"Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty" is a highly influential and iconic video game in the Metal Gear series, known for its intricate narrative, gameplay mechanics, and thematic depth. Here are some interesting facts about the game:
The Controversial Raiden: When the game was first announced, fans were excited to play as Solid Snake once again. However, in a bold move, Hideo Kojima and his team switched the protagonist to Raiden for a significant portion of the game. This decision was met with mixed reactions and even anger from some fans.
The AI Director: The game featured an advanced AI system known as the "AI Director" that adjusted enemy behavior based on the player's actions. If players relied on lethal force, enemies would become more defensive and cautious. If players used non-lethal methods, enemies would get more aggressive.
Influence of Postmodernism: "Sons of Liberty" is known for its complex narrative and postmodern themes. It explores ideas about identity, censorship, and the influence of information. It was one of the first video games to tackle such philosophical and intellectual themes.
Hidden Easter Eggs: The game is packed with hidden easter eggs and secrets. For instance, players can find hidden parrots that mimic their Codec conversations and discover hidden dog tags on enemy soldiers, which can be collected for various rewards.
The Big Shell: The game's setting, the Big Shell, is a massive offshore cleanup facility. It was inspired by a real-world structure called the Sealand, a former sea fort located in the North Sea.
The Sniping Battle: The game features one of the most memorable boss battles in video game history – the sniper battle against The End. Interestingly, "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater" also features a sniper boss named The End, suggesting a connection between the two games.
Philanthropy: At the end of the game, a non-profit organization called "Philanthropy" is mentioned. This organization's goal is to prevent the proliferation of Metal Gears. This idea was further explored in "Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots."
Fake Game Trailers: Before the game's release, Hideo Kojima and his team created a series of fake trailers and promotional material to mislead players and keep the game's true storyline a secret. This level of deception was groundbreaking at the time.
Substance and Subsistence: "Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance" and "Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence" are expanded versions of the respective games. These editions included additional gameplay modes, missions, and extras, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
A Real-Life Art Heist: The game's development was marred by a real-life incident when the game's script was stolen in 2001. The thief demanded a ransom, but the script was ultimately recovered, and the incident did not significantly impact the game's release.
"Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty" remains a landmark in video game history due to its innovative storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and willingness to challenge player expectations. It set a standard for narrative complexity and thematic depth in the medium.