"From 'Fox', two phantoms were born." It's a phrase that gives chills to any gamer worth his/her salt. Strap on your Stealth Suites and tighten your bandanna's, Metal Gear Solid 5 is on it's way.
The trailer was released on March 27th. During the Game Developers Conference, Hideo Kijima confirmed that previously shown footage from Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes, and the previously stated independent I.P. known as The Phantom Pain, are both in fact Metal Gear Solid 5. Oh Kojima, you sneaky bastard.
So lets get right into it. The lengthy trailer is nearly six minutes long and contains enough information to make a Metal Gear fan's head spin. While not a lot has been confirmed, the game will seemingly delve further into the past of Big Boss, and the activities of Foxhound. The trailer acts almost as an homage to prier games. There are countless references to former and current characters, and the games plot can only be speculated. Well, before I give too much away, check out the trailer for yourself.
From what I can discern, the trailer opens on three central characters. The first image is of Big Boss wearing a Foxhound uniform, and his signature eye patch, indicating that the scene takes place some time after Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. The second character (with blonde hair and sunglasses) clearly appears to be Master Miller. For those who don't remember, Miller was a survival instructor and compatriot of Big Boss who died prier to Metal Gear 2, and was impersonated by Liquid Snake in Metal Gear Solid. The third character is off screen and referenced by Miller. After the doctor states that Boss is in a coma, Miller asks "What about him?", and the doctor clearly glances off screen.
Scenes from different timelines are present, showing a conflict which involves Miller, Big Boss,and the unknown third party, an attack on the hospital, and events after the hospital. The hospital scene involves Big Boss, who now has a prosthetic arm, and the unknown third person, as they escape from an attack.
The mystery person's face is never shown. Given the timeline, and the obvious facial damage (requiring bandages even after the nine year coma), I have to go out on a limb and say that this character has got to be the one and only Frank Jeager, later known as Grey Fox.
We are then shown images that resemble previous characters including The Fury from MGS3: Snake Eater, Psycho Mantis from MGS, and Revolver Ocelot. The scene where Big Boss wakes up, shows him reaching for a flower petal that is hovering above him (An obvious reference to The Boss in MGS3: Snake Eater).
The supernatural elements from previous games are present here, but far less subtle. Given the presence of a character who so closely resembles Psycho Mantis, I can't help but wonder if the story will, at least partially, revolve around illusionary events. This theory is further supported by a scene in which Big Boss's missing eye appears to have some sort of infection. The title Phantom Pain refers to a condition that allows amputee victims to retain sensation from a lost limb. Likewise, it is possible for someone who has lost an eye to see phantom images.
Among interspersed scenes, we are shown two oil tankers exploding. This scene is familiar to die hard fans of the series, and would suggest that the story takes place, at least partially, during the events of Metal Gear 2.
We get our most cryptic, yet revealing, clues during the last minute of the trailer. We learn that Big Boss has been in a coma for nine years, and that "From 'Fox", Two Phantoms were Born."
Given the suggested timeline, I think it is foolish to think that the "Two Phantoms" are anyone other that Solid and Liquid Snake. The British flag on the wall of the hospital further suggests the involvement of Liquid Snake, as that is where he was trained.
The trailer ends with Big Boss sitting on a motorcycle, and wearing a jacket labeled "Diamond Dogs". According to Metal Gear Wiki, Diamond Dogs is the name of a mercenary group led by Big Boss in the 80's after the destruction of Mother Base (The oil tankers). A voice over, suggested to be that of Master Miller, confirms that the Diamond Dogs is "Our new home." It is also interesting to note that this seen shows Big Boss with a horn like object protruding from his right brow, above his missing eye.
The final text states that "V has come to." Whether this is a reference to the game being the fifth title in the Metal Gear Solid franchise, or an indication of events in the game, have yet to be seen.
Kojima certainly knows how to get his fans excited. While the trailer offers more questions than answers, I for one am giddy at the thought of taking control of "Snake" once more and delving further into the MGS universe. More on Metal Gear Solid 5 as it becomes available. Check back for more gaming news at The De-evolution of Video games.
UPDATE
Voice actor and screen writer David Hayter has announced that for the first time in 15 years, he will not be returning as the voice of Solid Snake/Big Boss. According to Hayter, he is available to voice the character, however at this point Kojima Productions has decided to go in another direction. Hayter recently appeared on IGN's "Up at Noon" to talk about his experience working on the series. The full interview can be seen here.
