Score: 92/100
Introduction
When discussing the origins of stealth gameplay in video games, one cannot overlook Metal Gear, initially released for the MSX2 home computer and subsequently adapted for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987. While many associate the Metal Gear series with its later iterations, particularly the critically acclaimed Metal Gear Solid series, the original Metal Gear on the NES was a pioneering title that introduced many to the stealth genre. Let’s delve into the gameplay, impact, and historical significance of this groundbreaking game.
Bonedry Take: I came to this game late, sometime in 2003 or so. I wish I could say I played it young, and maybe I rented it for a day or so, but I have no memory of that. Playing it now, I see how much of a landmark title it is, even if it is uneven at best. Kojima would find his way, of course, and playing this enables me to see the seeds of the later games that so impacted my gaming life. And I swear that's Kyle Reese on the cover.
Innovative Gameplay and Mechanics
Metal Gear introduced gamers to the concept of stealth over brute force, a significant deviation from the typical action games of the 1980s. Players take on the role of Solid Snake, a special forces operative tasked with infiltrating a fortified enemy base to neutralize the titular superweapon, Metal Gear.
Stealth Mechanics:
Unlike conventional action games where players confront enemies head-on, Metal Gear encouraged avoidance over engagement. The game required players to sneak past guards, use cover, and manage noise levels to avoid detection. This emphasis on stealth was revolutionary at the time and laid the foundation for what would become a core mechanic in later stealth games.
Resource Management:
Players had to carefully manage their resources, including ammunition and health, which could only be replenished by finding supplies within the game environment. This added a layer of strategic planning to the game, further differentiating it from more straightforward shoot-em-up titles.
Graphics and Presentation
For an NES title, Metal Gear was ambitiously designed. The top-down perspective allowed players a clear view of their surroundings, crucial for planning stealthy maneuvers. While the graphics were simple by today's standards, the visual design effectively communicated different terrains, enemy placements, and important items, which was essential for the stealth gameplay to function effectively.
Impact and Legacy
Metal Gear’s release on the NES brought the game to a wider audience, particularly in North America, where the MSX2 computer was less common. This exposure was crucial in establishing the Metal Gear series' reputation and setting the stage for its future successes.
While the NES version did have some differences from the original MSX2 version—such as altered or removed features and some changes to the game’s story and structure—it still managed to convey the unique gameplay and innovative mechanics that Hideo Kojima, the game’s designer, had envisioned.
Historical Significance
Metal Gear was among the first video games to incorporate a plot with cinematic qualities, featuring complex themes of war and betrayal which would become hallmarks of the series. This narrative depth, combined with the stealth mechanics, made Metal Gear stand out in the late 1980s gaming landscape.
Conclusion: A Pioneering Stealth Adventure
Though later overshadowed by its more technologically advanced successors, the original Metal Gear on the NES remains a significant title in video game history. It was not just a game but a new approach to interactive storytelling and gameplay mechanics. For those interested in the evolution of video games as a medium, or the origins of stealth gameplay, revisiting Metal Gear provides valuable insights into the creative possibilities of early game design and the humble beginnings of what would become one of gaming’s most revered franchises.
