Hideo Kojima talks Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

One of the waves which Sony will no doubt be promoting as it builds up the momentum for PSPgo's launch in October is the PSP exclusive Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.

Set ten years after the events in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, it's currently scheduled for a 2010 release.

However Konami also seems keen to start its PR drive too, and hence has released this Q&A with Hideo Kojima concerning the game.

I actually had the plan for this project in mind while working on Metal Gear Online. Back then, I intended to place the project in the hands of the next generation of creators at Kojima Productions. However, in the end, I felt that it was still a little too early to leave it completely in their hands, so I decided to take the reins.

This game is an MGS5-class game. I am supervising, designing, producing, directing, and editing this title together with the MGS4 team. Therefore in that sense, METAL GEAR SOLID has not ended, and the METAL GEAR SAGA continues.

Absolutely. The METAL GEAR SOLID series has always featured Anti-war and Anti-nuke themes. This title is no exception.

In the event of an attack from a neighboring country, I believe that finding a solution through diplomacy is ideal. However, the fact is that even peaceful countries with no intention of retaliating still maintain armies just for the sake of deterrence. I am sure there are varied opinions regarding this subject, but I believe that it is our generation's role to 'create peace through discussion.'

What makes things complicated is that the youth of today have been born into a world where the current situation is the norm, so it's difficult to convey this message. That is why my hope is to have players ponder and learn about why there are people who advocate the need for armies, military power, and nuclear weapons so that they may realise why things turned out the way that they did while they play this game.

I understand that it is a tactical espionage action game but could you provide some explanation for bringing this title to the PSP platform?

I saw four Snakes in the trailer presented at E3, is this co-operative game?

The game will be stealth-action based. I can't reveal too many details yet, but we are implementing features that can only be realised on the PSP platform that I believe everyone can look forward to. The game will be a little different from the METAL GEAR that players have come to know. However, the story can be replayed numerous times and the game is full of challenges to complete, so I feel that this title will really satisfy players with its long-lasting play time.

Just as an example, do you recall the cardboard box at the end of the Peace Walker trailer? In addition to that two-man box, we are preparing a variety of other different cardboard boxes this time around.

To give a little more insight into the game, you can, how shall I say... customise Snake according to your preferences and determine what kind of soldier you will use prior to embarking on your mission.

For example there's heavy gear configurations that make a lot of noise, but that allow you to equip numerous weapons. Or, there are other configurations that won't allow you to carry many weapons, but will allow you to be light on your feet. We will be preparing a variety of other types as well. Being able to make decisions and plot a strategy will be one of the really enjoyable features of this title.

We are also working on a growth feature as well, where your character evolves. It will be a new type of system, so I hope everyone will look forward to it!

We conduct research in many ways and then begin game production. In regards to the quality of the game, the main staff of MGS4 are producing it. They are aiming for PlayStation 3 quality because they were creating MGS4 on the PS3 not too long ago. In reality it is hard to maintain the same quality as the PS3 but we strive for it and we are expressing this in ways only we can express it in.