Metal Gear Solid is one of video gaming's most iconic series, delivering espionage action to generations of fans who fell in love with its techno-thriller plots and larger-than-life characters. However, Metal Gear is a rare gaming franchise that has always been closely tied to its original mastermind, Hideo Kojima. Since famously splitting with Konami in 2015 to form his own studio and subsequently producing Death Stranding, it seems Kojima is finally done with the series that so many associate his name with.

Kojima's departure and Konami's shift away from big-budget game development indicates that Metal Gear may become another lost franchise relegated to licensing and merchandise only. However, Metal Gear seemingly refuses to die. Just about every month, it seems fans are tantalized by a new rumor that Konami is secretly bringing back Metal Gear in one way or another. However, it's clear that, should such a thing occur, Metal Gear Solid needs a new post-Kojima direction. Luckily, the franchise is full of incredible characters who could carry the series into a new era.

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A Boss-Centered Game

the boss ending scenes

Long before Naked Snake became Big Boss, he met someone who taught him the meaning of sacrifice and what it means to dedicate one's life to an ideal. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater introduced the leader of the legendary Cobra Unit, a warrior known as The Joy, who would later be called "The Boss." The Boss is one of the series' most iconic figures, and ever since she graced screens in MGS3, she's been a fan-favorite for her tragic story and strength of character. A spinoff that followed her exploits in World War II and her formation of the legendary Cobra Unit could be a great way for Metal Gear to evolve and distance itself from Kojima's complicated narrative.

Liquid Snake Could Return

Solid Snake and Liquid Snake face off in Metal Gear Solid

Another villain who captivated fans is the traitorous leader of Foxhound who takes over Shadow Moses island at the beginning of the original Metal Gear Solid: Liquid Snake. One of Metal Gear's most iconic villains, Liquid Snake shares a codename and face with hero Soldi Snake. He even reveals in the original Metal Gear Solid that they both are clones and progeny of legendary soldier Big Boss. Liquid Snake was clearly important to Kojima, as he found ways to bring back him in increasingly bizarre ways. He even pops back up as a child soldier in Africa during the prequel plot to Metal Gear Solid V, adding to his mythos. Much like The Boss, Liquid is another fascinating character whose mysterious backstory could be fleshed out through a spinoff.

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Cyborg Ninja Deserves a Starring Role

the cyborg ninja boss fight

Another character whose story is shrouded in mystery is the Cyborg Ninja, formerly known by codename Gray Fox. Gray Fox (whose real name is Frank Jaeger) was one of Foxhound's best, and the only man to have ever earned the "Fox" codename. Once best friends with Solid Snake, the two became enemies when Jaeger betrayed his unit, becoming a villain in Metal Gear 2. Left for dead, Jaeger would eventually be taken by villains The Patriots and turned into a deadly cybernetic warrior who would haunt Snake in Metal Gear Solid.

A game that focused on Jaeger before and after his transformation could provide a mix of stealth action the series is known for and the sword-slinging action setpieces found in fellow spinoff Metal Gear Rising. This could provide fresh take on the character and the series' gameplay, making for a unique entry in the series.

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Bring Back Raiden

Another cyborg ninja, Raiden's turn from an unlikable protagonist introduced in Metal Gear Solid 2 to a ridiculously overpowered cyborg came as a complete surprise to many fans. He showed up in Metal Gear Solid 4 sporting a synthetic body and an incredibly sharp sword, and won over more fans in Metal Gear Rising, a PlatinumGames-developed spinoff that featured the ninja in an incredibly over-the-top action game.

Fans have been clamoring for a Metal Gear Rising sequel for years now, and PlatinumGames would once again be the perfect choice to bring back Raiden for another sword-slashing adventure. Another collaboration between Konami and PlatinumGames could be what the Metal Gear series needs, transitioning it in a more action-oriented direction.

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