Interview: Hideo Kojima

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Teaser sites and rumours had gamers speculating the arrival of a new Metal Gear Solid game at this year's E3. But they didn't get one - they got three. Hideo Kojima and his team have been busy.

Konami has forwarded us this Q&A; with the series creator, talking mainly about Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker - that's the PSP one, currently down for a vague 2010 release.

I bet many users had expected the next MGS5 announcement. When did you start this project?

Kojima: I actually had the plan for this project in mind while working on MPO. Back then, I intended to place the project in the hands of the next generation of creators at Kojima Productions. However, in the end, I felt that it was still a little too early to leave it completely in their hands, so I decided to take the reins.

This game is an MGS5-class game. I am supervising, designing, producing, directing, and editing this title together with the MGS4 team. Therefore in that sense, Metal Gear Solid has not ended, and the Metal Gear Saga continues.

You have been telling for many years that your ultimate theme is "Anti-war and Anti-nuclear weapon". Does this theme continue in this title?

Kojima: Absolutely. The Metal Gear Solid series has always featured "Anti-war" and "Anti-nuke" themes. This title is no exception.

Kojima: In the event of an attack from a neighbouring country, I believe that finding a solution through diplomacy is ideal. However, the fact is that even peaceful countries with no intention of retaliating still maintain armies just for the sake of deterrence. I am sure there are varied opinions regarding this subject, but I believe that it is our generation's role to "create peace through discussion."

What makes things complicated is that the youth of today have been born into a world where the current situation is the norm, so it's difficult to convey this message. That is why my hope is to have players ponder and learn about why there are people who advocate the "need for armies, military power, and nuclear weapons" so that they may realize "why things turned out the way that they did" while they play this game.

I understand that it is a tactical espionage action game but could you provide some explanation for bringing this title to the PSP platform? I saw 4 Snakes in the trailer presented at E3, is this co-op?

Kojima: The game will be stealth-action based. I can't reveal too many details yet, but we are implementing features that can only be realized on the PSP platform that I believe everyone can look forward to. The game will be a little different from the Metal Gear that players have come to know.

However, the story can be replayed numerous times and the game is full of challenges to complete, so I feel that this title will really satisfy players with its long-lasting play time. Just as an example, do you recall the cardboard box at the end of the Peace Walker trailer? In addition to that two-man box, we are preparing a variety of other different cardboard boxes this time around.

To give a little more insight into the game, you can, how shall I say... customize Snake according to your preferences and determine what kind of soldier you will use prior to embarking on your mission.

For example there's heavy gear configurations that make a lot of noise, but that allow you to equip numerous weapons. Or, there are other configurations that won't allow you to carry many weapons, but will allow you to be light on your feet. We will be preparing a variety of other types as well. Being able to make decisions and plot a strategy will be one of the really enjoyable features of this title.

We are also working on a "growth feature" as well, where your character evolves. It will be a new type of system, so I hope everyone will look forward to it!

You're known for boot camps and on site checks. This time which part would you like to stress about the reality in terms of game quality?

Kojima: We conduct research in many ways and then begin game production. In regards to the quality of the game, the main staff of MGS4 are producing it. They are aiming for PS3 quality because they were creating MGS4 on the PS3 not too long ago. In reality it is hard to maintain the same quality as the PS3 but we strive for it and we are expressing this in ways only we can express it in.

Regarding the KJP countdown teaser site, there were several signs as a message, could you explain what this message is all about?

Kojima: Aside from the Snake and Raiden visuals, we featured a total of 10 "symbols" and when all of these are rearranged, they form connections to the announcements that we made at E3.

The first symbols that appeared were the number "5" and the letter "S" for Snake that represented PW which, to me, is a "5" class title. "å" not only hints at the lowercase lettering of "E" for E3, but it is the kanji for the word "snake." Also, the symbol that appeared at the very end is [a Kanji symbol, which] represents a sunny background and the sunrise that links to Rising.

The "Rising" of "Metal Gear Solid Rising" implies "the sun rising," "the sun shining," and "the sun shining on Raiden" that was revealed in the visuals on the HP. In addition, "Rising" also represents how "Metal Gear Solid" will be taking the next step up.

Going back to the symbols found on the HP, they also link to "the day of 360" and also to each of the titles that we announced at E3. When each of the symbols are rearranged, I think you'll be able to recognize E3, PSP, PS3, 360 and others. So everyone, how did you like it? Were your predictions on the mark?

CVG Staff