Game Groups > Metal Gear series

Metal Gear games, self-described as "tactical espionage action", are action games with a heavy emphasis on stealth. Most Metal Gear games were designed by Hideo Kojima and developed by Konami. The events depicted in the games usually take place in the near future (a few years later than their respective release dates), though some of the games are set during the Cold War period of the 20th century. The games share an overarching storyline and recurrent characters, most notably the special forces operative with the codename Solid Snake.

The series made its debut in 1987, with the release of the first Metal Gear, which established its gameplay style and general tone. The gameplay in Metal Gear games encourages stealthy approach; the protagonist must typically avoid attention in order to succeed. However, direct confrontation is not uncommon: during the course of the games, the main character may use firearms, engage opponents in hand-to-hand combat, and face mandatory boss enemies. Many tasks in these games take the shape of mini-game-like activities.

Starting with Metal Gear Solid (1998), the series have become known for extended usage of cinematic cutscenes, conversations, and storylines that touched upon political, ethical, and philosophical problems.

Trivia Dub-step artist Burial's track Near Dark from the album Untrue (2007) contains samples of bullet casings hitting the floor, taken from one of the Metal Gear Solid* games.