Being the Metal Gear fan that I am, it only seemed right that I to got the chance to discuss the heavily debated next Kojima Productions title. Now I believe I've already said this in a past blog, but for me. Metal Gear Solid 4 was one of the greatest games ever created. Of course fanboys and fangirls around the globe will disagree, fight and act rather childish, but even the most dedicated Xbox 360 fan wouldn't say no to a Metal Gear title on their beloved console. 

So what next for Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions? well, it's still hard to exactly tell. While rumours, hints and even a teaser site have possibly linked the legendary developer to a new entry in the Metal Gear series. We all know that Kojima loves nothing more then to tease and play with gamers emotions, and yet we continually fall for it time and time again. So is this latest teaser playing with our emotions, it's very much possible. But there is no denying that it's got everyone and their dog talking about this next project. I for one intended this blog to be unbiased on my views towards Kojima Productions, but screw that! I want me some more Metal Gear. 

The recently launched teaser site does give possible hints to this new project being another entry into the Metal Gear games. While it's an odd sort of site, it's also strangely captivating and as led many a fan to look deeper into the rabbit hole for even the smallest piece of information. The teaser sites search keywords have offered the words ''HIDEO KOJIMA'' , ''MGS'' , ''METAL GEAR'' , ''NEXT'' , ''game'' , ''Konami'' , ''Kojima game'' , ''Kojima Productions''. Now  those words in their own right, could simply be a way of messing with the emotions of gamers, but there have also been other hints at a possible new entry into this massively successful and much loved franchise.

The teaser site as also recently seen a slight change in the form of a countdown, thunder and a general depressing atmosphere. Now those insightful guys at Kotaku.com have since found information stating that this countdown timer, is the first of a possible five different timers. Interestingly enough, the final countdown timer will end on June the 1st. The first day of the E3 Expo and more importantly, the day of Microsoft's E3 Presentation. Another interesting note of the teaser site, comes in the form of the flashing figure in the middle of the screen. Now this could either be the number '5' or possibly even the letter 'S', it's kind of hard to tell but I sense that's the whole point. 

Now many a gamer hate these types of teasers, and I'll admit that even I think five different countdown timers are a little to much. But all gamers should now know that those PR girls and guys do love a good countdown timer nowadays, so it's not real surprise to see Konami teasing us with one. While the rumours and discussions will go on for many days to come, hopefully we will have some confirmation at E3. Now in this next part of the blog, I wanted to discuss what I actually think this 'Next' Hideo Kojima game is. I can't be totally sure of course, but Kojima is a deep and often confusing producer who doesn't always make much sense. 

It's very possible that all these Metal Gear references found within the teaser site are simply there to trick us along the way. There have been rumours flying left, right and centre over the past few months and it's been rather interesting to read what some folks think could be around the corner for Kojima Productions. For me, well I know what I'd love to see. But I have a feeling that this next Hideo Kojima game could be something we all kind of expected. Though knowing my luck, my guess will probably be miles from the truth. Have to wait and see I guess.

I actually believe this next Hideo Kojima game, will infact see gamers return as Naked Snake. Kojima as himself hinted in the past that he would like to return to tell more tales of Big Boss and it's not hard to see why. While I don't believe Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was the best the series as seen, it still was a damn good game that told one hell of a story. Playing MGS3, I always had the feeling that the limitations of the Playstation 2 console denied and limited some of the larger more key ideas Kojima originally had for the game. Now with the Playstation 3 and possibly even the Xbox 360 at hand, surely he would be allowed to put some of those ideas into actual practice in a brand new adventure for Naked Snake. 

When and where this new tale could take place, is for discussion. But Kojima will know that it would need to tread carefully so not to disjoint the final story wrap up seen in Metal Gear Solid 4. It's a tough one to call, it's very possible that this new adventure for Big Boss might have to move away from the overall storyline of the Metal Gear games, it's in fact this issue that as made me question my original thoughts of this being a new game based around Naked Snake. But even with that in mind, I'm sure Hideo Kojima could find a way of working around those issues and creating a title worthy of the Metal Gear name. Of course this 'Next' game could be anything from a brand new 'Zone of the Enders' game to a whole new ip all together. 

Whatever it is, I know I can't wait to hear more. I'm sure the debate and discussions will go on for a long time until we reach E3, which of course all begins on June the 1st. Personally I would love it to be a 'Metal Gear Raiden' title, but that's me and I'm just one gamer. Though there have some some who have hinted at it being a possible Raiden game, apparently Raiden stands for 'Thunder and Lightning' in the Japanese language and on the teaser site you can clearly hear thunder, a Raiden fan can dream I guess. E3 Expo 2009 is already looking like it will blow last years event out of the water with so much to look forward to, I'll be discussing the event in more detail in future blogs so please check back whenever I write up a new blog. I really do appreciate anyone who reads these words. 

What do you think is 'Next'?

Thanks for Reading,
Joseph Bayliss (TrueEnglishGent)
(Twitter: JosephBayliss)