Metal Gear Solid is a confusing franchise. As someone who has never played through an entry completely – except the outstanding Revengewhich isn’t really a Metal Gear Solid Game – I know the series but have always been confused by its complicated storylines that span decades. Luckily, David Hayter, the voice of legendary spy Solid Snake, somewhat cleared up my confusion with a brief explanation MGS‘ influence in a new YouTube ad.
To promote the first volume of the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collectionwhich was released in October 2023 to the frustration of fansHayter appeared in a YouTube video on Konami’s channel on March 15. In it, he takes our hand and quickly walks us through the game’s storied history, discussing the defining qualities of the first three entries Metal Gear Solid. (Yes, he briefly admits that too Metal gears more broadly began in 1987 with the release of Snake’s first adventure on the MSX.)
He doesn’t break down the story in quite as much detail as someone like me, who has heard about the game’s story but never really understood it, would enjoy. However, he humorously nods to the series’ twisty storylines and admits that newcomers may be put off by all the “shadow organizations, secret agents, double agents, triple agents, non-linear timelines, giant nuclear weapons, clones and multiple characters named Snake.” But, he says, this collection will get new players on the right path to understanding it all.
He then briefly describes how the series gained its clout, highlighting “a handful of elements that….” Metal gears unique Metal gears.”
Hayter – who is probably best known for his work as the gruff voice of MGS“Protagonist Solid Snake – discusses the series’ “innovative and iconic gameplay,” including the way Boss Psycho Mantis can do it “Read minds” by accessing your memory card. It’s cool to hear all this story, however short, especially since this is just the first part of a multi-part series. According to Hayter, that’s what the second episode will be about The Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater New editionbut there is no release date yet looks damn good.
Anyway, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but actors appearing in gaming ads seems to be becoming a trend. At first it was like this successor star Brian Cox Give us an overview of Tekken 8‘s tradition. Then Ian McShane from Dead wood and that John Wick films, explained Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s story. And now David Hayter is doing the same thing. Hayter of course has an established connection to the series he’s talking about here, so it’s not quite the same, but it’s another example of an actor with a famous voice explaining a game or series to us in detail. I’m not mad about it. It’s just a strange coincidence.
