Editorial: Metal Gear Solid Delta deserves a fair shake

This is not news, but a rambling opinion piece so feel free to scroll on by.

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*I apologize if none of this flows well. It's just my rambling thoughts, so please bear with me.

This weekend, I reflected on the evolving discourse surrounding Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater since its announcement over a year ago.

The fan community's reaction was understandably mixed when the remake was first revealed. Remakes often walk a tightrope between honoring the original and modernizing for new audiences. However, Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater is being approached in a very specific and somewhat different way for various reasons, and thankfully the reception seems to have shifted positively thus far.

As we await more information and a release date, it's clear that the discourse around this remake will keep evolving.

But...this isn't what concerns me.

The current state of gaming journalism concerns me as much as the game itself. While there are still some dedicated and talented journalists out there, they seem to be in the minority these days. Many outlets have shifted away from providing informative reviews and news, opting instead to push personal narratives or activist agendas that often don't resonate with the broader audience. This trend can lead to skewed representations of games and their creators, focusing more on controversy than on meaningful analysis.

It's no secret that some very prominant gaming outlets have had it out for Director Kojima and Konami for years. Sometimes making wild claims that have nothing to do with the actual games. It's like they've got a personal vendetta or something.

I'd bet good money that when Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater drops, we'll see the same old song and dance. These outlets will probably be chomping at the bit to find something - anything - to criticize, even if they have to stretch reality to do it.

And it's not just with Director Kojima. There's this weird trend where some of these sites seem to have a bone to pick with Japanese developers in general. It's like they're trying to force their cultural views onto games and creators that come from different background. Instead of trying to understand or appreciate the differences, they just attack. It's lazy journalism at best, and cultural bias at worst.

I know what you're thinking, "But this is a remake wont it be similar to reviews from back in the day?". Maybe, maybe not. I have trust issues with certain outlets and I fully expect some to just use this as another opportunity to attack, remake, or not.

I get that not everyone's going to love every game, but there's a big difference between fair criticism and this kind of targeted negativity. Part of this also encompasses the whole divorce between Konami and Kojima from years ago, and it's like this dark cloud that's still hanging over everything with some people.

I can't help but feel for the new team working on this remake. They're in a tough spot. They've got to live up to this legendary game, and they're doing it without Kojima. That's a tall order. Some will use this as an excuse to take shots at them, no matter what they do.

If they change too much, people will say they're ruining Kojima's vision. If they don't change enough, they'll get criticized for not being innovative. And all the while, they're dealing with a ton of pressure from Konami and fans to deliver.

I just hope once the final game is in reviewers' and gaming media's hands, they give it a fair shake. This team has probably been through hell trying to make this work, dealing with all the baggage from the Kojima split, and trying to do right by the fans. It'd be nice if they could look at Delta for what it is, instead of using it as another excuse to rehash old drama or set impossible standards.

I think Konami's trying to turn over a new leaf here. They've stumbled, sure, but they're owning up to it and listening to fans for once. They have shown a new level of transparency, that's a big deal for a company that used to be as tight-lipped as a clam, especially with negative fan feedback.

I've always tried to call it like I see it with Konami, good or bad. And from where I'm standing, it looks like they're genuinely trying to do right by the fans this time. But here's the thing that worries me: even if they knock it out of the park with this remake, there are still gonna be groups and individuals out there looking to stir up drama. I just hope that if Konami does deliver, people will give credit where it's due instead of trying to twist things into a negative. But maybe that's asking too much from the internet these days.

I guess only time will tell.

If you made it this far, thanks. Have a great start to a very busy week ahead, and play more Metal Gear.

—MGN

Source: https://x.com/MGSMGN/status/1853290908894265629