the industry’s most revered personalities and a cultural icon. His body of work, notably the iconic Metal Gear franchise, is rich with profound philosophical and political narratives. Moreover, his passion for cinema and penchant for mingling with Hollywood luminaries further complement his intriguing persona.
However, Kojima’s journey to fame hasn’t been seamless. His departure from Konami, the company where he forged his career, was fueled by tumultuous relations for numerous reasons, ultimately leading to the establishment of his own company, Kojima Productions.
In this article, we will explore Kojima’s most impactful games, focusing solely on titles he directed or penned, which have become synonymous with his name. As a result, games like Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance won’t feature on this list, as we aim to highlight works that are distinctly Kojima.
13 P. T.
The Game That Never Was
Among his works, P. T.stands out, created in collaboration with the acclaimed Guillermo del Toro and starring Norman Reedus as the lead character. Despite its stellar reception, P. T.faced cancellation by Konami amid their fallout with Kojima. The teaser was subsequently removed from the PlayStation Store, leaving fans unable to experience it unless it was previously downloaded on their consoles.
This title remains a significant disappointment within the gaming community, as it represented an ambitious project from beloved creators that was ultimately stifled by corporate decisions, much to the dismay of eager fans.
12 Metal Gear
Metal Gear!?
Interestingly, the original Metal Gear is ranked lower despite its crucial role as the inception of Kojima’s legendary career.While it initiated his rise, the gameplay has not aged gracefully when compared to later installments. Its obscure puzzles, sluggish combat, and period-specific graphics hinder its standing against other titles.
In comparison to contemporary games, Metal Gear lacks the polish that modern audiences have come to expect, a common trait for many titles from the ’80s.
11 Snatcher
Kojima Is 70% Movies
Many of Kojima’s earlier titles, including Snatcher, reflect the constraints of their era, as he was still carving his storytelling approach. Initially released in 1988 for Japanese PCs before being ported to home consoles, Snatcher is often regarded as his quintessential cinematic experience, drawing clear inspiration from classics like Blade Runner, Terminator, and Akira.
Despite its engaging narrative, Snatcher suffers from excessive backtracking and tedious mechanics, where players are required to click through numerous options to progress. Notably, it features Akio Otsuka, the voice of Snake from the Metal Gear series and Die-Hardman from Death Stranding.
10 Policenauts
Classic Buddy Cop
Similar to Snatcher, Policenauts serves as an interactive narrative rich in Kojima’s cinematic influences, deserving of a modern revival. Kojima conceived this project while working on Snatcher.
The game features protagonists Jonathan Ingram and Ed Brown, whose designs echo Riggs and Murtaugh from Lethal Weapon.Inspired by the first Japanese astronaut’s voyage into space in 1990, Policenauts follows the investigation of a LAPD officer turned private investigator who grapples with the mystery of his deceased ex-wife.
Even though it never saw an official English release, fan translations have provided limited access to this hidden gem for non-Japanese audiences.
9 Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
A Slight Improvement
Released solely in Japan in 1990, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake represents a marked improvement over its predecessor, offering fewer tedious moments and a more engaging story, alongside better graphics and music.
This title illustrates Kojima beginning to hone his craft, resulting in more distinctive characters and a notable emergence of his signature narrative style.
Western audiences wouldn’t gain access to Metal Gear 2 until the re-release with MGS3. Interestingly, Konami opted for a Western-only sequel called Snake’s Revenge, which Kojima did not contribute to and is not regarded as canon.
8 Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots
Rolling Around In A Barrel
Once celebrated as a pinnacle of the series, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is now viewed through a more critical lens due to its numerous shortcomings, despite its upgraded visuals and iconic status in the franchise.
With new gadgets like the OctoCamo suit and exciting confrontations, including a memorable CQC duel between Snake and Ocelot, Metal Gear Solid 4 remains engaging. However, its graphical aesthetic suffers from common issues of its era, exhibiting lackluster color grading that dampens its visual vibrancy.
The game is also notorious for its lengthy cutscenes, often frustrating players as control is frequently surrendered for cinematic sequences that sometimes extend to 30 minutes.
7 Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Quintessentially Metal Gear
Revisiting the timeline, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is set in 1974 and chronicles the establishment of Big Boss and Kazuhira Miller’s mercenary group, Militaires Sans Frontieres.
This installment masterfully combines mission-based gameplay with elements of base management, which would later evolve in the Phantom Pain.
