During a recent panel at the Tokyo Game Show, Noriaki Okamura, the producer behind the Metal Gear Solid series, provided an update on the anticipated second volume of the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection remasters. According to a translation by the fan account @Kuwabara357 on X, Okamura acknowledged the lengthy wait for this sequel, stating, “It has certainly taken quite a while now. Since we called the first installment Vol 1, it’s only natural to expect a second one, and that’s what we said years ago. But, as we’ve repeated several times, we are making it.”
Anticipated Inclusions and Technical Considerations
The first volume of the Master Collection has been well-received, particularly on PC, where it offers a more stable experience compared to the challenges posed by PlayStation emulation. Notably, the PS2’s pressure-sensitive buttons and the controller swap moments in MGS1 have proven to be tricky for emulators. As fans eagerly await Vol. 2, the inclusion of Metal Gear Solid 4 seems almost certain. This title, originally exclusive to the PS3, presents unique challenges for emulation due to the console’s architecture.
While the technical issues that plagued Vol. 1 at launch raise some concerns, the extended timeline for Vol. 2 suggests that Konami is committed to delivering a polished product. Among the titles that fans hope to see included is MGS Peace Walker, which transitioned from the PSP to the PS3 and Xbox 360. Its lightweight nature when emulated makes it an attractive candidate, especially considering that players can enjoy it on devices like the Steam Deck with impressive battery life.
Moreover, the team’s experience in porting the HD versions of MGS2 and MGS3 positions them well to tackle Peace Walker, which is often regarded as a significant entry in the series. Interestingly, Hideo Kojima initially envisioned this game as Metal Gear Solid 5, making its inclusion in Vol. 2 feel essential to the overarching narrative.
Potential Additions and Philosophical Decisions
In addition to the aforementioned titles, there are whispers of including MGS5, which has been referenced in datamined files from Vol. 1. Although this game might not require a remaster for PC, a console re-release could invigorate interest, particularly for its asymmetric FOB infiltration multiplayer mode. Fans often enjoy watching high-level infiltrations on platforms like YouTube, and retaining compatibility with original servers would be ideal.
As Konami contemplates which titles to include, they face a philosophical choice: should they embrace a broad interpretation of the “Metal Gear” legacy or adhere strictly to the “Metal Gear Solid” canon? The original MSX games, already featured in Vol. 1, complicate this decision. Here are some potential candidates for Vol. 2:
- Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel (Game Boy Color)
- Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (PSP)
- Metal Gear Ac!d 1 and 2 (PSP)
- Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (PS3, 360, PC)
