What Metal Gear Game Should I Start With
Alright, pull up a chair, grab your coffee (or maybe a can of Octo-Camo energy drink, whatever floats your boat), and let's talk about a little thing called Metal Gear. Now, before you start sweating like Snake on a high-stakes stealth mission, I’m here to demystify this legendary, often bewildering, series. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood codec call, but with fewer codec calls and more questionable life choices. So, you're thinking about dipping your toes into the world of cardboard boxes, improbable haircuts, and soliloquies that could rival Shakespeare? Excellent! But where, oh where, do you begin?
This is the million-dollar question, the stealth mission of all starting points. It’s like asking, “What’s the best flavor of existential dread?” The answer is… complicated. But don't worry, we’re going to navigate this labyrinth of military espionage, philosophical ramblings, and surprisingly emotional moments like a seasoned FOXHOUND operative. Except, you know, without the constant threat of nuclear annihilation. Probably.
The "Just Play the First One!" Argument (and why it’s a terrible idea)
You'll hear whispers, maybe even full-blown shouts, of people telling you to start with the very first game. And sure, Metal Gear on the MSX2 is the OG, the granddaddy of sneaking. It’s where the whole "hiding in a box" shtick was born! But let’s be honest. It looks like it was rendered by a potato that gained sentience and decided to become a video game. The controls are… charming in a way that makes you want to throw your controller across the room. You spend more time fumbling with your inventory than you do actually sneaking.
It’s like trying to understand quantum physics by reading hieroglyphics. Admirable, maybe, but not exactly the most accessible entry point. You’ll probably end up thinking Solid Snake is just a weird guy who loves camouflage and getting into trouble. And while that’s not entirely wrong, there’s so much more to the legend!
The "Play Them in Release Order!" Mantra (Also, kind of a bad idea)
Okay, so the MSX days are out. What about playing them in the order they came out? This is a more respectable approach, I grant you. You get to see the evolution of graphics, gameplay, and Hideo Kojima's increasingly elaborate plot twists. You start with Metal Gear Solid (PS1), then move to Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, then Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and so on.
The problem here? Metal Gear Solid 2. Oh, MGS2. This game is a masterpiece of storytelling and gameplay, but it pulls a bait-and-switch so legendary that it’s practically a core mechanic of the series. You think you're playing as Solid Snake, the grizzled hero? Nope! You're Raiden, a whiny rookie with hair that defies gravity and a personality that… well, it’s a personality. The game spends half its time telling you that the story you thought you were going to have is not the story you're getting. It’s a meta-commentary wrapped in an enigma, delivered via codec calls from people you’ve never met.
Starting with MGS2 can be jarring. You'll be so confused about who you are, why you're doing what you're doing, and if you’re even playing the right game. It’s like starting a novel by reading the appendix and then getting mad that the story doesn’t make sense.
The Actual Best Starting Point (Prepare for Awesomeness)
Alright, drumroll please! For 99% of you, the ideal starting point is none other than the game that redefined stealth action and made grown men cry over polygonal soldiers: Metal Gear Solid (PS1).
Why this one, you ask? Because it’s a self-contained masterpiece. It introduces you to Solid Snake, the iconic voice of David Hayter (unless you're playing the Japanese version, then it’s even more confusingly awesome), the hilariously convoluted plot, and the core gameplay loop. You’ll learn about FOXHOUND, Shadow Moses, Metal Gears (the giant walking nuclear-equipped mechs, not the games, duh), and the enigmatic Liquid Snake. It’s a perfect blend of serious espionage, over-the-top action, and moments of genuine emotional weight. Plus, the boss fights are chef’s kiss.
You get the foundational lore without being overwhelmed. You experience the Kojima magic firsthand. It’s the Star Wars: A New Hope of the Metal Gear universe. You don’t need to know about midi-chlorians to enjoy Luke Skywalker’s journey. Similarly, you don’t need to know about Genome Soldiers to get hooked on Solid Snake’s mission.
But What If I Want More? (The "After MGS1" Dilemma)
Once you’ve fallen in love with Metal Gear Solid (and trust me, you will), the next question is: where to go? This is where things get really fun, and slightly more… chronologically ambiguous.
Option 1: Chronological Masterpiece
My personal recommendation, after MGS1, is to jump straight into Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2). This is a prequel, set decades before MGS1. You play as Naked Snake (who will eventually become Big Boss, a name you’ll hear a lot), a legendary soldier on a mission in the jungles of the Soviet Union. This game is often cited as the pinnacle of the series, and for good reason. The story is incredible, the gameplay is revolutionary (survival mechanics, camouflage!), and the emotional beats are some of the most profound in gaming history. It’s a cinematic experience that will stick with you long after the credits roll. And yes, there are snakes. And you can eat them.
After MGS3, the order becomes a bit more fluid, but generally: Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (often considered MGS4’s spiritual successor), then Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (which ties up many loose ends, making it a fantastic conclusion, especially if you’ve played MGS1 and MGS3), and then Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. Yes, I know I told you not to start with MGS2, but after the others, its meta-narrative feels more earned and less like a sudden existential crisis.
Option 2: The "Full Monty" - Release Order (Mostly)
If you’re a purist and want to see the evolution unfold exactly as it was presented to the world, after MGS1, you can try: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, then Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, then Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, and so on. Just brace yourself for the MGS2 curveball. It’s a wild ride, but you’ll appreciate the journey a bit more if you’ve already established a connection with the characters and the world.
A Note on the "Weird Ones"
You might encounter games like Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Let me be clear: DO NOT START WITH THIS GAME. This is a spin-off, a hyper-stylish, high-octane action game where you play as Raiden as a cyborg ninja who can slice everything into tiny little pieces. It’s pure, unadulterated fun, but it’s like watching the final act of an epic saga without reading the preceding books. You’ll miss all the context and just be left wondering why everyone is so angry and chopping robots to bits.
Similarly, the handheld games like Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (though Peace Walker is fantastic and highly recommended after MGS3). They add layers to the story but are best enjoyed once you’ve got a solid grasp of the main narrative.
So, To Summarize (Because Even Snake Needs Clear Objectives)
For the absolute beginner, the perfect starting point is: Metal Gear Solid (PS1). It’s the gateway drug. It's the mission briefing you’ll actually enjoy. Once you’re hooked, I’d strongly recommend diving into the prequel masterpiece: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. After that, the world is your oyster, or more accurately, your mission objective.
Remember, this series is about more than just sneaking and shooting. It’s about family, destiny, the nature of warfare, and whether you can truly escape your past. And sometimes, it's about a guy with a bandana and an almost supernatural ability to talk to himself. So go forth, find a cardboard box, and start your Metal Gear adventure. Just try not to get spotted. Or, you know, cry too much during MGS3. That’s optional, but highly probable.