Initially designed for the PSP, Peace Walker employs comic-style artwork to narrate its story, crafted by the renowned Metal Gear artist Yoji Shinkawa. Its quirky crossovers, such as a Monster Hunter mission featuring Rathalos, have cemented it as a favorite among many fans.
6 Metal Gear Solid
Psycho Mantis…!?
Metal Gear Solid catapulted the franchise to fame, featuring innovative stealth mechanics that redefined the genre.With unforgettable moments and a rich narrative, it established the groundwork for future stealth games and solidified its place as a classic.
A standout feature is Psycho Mantis’s fourth-wall-breaking encounter, where he reads player save files—an experience now lost on modern consoles.
The game boasts a talented voice cast, including the legendary David Hayter, whose portrayal of Snake remains iconic, despite subsequent voice actors like Kiefer Sutherland taking over from Ground Zeroes onwards.
5 Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
Kept You Waiting, Huh?
Although a shorter title, Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes revitalizes the series’ stealth and combat mechanics, introducing an engaging storyline that can be completed in about an hour. It’s almost akin to a standalone demo, recalling the anticipation surrounding P. T.
Set after the events of Peace Walker, Ground Zeroes features Big Boss infiltrating a Cuban prison camp to rescue characters Chico and Paz while introducing a new antagonist, Skull Face, the leader of XOF.
With significant graphical enhancements and a dynamic stealth system, players could mark enemies for better strategic planning and engage in Reflex Mode, which was later echoed in Phantom Pain.
Although Kiefer Sutherland does an admirable job voicing Snake, David Hayter’s absence is felt deeply by fans.
4 Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
We’re Diamond Dogs
Launching a year after Ground Zeroes, The Phantom Pain embodies Kojima’s concluding narrative for the Metal Gear saga amid his turbulent departure from Konami. With a narrative that feels rushed and some content notably absent, it reflects Kojima’s desire to wrap up his legacy in this universe.
Phantom Pain also integrates the Mother Base management system established in Peace Walker, allowing players to recruit soldiers and enhance their Diamond Dogs’ ranks and morale.
Although its narrative may falter, the gameplay loop remains enjoyable, providing a vast sandbox for creative mission completion and retaining the series’ trademark geopolitical storytelling elements.
3 Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty
The Ol’ Bait And Switch
Despite initial mixed reactions over the controversial bait-and-switch with Raiden’s character, Metal Gear Solid 2 is celebrated as one of the franchise’s finest due to its compelling storytelling and gameplay mechanics.
Initially divisive, Sons of Liberty is now viewed as a masterclass in game narrative, addressing sociopolitical themes and delving into complex philosophical discussions that resonate even more today as society navigates the complexities of the digital era.
2 Death Stranding
This Is America
As we progress through this list, it’s important to highlight that our exploration isn’t limited to the Metal Gear universe.
Kojima’s meteoric rise was significantly linked to his work on the Metal Gear franchise, setting high expectations for Death Stranding. Fans anticipated similar gameplay elements and narrative depth, akin to what they experienced with Snake.
However, what emerged was a unique blend of Kojima’s abstract storytelling, rife with philosophical and sociopolitical matters, reflecting his newfound creative liberty after parting ways with Konami.
With full artistic freedom, Kojima unleashed his cinematic ambitions, albeit not without a dash of commercial promotion. His fascination with partnering with Hollywood isn’t merely coincidental, as evidenced by the game’s ensemble cast of high-profile actors such as Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, and Tommie Earl Jenkins.
Despite its initial perception as a mere walking simulator, Death Stranding ultimately offers a deeply engaging experience centered around the importance of connection and community.
1 Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
What A Thrill…
Regarded as the pinnacle of the Metal Gear franchise, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater intricately weaves elements of stealth and survival, delivering a captivating narrative filled with unforgettable boss encounters that have left a lasting impact on players even 21 years post-launch.
The game’s legacy continues as Konami has announced a remake titled Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, featuring the original voice cast. Enthusiasm remains high among fans eager to see how it measures against the classic.
In terms of gameplay, Snake Eater exemplifies stealth, resembling a gripping James Bond escapade set in a jungle.With advanced stealth mechanics and various gadgets. players are encouraged to utilize diverse tactics, including unique camouflage options to enhance stealth capabilities.
Players are urged to maximize available resources to fulfill their objectives, creating a gameplay experience that extends beyond mere combat mechanics.
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